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If you're considering taking a vacation to Minnesota, there are many reasons to visit state parks near Rochester, MN. While it is easy to spend time at one of Rochester's many lakes, it can be fun to get outside and explore the local wilderness. And while there are many natural areas and parks to choose from, including several that are located within the city. Here, we highlight the top four parks in the area. more 4 Amazing State Parks Near Rochester MN To Check Out 1. Blue Mounds State Park If you are looking for a good park near Rochester, Blue Mounds State is a great start. Located on the tallest hill in Luverne, this park has 1,532 acres of natural beauty. Visitors will find over 20-miles of hiking trails, and mountain biking trails. More adventurous travelers can also enjoy rock climbing. At Blue Mounds, adventure awaits you all year round. If you are visiting during the winter, sledding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing are available. Also, if you are a history buff, you can visit the interpretive center to learn more about the park's history. 2. Split Rock Lighthouse State Park Split Rock Lighthouse State Park is an excellent destination for outdoor recreation. This historic lighthouse is the centerpiece of this 2,200-acre green space. A museum is located in the Lighthouse Keeper's residence. Hiking trails in Split Rock Lighthouse State Park are especially scenic and beautiful during fall foliage. The split rock river trail has many beautiful waterfalls to see. The Superior Hiking Trail takes you upstream in a red gorge and the water below is root beer colored! 3. Itasca State Park Itasca State Park is home to the Itasca Wilderness Sanctuary, established in 1939 on the recommendation of the Minnesota Academy of Science. The sanctuary protects two miles of wilderness shoreline and is home to 18 native plants. This park's forest ecosystem is dominated by fire-dependent white pine and red pine communities. Hiking, fishing, and cross-country skiing are among the popular activities here.  A day spent at Itasca State Park is a great way to explore the region. 4. Whitewater State Park Another great park near Rochester is Whitewater State Park. The park is approximately 25 miles east of Rochester and is home to limestone bluffs and a variety of plants and animals. This state park has a wetlands-like landscape and a variety of wildlife and is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Some of the most prominent birds are mars hawk, pileated woodpecker, and great blue heron. It also has a campground, with hundreds of drive-in campsites and four camper cabins. When visiting parks, you need a car that can handle nature's obstacles. From off-road terrain to rainy roads, the 2022 Toyota 4Runner is packed full of features that make it a great choice for any nature enthusiast. The advanced Multi-terrain Selectable 4WD System adds to the vehicle's ability to handle any terrain with ease. After exploring, be sure to stop by Rochester Toyota in Rochester to see the new and used Toyotas we have available.

Your Toyota's transmission works harder than any other component in your vehicle. This complex piece of engineering is designed to convert the raw power of your engine into polished precision. This conversion of uncontrolled to controlled power is brought about by the system of gears inside the transmission. The constant work and huge amount of parts mean your transmission can suffer damage. If you need a transmission repair, your Toyota dealer in Rochester, MN can help you. more Signs You Need a Transmission Repair at Your Toyota Dealer Strange Sounds From the Transmission When your transmission is working correctly, you won't hear any sound. Buzzing, whining, or clunking sounds from the engine compartment mean that something is malfunctioning. These sounds may not necessarily be related to your transmission, but they do need to be investigated. If you're experiencing strange behavior from the transmission, however, that would be the first place to look. If your automatic transmission is suffering, one of the first signs is a buzzing sound. This sound will grow progressively worse and will turn into an annoying whining sound. The usual cause of this sound is a lack of transmission fluid, but there may be a deeper issue that our technicians will need to check. Clunking sounds are the equivalent of noises made by a manual transmission. Manual transmissions always make harsher sounds than automatic ones. Shaking and Grinding From the Transmission Another early sign of a transmission problem is a shaking feeling with the transmission changing gears. You may notice a slight hesitation between your transmission shifting gears and the new gear engaging. This problem will become worse and more jarring if it's not corrected. Some of the causes are a lack of transmission fluid or a problem with your transmission computer. Manual transmissions are quite rare these days. If you have a manual transmission and experience a grinding sound when you change the gears, there's a transmission problem. Worn gear teeth, a lack of transmission fluid, or a loose transmission or engine mount could cause the noise. Our technicians will diagnose and repair the problem. Transmission Leak The hundreds of constantly moving parts in your engine need to be protected from damaging each other. The purpose of transmission fluid is to lubricate the various parts and provide a friction barrier between them to reduce wear and tear. This fluid also helps to reduce the temperature in transmission and to provide the hydraulic power to allow your gears to shift easily. Transmission fluid, unlike engine oil, is not used up as the transmission works. This fluid is bright or dark red, and a puddle of this fluid under your car means there's a transmission leak. The leak could come from a damaged seal or gasket or a worn transmission pan. Our technicians will trace the source of the leak and fix it. Transmission faults are relatively inexpensive if they're repaired in the early stages of the problem. If you have doubts about your transmission health, call us at Rochester Toyota.

