Minnesota had about 80 drive-ins when this fun activity was at its peak in the 1950s, and there are still several places in the state where you can watch a film on a big screen from the comfort of your car. Here are some of the best drive-in movie theaters near Rochester, Minnesota.
Vali-Hi Drive-In
Vali-Hi Drive-In is about an hour and 20 minutes away from Rochester in Lake Elmo. It shows three movies for the price of one in spring and summer, whether it’s rainy or sunny outside. A family-friendly movie usually starts at dusk, and the films become more risque as the time becomes later and the little ones get sleepy. Children under five years old can watch for free, and kids from 6 to 12 can watch for only a dollar. They don’t accept credit or debit cards, but an ATM is on-site.
There’s an old-fashioned picture booth, an arcade, a mini Harley that small kids can ride, and plenty of bathrooms. Orville Redenbacher popcorn, Armour hot dogs for only a dollar, and lots of other snacks are available. You can listen to the movies in stereo sound or with your car radio by tuning to 90.1 FM. Read the rest of this entry »
Rochester Toyota – Top 3 Reasons to Own a 2020 RAV4
The RAV4 is one of the best-selling vehicles in the U.S., and for good reason. This SUV boasts a spacious and well-equipped interior, a powerful engine, a smooth on-road ride, as well as
respectable off-road capability. All trims also feature the advanced Toyota Safety Sense system that helps keep you and your family safe on the road.
The design of the 2020 RAV4 is based on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, which means that the SUV boasts a longer and wider stance that’ll give you improved handling and a stronger core to provide you a smooth ride. You can choose from six trim levels with the new RAV4: LE, XLE, XLE Premium, Adventure, TRD Off-Road, and Limited. A hybrid model is also available. Here is some more information about this capable and modern SUV. Read the rest of this entry »
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. Read the rest of this entry »
Toyota has redesigned all of its 2020 SUVs so that you can find the model and trim that suits your needs. These are just a few of the 2020 Toyota SUVs, a brief review of their standard features,
and a very short summary of the possibilities they offer.
Overall Features
Take a look at each of the new models and select accessories such as rear-seat entertainment systems, a rearview camera, Roadside Assist, and available touch-screen navigation. Safety always comes first. Many Toyotas, including those listed here, come standard with Pre-Collision Detection, Pedestrian Detection, multiple air bags, automatic high beams, and other Toyota Safe Sense Features. Will you stay on the highways or set off on a grand adventure? With all of the cargo space and passenger room, there are endless possibilities. Read the rest of this entry »
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. Read the rest of this entry »
Step Back in Time at These Rochester Historic Sites
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. Read the rest of this entry »
Get to Know the Redesigned Tacoma Pickup
The Toyota Tacoma rolls into 2020 showcasing a long-awaited redesign and plenty of updated features. If you’ve been thinking about getting a new pickup truck, learn more about the refreshed style and features you’ll find in the 2020 Tacoma that make it an excellent option to suit all your needs.
Adventurous Good Looks
The 2020 Toyota Tacoma has bold good looks that stand out on the street. The truck has a redesigned front grille that highlights its aggressive new style. It also comes standard with projector-beam headlights, daytime running lights, rear privacy glass, and a tailgate spoiler. If you’re looking for even more convenient features, the Tacoma is also available with a power sliding rear window, LED headlights, and LED daytime running lights. To make the truck’s bed even more versatile, it’s available with a 120-volt deck-mounted power outlet. Read the rest of this entry »
If you’re looking for an efficient SUV that delivers plenty of impressive style, check out the 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. This outstanding SUV offers numerous exciting updates this year. Learn more about some of the coolest updates to the RAV4 Hybrid so you can see why you should get behind the wheel of one today.
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Eye-Catching Good Looks
The second you take a look at the 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, you’ll notice the SUV is showcasing some brand-new good looks. The vehicle has a spirited design with bold angles and smooth lines designed to catch eyes. For extra style, the SUV comes standard with multi-LED headlights with black bezels, LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, rear privacy glass, low-profile black roof rails, and dual chrome exhaust tips. You’ll also appreciate the convenience of the standard power-adjustable side mirrors.
5 Best Sledding Spots Near Rochester, MN
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.
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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.
The Toyota Tacoma has been one of the most popular mid-size pickups for many years, and the 2020 model is set to continue this trend. One of the reasons for the Tacoma’s popularity, is the fact that it offers six trims — SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro — that all offer various levels of utility, performance, and luxury. In addition, you can also choose between two body styles, namely an extended and crew cab, as well as a long or a short bed.
In addition, the Tacoma features a convenient truck bed with movable tie-down cleats and a power outlet, a new and well-equipped infotainment system, and two powerful engines. And with its TRD Off-Road trim, the Tacoma also boasts impressive off-road capability. Here is some more info on this powerful and customizable truck.
Upscale Interior
The interior of the Tacoma is upscale, and can either seat four or five people, depending on the cab style you choose. The 2020 model features an upgraded infotainment system that comes with a 7-inch display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, six speakers, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Depending on the trim you choose, the cabin of the Tacoma can range from simple to luxurious. The SR trim, for instance, comes with manual front seats, cloth upholstery, and air conditioning, whereas the Limited trim features dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a wireless charger.
Two Powerful Engines
The Tacoma offers two powerful engines. The standard engine is a 2.7-liter that is paired with a six-speed automatic to generate 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. If you want more kick, opt for the 3.5-liter V-6 engine that is good for 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. The rear-wheel-drive version of this engine is paired with a six-speed automatic, whereas the all-wheel-drive system can be had with either a six-speed automatic or manual transmission. If your Tacoma is equipped with the V-6 and the optional Tow Package, you’ll be able to tow up to 6,800 pounds.
Excellent Off-Road Capability
With the TRD Off-Road trim, you’ll get excellent off-road performance. Standard off-road features included with this trim, for instance, include an electronically locking rear differential that provides enhanced grip in low-traction conditions by evenly distributing power to the rear wheels, as well as a crawl control system, which automatically controls the low-speed settings so that you can focus on the road.
The TRD-Off-Road also boasts a Multi-Terrain Select system with five drive modes that automatically adjust the engine throttle and traction control settings for improved traction. An available Multi-Terrain Monitor offers a front, rear, and side camera that allows for a birds-eye view of surroundings and potential obstacles.
Impressive Safety Features
The Tacoma has impressive standard driver-assist features, such as forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims add rear-parking assist and a blind-spot monitor.
If you’re looking for a truck that is highly-customizable, reliable, and powerful, the 2020 Toyota Tacoma is a great choice. To boot, this truck also offers an upscale interior and an easy-to-use and well-equipped infotainment system. Drop by Rochester Toyota to take one for a spin today!
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