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Looking for a bite to eat that's far from the ordinary? if you're cruising around Minnesota, you might be in luck. There are dozens of great Drive-in style restaurants across the state that are worth driving to or making it part of a longer road trip. So, the next time your stomach is asking for a delicious meal on the go, check out these top four drive-in restaurants around the state. Earl's Drive-In, Roseau The first stop on your tour of incredible drive-in restaurants should be Earl's Drive-In. It has everything you're looking for from a drive-in diner that opened up in the 40s. Good food that's less than good for you. The menu is full of delicious items such as juicy burgers, crispy onion rings, and piles of all the french fries you can handle. Bring your appetite, because the food here is so good you might want seconds. more Roscoe's Root Beer & Ribs, Rochester Roscoe's might be the the most unassuming location on our list. However, the food here is great, especially if you're passing by and in the mood for good old fashioned barbecue style food. Simply drive up to this little drive-in and select from a tasty menu of ribs, pulled pork, and more. Be sure to try the barbecue chicken as well, it's moist and incredibly flavorful. If you're not in the mood for barbeque style food, you can easily get your paws on more traditional drive-in food, such as burgers and dogs. Dari-Ette Drive-In, St. Paul Another amazing drive-in restaurant you're going to want to check out is the Dariette Drive-in in St. Paul, Minnesota. One thing that makes this restaurant interesting and unique is the menu. It's not afraid to shy away from burgers and fries and step into more adventurous comfort foods. For example, the juicy and perfectly seasoned meatball sandwiches, covered in a wonderful sauce and lots of cheese is something you won't see on most drive-in menus. The Italian chicken breast sandwiches are equally delicious. Don't forget to pair it with a satisfying milkshake! Peppermint Twist Drive-In, Delano It may sound like the Peppermint Twist Drive-In in Delano, Minnesota, only serves ice cream and treats, however, they actually have a complete dinner menu. This little restaurant opened up in the early 80's and has been serving up great baskets of delicious food ever since. If you brought your kids along, there's a park nearby called Teddy Bear Park. It's a great place to go for a short road trip. Please note that this restaurant is cash only and doesn't take checks or credit cards. The menu is full of tasty foods such as deep-fried mushrooms, 14 different burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs, and more. There's something for everyone at the Peppermint Twist Drive-In. There are so many incredible drive-in style restaurants across the state of Minnesota. It might be a fun challenge to see how many you can make it out to this year.

If your mouth is watering for a basket of chicken wings and you're in Rochester, Minnesota, then you're in luck. With several amazing options, you'll enjoy discovering the best wings in Rochester. Chester's Kitchen and Bar At Chester's Kitchen and Bar they take a different approach to preparing wings. Rather than deep frying them, they cook them to flame-grilled perfection. Wings are marinated in herbs and buttermilk, which makes them tender and flavorful, then get rubbed in rotisserie seasoning for an even deeper flavor. Dip your wings in your choice of sauces, which include barbecue, spicy bang-bang, Amablu cheese, or chipotle ranch. Wash down your meal with a cold beer from the bar, such as a lager or dark porter. more The American cuisine restaurant is open for brunch, lunch, and dinner. The rotisserie wings are available for lunch, dinner, and during happy hour. Chester's Kitchen and Bar is located at 111 S. Broadway. It is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., as well as Sunday through Thursday from 4-10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 4-11 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dooley's Pub When you have a big appetite, head to Dooley's Pub. This spot serves 1-pound baskets of jumbo bone-in chicken wings that are tossed with your choice of eight sauces. If you feel like something spicy, choose