Looking for a minivan with outstanding fuel economy? Check out the new 2022 Toyota Sienna! With its spacious, well-equipped cabin, and a long list of convenience items, the new hybrid Sienna stands out among other minivans. more Introducing the 2022 Toyota Sienna New Features for 2022 The Sienna is now hybrid on all models. With excellent fuel economy, the Sienna is great for family outings or commuting. Front-wheel drive is standard on all versions with optional all-wheel drive. Toyota added the Woodland Edition to the Sienna portfolio for 2022. The Woodland has all-wheel drive and accessories designed to make life simpler for adventure seekers, like a roof rack, .6 inches of extra ground clearance, and a 1500-watt power outlet. The Woodland is available in Midnight Black. The Basics and Trim Levels The 2022 Sienna minivan has six trim levels:  LE, XLE, Woodland Edition, XSE, Limited, and Platinum. Each trim level is now hybrid with Toyota's standard hybrid powertrain.  Second-row captain's seats are standard on the XSE,  Limited, and Platinum trims, offering a total seating capacity of seven, with the remaining models seating eight. The mid-level Sienna XSE features a beautiful black metallic grille with 20-inch wheels. With sport-trimmed upholstery, heated seats, and second-row captain's chairs,  the XSE is sporty with more luxury features than the LE and XLE trim.  The Limited and Platinum include additional features like wireless charging and leather-trimmed seats. Hands-Free Liftgate The Sienna XLE and higher trim levels include a motorized, hands-free liftgate providing easy access to the trunk and all of your gear. Kick your leg, and the Sienna will open the power sliding door and liftgate, making it easy to manage packages with your arms full. Performance The 2022 Sienna is powered by a 2.5-liter gasoline engine, two electric motors, and 243 horsepower. If you opt for the all-wheel-drive version, the vehicle comes with a third electric motor in the rear. Fuel Economy Every Toyota Sienna is a hybrid, so you can expect outstanding fuel economy.  Getting around town and saving money is easy on Sienna's EPA-estimated 36 mpg (combined). Roomy Interior The Sienna's cabin is spacious with lots of room for passengers and their gear.  The interior includes an expanded center console with a large storage compartment underneath. Cubby holes also provide storage for purses and small items. Even in the third row, there is enough room to move around. The optional second-row captain's chairs can slide forward and back a total of 25 inches to provide maximum legroom for rear-seat passengers. The Limited and Platinum models include the option of reclining second-row seats with built-in ottomans! Infotainment The 2022 Sienna offers a 9.0-inch touchscreen that sits above the climate controls on the dashboard. Equipped with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and  Alexa,  the Sienna also offers a convenient Wi-Fi hotspot and seven USB ports. Safety The new Sienna comes standard with blind-spot monitoring and Toyota's driver-assistance features. Safety features include lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automated emergency braking. The spacious and economical Sienna minivan has the features and technology to get you around town in a snap. Stop by Rochester Toyota to see the new Toyota Sienna and learn about its fantastic features.

