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Whether you live in the Rochester area or are just visiting, there are several natural wonders that you should take time to explore. Let's discuss these outdoor spots and what makes them so fun. Quarry Hill Park The 329-acre Quarry Hill Park gives visitors an abundant space to explore, exercise, and play. The park's eight miles of hiking and walking trails range from paved to rugged terrain, providing options for hikers of all skill levels. As you hike along the trails, you'll journey through such diverse habitats as restored oak savanna, limestone fossil quarry, and historic sandstone caves. You'll also be treated to stunning views of downtown Rochester from a scenic overlook. Be sure to keep an eye out for the Orioles, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, and Black-capped Chickadees. If you find a fossil in the quarry, it's yours to keep. After your hike, stop by the Harry L. Buck pond. In addition to being a great fishing spot, it's also the place to see wildlife such as frogs, ducks, and muskrats. During snow season, you can rent snowshoes and skis to travel across the park. Winter is also a great time to explore the nature center which houses a 1,700-gallon aquarium, live animal exhibits, and an indoor beehive. Foster-Arend Lake If you're looking to enjoy nature in a relaxed and laid back atmosphere, you should pay a visit to Foster-Arend Lake. With its population of bluegill, largemouth bass, and rainbow trout, it's a fantastic fishing spot. You can fish from the pier or take advantage of the lake's boat access. During the warmer months, you can cool off at the swim beach and enjoy a picnic. In winter, the lake turns into a popular place for ice fishing. Silver Lake Park Silver Lake Park is a peaceful oasis right in the heart of downtown Rochester. Kids of all ages will enjoy the Children's Adventure Playground. The park also features a wheelchair and handicapped accessible playground facility. The 1.8-mile loop around the lake is the perfect spot for jogging, biking, or just taking a quiet stroll. Be sure to keep an eye out for Canadian geese, ducks, and other shorebirds. For excursions on Silver Lake, kayaks, canoes, and paddleboats are available to rent. Silver Lake is populated with bluegill, black crappie, and white sucker, making it a great spot to try your hand at fishing. While swimming is not permitted in the lake, the park contains a lifeguard-staffed swimming pool for public use. If you're looking to engage in some friendly competition, you can take advantage of the park's soccer field, baseball field, or horseshoe pits. If you're into skateboarding, rollerblading, or riding scooters, you'll want to check out Silver Lake's skate park. Make sure to pack a lunch as Silver Lake is the perfect spot for picnicking. These are just some of the fun spots around Rochester that allow you to get outdoors and enjoy nature. No matter which one you choose to visit, you're sure to have a great time. Image by USFWS Midwest Region is licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0

The third-largest city in Minnesota, Rochester is a beautiful river community that's the home of the world-renowned Mayo Clinic. The city has many wonderful places to visit, including historic sites that are part of the legacy of the Mayo family. Plummer Building One of the important Mayo Clinic structures is the historic Plummer Building. The architectural masterpiece, which opened in 1928, housed the world's first integrated medical group practice. It's named for Dr. Henry S. Plummer, who designed the building and created many of the Mayo procedures and systems that are still in use today. While patient care is no longer conducted here, the Plummer Building is still an important part of Mayo Clinic in administrative, academic, and support areas. The bell tower, which houses a 56-bell carillon and lights up at night, is a focal point of the Rochester skyline. Mayowood Mansion Mayowood Mansion, built in 1911 by Dr. Charles H. Mayo, is a lovely historic home that's open for public tours on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays in spring, summer, and fall, as well as special Christmas tours. The 38-room historic home holds many pieces of decorative art and antique furnishings, with lovely gardens outdoors. Mayowood is at 3720 Mayowood Road SW. Rochester Arts Center The Rochester Arts Center does not house collections. Instead, the Arts Center offers temporary exhibitions and programs in contemporary art, such as the Emerging Artist Series, that exemplify innovation and creativity. The organization began in 1946 within the Rochester Public Library and has since 2004 been in its current home, a 36,000-square-foot building that itself is a work of contemporary art. The Rochester Art Center is located at 40 Civic Center Drive SE and