The best way to spend a day in Rochester

Maya Giron / Post Bulletin By Kaity Young Today at 5:00 AM Listen Share Share this article Share Facebook X LinkedIn Email Print News Promotion News Promotion An article written by the newsroom that draws attention to other article(s) of interest. The Trust Project What is this? A free day in Rochester is packed with potential. From delicious dining destinations to trendy boutiques and family fun spots, there's no shortage of things to do. Plan your next free day in Rochester with these Best of the Best winners that residents swear by. ADVERTISEMENT Rise and grind If you're the kind of person who likes to start your day with some athletic training, head to Burn Boot Camp for a 45-minute workout. They offer alternating High-Intensity Interval Training and strength training days. Drop in for a class to try it out and start your day on the right foot. Joe Ahlquist / Post Bulletin Find your morning perk-up at Cafe Steam. Try their rich and delicious Mocha or a Spice Thai Coffee with sweetened condensed milk, cinnamon, cardamom and clove. For the best breakfast in town, head to Hollandberry Pannekoeken for a mix of classic and creative offerings. The namesake pannekoeken is highly recommended and is available with a variety of toppings, from bananas to bacon to rum raisin. Joe Ahlquist / Post Bulletin As if the pannekoeken aren't enough, Hollandberry Pannekoeken also has a lengthy muffin menu featuring classics like Blueberry and Almond Poppyseed alongside unique offerings like Caramel Mandarin Orange. Shop 'til you drop After fueling up, it's time to hit some of Rochester's hottest shops to treat yourself, find a gift or simply browse for fun. Real Deals is a local favorite for trendy home decor, unique gifts, and fashion-forward clothing and accessories. You can find seasonal home accents, outfits for everyday wear and even the ever-popular squish toys. Contributed / Dean Riggott Photography This boutique has legendary customer service that leaves every customer feeling special and makes it a destination for people who need a little help picking out the perfect thing. ADVERTISEMENT If you're looking for something funky and unique, Kismet is your must-visit destination. This sprawling consignment shop offers a mix of carefully curated clothing and home decor. Every nook is filled with a surprising knick-knack. Kaity Young / Best of the Midwest Be sure to plan some extra time for your visit, as it's easy to spend a long time exploring the eclectic treasures that fill this space. Refuel After crossing some gifts off your list or finding yourself something new, it's time to refuel before a fun-filled afternoon. Joe Ahlquist / Post Bulletin Head to Five West Kitchen + Bar for a creative and delicious lunch. Share the Herb Roasted Chicken Nachos with friends before digging into a Birria Burrito Bowl or Firecracker Shrimp Tacos. You can keep it light with an Almond Cherry Salad or check out their plant-based menu for thoughtful dishes that suit alternative diets. Flatbreads, burgers and other entrees round out a menu that has a little bit of something for everyone. Find more of the Midwest's best bites The Upper Midwest's top sandwich shops On National Sandwich Day, make your way to these legendary local sandwich shops for delicious bites you won't soon forget. 4d ago · By Kaity Young Grand Forks' favorite places to watch a UND game Whether you like to watch the game with a rowdy crowd or a quieter group of fans, these bars and restaurants across Grand Forks have you covered. Oct 28 · By Kaity Young 9 fall cocktails and beers to savor this season Whether you enjoy a classic, ice-cold beer on a fall evening or like to sip a creative cocktail featuring iconic fall flavors, you'll find something to suit your palate on this list. Oct 26 · By Kaity Young Bite into autumn with these fall pastries Fall pastries are here! Find rolls, bars, donuts and cookies packed with pumpkin, caramel, pecans and cinnamon at some of the Upper Midwest's favorite bakeries. Oct 19 · By Kaity Young The best way to spend a day in Duluth Plan your day of shopping, food and fun in the Duluth area with these 2026 Best of the Best winners! Oct 16 · By Kaity Young Where to find the best apps on game day Discover where to find the best appetizers to share with friends while you root for your favorite team. Sep 21 · By Alaina Bergquist Nightlife in Duluth: The best places to eat, drink and play after dark Explore the best places to spend an evening in Duluth and Superior. Sep 14 · By Alaina Bergquist Fargo-Moorhead's favorite places to watch a Bison game Whether you like a calmer spot or want a high-energy hub for your game day fix, bars and restaurants across the Fargo-Moorhead area have you covered. Sep 9 · By Kaity Young Wahpeton Deli celebrates 40 years of homemade food and community tradition Family-owned business credits loyal customers, quality food and hometown support for four decades of success as it marks its 40th anniversary. Sep 2 · By Shoba Dasari Find family fun For an adventurous afternoon, take a short drive to Byron to explore Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo. Visit Zollman Zoo first, as it closes at 4 p.m. You'll have the chance to visit over 30 species of native animals, most of which found a home at the zoo after sustaining injuries that would make it dangerous for them to live in the wild. Traci Westcott / Post Bulletin Then, explore Oxbow Park, where you can hike the trails (or snowshoe them if the weather allows) and check out the features of the Path of Imagination Playscape. This natural play area has music makers, a maze, a butterfly garden and more. ADVERTISEMENT If you're looking for a day of indoor fun, then you'll want to plan an afternoon at Bowlocity Entertainment Center. As the name suggests, you can spend some time at the bowling lanes, playing the traditional game or trying out duckpin bowling. Joe Ahlquist / Post Bulletin Head to the arcade to play classic games like Skee Ball and new offerings like Tower Island. You can challenge your friends and family to a round or two of laser tag or take classic darts to the next level with an hour in a Krazy Darts booth. If anyone needs a snack or drink while you're at Bowlocity, the on-site Sports Bar is perfect for snagging something quick. More family-friendly spots you can't miss! Can't-miss November events across the Upper Midwest From festive holiday markets and seasonal celebrations to family-friendly activities, discover what's happening across the Upper Midwest this November. 2d ago · By Alaina Bergquist Need fun ideas for MEA weekend? We've got you covered Find fun across Minnesota this MEA weekend with fall festivals, Halloween events and classic autumn activities. Oct 12 · By Kaity Young Make fall memories at these 7 Minnesota apple orchards Autumn = apple season. You-pick orchards across Minnesota are open and ready for visitors to harvest their own fruit while making memories among the trees. Oct 5 · By Kaity Young Staff pick: Find your perfect pumpkin at these Upper Midwest patches From quick and easy self-serve spots to places that turn pumpkin-picking into a festival, you'll find plenty of places to find your perfect pumpkin on this list. Sep 30 · By Kaity Young Your guide to fall foliage across the Upper Midwest Leaf-peeping season is here! It's time to take a drive, admire the changing colors of the season, and take a stroll among the changing leaves. Sep 23 · By Kaity Young Grand Forks' Mullally Little Links welcomes young golfers The course is completely free to use. Children's clubs are available for free, too. Sep 18 · By Maxwell Marko 2026 fall festivals you don’t want to miss Discover fall festivals happening across the Upper Midwest. Sep 11 · By Alaina Bergquist 10 cozy cabins and lodges for a fall getaway Whether you're looking for