the mango habanero dry rub or sriracha bourbon. For something a little different, opt for the raspberry barbecue or decker style. Additional flavors include new Jack, buffalo, and teriyaki. While the wings are always on the menu, you can even better deals on them during happy hour. Pair them with a beer on tap or in a bottle. The pub is even open late nights so you can grab some grub after a long day. Dooley's Pub is located at 255 1st Ave SW. It is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Wild Bill's Sports Saloon Have your choice of traditional style bone-in wings, breaded boneless wings, or skinny wings at Wild Bill's Sports Saloon. This restaurant has a mother lode of sauces with 14 different varieties available to suit all taste buds. The traditional wings are available with either a dry rub or sauce and the boneless wings come tossed with your favorite sauce. The skinny wings are hand cut, fried in extra virgin olive oil, then tossed in your choice of sauce. Sauce options include Carolina honey BBQ, teriyaki, Bill's Homemade BBQ, parmesan garlic, drunken bourbon BBQ, mild buffalo, Jim Beam buffalo, Cajun ranch, sesame Asian, hot ranch, hot buffalo, Caribbean jerk, and Wild Bill's Reaper sauce. Dry rubs include mesquite BBQ, lemon pepper, buffalo, and ranch. Wild Bill's Sports Saloon is located at 300 17th Ave NW. It is open Sunday from 10 a.m.-12 a.m., Monday through Wednesday from 11 a.m.-12 a.m., and Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m.-1 a.m. When nothing but a basket of wings will do, head to one of these great restaurants in Rochester.

Bubble tea, also known as boba tea, is a Taiwanese drink that was invented in the 1980s in Taichung. The tea is mixed with milk or fruit and topped off with bubbles or pearls, which are actually tapioca balls. The unique drink made its way to Hong Kong and Japan in the 1990s and eventually began springing up in teahouses in the United States. The luxurious drink can be customized a number of ways. If you're in the mood for bubble tea, head to one of these great places in Rochester, Minnesota, for a cold or hot glass of this tasty drink, today. Kung Fu Tea Kung Fu Tea is known both locally and nationally for serving up delicious bubble tea that will keep you coming back for more. With multiple options to choose from, it's easy to customize the perfect glass of bubble tea. Choose your base by selecting from classic, punch, milk strike, slush, milk tea, yogurt, espresso, or milk cap, then select the perfect topping. Toppings include red beans, tapioca, herbal jelly, pudding, nata jelly, fig jelly, aloe jelly, mung bean, or popping bubbles with coffee, grape, or mango flavor. more The sugar level can be adjusted to suit your tastes and your drink can be ordered with or without ice. A variety of new and limited-time flavors are offered throughout the year. If you're addicted to the good stuff, be sure to sign up for their mailing list to receive coupons and alerts. Kung Fu Tea is located at 1006 N. Broadway Ave. It is open daily from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Tea Time Have a seat at a table or bar that is against the window and watch passersby as you enjoy a bubble tea at Tea Time. The shop serves up your choice of flavored iced tea, milk tea, or a smoothie that is topped with one of their delicious treats, such as popping balls, tapioca, jelly, or pudding. Refreshing menu options include the jasmine milk tea, strawberry milk tea, taro milk tea, honeydew milk tea, and passion fruit green tea. During cold months, order your bubble tea hot to warm up. When it's warm outside, opt for the iced version to help you cool off. Tea Time is located at 20 2nd Ave SW. It is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Pho Chau When you're hungry for a delicious meal, but also craving bubble tea, head to Pho Chau. This authentic Vietnamese restaurant focuses on mouthwatering dishes, such as pho, pad Thai, and fried rice, but they also serve up cold glasses of bubble tea to wash your meal down. Pho Chau is located at 1014 N. Broadway Ave. It is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. You don't have to cross the ocean to enjoy an authentic bubble tea. Simply head to one of these great spots in Rochester and enjoy a glass today.