is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free on the first Saturday of every month, when visitors can create their own art. Quarry Hills Park Quarry Hill Park has 8 miles of trails, a pond, a limestone fossil quarry, and a historic sandstone cave. The park also boasts the Quarry Hill Nature Center, where visitors can see 35 species of live Minnesota animals. The center has an indoor honeybee hive, a bird study room, naturalist programs, and more. It's an ideal place to take your family. Quarry Hills Park is at 701 Silver Creek Road NE. The park and trails are open from dawn to dusk. Summer hours for the Nature Center are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. The rest of the year, the center is open Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Admission is free. Minnesota Children's Museum of Rochester The three-story Minnesota Children's Museum of Rochester features exhibits and activities that use the power of play to spark learning. Creative activity areas and special events are featured. The museum is at 1643 N. Broadway St., Suite A, in the River Center Plaza. It's open Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. We hope these must-see places give you a good start on your next visit to Rochester. It's a beautiful community with so much to offer. Image by Michael Hicks is licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0

There's something about a nice Italian restaurant that feels special even before you eat a bite of food. Rochester, Minnesota, has a number of Italian eateries, and we've chosen three to recommend that have delicious food as well as a rich, rustic ambiance. Terza Ristorante Terza Ristorante is a local favorite that's known for its ambiance and decor, as well as a superb wine list, handcrafted pasta, delicious tiramisu, and the rooftop bar. Popular entrees include the grilled salmon, chicken piccata, and handmade gnocchi. Polenta, sweet corn risotto, and roasted fingerling potatoes are among the tempting sides. The poached pear salad features blue cheese made in Faribault, Minnesota. If you go for a pizza, try something unusual like the prosciutto and fig, featuring 600-day cured ham and dried mission figs, or go for an authentic Margherita pizza. Terza is at 30 Third St. SE. Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Friday and 3-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Victoria's Ristorante and Wine Bar Victoria's Ristorante and Wine Bar is another popular restaurant in Rochester, featuring a wide variety of Italian pasta dishes and dinner salads. The outdoor seating is a plus among guests who like to enjoy the view while sipping wine, beer, and specialty drinks. Victoria's has a huge menu with a range of price points. The seafood menu has more expensive dishes, including grilled Norwegian salmon and shrimp Italiana. Rich entrees such as chicken roasted butternut squash ravioli and chicken or pork tenderloin Tetrazzini are made with ingredients that show care for the dishes. The spaghetti carbonara is such a simple dish, yet it somehow warms the soul. The pasta menu also includes housemade pesto sauce you can order with your choice of pasta. Victoria's Ristorante and Wine Bar is at 7 First Ave. SW. Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Pasquale's Neighborhood Pizzeria Pasquale's Neighborhood Pizzeria serves authentic New York-style pizza and traditional Italian dishes. You can buy pizza by the slice or by the pie. Choose a traditional cheese pizza or opt for the La Fresca, an open-face square pizza with zucchini, onions, tomatoes, mushrooms, and mozzarella. The restaurant also offers two hand-tossed Sicilian pizzas, one with fresh basil and the other with basil pesto, and four stuffed Sicilian pizzas. Authentic Italian pizzaiolo selections include hand-stretched pies, including bruschetta, which features fresh herbs, olive oil, diced tomatoes, and Parmigiano and mozzarella cheeses. Our attention was drawn to an Italian specialty calzone made with a rich mixture of prosciutto, Calabrese, salami, ricotta cheese, ham, and mozzarella. Calzone and stromboli can be custom-filled with the same ingredients used as pizza toppings. Also on the menu are sandwiches, soups, and appetizers, including bruschetta zeppole, topped with tomato, Parmigiano cheese, balsamic, and fresh basil. To go with the meal, Pasquale's serves simple, affordable wines that a family might serve at the dinner table in Italy. Beer is also on the menu. Pasquale's is at 130 Fifth St. SW. It's open Tuesday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 9 p.m. These three Italian restaurants in Rochester, Minnesota, are enough to get anyone hungry for Italian food. We wish you a delicious meal. Image by Prayitno / Thank you for (12 millions +) view is licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0

