Visiting Rochester in summer

Forgot another event,

Rochester fest June 17 - 25, 2023
http://www.rochesterfest.com/
Lauie

Thank you Laurie! For us out-of-towners who are overwhelmed at the immenseness of Mayo, having something else to focus on beside the Gonda Building or Methodist or St. Mary's is a wonderful suggestion. And for those who have to be there extended periods...it's a great way to get to know Rochester. Besides a friendly person on every corner, having a place to go explore may be just the perfect idea. Thanks for sharing...

I will be in Rochester in August for 2 separate stays. With Long Covid, I have stayed away from crowds for over 2 1/2 years to reduce the risk of catching Covid or even a cold from someone because my immune system is haywire since Covid. I wear my mask every time I go anywhere.

Thank you for sharing these events. I am looking for something to do that does not require alot of walking, and won’t be crowded. Do you have any suggestions?

I have always found that the people who work at or near the Mayo campus to be genuinely friendly and good hearted. They make you feel at home. That goes for staff and vendors. The combination of the Mayo Motto and Minnesota Nice is the brass ring.

My wife and I are traveling to Mayo for 2 weeks this August, we have Wed - Sunday free so we were wondering what there is in the surrounding area to do/see? We are driving up so we will have our own vehicle to travel around. We love food and plan to visit the Candian Honker, but would love to find other great eateries as well. We also love the outdoors/nature, etc. We aren't drinkers, so not interested in the bar scene, etc. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. 🙂

Welcome @jsfoster75, August is a good time to visit Rochester Mayo Clinic. There are a couple of discussions where others have shared things to do while visiting Mayo Clinic Rochester that might provide some suggestions that work for you.

--- Tips on What To Do while at Mayo Clinic Rochester: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/tips-for-upcoming-mayo-rochester-visit/
--- Visiting Rochester in summer: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/visiting-rochester-in-summer/

Another great place to eat that is about a 30 minute drive west of Rochester is the Hubbell House Restaurant in Mantorville, MN which was purchased last year by the Powers family who also own the Canadian Honker -- https://www.hubbellhouserestaurant.com/. If you like old time theatres with the opportunity to boo & hiss at villains, the Mantorville Theatre might be something you would like for a weekend outing - https://www.mantorvilletheatrecompany.com/.

@jsfoster75 I was at Mayo last month for two days. I come with my brother and his wife and we met up with my sister-in-law’s college friend who is a local. Each time we go she takes us to a new eating place. This time it was

https://www.twigstavernandgrille.com/. I loved it.

A few recommendations for sightseeing are:

https://www.olmstedhistory.com/mayowood (The home of Dr Charlie Mayo)

https://soldiersfieldveteransmemorial.org/ (an awe inspiring site)

Safe travels!

jsfoster75 @jsfoster75

Check out this previous thread for ideas.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/visiting-rochester-in-summer/
Around mid-Aug, the Sunflower fields are in bloom, pretty spectacular. Been very dry here so not sure if will effect. On the rochesterlocal.com site there is an article about them / locations etc.

A day trip along mississippi is great drive, either MN or Wi side, cross river at Red Wing or Wabasha. Stockholm Wi has a great pie shop.
On MN side, here are some of the resutrants I like:
- Kelly's in Red Wing or Lake City, the one at Lake City overlooks Lake Pepin.
- Reeds Landing in town of Reeds Landing, just north of Wabasha MN
- In Redwing, there is a great bakery called Hanisch Bakery and Coffee Shop, one block off main road in downtown Red Wing.

If go to Wabasha, check out Eagle Center and Lark Toys.

A little know gem in Winona MN is the MN Maritime Museum. Do not let the term Maritime fool you, it is variety of art including masterpeices.
https://mmam.org/
laurie

@jsfoster75 If you download this app from your App Store to your smartphone you can find all sorts of good information on Rochester including what’s happening during the weeks you will be there.

Here is the web address in case you want to have a look.

When in RochesterMN:

— https://www.experiencerochestermn.com/

There are plenty of good restaurants right near the Mayo campus. For great Italian food, there is Victoria's. For great food and wine, there is Salute. For great burgers, there is Newt's downtown and uptown. Lord Essex Steakhouse has reopened at the Kahler Hotel with a modified menu that includes breakfast. Of course, there's always Canadian Honkers and any number of other good and friendly restaurants. I hope you both have an enjoyable stay.