When you're looking to unwind and pamper yourself, there's no better place to go than a day spa. Whether you need a massage for those sore muscles or you want to treat yourself to a manicure, you'll find all the services you need at these top day spas in Rochester, Minnesota. Cloud 9 Spa & Salon Cloud 9 Spa & Salon has two locations in Rochester, which makes it even easier for you to find a spot where you can kick back and relax. The day spa offers customized and affordable massage therapy and acupuncture services. Your massage options include a relaxation massage, sports massage, or hot stone massage. You can get relief from achy feet with a foot massage and reveal rejuvenated skin with the body scrub. Other treatments at the spa include cupping therapy and salt hot moxa bag therapy. Serenity Couture Salon & Spa Serenity Couture Salon & Spa is an award-winning day spa that offers the services you need to indulge your body and spirit. In the salon area, you can get your hair cut, colored, textured, and styled. You can also come in for a manicure and pedicure. In the spa area, you can unwind with a massage, facial, or body wrap treatment. For a real treat, choose one of the spa packages. The Day of Rejuvenation is a popular option that includes a 60-minute massage, 60-minute customized facial, pedicure, blowout, and lunch from one of the menus provided by Serenity Couture. more Beauty Gallery Day Spa & Salon Beauty Gallery Day Spa & Salon is ready to help you relax and rejuvenate with a variety of services, including facials, nails, hair, tanning, massage therapy, waxing, and spa packages. Massage therapy services include deep tissue, Swedish, sport, and prenatal. If you really want to pamper yourself, the full day spa experience is the package to select. You'll enjoy a facial wrinkle treatment, one-hour massage, luxury pedicure, gel manicure, shampoo and styling, professional makeup application, and a free meal from Pho Tai Vietnamese Restaurant. Hair Studio 52 & Day Spa Hair Studio 52 & Day Spa makes it easy to look and feel your best with an impressive selection of services. If you want to get your skin glowing, consider the customized facial. To help release tension and pain in your muscles, you can sign up for a relaxation massage, hot stone massage, or cupping treatment. Once your body feels good, head to the stylist's chair for a haircut, smoothing treatment, or to refresh your hair color. Branch Out Day Spa Branch Out Day Spa is ready to pamper you the minute you walk through the door. You can stop by for one of the popular facial or peel treatments to reveal glowing, reinvigorated skin. If you need to unwind, consider one of the hand or foot reflexology treatments. You can also get waxing treatments and lash and tint treatments. Whether you want to freshen up with a facial or unwind with a massage, you know you'll find the treatments you need when you head to one of these day spas in Rochester.

Rochester, Minnesota, offers a variety of fun activities to enjoy throughout the year. However, sometimes the weather doesn't cooperate and you end up with a rainy day. If you're dealing with some dreary weather in Rochester, check out a few of these top indoor attractions worth exploring. Apache Mall If you want to do a little shopping on a rainy day, head to the Apache Mall. This is the largest shopping mall in the city, and it offers something for everyone. You can pick up some new clothes for the entire family at stores like Forever 21, H&M, and The Children's Place. Then, stop by Country Bathhouse and 5th Grant Boutique to discover items for your home. You'll also find a great selection of Minnesota-themed products at Love From Minnesota. more Rochester Art Center Rochester Art Center is one of the best places to go on a rainy day. This contemporary arts center focuses on offering a rotating exhibition of local, national, and international art. Since it's a non-collecting institution, you'll always be able to see something new every time you visit. One of its popular programs is the Emerging Artist Series, which helps up-and-coming Minnesota artists develop and produce new artwork. In addition to the exhibits, the art center also offers workshops, classes, and tours. Mayowood Mansion The Mayowood Mansion was once the home of Mayo Clinic co-founder Dr. Charles H. Mayo. When the Olmsted County Historical Society transferred ownership of the mansion to the Mayo Clinic, the medical center opened it to the public for tours. While the mansion has