Home to the Mayo Clinic and over 100,000 residents, Rochester is a thriving city that is consistently rated as one of the best places to live in the U.S. Here are our top reasons to love Rochester, MN.
1. Outdoor Adventures
There are more than 100 parks within the city, and 85 miles of paved trails providing safe and accessible ways for its residents to enjoy the outdoors. There’s a range of activities to enjoy at Silver Lake Park. Enjoy rollerblading, hiking, cycling, and jogging on the trails through the woods and around the lake. The lake offers swimming and paddleboats. The park also features a pool, playground, skatepark, soccer fields, picnic areas, and fishing.
Quarry Hill Park is a historical site that features playgrounds, sports fields, tennis courts, trails, sheltered picnic areas, and a pond. Get adventurous and plan a fossil hunting trip at one of the park’s two quarries, spot wildlife like turtles at the pond, and even enjoy some cross country skiing during the winter season.
2. Downtown
The city’s Downtown district offers a whole host of fun and exciting things to do. Unique shopping and tasty dining spots can be found aplenty. Plus, there’s a vibrant nightlife scene once the sun goes down. There’s always a chance to catch a show, concert, or performance at the Convention Centre, Civic Theatre Company, or admire the art at Rochester Art Centre or Blackmon gallery.
Many hotels, restaurants, stores, and entertainment venues are linked via climate-controlled skyways and underground walkways, so you can enjoy Downtown no matter the weather. Downtown is also home to the Castle Community, a non-profit space where you can shop offerings from local artists, watch a play at Absolute Theatre, or eat at Cameo Restaurant.
3. Breweries and Wineries
The city is home to a selection of local craft breweries, wineries, and brewpubs that serve only-in-Rochester wines and beers in friendly, warm, and welcoming environments. Local brewers include Thesis Bear Project, Little Thistle Brewing Co, LTS Brewing Company, Forager Brewery, and Kinney Creek Brewery, who all serve up their own range of small-batch, artisanal crafter beers.
Both Salem Glen Vineyard and Winery and Four Daughters Vineyard and Winery grow and produce their wine on-site and offer tasting and tours. Taste the city and take a sip of locally made beer or wine.
4. Arts and Culture
There’s a vibrant arts and culture scene in Rochester with an impressive array of galleries, theatres, museums, and live music venues. For live music, head to The Civic Centre to catch a big gig or theatrical performance. Coffee House Acoustic has live music every weekend and an open mic night once a month. The Redwood Room features live music every night of the week, and Art heads Live take over Canvas and Chardonnay every Tuesday for their live music series.
During the summer, enjoy free music at the Down by the Riverside Concerts, held on Sunday nights during July and August. Galleries around town include Charles E. Gagnon Museum & Sculpture Garden, Gallery 24, Neon Green Studio, And Blackmon Gallery.
There are plenty more reasons to love living in Rochester, get out and explore the city to find your own. To really explore the city, you’ll need a comfortable and reliable vehicle. Visit Rochester Mazda today and test drive one of our new or pre-owned cars.
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