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Pizza has been one of the staple foods in the United States since the 1900's. Southeast Rochester is no exception. There are many stores, restaurants, and malls that one can order or buy a pizza over the counter. If you are looking for a pizza to share with your family or friends, Rochester, Minnesota, will always have something for you. The following are the best places you can get the best pizza in Southeast Rochester. Ferrari Pizza Bar Ferrari Pizza Bar is a high-end, family-friendly joint where you can have the best pizza experience in Southeast Rochester. All of the pizza on the menu has many toppings and sauces available. There are other available foods and drinks to compliment your pizza as well. Just for fun, there is a Ferrari sports car at the parking lot of every Ferrari Pizza Bar. more Pasquale's Neighborhood Pizzeria Located on the Southwest corner of the First Avenue and Fifth Street of Rochester, Pasquale's Neighborhood pizzeria offers you a unique pizza experience. In addition, the joint is vegetarian-friendly and has gluten-free options for its customers. The pizza is unbelievably scrumptious and delicious. Anybody that is visiting Rochester should consider Pasquale's a must-visit restaurant. Forager Brewery Forager Brewery is home to local American cuisines, drinks, and pizza. The joint is vegetarian-friendly and offers delicious pizza that can be accompanied by a unique brew. Vegetarians have several vegetarian pizza options to choose from. For years, Forager Brewery has been known to offer its customers excellent services. The joint is family-friendly and offers a variety of pizzas made from different ingredients. Each time you visit, you are bound to discover a new favorite pizza. Most beers that are offered are made on-site from local ingredients, so you are sure you will be enjoying the freshest and the best quality drink around. The decor has a rustic feel, with barrels lining the walls. Mr. Pizza Just like the name suggests, Mr. Pizza is home to some of the best pizza in Rochester. Every aspect of the pizza comes together to delight all of your senses. The sauce, cheese, toppings, crust, and flavors are nothing short of amazing. Located in 1759 S. Broadway, Mr. Pizza will give you memorable moments each time you visit. In addition, Mr. Pizza has different varieties of vegetarian pizza and gluten-free options. The setting is family-friendly has a welcoming and stylish feel with modern interior and exterior designs. Apart from the delicious pizza offered at this joint, they have additional options such as drinks and foods to accompany your pizza. Each pizza has plenty of sauce with enough toppings and cheese. This definitely makes it a filling and satisfying pizza. If you are on a road trip, visiting, or planning to move to Southeast Rochester, be sure to check out one of these places for the best pizza experience. Most of the pizza joints are family-friendly and have vegetarian pizza available. If you're craving some delicious pizza, Southeast Rochester has you covered.

Whether meeting up with friends to catch up over a cup of coffee, grabbing some caffeine on the way to work, or settling in for a day of working on the computer, knowing where the best coffee shops are is an absolute must. Here are four great places to grab a cup of joe around Rochester, Minnesota. Lumen Coffee Lumen Coffee is proud of its commitment to helping the environment. Lumen starts with organic fair-trade coffee beans and adds locally-sourced sweeteners, including maple syrup and honey. Local milk in glass bottles from Kapper's Big Red Barn makes for a perfect creamer for your coffee. Guests even receive a discount for bringing their own coffee mug and can take home some of their nitrogen-rich organic waste for composting. more Excited to collaborate with local businesses, they've established relationships with Hy-Vee, Metz's-Hartland Creamery, and Daube's Bakery. Located at 3550 55th St. NW in Rochester, Lumen Coffee is open Monday through Friday from 5:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Old Abe Coffee Co. Starting as a handsome Dutch-style cargo tricycle built by Abe himself, Old Abe Coffee Co. is a popular Rochester vegan coffee cafe. Found close to downtown on Cooke Park in Rochester's Design District, they offer the only vegan-dedicated menu in the city with specials including sriracha brats, BLTs, poke bowls, banh mi, and daily specials. Its eclectic drink menu features vegan smoothies including local favorite G.O.A.T., some of the best NITRO cold brew around, locally brewed beer, wine and a variety of specialty cocktails. During summer months, the vegan menu moves outside onto the patio overlooking Cooke Park and downtown. You can even find the Old Abe Coffee Co. cart starting in May through October in Rochester's downtown Saturday morning Farmer's Market and other special events. Located at 832 Seventh St. NW in Rochester, Old Abe & Co. is open Wednesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Cafe Steam Coffee and Tea Opened in January 2015, Cafe Steam has a simple goal of creating a space of synergy and fusion for local community members drawn together by their love of tea and coffee and their passion for growth and creativity. It has quickly grown into an inviting meeting location for local artists, tech entrepreneurs, families, professionals, and students. Regardless of their individual passions, guests will find kindred spirits in our baristas and something delicious at Cafe Steam. They have four convenient Rochester locations including 315 S. Broadway. Cafe Steam serves coffee and tea from Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Bravo Espresso Bravo Espresso understands just how much energy shopping takes and is here to help shoppers renew their energy levels with their favorite cup of caffeinated drinks. Found on the Skyway Level of the Shops at University Square at 111 S. Broadway in Rochester, Bravo Espresso offers a full coffee bar Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Coffee makes any day better, and with so many local options to choose from you'll always be able to start your day off right.