stunning gardens that are worth viewing on a sunny day, you'll still find plenty of interesting things to see inside the house. During a tour, you'll be able to view some of the 38 rooms, an extensive collection of decorative art, and German, Spanish, French, and American antique furnishings. Plummer Building If you're in downtown Rochester on a rainy day, consider spending a few hours at the Plummer Building. This iconic symbol of the Mayo Clinic was named after Dr. Henry S. Plummer who designed many of the medical procedures still in use at the clinic today. When you step inside the building, take note of the 16-foot-high bronze doors that always stay open to welcome patients. The building also houses the Historical Suite, which showcases artifacts from the clinic and is open for self-guided tours during the week. Castle Community The Castle Community is a unique shopping, arts, and dining destination in Rochester. It's housed in the former Rochester Armory and gets its name from the building's castle-like turrets. When you step inside, you can head to Queen City Coffee & Juice for an afternoon pick-me-up, unwind and stretch out at Yoga Tribe, do some shopping at Collective Books & Records, explore your creative side at Neon Green Studio, and grab a bite to eat at Cameo at the Castle. Just because the weather isn't cooperating doesn't mean you're stuck inside. Instead, check out these awesome ways to spend a rainy day in Rochester.   Image via Pixabay

You don't have to travel to New York or Chicago to enjoy a delicious pizza, it's right here in Rochester, MN. In fact, any of these top pizza restaurants are sure to satisfy your pizza craving. Pi Pizza Pi Pizza offers Rochester locals an authentic, wood-fired pizza option. Their menu is inspired from classic Neapolitan recipes while also adding in a modern twist for an entirely unique flavor. The dining room is welcoming, encouraging guests to enjoy a delicious Italian meal together. Just a few items worth checking out at Pi Pizza are the Esposito sausage and the lasagna with ragu. The oven-roasted breadcrumb crusted cod is also a top choice. Of course, you could also always stick with the traditional pizza at Pi Pizza and you won't be disappointed. Try the vegetable pizza or go with a specialty Pi like the white clam which comes with New England Clam, garlic, parsley, and Pecorino Romano. If you're in a rush, you can also order ahead online and pick up Pi Pizza in store. North Mr. Pizza North Mr. Pizza is family-owned-and-operated, which you can tell from the minute you walk into the inviting dining room. The staff is friendly and accommodating and always ready to recommend their favorite dishes, if you can't decide. North Mr. Pizza offers a long list of specialty pizzas or you can create your own. Begin with your crust with options like double dough and New York style and then choose your sauce and toppings. You can choose just one topping or fill your pizza with your favorite ingredients like bacon, salami, pineapple, and black olives. In addition to pizza, North Mr. Pizza also receives a lot of exceptional reviews for its pasta, salads, and mouthwatering desserts. Forager Brewery You might not initially consider a brewery when in search of the best pizza, but the Forager Brewery just might surprise you. Forager Brewery has a dining experience that is locally sourced and fresh. The scratch kitchen creates items like the spicy soba noodles and the Cuban burger. They also have a long list of wood-fired pizzas like the Margherita and the stoned love. The vegan delight is a good choice for those who require a vegan menu. You can also build your own pizza which comes with your choice of sauce and up to four of your favorite toppings. Pasquale's Neighborhood Pizzeria For authentic-tasting New York pizza, try Pasquale's Neighborhood Pizzeria. The owner implements his favorite New York recipes from his childhood into the menu at Pasquales. Try one of the calzones like the ricotta or the Della mamma. Popular pizza items on the menu include the la Fresca or the Sicilian thick crust. Pair your favorite pizza with one of the cold drinks on the drink menu. When the weather is nice, you can grab a pizza and enjoy it on the relaxing outdoor patio with friends. Whether you prefer your pizza with traditional toppings like pepperoni and ham or you want to try something different, any of these local restaurants are a great option. Grab a few friends and try out the best pizza restaurants in the Rochester area.

