Is Rochester, Minnesota the friendliest city in the Midwest? This city of 100,000 or so has a small-town America ambiance where residents smile and say “hello” to strangers. Perhaps there is a connection with the fact that millions visit this city, many for medical care at the world-famous Mayo Clinic.
A first priority is a tour of the downtown Gondo building at the Mayo Clinic, whose marble and glass architecture is spectacular. A magnificent display of Chihuly blown glass chandeliers adorns the lobby. Photos along the corridors recall the history of how the Mayo brothers, Charles and Will, followed in the footsteps of their physician father to develop surgical cures through thousands of trial and error operations. The renown of their surgical miracles was recognized by many world leaders, including President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. In the nearby Saint Mary’s Hospital, which is an integral part of the Mayo success story, hundreds of patients recover daily from operations performed by Mayo Clinic surgeons.
A tour through Dr. Charlie Mayo’s homestead on the outskirts of the city reveals much about the history of the Mayo family. The dual chair on which Drs. Charlie and Will sat side by side at the end of each working day—discussing their surgeries and plans—is there, along with many photos. Charlie and Will shared the same checking account through all the years, yet never disagreed about money.
To round out the Rochester tour of medical history, visit the History Center on West Salem Road. On the grounds is an early one-room school and an 1860s log cabin. Just down a connecting gravel road is a farm with an unusual collection of early farming machines.
The finest restaurant in Rochester is likely the Broadstreet Café, at 300 1st Ave NW, which has a first rate chef. Desserts are ordered first to allow ample time to prepare. The seasonal rhubarb turnovers with strawberry puree and signature vanilla bean ice cream are to die for. The continental entrees, such as grouper with risotto and fresh asparagus, are equally delicious. A salad of dark green leaves with unusually interesting dressing accompanies the main course along with fresh, crusty bread. The extensive wine list includes an excellent house wine at moderate cost. The overall cost per person will be in the $50 range.
The Radisson Hotel has the best Sunday brunch in Rochester. A dazzling buffet of breakfast and lunch items is presented along with many fancy desserts, at a very reasonable price.
Rochester has numerous hiking and biking trails within the city that go through natural areas and along the rivers. The locations are not well marked, so pick up a city map in advance.
One can easily spend several days exploring the city. The downtown has a network of interconnected tunnels between the medical buildings, shopping areas, restaurants, and hotels. The tunnels are particularly advantageous in the cold winters. A high quality chocolate shop at the end of one of the tunnels is a delightful find.