Rochester, Minnesota, has a fascinating history, and you can explore some of the interesting historic sites around the city when you visit. If you want to learn more about Rochester and the people who helped the city become what it is today, plan a visit to these historic places in the area. Plummer Building When you take a look at the Rochester skyline, the Plummer Building immediately stands out. When the 15-story building first opened, it housed several medical specialties and a large library for medical research. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1969 and designated as a U.S. National Historic Landmark one week later. Today, when you visit the building, be sure to look for some of the unique design elements, such as the 16-foot bronze doors that only close for solemn events. Plummer House When Dr. Henry Plummer — namesake of the Plummer Building — originally constructed the Plummer House in the 1920s, it was called Quarry Hill. At that time, the 49-room English Tudor mansion had several novel innovations, such as a security system, underground sprinkler system, and a heated pool. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. If you want to see inside the home, the Parks and Recreation Department offers summer tours every Wednesday. more Mayowood Mansion Dr. Charles H. Mayo, co-founder of the Mayo Clinic, built the Mayowood Mansion in 1911. The Mayo family lived in the Tudor Revival mansion until the 1960s, and it was then listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970. Today, the Mayo Clinic owns the mansion and offers tours of the stunning interior and gorgeous gardens that surround the home. The mansion also hosts the popular Mayowood Mansion Christmas Tours during the holidays. Avalon Building The Avalon Building holds a special place in history in Rochester. The three-story brick building first opened in 1919 as the Northwestern Hotel. In 1944, it became the Avalon Hotel, and it was the only hotel in the city that welcomed African American travelers before desegregation. In 1982, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. For several years, the historic building was home to a music shop. Today, it houses Le Petit Cafe, a European-inspired bistro where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner. George Stoppel Farmstead In 1856, brothers Joseph and George Stoppel set out to find affordable land where they could raise their families. They eventually made their way to Minnesota and settled side-by-side in Rochester. They paid $200 for a total of 160 acres of land. During that first harsh winter, the two families lived in a cave on their property. After that winter, George constructed numerous buildings around the farm. Today, the barn, silo, shed, and stone house are still standing. The farmstead was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975 to commemorate those early pioneers. When you're ready to step back in time and learn about the fascinating history of Rochester, be sure to plan a visit to these interesting historic sites around the city.