Those who like to stay fit, or have made a decision to hone a more active lifestyle, have no shortage of options when it comes to ways of doing so in Rochester. The city is home to many gyms, sport clubs, and fitness studios that feature a variety of exercises and sports. Here are three places that offer different ways to stay in shape. Fitness Evolution Fitness Evolution is a state-of-the-art gym that boasts the latest equipment, professional trainers, and convenient amenities at affordable rates. In addition, you also don't need to enter into a long-term contract to join this gym, which is convenient if you're not sure about joining. However, considering all that this gym has to offer, you'll probably remain a client for a prolonged period of time. Convenient amenities at Fitness Evolution include a Kids club with supervised care, a sauna, and tanning booths that you can use as often as you want. The gym also offers many different fitness classes, such as zamba, cycling, hatha yoga, and bootcamp classes. As a member, you can also make use of the gym's online nutrition and fitness programs to assist you in reaching your personal health goals. Pure Barre This facility offers four different classes that are based on the Pure Barre technique, which involves toning and strengthening specific muscle groups, such as the arms, thighs, and abs, through a series a small and controlled movements. As is the case with yoga, Pure Barre strengthens lean muscle by employing a person's own body weight as opposed to the use of external weights, which radically reduces the occurrence of both short and long-term injury to the body. The four group class formats include the Pure Foundations class, which is a 50-minute introductory class; the original barre class, called Pure Barre Classic, which is a 50-minute class that offers an effective and full-body workout; the Pure Empower class, which is a 45-minute high-intensity workout; and the Pure Reform that involves resistance-based training. Rochester Athletic Club If you prefer staying fit by playing sports, Rochester Athletic Club is a good fit. This fitness club features a wide range of sports facilities, including racquetball, squash, and badminton courts, as well as an outdoor sand volleyball court. Members also have access to three pools — a family pool, a lap pool, and a family whirlpool — that all use a salt purification system. For those who are into tennis, the club offers league competitions and lessons, or you can just book a court for a friendly game. The club also features the Neighborhood, which is a family activity center and gym that boasts an 18-hole miniature golf course, two golf cages, an indoor soccer court, as well as baseball and hockey areas at the back of the center. Parents who visit the gym can leave their children in the play area of the Neighborhood where they can play on the equipment under strict supervision. Whether you like staying fit by attending fitness classes, playing sport, swimming, or working out in the gym, Rochester has a facility that caters to your needs and tastes.

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages on the planet, as it's enjoyed morning, noon, and night by millions. People go and have a cup of coffee. Sometimes they bring their laptop to get some work done or meet friends and catch up over coffee. Coffee shops are even used for first dates. That said, it is surprising how hard it can be to find a good coffee shop. Here are three of the best coffee shops to sit and chill in Rochester, Minnesota. Cafe Steam This one-of-a-kind coffee shop can actually be found in four Rochester locations. With two locations on South Broadway, another on 2nd Street SW, and a fourth on 4th Street SW, there is a Cafe Steam easily accessible to everyone. Cafe Steam takes coffee brewing to the next level. Highly trained baristas work with the finest ingredients to create an almost magical experience. They have the traditional coffee, espresso, cappuccino, and latte on the menu. Their baristas also brew interesting espresso-based drinks like their Flat White, Pour Over, and Chemex. The cafe has ten different teas they brew to order, from White Peony to Imperial Dark, and everything in between (like Golden Turtle and Valley Peak). Coffees, teas, lattes, and more can be served hot or over ice. For a truly exceptional flavor experience, try one of their signature drinks like the Shakerato, which is three shots of espresso mixed with Turbinado sugar, then poured over a rocks glass. Taste the orient in their Spiced Thai Coffee: a combination of espresso, drip coffee, and sweetened condensed milk flavored with cinnamon, cardamom, and clove. Bravo Espresso This family-owned coffee shop has been pleasing patrons in Rochester for 28 years. You'll find them on South Broadway downtown, in the Shops at University Square, serving up all your favorite coffees, teas, cappuccinos, and espressos. Take a break from shopping and relax over a delicious, fresh-brewed beverage that is sure to get you back browsing the shops in no time. Lumen Coffee Lumen Coffee is a classic coffee shop with two locations in Rochester — 55th Street NW and South Broadway. Traditional drip coffee and freshly brewed teas are served up with delicious, locally made pastries and sandwiches. This coffee shop also offers adventurous options like Miel, Mocha Bianca, and Americano Bianco. Lumen Coffee also provides you with an exciting "Specialty" tea menu that includes London Fog, Lavender Floral Fog, and a White Raspberry Chai tea, among others. There, you will be presented with a variety of milkshakes and frappes, such as regular strawberry and a Matcha Frappe. With over twenty flavored syrups to choose from, you can jazz up your coffee, tea, or latte your way. At Lumen Coffee, you can choose from the "Specialty" latte menu featuring flavors like Fluffernutter, Almond Butter, Honey Lavender, and more. Machiatto, espresso, and cappuccino are all served up hot and brewed to order. With so many choices for coffee, it's good to know where to go for a good cup. Next time you crave a decent coffee and want to chill out, visit one of these three venues. Your taste buds will thank you.