Choosing a new vehicle is hard, especially if you are attached to your last car, even if it is on its last legs. However, as mechanic bills continue to come in, you may be thinking that it is time to move on. If you need a vehicle that has space, is reliable and can get your family to your destinations safely then you need to look at the 2022 Toyota Highlander. more Meet the 2022 Toyota Highlander The Toyota Highlander is the largest SUV of the Toyota lineup. This full-size SUV comes in seven gas models: the L, the LE, the XLE, the XSE, the Bronze Edition, the Limited, and the Platinum. It also comes in four hybrid models: the Hybrid Platinum, the Hybrid Limited, the Hybrid XLE, and the Hybrid LE. These vehicles also have the option of nine exterior colors for you to select from. Performance The XSE model of the Highlander has an incredible sport-tuned suspension. This includes retuned shock absorbers, higher-rate springs, and a rear stabilizer bar that gives you superb handling. In addition, the Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive, available on all models, improves the responsiveness and stability of your SUV by switching up to 50% of your power to the rear wheels and then disturbing that power further to the wheels that need it. The Highlander Hybrid models get a fantastic estimated combined fuel mileage of 36mpg. This means that you can enjoy more of what nature has to offer, especially where gas stations might be few. This SUV gets an impressive 295 horsepower and 263lb-ft of torque with its 3.5L V6 engine. Additionally, the gas models can get a wonderful EPA-estimated 23mpg combined. Drive Select The Highlander offers three drive modes so that you can tailor your drive to precisely what you want it to be. Sport mode features sharper acceleration. Eco mode helps maximize fuel efficiency. Normal mode combines fuel economy and performance. In addition to this, you can take advantage of the Multi-Terrain Select on AWD models. You can select between mud and sand, rock and dirt, snow, and normal. Interior The interior of the 2022 Highlander features multiple USB ports to keep your devices charged. However, you can also utilize the available wireless charging pad in the center console. Enjoy heated and ventilated front seats to keep you warm or cool; additionally, you can opt for the available heated second-row as well. Kids will love the available panoramic moonroof with the front power tilt/slide moon roof. Sunshines directly into the vehicle during the day, and you receive a fantastic view of the stars at night. In addition to this, with the tilt/slide front power moon roof, you can enjoy fresh air inside the vehicle with just the touch of a button. If you are ready to look for a new vehicle, then we want to help you streamline that process. Contact us at Rochester Toyota of Rochester to speak to a member of our finance department and get yourself pre-approved today.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is here, bringing you all of the advantages of electric-powered vehicles without the frustration of limited mileage, so you can have the best of both worlds. The Hybrid lets you cut down on fuel consumption, reduce your CO2 emissions, and guarantee a stylish journey thanks to some top-quality design and engineering. Here are some of our favorite features of the new Hybrid, to get you excited! more 4 Impressive Features of the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid 1. Amazing Fuel Economy Hybrid vehicles are revolutionizing the automobile industry and thrilling drivers all over the country with their efficiency, ease of use, and low running costs, and the RAV4 excels in this arena. The Hybrid is powered by a 2.5-liter engine that is hooked up to two electric motors, combining to give you 219 horsepower, and the standard vehicle comes in all-wheel drive with a continuously variable automatic transmission. All of this means you get from 0-60mph in only 7.4 seconds! Compared to gas models, the Hybrid is seriously impressive in its fuel economy. Driving around the city, you will manage 41 miles to the gallon, and out on the highway it's 38mpg. Using only the electric motors, you can travel up to 42 miles, which combined with the fuel power allows you to take long trips without worrying about the cost or the distance. 2. Spacious Cabin Despite the extra electric motors and technology, the Hybrid doesn't sacrifice any of the space you would find in a regular RAV4. The Hybrid seats five passengers comfortably, and the vehicle is wide enough to provide arm-room as well as ample leg-room in both the front and back rows of seats. The Hybrid also outdoes most rivals when it comes to trunk space, even without folding down the rear row of seats. 3. Driver Assistance Tech Is Standard Whereas lots of other vehicles offer driver-assistance technology as an option, the RAV4 includes a large number of features as standard, so you can be confident on your journeys regardless of which trim you choose. You benefit from rear parking sensors and even a reversing camera, to help with maneuvers in tight spots with poor visibility. Out on the road, you can make use of adaptive cruise control, lane departure warnings, and automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection. 4. Smooth Driving Experience Thanks to the combination of the electric motor with the fuel-powered engine, the Hybrid is more responsive than fuel-only vehicles, and acceleration from a standstill is noticeably improved by the electric technology. You won't notice the switch from electric power to fuel either, as the vehicle effortlessly switches from one format to the other. There has never been a better time to try out a hybrid vehicle, and this compact SUV version allows a whole new type of driving experience for people who want to pay less for their fuel, be more environmentally conscious, but not have to sacrifice distance capabilities in return. Whether you're a committed hybrid driver or new to the crossover experience, head on over to Rochester Toyota today to book yourself a test drive!