You might not think of sunny, humid days when you think of Minnesota, but summers in the Land of 10,000 Lakes can get just as unbearably hot and stuffy as they get further south. Fortunately, the cure for a humid day is the same in the north Midwest as it is elsewhere: find some shade, sit in a stiff breeze, and cool off by eating some tasty ice cream. You'll find all the usual brands in town like Dairy Queen and Coldstone Creamery, but if you want a truly unique ice cream cone you should try one of these locations. Flapdoodles Ice Cream The founder of Flapdoodles named his ice cream store after the rather whimsical name his father gave to his boat back in Alaska. Flapdoodles currently has two locations, one on the frontage road across the highway from the Target plaza and one on South Broadway just past 16th Street. They also operate a food truck in downtown Rochester during the summer. Flapdoodles gives their ice cream a sailing-inspired twist by servicing sundaes with cones (sails) sitting on top, but you can also order plain sundaes, cones, pints of ice cream, and milk shakes. The Local Pizzeria You'll have to drive north out of Rochester along Broadway (and eventually Highway 63) for about 20 miles to find the Local Pizzeria of Zumbro Falls. Once you get there you take a left onto Main Street and you can't miss it. The Local Pizzeria is obviously proud of its pizza recipes and specialty combinations, but they're just as proud of their ice cream menu. Stop in for lunch with a large pizza or a hot sandwich, but remember to leave room for a waffle cone or a cake cone with two scoops of ice cream. CherryBerry CherryBerry Frozen Yogurt is a Minneapolis-based franchise that has started to expand nationwide. The idea for the shop is simple: guests can pick one of the many frozen yogurt flavors available and then mix in or top their froyo with whatever they want: sprinkles, berries, or anything else they have on hand. You can add as much or as little as you like, because once you're done you'll pay for your sweet treat based on its weight. That lets you control your own portions at the CherryBerry just a couple blocks away from St. Mary's Hospital. Culver's Culver's is another regional franchise that recently started expanding. In Culver's case, the business started in Sauk City, Wisconsin and has two Rochester locations, and both happen to be in Walmart plazas at the north and south ends of town. Culver's is famous for its Butterburgers and dinner menu options, but it's also famous for its tasty frozen custard. You can order a custard sundae in the restaurant or to go, you can get a Concrete Mixer with cookies and candy mixed in, or you can buy a pint of their latest flavor as you head out the door. There's nothing quite like eating a smooth scoop of ice cream on a hot summer day. That's why so many Rochester residents eat frozen treats every year. Image by Ruth Hartnup is licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0

Rochester, Minnesota combines the busy city center of a large city with the quiet suburbs and nature walks of the rural towns that surround it on every side. That means you don't have to look far to find ways to have fun in the Great Outdoors when you live in Rochester, or if you're one of the many visitors who end up in town thanks to the world-famous Mayo Clinic. Regardless of why you're here, there are definitely places to have some outdoor fun. Quarry Hill The Quarry Hill Nature Center takes its name from the old stone quarry that helped build some of Rochester's first buildings. You can still see the quarry if you decide to wander through the park, and you can follow the handy signs to find it. In fact, since those first buildings sat where downtown Rochester is today, you can easily walk to Quarry Hill from the center of town by following a paved nature walk that starts just east of the river. Silver Lake Silver Lake is just north of the skyscrapers but still well within the downtown Rochester area. Silver Lake is a human-created lake that was once used as a coolant reservoir for the local coal plant, and when the plant was in operation it kept the lake warm and made it a popular spot for Canada geese and other migrating birds. These days the coal plant is out of commission, but the lake is still a popular spot for both migrating birds and humans who want to enjoy a lovely walk or rent a boat to take out onto the water. Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo If you head northwest out of town along Valleyhigh Road you'll come across Oxbow Park. Oxbow offers visitors a wilderness park that's still in shouting distance of Rochester, and they offer primitive camping sites you can reserve between May and October. The park is also the site of Zollman Zoo, a modest place that displays a few dozen wild animals native to Minnesota. The zoo is an active rehabilitation center, so the animals that stick around in the exhibits usually have permanent injuries or are too adapted to life in confinement to survive in the wild. Cascade Lake The Cascade Lake Park is a relatively new addition to the nature areas of Rochester, Minnesota. The area is an artificial wetland dug out while developers built some of the residential apartments in the area, and it offers some lovely views of the lakes and nearby homes. At the north end of the lake area you'll find the biggest pedestrian overpass in the city, and while you're on the bridge you'll see two highways, a frontage road, and a nature path that keeps going north until it meets up with the Douglas Trail, a 12.5-mile trail system. While you can surround yourself with busy streets and tall skyscrapers by walking down Broadway in Rochester, Minnesota, you don't have to walk far to find yourself in a great spot to have some outdoor fun. Image by Tony Asleson is licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0

There's nothing that screams summer more than heading out to watch fireworks on the Fourth of July. It's exciting, fun, and tradition for the whole family. While Rochester, Minnesota, may not offer the spectacles you'll find in Minneapolis, the city's surprisingly amazing fireworks display allows you to enjoy the visual aesthetic without the hassle of traffic or crowds. If you're looking to take in the moment with family, friends, or that special someone, check out these top firework viewing spots in Rochester. The Salute to the Fourth Entering its fifth year in 2019, the Salute to the Fourth is Rochester's largest Fourth of July celebration. Before the celebrations take place, you can check out a BMX stunt competition, a food truck festival, a car and motorcycle show, kids' activities and live music. Following the festivities, fireworks will commence around 10 p.m. To get the best seat in the house, stake out a spot on the Seventh Street Bridge that spans across Silver Lake. Remember to get there early, as over 15,000 people attended the Salute to the Fourth in 2018. Rochester Honkers Game If you're not cut out for the crowds you'll find at the Salute to the Fourth, check out the fireworks display at the Rochester Honkers game. This amateur baseball team is part of a summer league for collegiate athletes to hone their skills. After their July 5 game against the Waterloo Bucks, sit back in your seat, relax, and wait for the fireworks show to begin. There's no better spot to see fireworks without having to move a muscle. Stewartville Summerfest Just 20 minutes south of Rochester, the town of Stewartville has one of the best summer festivals accompanied by a stunning display of patriotic fireworks. With a parade during the morning and food, music, and drinks to follow, you're sure to find some excitement on your journey to Stewartville. As a relatively small town, there isn't a bad seat anywhere near Florence Park. Just remember that in past years, the Stewartville Summerfest has only been open to those ages 18 and older after 9 p.m. Deer Creek Speedway Located in the nearby town of Spring Valley, Deer Creek Speedway is one of the top amateur and semi-pro race courses in southern Minnesota. On Saturday, June 29, head over to the speedway for exciting stock-racing action and one of the largest fireworks displays in the Rochester area. Gates open at 2:30 for spectators and the races start at 6 p.m. with fireworks to follow. Admission is $15 for adults, $13 for seniors (65+), $13 for students (ages 13 to 17), and kids 12 and under are free. For a high-flying good time, nothing beats fireworks night at Deer Creek Speedway. Grabbing a picnic blanket, a few drinks, some food, and your best friends to watch fireworks on the Fourth of July is one of the summer's best events. The only downside is that you only get to experience it once a year. Make sure to take full advantage. Image by Epic Fireworks is licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0

Rochester, Minnesota, was founded in 1854, and today it's the third-largest city in the state. With a history like that, you know the area is bound to have some fascinating sites to explore. The next time you're looking to learn something new, make plans to check out a few of these unique historical sites around Rochester. Plummer Building The Plummer Building opened in 1928, and now it's an iconic symbol of the Mayo Clinic. The building was named after Dr. Henry S. Plummer, a man who not only designed the building, but also created many of the medical procedures and systems still in use today. On the outside, the building's distinctive terra cotta-trimmed bell tower is a centerpiece of Rochester's skyline and contains a 56-bell carillon that plays daily. Inside, be sure to see the stunning beauty of the lobby that has marble from around the world. Plummer House Another fascinating building designed by Dr. Plummer that's worth seeing is the Plummer House. This English Tudor mansion