When the temperatures drop and the snow starts to fall, Rochester, Minnesota, comes alive with a variety of exciting outdoor activities to enjoy, including sledding. When you're ready to sail down a snow-covered slope, grab your favorite sled and check out these notable hills for the best sledding spots near Rochester. Judd Park Judd Park is one of the two parks in Rochester that have a designated sledding hill. When snow covers the ground, the large hill in this park becomes a popular destination for anyone looking to enjoy a few hours of sledding. The park doesn't have any type of tow rope, so you'll have to walk up the hill on your own. However, your effort will be completely worth it when you fly down the smooth hill to the open and level field below. more Schmidt Park Schmidt Park is the other park in Rochester that has a designated sledding hill. Like Judd Park, Schmidt Park doesn't have a tow rope. Even so, it's a great place to get outside, enjoy some fresh air, and burn off some energy. The slope at this sledding hill isn't as steep as the one at Judd Park. Additionally, the park has a large open area between the bottom of the hill and the nearest road, which makes this hill a fantastic option for young sledders. Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch Situated about 17 miles south of Rochester, Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch is a camp that offers snow tubing for all ages. When you arrive at the camp, you'll pay for a two-hour tubing session that allows a maximum of 80 people per session. The cost of the session includes a snow tube rental. Additionally, the camp has a chalet that provides cups, spoons, and hot water. All you need to do is bring the cocoa and snacks. Cedar Valley Resort If you want to combine your sledding fun with plenty of other exciting activities, head approximately 43 miles southeast of Rochester to Cedar Valley Resort. The resort has a tubing hill and provides free snow tubes for its guests to use. Other amenities you can enjoy at the resort include snowshoe and cross-country ski rentals, as well as trails, bonfires, and horse-drawn sleigh rides. Frontenac State Park If you travel about 47 miles north of Rochester to Frontenac State Park, you'll find a protected area of land that offers stunning views of the Mississippi River and some excellent hills for sledding. If you get tired of sledding, you can choose one of the park's other fun winter activities to enjoy. The park maintains 7.1 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails. You can also rent snowshoes at the park to explore the 3 miles of snowshoe trails. When you need to warm up, stop by one of the two wood-heated trail shelters available in the winter. Are you ready to get outside and enjoy winter in Rochester? We know you'll have a blast speeding down these top sledding hills in the area.   Image via Pixabay

So, it's time for a date night — but where to go? If you're in Rochester, you're in luck, as the city offers many and varied places and activities that are perfect for date nights. Ranging from top-class restaurants to pubs to quirky venues, Rochester is home to the perfect date-night venue for all occasions. Casablanca Nothing beats a romantic dinner at an upscale restaurant when you want that special date night. For such occasions, Casablanca is the perfect choice. At this restaurant, you'll receive personalized service and excellent food from owner Chef Bojji — who has worked in multiple European cities — and his wife, Amber. To boot, the small venue is both cozy and classy, featuring big chandeliers, dark wood, and a beautiful bar decorated with Moroccan tiles. Moroccan-born Chef Bojji combines the traditional flavors and food of his home country with French-style cooking, to create unique and delicious dishes. For starters, you can opt for dishes like the Boulevard de Clichy, which is a caramelized, port-wine-baked brie, or Bruschetta with mango pico, Dubliner cheese, basil, and garlic. On the entree menu is a delectable Tagine a la Francaise, which offers a French take on the traditional Moroccan dish, and an Italian-inspired Tuscan Pork, served with mushrooms and plums. Canvas & Chardonnay Although a romantic dinner is a great way to spend a date night, one sometimes wants to try something a bit different. If you feel like getting creative with your partner in a relaxed and cozy environment, an art class at Canvas & Chardonnay is just the thing. Patrons don't need any previous experience in arts and crafts, and receive step-by-step guidance from the friendly instructors. To add to the cozy and fun atmosphere, the facility offers live music, as well as wine, beer, and soft drinks that patrons can enjoy while tapping into their creativity. You and your partner can choose from a variety of art classes that all offer different themes and techniques. Upcoming events, for instance, include Seasonal Wood Signs, where patrons learn to apply calligraphy onto wood surfaces, and Golden Moon Shine, which involves creating artworks that feature the moon. The Redwood Room If you're into sultry live jazz performed in a low-lit, wood-paneled downtown bar, you and your partner should drop by The Redwood Room. Apart from savoring the romantic ambience and great music, the two of you can enjoy craft beers, excellent martinis, and home-style comfort food, such as Bolognese, apple-cider pork, shrimp risotto, and gourmet pizza. If, after your evening at The Redwood Room, you think it was one of the most romantic dates you have had, you are not alone. The Redwood Room has been voted as the venue with the "Most Romantic Ambience" in Rochester twice in a row by locals! These are just a few of the things you can consider when planning your next date night in Rochester. Whether you want to celebrate a special occasion, get creative together, or relax while listening to jazz, Rochester has the venue that's just right for a memorable date night.