There are so many restaurants to choose from these days when you go out for dinner. And when you crave Asian food, there are still plenty to consider. Here's a look at three of the best Asian restaurants in the Rochester, Minnesota area. Asia Fusion When you're looking for great food from the Orient, Asia Fusion is the place to go. Located on Commerce Drive NW, this breathtaking place has all your favorites. Start light with some fresh edamame, or cream cheese Wontons. If you want something more filling, try the spicy chicken wings, potstickers, or shrimp tempura appetizers. Entrees like Roasted Duck or Crispy Duck, batter-fried and served over steamed broccoli and fried rice, are sure to please. Other notable classics include Korean Barbecue Beef and Shrimp Lemon Grass. For the spice lovers, Asia Fusion has a zesty Panang Chicken in a Thai red curry coconut milk sauce. The Spicy Mussels are deliciously stir fried in basil. They also have a Red Curry dish of beef stir fried with red curry and bamboo shoots over rice. For the noodle lover, you'll enjoy the Ramen dishes, like Ramen Duck, Ramen Seafood, and Ramen Pork Rib. They also have a traditional Pho of beef and meatball. Mango Thai Located on South Broadway in Rochester, Mango Thai serves up some of the best authentic Thai food around. Signature starters like Mango Spring Rolls and Crab Avocado Rolls are a great beginning. Despite that, three soups on the menu - Tom Yum Chicken, Tom Yum Seafood, and Tom Kha Coconut Chicken - won't make the choice easy. For a great salad, try the Mango Shrimp Salad of grilled shrimp, mangoes, mixed greens, red onions, and strawberries tossed in a medium spicy red pepper herb dressing. You might also like the Pan-Grilled Tuna Wasabi Salad tossed in a creamy, spicy wasabi dressing. Signature entrees like Red Curry Sea Bass, Green Curry Walleye, and the Lobster Tail in a pineapple shrimp curry sauce will get your taste buds screaming for more. Mango Thai's entree staples like Cashew Chicken, Rama Spinach Peanut Curry, and Chili Mint with beef, chicken, or shrimp will keep you coming back for more. This Rochester-situated restaurant also offers eight noodle dishes, from the classic Pad Thai Shrimp Tempura to the unique Pad Woon Sen Seafood made with cellophane noodles, shrimp, scallops, and calamari. If you like curry, Mango Thai has a variety of curry dishes on the menu. Panang Curry, Massaman Curry, and Green Curry Mussels are just a few of their delicious options. Wabi Sabi If it's sushi you're after, Wabi Sabi is just the place for that. They offer a variety of the freshest sushi in Rochester. They have more than fifteen sushi rice bowls on the menu and over a dozen Ramen noodle, Udon noodle, and Pho noodle soups to choose from. Their stir-fried dishes with beef, chicken, seafood, barbecue pork, or vegetables are sure to satisfy. You can find Wabi Sabi on 12th Street SE in Rochester. The next time you crave great Asian food, check out one of these three restaurants. Your taste buds will thank you.