was the former residence of Plummer and his family. Plummer started construction on his house in 1917. At the time, it included many advanced features, such as garage door openers, a heated pool, central vacuum system, and water tower. You can stop by for a tour of the house and to enjoy the beautifully landscaped grounds and formal gardens. Mayowood Mansion Mayowood Mansion is the former home of Dr. Charles H. Mayo, who was the co-founder of the Mayo Clinic. He built the home in 1911 and lived there until 1939. Today, this 38-room historic mansion is open for public tours. During the one-hour guided walking tour, you'll have an opportunity to view the extensive decorative arts collection and antique furnishings. You'll also learn more about Mayo, his family, and his work with the Mayo Clinic. After the tour, you can spend some time strolling through the gorgeous gardens. History Center of Olmsted County The History Center of Olmsted County is a great place to learn more about the colorful past of Rochester. The center itself includes two historic farmsteads, several historic buildings, and a museum. When you walk through the museum, you'll be able to see pictures, diaries, maps, and exhibits that showcase Rochester's rise from a stagecoach stop to a global leader in health care. You can also take some time to explore the early pioneer home and traditional one-room schoolhouse. Heritage House Victorian Museum See what life was like in the 1800s when you take a docent-lead tour of the Heritage House Victorian Museum. This Italianate-style home was built in 1875 for Timothy and Eliza Whiting. Today, it's authentically restored and decorated with Victorian antiques from that time period. It offers an excellent way to view some of Rochester's early heritage. During the tour, you'll be able to see period toys, furnishings, and clothing. Rochester has a fascinating history that's perfectly preserved and displayed in these historical sites. Check out some of your favorites to learn more about the city and the people who lived in it. Image by August Schwerdfeger is licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0

Now that the weather is warming and spring is just around the corner, you likely want to get outside and enjoy the season. Fortunately, you'll discover plenty of great outdoor attractions around Rochester, Minnesota. Enjoy the beauty of springtime by heading to one of these top destinations. Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo offer something for everyone to enjoy. The Zollman Zoo is home to over 30 native Minnesota animals, most of which have injuries that would make it impossible for them to survive in the wild. Some of the popular animals include a wolf, cougar, coyotes, bald eagle, and white-tailed deer. In Oxbow Park, you'll discover plenty of opportunities for some of your favorite outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and picnicking. Quarry Hill Nature Center The Quarry Hill Nature Center offers a variety of activities to learn about the plants and animals that live in the area. You can head out on more than 8 miles of hiking trails that range from paved to rugged. The Quarry Ruin trail has signs that describe the history of the park, and the oak savanna offers scenic views of downtown Rochester. You can also check out one of the two quarries in the park to see what type of fossils you can find. Silver Lake Park When the sun is out and the weather is warm, make plans to enjoy all the activities offered at Silver Lake Park. You can bike, rollerblade, jog, or walk on the paths that surround the lake. The park also rents paddleboats and canoes that you can take out on the lake. If you prefer to stay on dry land, find a spot along the shoreline where you can fish for bluegill, white sucker, and black crappie. Kids will have a great time exploring the Children's Adventure Playground or practicing their moves at the skate park. Cascade Meadow Wetlands and Environmental Science Center Situated on 100 acres along Cascade Creek, the Cascade Meadow Wetlands and Environmental Science Center has several trails that teach about nature and sustainability. The wetlands trail system lets you explore the unique habitats of the area for yourself. You can walk through the shady Hardwood Trail, stroll along the open Prairie Trail, and circle the lake on the Lake Trail. You can also head out on the Energy Trail to learn more about the center's renewable energy systems. Douglas State Trail The Douglas State Trail is another excellent place to get outside in the springtime. This 12.5-mile paved, multi-use trail was developed on an abandoned railroad track and crosses some beautiful rural scenery. When you head out on the trail, you'll travel through a scenic combination of rolling fields, shady forests, and open pastures. The trail starts in northwestern Rochester, travels through the small town of Douglas, and ends at Pine Island. Whether you want to head out for a hike or spend some time on the water, these top outdoor attractions around Rochester will make it easy for you to enjoy the beauty of springtime in the area. Image by bdunnette is licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0