Rochester, which is the third-largest city in Minnesota, is home to the Mayo Clinic and also boasts a large IBM facility. For those who enjoy outdoor activities, the city offers stunning hiking trails and parks, as well as rivers and lakes where one can enjoy fishing, swimming, and other water sports. To boot, the city hosts various festivals and events during the year and also features many excellent shops and restaurants. If you're planning to visit this bustling city, here are a few of the best hotels Rochester has to offer. The Kahler Grand Hotel The Kahler Grand Hotel has been an iconic feature of downtown Rochester for nearly a century. The pedestrian skyway and the underground concourse that run from the hotel to the famous Mayo Clinic do not only provide guests with convenient access to the facility but also boast many shops and restaurants. However, guests don't have to leave the Kahler for a good meal, as they can enjoy a fine-dining experience at the Lord Essex Steakhouse, some hearty American comfort food at the Grand Grill, or a hand-crafted martini and a light snack at Martini's. The hotel offers a variety of rooms that range from economy to luxury suites, and also has a rooftop pool, free Wi-Fi, and many exciting package deals. DoubleTree by Hilton The DoubleTree by Hilton is another hotel that is located near Mayo Clinic. Guests can conveniently access the Shops at University Square, which features premium shopping and dining experiences, via a skywalk or pedestrian subway. The DoubleTree also houses the award-winning restaurant, Pescara, which is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guests can choose from rooms with either two twin beds or a double bed, suites that feature a lounge area, or executive rooms that offer a large desk and an ergonomic chair. In addition, the hotel offers accessible rooms that feature handicap-accessible bathrooms. Amenities include a salon, indoor pool, and fully-equipped fitness center. Staybridge Suites Staybridge Suites is a short commute away from Mayo Clinic, the Shops at University Square, the IBM facility, and Downtown Rochester, and also a short drive away from the Rochester International Airport. The hotel offers comfortable suites that feature desks and Wi-Fi, as well as kitchens that are equipped with a stove, microwave, fridge, dishwasher, and all necessary glassware, pots, and utensils. For business people, or other guests, who need to stay for longer than one or two nights, these suites are perfect. In addition, Staybridge Suites is also a pet-friendly hotel, offering rates of $75 per pet for a one-to-six-night stay and $150 for seven nights or longer. Amenities include self-laundry facilities, a full housekeeping service, complimentary breakfast, and an on-site fitness center. If you plan to visit the colorful and bustling city of Rochester for either business or pleasure, these are three of the best hotels where you can stay. Apart from the fact that they all provide easy access to the various attractions in Rochester, such as shops, restaurants, the Mayo Clinic, or the IBM facility, they also offer attractive and well-equipped rooms, convenient amenities, and friendly service.

Although the rise in popularity of international cuisine means that restaurants are more diverse than ever, the classic hamburger is still one of America's favorite meals. The people living in or around Rochester, Minnesota, are lucky to have some amazing burger-serving places around. Hot Chip Burger Bar Located on 16th street in Rochester, this place is known for its wide variety of delicious burgers. They use fresh, locally-made ingredients to make them and there are enough options to satisfy every taste. From a classic American hamburger to other varieties like “Call me the dude” or “Brooklyn baby daddy”, the many available types of burgers mean that there's something for everyone. Each burger is served with a side of pickles and Hot Chip's special umami fries. Newt's With four open locations in Rochester, Newt's is probably the easiest burger place to find in town. Constantly receiving the popular vote for Rochester magazine's “Best Burger” award in the past 15 years, it's fair to say that most locals consider this place the best in town. Aside from delicious hamburgers and cheeseburgers, they also serve sandwiches, salads, various appetizers, and a wide range of draft and bottled beers. The Half Barrel – Bar and Restaurant Located in downtown Rochester, this is the place to go for great burgers and a good time. Burger lovers will enjoy their Barrel Burger, with whiskey cheddar, applewood smoked bacon, and truffle aioli, while veggie burger enthusiasts have the choice of a fully vegan burger. Sandwiches, steaks, salads, and pasta dishes are also available, as well as a fully stocked bar with over 400 selections of the best whiskey from around the world. With delicious and affordable food, a wide variety of drinks, and a vibrant atmosphere, it's a good place to visit even if you're not a burger enthusiast. Snappy Stop Lovers of classic American fast food will be delighted with Snappy Stop. Founded over 30 years ago and located on 9th street in Rochester, it's a great place to go for affordable and tasty burgers. Their Snappy Burger is available in regular, double, and triple size, while there's also a special “burger of the month”. Their menu also includes special combos, including snappy burgers with cheese, a side of fries, and a pop. Try out the delicious nuggets or any of the dessert options from the milkshakes to ice cream sandwiches. Forager Brewery Although the name might suggest otherwise, Forager Brewery is a vibrant and stylish local family-friendly restaurant that also serves great burgers. Their food is made with locally grown ingredients that are expertly cooked by their chefs and there's a large selection of special craft beers to go along with your meal. Burgers are and will probably always be a hugely popular food because they taste amazing, are reasonably affordable, quick to prepare, and easy to eat. By visiting any of the places on this list you are guaranteed to get a delicious burger with all your favorite ingredients.

