It’s a regular habit for Janet and me to take time after work on Thursdays in the summer months to walk Thursdays on First and Third. If you are not familiar with TOF, it is a weekly outdoor market and street fair, occupying a portion of downtown Rochester’s First Ave SE and historic Third Street, and put on by Downtown Rochester MN. Weather permitting, it runs every Thursday from the beginning of June through the end of August.
Tag: Travel
Travel Reflections: Cozumel
Our third stop on our recent cruise was Cozumel, Mexico. We arrived there on Cinco de Mayo, so we thought we might see a little bit of extra fanfare, but we didn’t. The port known as Puerto Maya was the nicest of the three on this cruise. It’s a long walk along the pier to get to the shops, and then the first shop you enter seems to extend forever. I found the port clean and colorful.
Travel Reflections: Grand Cayman
The second port on our recent cruise adventure was the island of Grand Cayman. Again, Janet had been to this island twice before, but it was my first time. By this time in the cruise, we were well out of the range of bad weather, and I was happily chasing the sun at sunrise and sunset. The banner photo above was the sunrise of the day we entered port at Grand Cayman.
Travel Reflections: Jamaica
Janet and I just completed a cruise vacation that included a stop in Jamaica. It was my first time visiting this island, and Janet’s second visit.
Farmers Market
Saturday was a full day, starting with a visit to the Rochester Downtown Farmers Market. They are conveniently located at the Olmsted County Fairgrounds, with ample parking, and now cozily located in Building 35. Even on a brisk December day the atmosphere (and temperature) is warm and friendly.
Mayowood
One of the must-see attractions of Rochester is the Mayowood mansion, former home to Dr. Charlie Mayo. Now operated by the History Center of Olmsted County, the recently renovated mansion is once again open to visitors on a limited basis.
Festival of Trees
Jan and I took time today to visit the annual Festival of Trees at the Mayo Civic Center. It’s a fundraiser for Hiawatha Homes in Rochester, a nonprofit that serves disabled adults.
Mayo Clinic Art
It will take more than one blog post to cover all of the Mayo Clinic art there is to see. We’ll take a look at a few of my favorites, including one that only recently came back to light.
Saturday Entertainment
Jan and I had a great evening of dining and music, shared with Jan’s brother and sister-in-law. We started at one of our favorite hangouts, the Redwood Room, located at 300 1st Ave NW. We go there not only for the excellent entrees but for the delicious bread, served with oil and parmesan cheese. Favorite entrees of ours: the Burgundy Bavette, Apple Cider Pork, and Chicken Basilinni. Find their menus here.
Rochester Tourism
I’m pleased to say I completed my training and have earned the status of a Certified Tourism Ambassador for the city of Rochester, MN. Doing so strengthens my ability to assist visitors to our wonderful city and leave them with a positive experience and memory. Thanks to the Rochester Convention and Visitors Bureau for providing this training.