A great way to cool off in the summer is with a scoop or two of creamy ice cream, a cool sundae, or a palate-pleasing milkshake. When the craving for ice cream is teasing your taste buds, visit one of these Rochester, Minnesota parlors. Flapdoodles With two locations in Rochester, you're never far away from the sweet delights scooped up and served at Flapdoodles. Just a few of the creamy flavors to satisfy your sweet tooth include cherry almond, maple nut, German chocolate cake, cherry, lemon, and blueberry cheesecake, key lime pie, caramel apple, butter brickle, coffee chip, and many more. Whether you desire a single scoop in a sugar cone, a double sundae, a triple banana split, or you need a delicious ice cream cake for a party, visit Flapdoodles for a cool treat. Dine in, go through the drive-thru, or check their online calendar for their ice cream truck route. Carroll's Cup Your cup will overflow with sweet goodness with an order at Carroll's Cup. At the shop, you have a choice to satisfy your taste buds with a menu of frozen yogurt with a choice of toppings or pick your favorite from multiple flavors of ice cream. The shop is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Chocolaterie Stam Chocolates are definitely on the menu at Chocolaterie Stam, but the shop also serves generous portions of sweetness such as rich gelato such as double Dutch chocolate, flavorful sorbets, and a select menu of creative ice cream flavors. The shop opens at 9:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon on Sunday. Cold Stone Creamery When you visit Cold Stone Creamery, you'll be treated to hand-crafted made fresh and just the way you like it. Choose one of the signature creations such as the honey graham bowl, dough-lightful peanut butter, surrender to strawberry, mud pie mojo, and banana caramel crunch. You can also create your own masterpiece beginning with your favorite flavor ice cream and mixing in tasty tidbits such as blueberries or bananas. Ice cream, cakes, sundaes, yogurt, and sorbet is available Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dairy Queen Classic scoops can be expected at Dairy Queen that first opened its doors on June 22, 1940, in Joliet, Illinois. With multiple locations in Rochester, you're just minutes away from scoops and cones of soft creamy flavors, signature items, classic goodies, specialty items like the cinnamon roll shake, pumpkin pie blizzard, and assorted sundaes and banana splits. Take your next party to a level of extra goodness with one of DQ's specialty pizza like the M&M Treatzza Pizza consisting of a fudge crunch cookie topped with a thick layer of vanilla soft serve ice cream, sprinkled with M&M candy, then drizzled with chocolate. Dairy Queen is open daily with dine-in or drive-thru service. Whenever your taste buds are sending messages that an ice cream cone, a thick shake, or a gooey banana split with all the toppings is required to "make your day," stop by one of Rochester's shops for a cool treat. Image by Dion Hinchcliffe is licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0

When that 'special day' is set, there's no time to waste in making preparations, sending out invitations, and finding the perfect wedding dress. Consider perusing the gowns at these Rochester, Minnesota shops. Mestads Since 1980, Mestads has provided exceptional wedding gowns to Rochester brides. The staff is dedicated to finding the most beautifully designed and crafted gowns from around the world. From creative designers using top of the line fabrics to gowns equally detailed and moderately priced, chances are you will find the perfect fit when you walk down the aisle. Mestads can take care of all your bridal party needs including exquisite bridesmaid gowns, tuxedos, and assorted accessories. Use the online form to schedule an appointment or call direct to speak with a bridal consultant. The White Rose Bridal & Formal Wear Located less than half an hour away in St. Charles, The White Rose Bridal & Formal Wear store has an impressive selection of bridal gowns. Knowledgeable staff is always available with tips and advice to help you make the best decisions regarding fit, fabric, style, do's and don'ts issues, and how to stay on budget. The shop also accommodates the needs of bridesmaids, mother of the bride, flower girls, and purchase or rental tuxedos for the groom and best man. You will also find a variety of accessories from belts and jewelry to veils and gifts. Their online form makes it easy to schedule an appointment. Finery Bridal Chic Personalized service, attention to detail, and dedication to getting to know you and what you want is standard procedure