A weekend day trip to a local winery is one of the most fun activities you can do if you're a wine lover. It gives you the chance to meet up with friends, spend a day out in nature, and, of course, try some delicious wine. Luckily for those living in or around Rochester, Minnesota, there are many charming wineries in the area. Four Daughters Vineyard and Winery Located only a half-hour drive away from Rochester, this charming location features a winery and a cidery, with a restaurant and event center also available to visitors. The 6-acre vineyard produces excellent quality grapes, from which the Four Daughters wines and Sunflake wines are made, so visiting wine enthusiasts will definitely enjoy their time here. As a special bonus, guests are invited to try the Loon Juice hard cider, a product of the local cidery. There are more surprises and fun activities for visitors, aside from the wine tasting and the gorgeous natural surroundings. There's a live music show happening every Friday and Saturday in the tasting room, while Saturday mornings also feature gentle flow yoga classes in the vineyard. Salem Glen Winery This family-owned winery was established in 2006 about 16 miles west of Rochester, in the Zumbro River valley. It used to be the location of an old dairy farm, but the sun-kissed hills around it are just perfect for winemaking. The 5-acre vineyard has over 3000 vines and all the wine varieties you'll find here are 100 percent grown on-site. Visitors are welcome all year-round, with a full tasting consisting of over eight wine varieties. There's also home-made pizza available during the summer months, while the store offers great deals on wines, tea, and souvenirs. Whitewater Wines Located in Whitewater River's valley, 30 miles from Rochester, this winery is also a great hiking location, with 30 acres of vineyards, hardwoods, and prairie offering guests breathtaking views. Open since 1996, it's run by the Hanlon family and currently has over 20 different types of grapes growing on the property. No matter what your favorite wine types are, odds are you'll find them here in their wine list. Guests can bring their own food and have a picnic on the location, making this the ideal spot for a day trip. Villa Bellezza This special winery takes a little longer than an hour to get to by car, but once you're there you will discover that it's well worth it. It manages to bring the magic and charm of the Mediterranean wineries from Italy, Spain, or France all the way to Minnesota, making it the perfect escape from everyday life. The quality of their wines matches the location, with a wide variety of white, rose, and red wines to satisfy all wine lovers. Visiting a winery is one of the most fun weekend activities you can have because it blends the pleasure of enjoying a delicious glass of wine with the beauty of local natural landscapes. By visiting any of these locations you'll get to immerse yourself in nature and experience the best wine Minnesota has to offer.

Nothing makes a home homier than a well-stocked kitchen. If you want to pack your kitchen with fresh, locally grown ingredients, then you should head to one of the many farmers markets near Rochester, Minnesota. Feel good by supporting your local producers and businesses while getting the cook with some of the freshest produce you'll ever taste. It's a win-win situation. Here are the best farmers markets in the Rochester area: Rochester Farmers Market The Rochester Farmers Market has been around since 1985 and is the go-to-market for the area. It's held throughout the year, but alternates between two locations: Graham Park and downtown. If you're looking for some of the freshest food you'll ever taste, this farmers market has you covered. Seasonal selections fill the booths in the market. You'll find plenty of raw produce, as well as baked goods, meats, flowers, ready-to-eat food vendors, and more. They're held rain or shine and offer a great way to spend the day with family while stocking your kitchen with the freshest ingredients. The Graham Park Farmers Market is held from June to September on Wednesday from 2-6 p.m. and then from November to April on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon. The Downtown Farmers Market lasts from May to October and is held on Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to noon. Saint Paul Farmers Market If you're up to the drive, the Saint Paul Farmers Market is another great destination. You can feel good about supporting Minnesota's farmers and crafters while saving money on produce. One of the greatest parts about the Saint Paul Farmers Market is its full schedule. Many months of the year, there's a farmers market every day of the week except Monday, sometimes at multiple locations around the city. You'll find a great many booths selling anything from locally harvested honey to handmade candles. If you're visiting Saint Paul, about an hour's drive from Rochester, check out the Saint Paul