The 2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid is a midsize sedan designed for comfort and convenience. It can seat up to five and features a suite of smart technologies that create a relaxed driving experience. The hybrid drivetrain delivers a high-performance drive, especially in the sporty XSE trim, while maintaining excellent fuel efficiency. more 7 Impressive Features of the 2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid 1. Hybrid Energy Monitor You can review information about the Camry's energy consumption on the dash-mounted touchscreen display. Audio and visual feedback tells you about the condition of the battery, how energy passes through the drivetrain, and how much wasted energy the battery recaptures. 2. Drive Modes Commuting through city streets engages both car and driver differently from cruising down a highway or taking a country road. The Camry's four drive modes give you fine control over its driving characteristics. Normal mode delivers standard amounts of horsepower, torque, and fuel efficiency. Sport mode prioritizes power and responsiveness, improving the Camry's throttle response and handling. ECO mode is all about fuel efficiency. And EV mode switches to all-electric power for fewer emissions and reduced noise and vibration. 3. Sport-Tuned Suspension The Camry's SE and XSE trims come equipped with a sport-tuned suspension for a more direct connection with the road surface and improved handling. 4. Toyota SafetySense 2.5 Staying safe on the road requires focus and awareness of your surroundings. Toyota's SafetySense (TSS) technology acts as a second pair of eyes and ears. Cameras and sensors mounted around the vehicle constantly scan the environment. TSS analyzes the data and uses it to highlight risks and assist braking and steering. Whether you're changing lanes or navigating a tricky parking spot, TSS enhances your awareness and ability to react to hazards. The system comprises six helpful sub-systems: Pre-collision detection Dynamic radar cruise control Lane departure alert Lane tracing assist Automatic high beams Road sign assist 5. Advanced Airbag System Unfortunately, accidents can happen, even to the best drivers. The Camry's Advanced Airbag System is there to keep you and your passengers safe and protected. The cabin is fitted with ten airbags, including dual-stage SRS airbags for the driver and front passenger. 6. Toyota Smart Key With Push Button Start Toyota's Smart Key system makes it delightfully easy to operate the Camry's doors, trunk, and ignition. Simply carry the smart fob in your pocket or purse. As you approach, the car automatically detects the fob and lets you lock and unlock doors with touch and proximity sensors. Once inside, get going by pressing the Push Button Start. 7. Remote Connect Toyota's Remote Connect keeps you connected to your Camry via your smartphone. The app includes a vehicle finder. You can also check the status of the car doors, windows, odometer, and fuel level. And a Guest Driver feature keeps you up to date about the performance of guest drivers, including the miles they drive and any excessive speeding. The Toyota Camry Hybrid is a sedan ready to tackle a modern lifestyle. It's a fun, comfortable drive that benefits from Toyota's renowned attention to safety and reliability. Visit Rochester Toyota to speak to experts about your next Toyota purchase.

Instead of going through all the trouble of preparing a meal, order from the local Italian restaurants we highlighted below and enjoy a cuisine where the portions are as big as the flavors. Whether you're craving a hearty pasta dish or any of the other classic dishes, gather around the table at these Rochester, MN eateries and you won't be disappointed. They'll treat you like family from the moment you walk in to the end of your meal. more 5 of the Best Italian Restaurants in and Around Rochester, MN 1. Victoria's Ristorante Victoria's believes in giving back to the local community, so you can enjoy a delicious meal knowing a portion of the profits goes to a number of charitable organizations. The top-notch Italian cooking will keep you coming back for more, with dishes like the penne alla arrabbiata prepared to perfection. The spicy heat from the pepperoncini combined with the creamy mozzarella in the marinara sauce served on this pasta masterpiece adds a zesty touch. 2. Pasquale's Neighborhood Pizzeria One Italian dish that's a real crowd-pleaser is pizza, and Pasquale's has some of the best slices you'll find anywhere. Pizza isn't the only Italian classic that's done well here, though. The pasta e Fagioli served up here is a real treat that's made according to a Pasquale family recipe, with Cannellini beans and ditalini pasta accompanied by tomato and basil for flavor. 3. The Redwood Room Enjoy an eclectic selection of flavors from all over the world when you stop in to visit The Redwood Room. As far as their Italian cuisine goes, we loved the bruschetta we ordered to start our meal with, finished with balsamic vinegar soaked into the fresh bread. For your main course, try their shrimp risotto out and you won't be disappointed; the cream and fresh basil make the perfect complement to the tender rice and Tiger shrimp. 4. Terza Ristorante Hand-crafted dishes served the traditional Italian way make Terza Ristorante a satisfying experience every time you come in. Start your meal with a plate of their crispy calamari, garnished with a lemon aioli for a citrusy twist. Then order up a plate of ravioli to treat yourself to an Italian classic, served with your choice of mother sauce, breadcrumbs, and pecorino or artichoke, broccolini, and lemon butter. 5. Prescott's Grill A wide array of different dishes are available from Prescott's Grill, but the Italian-inspired butternut squash ravioli may just be our favorite. These savory pasta pockets come stuffed full of a delicious veggie filling that hit our tastebuds with a delicious flavor every time we bit into one. Pair it with their chef's special soup of the day to get a complete meal. Stop in at these Italian eateries and they'll treat you like you're a part of the family. We give our customers the same great service we'd treat our families to at our dealership, as well. Come on down to Rochester Toyota today and get a friendly, family dealership experience!