at Finery Bridal Chic. Every step of the way, the team's focus is totally about the bride. With this approach before you even try on a gown, the staff is better prepared to offer tips and suggestions to make your wedding day one you will always remember. The selection of gowns is curated to suit the tastes of a diverse clientele who have a vision for their special day. Whether you find the perfect gown or need a gown customized, designers are ready to make your gown the most stunning it can be. Along with gowns, you'll also have access to white dresses, if that's your preference, veils, and other accessories. David's Bridal For one-stop shopping for bridal gowns and accessories, David's Bridal has been providing exceptional services since 1950. The international company provides a large collection of bridal gowns for all seasons along with veils and trains to enhance and highlight your choice. David's Bridal also carries bridesmaid dresses from designers such as Vera Wang and Oleg Cassini, dresses for guests of the bride, flower girl, and mother of the bride dresses. Accessories include veils, gloves, shoes, hair accessories, tiaras,  wraps and jackets, and more. You can even order your wedding invitations at David's. With help, guidance, and tips from knowledgeable and experienced staff available at shops dedicated to gowns and accessories, you'll be the picture of perfection with a wedding gown that highlights you and your special day in every way. Image by Office of Public Affairs licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0

Whether you live in Rochester or you're just visiting, if you're on a budget, there are still several ways to enjoy the city. Let's talk about some activities that offer maximum fun without breaking the bank. Cascade Meadow Cascade Meadow gives visitors a chance to learn about the environment, as well as explore it. The sustainably-constructed science center, situated along Cascade Creek, is home to several interactive exhibits that teach guest about conserving water, energy, and the wetlands. The sustainable building trail takes you through the process of how the center was constructed and how it uses storm water and energy. The center has restored 90 acres of surrounding wetlands, which you can enjoy as you hike the wetlands trail. Parking and admission to the center are free. Quarry Hill Park With 329 acres to explore, Quarry Hill Park offers something for everyone. Eight miles of hiking and walking trails, ranging from paved to rugged terrain, allow hikers of all skill levels to enjoy the park. The trails meander through a variety of habits, including restored oak savanna, limestone fossil quarry, and historic sandstone caves. You'll see downtown Rochester in a whole new way as you gaze upon it from one of the park's many scenic overlooks. Several species of birds call the park home such as Orioles, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, and Black-capped Chickadees. As you hike through the park, be sure to try your hand at hunting fossils in the quarry. Any fossil you find is yours to keep. Also, stop by the Harry L. Buck pond, where you'll spot frogs, ducks, muskrats, and other wildlife. It's also an excellent fishing spot. And speaking of fish, you won't want to miss the 1,700-gallon aquarium located in the park's nature center. The center also features live animal exhibits and an indoor beehive. Admission to the park is free. Movies in the Park What could be more pleasant than enjoying a warm summer night while watching your favorite movie? At Historic Central Park in downtown Rochester, you can do just that. From June to September, the venue presents Movies In the Park, a series of family-friendly movies that kids and their parents can both enjoy. Just bring a lawn chair or blanket and settle in for an evening of entertainment. While snacks are available to purchase, admission is free. Thursdays Downtown Thursdays Downtown is a celebration of Rochester's arts and music scene. You can browse works of art from local artists, including sculptures, paintings, photography, and glassware. Dance the night away to music provided by favorite local bands. Not only is Thursdays Downtown a great way to enjoy local art, but it's also an excellent opportunity to hang out with old friends and maybe make some new ones. While there are several vendors selling art, crafts, and food, admission to the event itself is free. These are just some of the fun and free activities available in Rochester. No matter which one you choose, you're sure to create some special moments and memories. Image by Chris is licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0