Farmers' Market calendar to plan a trip to one of their farmers markets. Plainview Farmers Market About half an hour's drive northeast of Rochester, you can take advantage of the Plainview Farmers Market. Every Wednesday, vendors set up their tents in Plainview to sell vegetables, crafts, baked goods, jams, meats, and more. This farmers market runs from May to October, on Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. Winona Farmers Market A little further east is the town of Winona along the Mississippi River on the Wisconsin border. Their farmers market is also held from May to October, on Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to noon, rain or shine. Head to the Merchants Bank parking lot. The 2019 season brought fresh honey, eggs, nuts, grains, flowers, soaps, granola, maple syrup, and much more. If you're looking for a rich farmers market scene, Winona is the place to be. Take some time to explore everything our local businesses and producers have to offer at these great farmers markets. You'll love that your kitchen looks like you just spent a season of gardening your own vegetables after perusing the booths at the farmers market. Image by James Cohen is licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0

One of the best parts about the Rochester, Minnesota area is the great outdoor splendor that surrounds us. If you're looking for a place to hike, your options are extensive. But these parks get our votes for the top places to go hiking in the area: Whitewater State Park Head east about 25 miles and you'll reach Whitewater State Park, a top destination for those looking to get in a good hike. There are over 10 miles of hiking trails in this park that will take you through valleys, bluffs, and rivers. If you're looking for a weekend camping getaway that's not too far away, Whitewater has you covered. There are plenty of places to camp in the park, and activities to keep you busy: trout fishing, bird watching, swimming, and more. Quarry Hill Park If you're looking for something a little closer, you'll find Quarry Hill Park right in Rochester's backyard. There are 329 acres to explore and eight miles of trails to conquer at this park. For hikers looking to take the kids on a quick walk, or if you just have an hour or two to spare in the weekend, Quarry Hill Park is a great way to get your nature fix. While you're there, you can visit the nature center to meet all sorts of wildlife, or take advantage of all the events held in the park. Chester Woods Park About 10 miles east of Rochester lies Chester Woods Park. Its 1,330 acres provide an oasis away from the city and offer some pretty good intermediate-difficulty trails. There are around 15 miles of unpaved trails that wind through the park and they're popular with horseback riders. If you're a fan of cross-country skiing, Chester Woods should be at the top of your list this winter. Oxbow Park Head northwest for 14 miles to discover Oxbow Park. In addition to being the home to the Zollman Zoo, the park also holds a decent number of trails to explore. There are 11 trails here, but none of them are longer than 2 miles, and most are under 1 mile. Mix and match the trails to create your own adventure through the park, which is wraps around a branch of the Zumbro River. You can also camp on the 620 acres that make up the park if you want to make your trip a multiday venture. Indian Heights Park Right in the middle of Rochester, Indian Heights Park is a great place for families to get out and get a quick hike in. You don't have to travel far to enjoy the outdoors. Rochester embraces nature so you can experience it whenever you want. Indian Heights has a series of unpaved trails that weave through the 40 acres it holds. Get and out and explore the Rochester area's natural beauty at these and the many other parks and trails around us. Nothing is more rejuvenating than spending a day — or even an hour — outside, hiking and experience Minnesota's great outdoors. Image by Charli Lopez is licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0

With summer ending and fall on the way, there are still opportunities for family fun. Several farms in the Rochester area play host to family-friendly fall events. Let's explore some of those events and what you can expect. Tweite's Family Farm Tweite's Family Farm has been a favorite destination of Rochester families for the last 30 years. When you visit Tweite's, you'll find a variety of activities that kids and adults can both enjoy. Play a game of barnyard bowling, giant dominoes, or bean bag toss. Old McGeezer's golf returns for the season and there are many great photo opportunities on the "Biggest Checker Board Ever." For a real challenge, your family can take on the 12-acre corn maze. If you manage to make it out, treat the gang to hot dogs, nachos, and Frito pie at the concession stand. For dessert, there's fudge, caramel apples, and donuts. Tweite's also sells jams, jellies, and barbecue sauce so that