Craving a meal that goes as big on filling portions as it does on bold flavors? Mexican cuisine does both, with generous plates that will satisfy the hungriest belly and flavors that will blow you away with every bite. We've got some great examples of this cuisine right here in Rochester. In order to help our readers find their next meal, we put together a list of our five favorite spots to go when we're craving the best Mexican food. more 1. La Poblana You can find something different every day at La Poblana with the new daily special their chef serves up. As far as their regular menu items go, we can't get enough of the tortas they serve up here. If you've never tried this classic Mexican sandwich, do yourself a favor and go order one today. Get yours with a side of chips and their fresh-made guacamole for the perfect addition to your meal. 2. Los Dos Amigos Bringing the authentic flavors of Mexico right here to Minnesota, Los Dos Amigos treats everyone who walks in their door like they're one of the amigos with their friendly service. We're crazy about their Enchiladas Rojas dish, which packs just enough of a fiery kick in the red sauce it comes smothered in. It comes served with a side of rice and beans to add an extra touch to an already exceptional plate. 3. Fiesta Cafe What's not to love about homestyle Mexican food that you can get for an affordable price at Fiesta Cafe? The burritos here are rolled up big and thick to give you a meal that is sure to conquer your hunger. Our favorite is the Seafood Burrito, which comes filled with a blend of crab meat and shrimp. Make sure to try some of their deep-fried ice cream for dessert. 4. Los Arcos Only made from the freshest ingredients possible, the dishes at Los Arcos definitely capture that homemade taste you crave. Start your meal out with a bowl of bean dip topped with melted cheese, either for yourself or for the table to share. When it's time for your main course, we recommend their Carne Asada plate. It comes with all the fixings and sides you need for a thoroughly satisfying dinner. 5. El Carambas You can turn your next event into an unforgettable fiesta with El Carambas catering services. They bring over eighteen years of culinary experience to their dishes, so you'll get a great meal whether you're getting their catering or stopping in for a bite. Their traditional Mexican-style tacos are top-notch, with our favorite being the Mexican take on BBQ flavor the al pastor tacos give you. When you're ready to get yourself a hearty meal, stop in at any of the spots that made our list above. When you're ready to get a service or car-buying experience that's every bit as satisfying, we've got you covered. Stop in at Rochester Toyota today!

Here in Rochester, MN, there's a wide variety of great food you can find at all of our local neighborhood eateries. But sometimes, nothing beats the tried and true meal that's good for any time of the day: a hot and delicious pizza. We love this stuff and wanted to share our favorite local pizzerias with you. more 1. Pasquale's Neighborhood Pizzeria Chef Pasquale set out with a mission to bring the authentic New York-style pies he grew up with to the people of our area. He delivers on that vision with some amazing food. Whether you go for the classic New York thin-crust round pies, or you opt for something a little different like the stuffed pies they serve here, you won't be disappointed. And their desserts give everyone a taste of the sweet life; we love the chocolate-dipped cannoli here. 2. Zadeo's Family-owned and operated for three generations now, you'll taste the tradition in every bite you have at Zadeo's. They also don't think you should settle for an ugly pie, so the ones you get here will look every bit as good as they taste. We especially loved their Chuckwagon pie, where you'll get beef, bacon bits, onion, and a blend of two kinds of cheese all drizzled with some tangy BBQ sauce. 3. BB's Pizzeria BB's knows that sometimes, you need a quick lunch that's hot and ready to serve within just a few minutes of you ordering. That's why they prepare their piping hot pies ahead of time so that they're ready as soon as you walk in the door. They have a different selection of pies for every day of the week, so you'll always be in for something new each time you step through their doors. 4. Broadway Bar and Pizzeria Come on in and try the thin-crust pies that Broadway Pizzeria is famous for. Before you do, start your meal with a plate of their Wisconsin cheese curds, served in their signature Broadway sauce.  When it's time for your main course, we recommend their white buffalo pie. With chicken, onion, and a blend of mozzarella and gorgonzola cheese on an Alfredo sauce base drizzled with buffalo sauce, it's a winning mix of flavors. 5. The Redwood Room For some pies with a gourmet touch, stop in at The Redwood Room. Our favorite from their selection has to be the Thai fusion pie, with shredded cheddar, sriracha chicken, bacon bits, and red onion drizzled with a peanut sauce. Enjoy it was a side of their creamy artichoke dip. Stop in at any of these local spots to enjoy a slice that you won't soon forget. For a dealership experience that's every bit as unforgettable, come on in and see us. Our friendly team is ready to help with any of your automotive needs. Visit us at Rochester Toyota today!