Rochester, Minnesota, has been promoted as a destination for innovation and creativity. The city's art facilities and historical cultural locations provide an enriching experience for visitors. Here are some of Rochester's diverse attractions. Rochester Art Center Established in 1946, Rochester Art Center was first opened above the public library. The center has grown in significance and moved into its current, spectacular 36,000 square-foot home in 2004. The original mission of connecting with community groups and citizens to make Rochester a worthy cultural center has never been lost along the way. Temporary exhibitions of contemporary art showcase the work of local, national, and international artists working with a variety of media. The center offers workshops, summer camps, and the popular Free Family Days at which all family members are encouraged to create their own art. Plummer House of the Arts The Plummer House, originally called Quarry Hill, was built in 1924 by Dr. Henry Plummer of the Mayo Clinic. After his death in 1936, the Plummer family continued to live in the house until 1969. Built in the style of a Tudor mansion, the five story, 300-foot-long house has 49 rooms, 10 bathrooms, nine bedrooms, and five fireplaces. The furnishings in the house are all original. When built, the estate consisted of 65 acres of which 11 acres remain, featuring formal gardens, landscaped grounds, and a bird trail. The house features many innovations that were little known at the time, such as a heated pool, the city's first gas furnace, garage door openers, and a central vacuum system. The grounds are open to the public from sunrise to sunset, except during private functions. Tours of the house are available each Wednesday in June, July, and August. Mayowood Mansion Located on the outskirts of Rochester is the Mayowood Mansion, built in 1911 by co-founder of the Mayo Clinic, Dr. Charles Mayo. The 38-room house on a 3,000-acre estate was lived in by two generations of the Mayo Family until the 1960s when it was donated to the Olmsted County Historical Society. Ownership was transferred to the Mayo Clinic in 2013. The house is elegantly furnished with antiques of American, Spanish, German, and French heritage and features an extensive collection of decorative arts. Guided tours of the house are available March through October on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. After the tour, you can wander through the beautiful gardens. SEMVA Art Gallery South Eastern Minnesota Visual Artists (SEMVA) was set up in 1991 to support regional artists in improving their craft and marketing their work. The main gallery is located on South Broadway and features the work of more than 65 local artists. The gallery is open Monday through Saturday and displays paintings, sculpture, pottery, photography, glass, jewelry, and much more. Visitors are able to purchase some of the art on display. Various events are held throughout the year, and classes are available. These are just a few of the art and culture locations around Rochester, but the city has many more waiting for you to discover. Image by Michael Hicks is licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0

Are you looking to spice up your next taco night? Gather your friends and family, and head out to dinner. Rochester is home to a variety of Mexican restaurants to suit any palate. La Poblana La Poblana is at 909 37th street NW. This spot offers an authentic taste of Mexico seven days a week. Monday through Saturday they are open from 10 a.m. through 9 p.m. On Sunday they are open from 10 a.m. through 8 p.m. One of the menu highlights is their award-winning enchiladas. You can also enjoy their house specialties including a fajita platter and carne asada. If you are looking for a more authentic meal, try their sope platter. It is a thick corn masa shell topped with cheese, meat, beans, lettuce, and avocado. They offer a weekly coupon special. If you are in the mood for a taste of La Poblana, but can't leave your current location, look them up. They are now a part of UberEats. Taco Jed If you are looking for a laid-back Mexican meal, check out Taco Jed. The restaurant serves up delicious food in a flash Monday through Saturday. Stop by weekdays between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. and on Saturday, they are open from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. You can take your meal to go or have a seat in Jed's shed to enjoy your food and listen to live music or watch the game. Some of the menu highlights include a variety of breakfast