you can take home a taste of the farm. Before you call it a day, make sure to stop by the pumpkin patch. Farmer John's Pumpkin Patch Farmer John's Pumpkin Patch is a charming country retreat where kids can be kids. In addition to choosing the perfect pumpkin for your jack o' lantern or pumpkin pie, you can pick raspberries, visit the chickens and kittens that live on the farm, and explore the silo slide and bounce house. Be sure to keep an eye out for witches and ghosts. Don't forget to stop by the barn store for some unique gifts. You can purchase seasonal produce at the farmer's market. Farmer John's also sells fall decorations such as corn stalks, fall mums, and gourds. The barn loft serves as a spectacular venue for special events. Sekapp Orchard Located just minutes from downtown Rochester, Sekapp Orchard feels like a world away. Over 100 varieties of fruits and vegetables are grown on the 170-acre farm. During your visit, you can hop on a wagon that takes you through an orchard where you can pick apples. Along the way, you can also choose a pumpkin right out of the patch. Fresh produce is available for sale, so be sure to take home some squash, sweet corn, and honey produced from the farm's own beehives. Blossom Hill Orchard & Farm Blossom Hill has become known for producing over 30 varieties of apples, in addition to seasonal vegetables and delicious baked goods, which are for sale at the farm's shop. You can also purchase flowers and unique gifts here. The farm hosts a special pizza night where you can enjoy pizzas made from scratch using produce grown on the farm and other local ingredients. Farm guests are welcome to stroll through the apple orchard and visit the pigs that live on the farm. Of course, you won't want to leave before purchasing a pumpkin. These are just some of the Rochester area farms where you can enjoy the fall season. Consider a visit to one and create special moments and memories. Image by Ines Hegedus-Garcia is licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0

Whether you live in the Rochester area or plan on visiting, if you enjoy biking, there are several trails that are well worth exploring. Let's discuss some of them and what makes them so unique. Blazing Star State Trail The six-mile Blazing Star State Trail runs from Albert Lea Lake to Myre-Big Island State Park. At the start of the paved trail, you'll have the option to circle the marshy area on the lake's north shore. The trail then takes you through the east side of the city of Albert Lea, but soon emerges into a rural landscape. At the trail's conclusion, you'll be treated to views of wetlands, oak savanna, big woods, and prairie. Be sure to keep an eye out for the warblers, mockingbirds, and sparrows that inhabit the area. Cannon Valley Trail The 19.7-mile Cannon Valley Trail traces the path of the former Chicago Great Western Railroad line. It connects the communities of Red Wing, Welch, and Cannon Falls. Along the trail, you'll be treated to stunning views and interesting sights. One such sight is an area known as The Big Fill, a ravine that was once spanned by a 400-foot long railroad bridge, but is now filled in. A scenic overlook provides photo-worthy views of the Cannon River. There's also a railroad-era gravel pit and cliffs covered with moss lichen, wild ginger, and ferns. The trail continues through a hardwood forest of sugar maple, black walnut, and ash. Before you reach the trail's end, you'll pass by a train wreck site, a sod house, and the Cannon Valley Turtle Preserve, among other notable features. Chippewa River State Trail The Chippewa River State Trail runs 30.4 miles from the confluence of the Eau Claire and Chippewa Rivers to the Tarrant Park trailhead. As you head southeast from Phoenix Park, you'll pass over a 500-foot-long railroad trestle once used to transport train cars. The trail meanders along the Chippewa River's shoreline as it makes its way through Owen Park, home of the historic Sarge Boyd Bandshell. The bandshell is still in use, so you might enjoy some music as you're riding by. As it exits the park, the trail emerges into Farm Country. As the trail continues, it will take you across the Cranberry Creek and through a ghost town called Old Tyrone. At the trail's end, you'll enjoy fantastic waterside views. Douglas State Trail The 12.5-mile Douglas State Trail runs from Rochester to Pine Island. It occupies a railbed that once served as a corridor between the two cities. You can still see some of the obelisk railroad mile markers. As the trail leaves Rochester, it enters the town that gave it its name, Douglas. It then crosses the Zumbro River and two creeks as it passes through a hardwood forest. The trail will also take you through working farms, so keep an eye out for cows. These are just some of the excellent bike trails near Rochester. No matter which one you choose, you're sure to enjoy the ride. Image by Tony Webster is licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0