As a classic American cuisine, great BBQ is almost a necessity in any modern American city. If you're in the Rochester area, then you can rejoice in the abundance of great BBQ options that await you and your group. With today's list, we're going to explore four of the best barbecue spots in and around the Rochester, MN area. more 1. True Smoke BBQ True Smoke BBQ takes the top spot on our list for its simple, hassle-free approach to classic BBQ flavors. Sure, you may not discover some groundbreaking culinary invention here, but the menu hits the mark on all the staples of American BBQ food. From smoked brisket and ribs to BBQ chicken and pulled pork, there's a little bit of something for everyone on sale here. 2. John Hardy's BBQ Any fan of BBQ food knows that the quality of the meat is important, but the sauces are just as important. John Hardy's BBQ stands out from the rest in both regards. They use high-quality wood to smoke their meats, and the sauce options that they present is hard to match when you visit other BBQ restaurants in the city or elsewhere. On top of their classic staple dishes, John Hardy's works hard to keep the menu exciting by offering different special dishes each month. You can't ask for more when it comes to the BBQ sauce here, either. John Hardy's produces its sauces that range from mild to extreme and everything in between, so you're sure to find that perfect blend to match your BBQ dish with ease. 3. Roscoe's Root Beer & Ribs Roscoe's Root Beer & Ribs takes old school charm to new levels. Their main location, a cutesy outdoor stand in Rochester has been in operation since the '80s and it's become a must-see spot when you're in town. The owner Steve "Roscoe" Ross and his wife Barbara opened the restaurant when they came across an old A&W Root Beer stand some thirty years ago. As far as the food goes, Roscoe's stays true to its BBQ origins. Make sure you order up some classic BBQ dishes and wash it down with a refreshing root beer in true Roscoe's fashion. 4. Smoak BBQ Rochester The food at Smoak BBQ Rochester is well worth your time and money. Whether you're looking to place a takeout order and sit down and dine, Smoak BBQ is sure to provide you with an authentic BBQ experience that will keep you and your group coming back for more. The menu spans all sorts of classic BBQ dishes that you may expect, but it also offers up some welcome surprises. Take, for example, the restaurant's fusion of Southern BBQ cuisine and Mexican food. The restaurant's taco menu is full of wraps that combine delicious Southern-style BBQ meats with eccentric south-of-the-border flavors. On top of this, the team at Smoak BBQ also keeps things fresh with unique side dishes such as Soy Ginger Brussels and rotating seasonal side dishes. It's easy to see that the local area has a lot to offer if you're on the hunt for some great BBQ food. With so many excellent choices in the city, you may even have to schedule your visits just to try them all! Contact Rochester Toyota today for all your transportation needs.