tacos served with coffee to start your day off right. They also have nine different tacos for lunch or dinner to keep you full throughout the day. Don't forget to grab your chips and salsa or guacamole. If you are eating in Jed's shed, they have a bar that serves beer, wine, and mixed drinks. Hefe Rojo Hefe Rojo gives you a chance to have an upscale Mexican meal six days a week. Monday through Thursday they are open from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, you can visit from 11 a.m. to midnight. They offer two happy hours a day. The first is for mid-afternoon fun from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. The second is for late night visitors from 10 p.m. until close. Some of the menu highlights include appetizers like spiced yam fries for lunch. You can pair them with a California bowl or a Hefe burrito. They also have a Rojo burger that you can get on a gluten-free bun. For dinner, check out the mix-and-match tacos or chilaquiles. You can even enjoy desserts like a traditional tres leches cake. El Carambas El Carambas gives you the chance to experience a Mexican taqueria in Rochester seven days a week. They are a family-owned and -operated business that specializes in a variety of favorites for lunch and dinner. Enjoy combination platters that include tacos or chile verde. You can also enjoy seafood dishes like the seven mares which includes fish, shrimp, oyster, octopus, and crab legs. As you find a favorite place to eat, invite those you love to join you. Explore a new location every week, and you can enjoy a delicious Mexican meal in a fun environment. Image by Sarah Stierch is licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0

After plenty of cold weather throughout the United States over the past nine to ten weeks, winter is finally beginning to subside. In its place will sit spring which delivers warmer temperatures, nicer sky conditions, and soul-enlightening fresh air. With weather like this, it makes sense for many of you to enjoy the outdoors. One way you can do so is by embarking on a hike across a designated trail. Luckily, Rochester, Minnesota, is home to plenty of them. Here are four we think you're going to love. Quarry Hill Nature Center Located directly in Rochester, Quarry Hill Nature Center is home to eight different hiking trails, all with various terrains and scenery. Along each path, you'll find signs with descriptions that give you a glimpse at the history of the park. You'll also find amazing views such as downtown Rochester, the oak savanna, and the incredible wildlife in the surrounding area. And with so many trails to explore, Quarry Hill Nature Center is a sure crowd-pleaser. Douglas Trail If you're looking to enjoy a nice stroll and not necessarily a hike, Douglas Trail is the perfect option. It's a 12.5-mile paved trail that's perfect for families with strollers, bicyclists, and runners. You'll enjoy rural scenery with a mix of forest, rolling fields, pastures, and more. It stretches from northwestern Rochester to Pine Island and travels through Douglas, hence the name. A special secondary trail allows for horseback riding throughout the year and snowmobiling in the winter. Overall, Douglas Trail is perfect for versatile hikers who like to switch things up every now and then. Forestville State Park At Forestville State Park, enjoy the trickling of water flowing down a stream as you take a journey along its walking and hiking trails. Bask in the beauty of Mother Nature as you fill your senses with images of wonder and amazement and the scent of fresh, spring air. Located in Preston, the park offers a traditional landscape filled with trees, vegetation, and wildlife. You know, everything you come to expect from a placed called "Forestville." If you aren't in the mood for hiking, there are various tours you can embark on to discover the rest of the park. But for those in the mood for taking a stroll or hike through nature, this is the perfect place to do so. Whitewater State Park At Whitewater State Park, you'll enjoy a bit of a twist on the traditional hiking trail. Here, there are multiple trails to explore. There's the Trout Run Creek trail that provides an easy stroll through a local wooded valley; Meadow Trail that's perfect for hiking hobbyists which navigates you along the middle branch of the Whitewater River; and a combination of a few different paths all ranging in difficulty that take you from the bottomland, along the river, through the bluffs, and a perch overlooking the valley. Whether you're you're a skilled hiker or just a beginner, Whitewater State Park will give you an experience you've never had before. Overall, embarking on any of these hikes will guarantee a wonderful day outside in the warm, spring weather. We hope you enjoy yourself this season. Image by Ann Larie Valentine is licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0