If you've ever heard about the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, then you'll be interested in Mayowood Mansion, the historic home of three generations of Doctors Mayo, the founders of the famous clinic. Since 1881, the Mayos have been staples of the Rochester community, and this mansion tells their incredible and legendary story. more #1: The Mayos Lived Here for 60 Years From Dr. Charles H. Mayo to Dr. Charles W. Mayo, to Dr. Charles H. Mayo II--and all their families--, the mansion was lively for six decades between 1911 to the late 1960s. At one time, there were 12 children and four adults living in the mansion's 45 rooms. #2: There Were Once Goats In the House There were so many rooms in the mansion, that when Dr. Charles H. Mayo II was a child, he and his siblings once hid goats in a room downstairs for two weeks before an adult discovered them. Dr. Mayo II said that he wouldn't have been caught if he'd stopped at one goat because the smell became unbearable after he added a second one. #3: The Mansion Is Filled With Antique Heirlooms Very few historic attractions in the U.S. will allow you to see the opulent furnishings that were actually used by the people who once lived there. You'll be amazed at the Chippendale chairs, the Waterford crystal chandeliers, the Limoges china, the Louis XV desk, and much more, all of which are in pristine condition, which is incredible given the number of children who called the mansion home over the years. #4: Over-the-Top Furnishings In addition to the elegant antiques that grace the mansion, you'll also be in awe of the extent to which the Mayos went to furnish the home with unique items not found anywhere else. For example, you'll see a carved 17th-century door frame leading into the living room that originated in a German castle. A hand-woven, 32.5-foot-by-20-foot Persian Rug covers the living room floor, and a 1913 Aeolian pipe organ is featured in the music room. #5: Mayo Family Artwork With the exception of a few art pieces, such as the marble statue of Napoleon, the artwork that is on display at the mansion features the work of several Mayo children who have gone on to have successful artistic careers. #6:  Signs of Real Life Just as you may keep track of how tall your children grow by marking their heights on a wall, Dr. Charles W. Mayo's wife Alice enjoyed measuring her grandchildren's growth on a wall in the mansion's library. This simple feature drives home the real lives that were lived in this incredible home. #7: Stories Abound If you take a tour of the mansion, you'll never forget the stories you hear. For instance, you'll hear about the time when Dr. Charles H. Mayo II and his brother Ned lost a baseball that belonged to their father. It wasn't just any baseball, though, as it had been autographed by the famous New York Yankee, Lou Gehrig. These stories make the mansion feel like a typical American home. Nearly everyone has heard about the Mayo Clinic, but unless you also know about the family behind the medical facility, you're missing half the story. Visiting the mansion will give you a new appreciation of this special family. Contact Rochester Toyota for directions to Rochester's most famous home or to discover other area attractions.

Art galleries and museums are magical places full of beautiful things to see. They can make us feel deeply. The Rochester Art Center is no different. At the Rochester Museum, you will find many types of art from many different artists. more 1. Experience Art in a New Way From outdoor gardens to canvases to multimedia art, you can find it all at the Rochester Center. At the center, they encourage visitors to feel the art, showing empathy with the artist and trying to understand what they are communicating. Many of their exhibitions are to celebrate people or capture emotions. 2. See Beautiful Local Art This art museum works with local artists around the region in their ROOTED program. From the 11 nearby counties they work with, the art museum only showcases the best, most talented, and most innovative artworks. The local artists get celebrated, and you get to enjoy amazing local masterpieces. 3. Support the Education of Others When you visit RAC, you'll pay a small admission fee that gives back directly to the community. At the art center, the workers and volunteers work with people in the community to create summer camps, educational opportunities, and adult learning possibilities. They even have a life drawing studio where you can draw a different in each session. 4. Learn Something About the Community As the art center is deeply intertwined with the community, you will learn something about the community surrounding RAC. For example, one exhibit called Lifeline portraits the essential workers of Rochester. Another helps to unmask the grief woven into our lives and community. 5. Get Inspired Art can be inspiring to look at and help to get those creative juices going. Whether you are an artist yourself or not, looking at art can help you become inspired and motivated for the important things in your life. With stunning pieces that are both innovative and beautiful, your creative juices will be flowing. 6. Relax Amongst Masterpieces Studies show that looking at art increases dopamine, which makes you happy, and decreases cortisol, which causes stress. You'll be able to slow down, breathe, and relax in this artful oasis away from the crazy world of today. With thoughtful exhibitions like Creative Confinement and interesting ones like Prescription Gardens, you'll be able to take it easy. 7. Experience Something Magical At the Rochester Art Museum, you can experience the magical world of stunning innovative art. You'll be surprised and impressed by the creativity, moved by the emotional power, and awed by the beautiful masterpieces. You will be ready to go through the entire center again just to see the art. The Rochester Center is an amazing place filled to the brim with awesome works of art. You'll experience the magic of art galleries while enjoying local art and de-stressing at the same time. Visit Rochester Toyota today to learn how we can continue that magical experience and make buying a vehicle stress-free.