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Hey Rochester, hope your week’s off to a good start! An a-to-z local guide, a restaurant wish list with surprises, dumpling making for Lunar New Year, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Essentials every local knows: An A to Z guide to Rochester life highlights Mother Mayo, those ever present crows and geese, and what rent and everyday costs really look like for locals — read the full Rochester guide.
Most-wanted restaurant arrivals: Rochester residents share their 2026 wish list for new eats, with Popeyes topping requests after a stalled 2021 announcement, plus interest in Ollin Cocina & Tequila, EggFlip, and McAlister’s Deli — see the most-requested spots.
Historic high-rise rivalry: Rochester once held Minnesota’s tallest building. The Mayo Clinic’s Plummer Building led the state for four years before Minneapolis’ Foshay Tower took the title away — learn how the title changed.
Candy and toys combine: Spotted at Scheels in Rochester, a Fuzziwig’s Candy Factory is taking shape. Construction continues, but some treats are already available. The full sweet shop will be completed later this year — see what’s being added.
Gold & silver are hot: Last year was gold’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150%… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. Curious about precious metal investing? GoldCo has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial walk-in-the-door fee to x-rays, surgery, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could save thousands on your next vet bill with Lemonade.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
Broader availability for patients: Mayo Clinic in Rochester is now offering newly FDA-approved robotic nipple-sparing mastectomy at its Minnesota campus. The minimally invasive technique uses a small lateral incision and enhanced visualization to preserve skin and nipple viability and may improve cosmetic results, with options for sensory restoration after reconstruction. Learn about campuses and approach.
Your neighbors are Googling you: It’s uncomfortable but true — employers, new friends, even other parents at school pickup search names all the time. If something negative, outdated, or misleading shows up first, it can shape opinions before you ever meet. BetterReputation helps push down unwanted search results so your first impression actually reflects who you are today. And if it’s someone you care about, you can help them too.
Streamlining the city commute: Rochester Public Transit is proposing spring service changes to improve efficiency and reliability. Plans include discontinuing Route 102 and switching Route 505 to two-way service. Public input is being collected through virtual information sessions and an online feedback form. See how to get involved.
Gold is having a moment: Between inflation headlines, market swings, and growing global uncertainty, precious metals are (again) in the spotlight. American Hartford is currently offering up to $25,000 in free silver when you open a qualified account. They’ll also help you set up a penalty-free gold IRA with a lowest price guarantee, no buyback fees, and 7-day price protection.
Gear fix, fast: From school-band rentals and quick repairs to guitars, keys, and that sheet music you swore you’d practice, The Music Mart keeps home jams and kid rehearsals rolling. Friendly, knowledgeable humans included, ideal when music season sneaks up again.
A second opinion never hurts: Not every financial advisor is the right fit, and it’s okay to explore your options. Unbiased matches you with an advisor based on your personal situation, giving you a chance to ask questions in a free, no-pressure conversation to see if the fit makes sense. No obligation — just helpful advice.
Give your week rhythm: At Blue Moon Ballroom, cure cabin fever with dance lessons, social dances, Lumière Concerts, and private rentals when your crew needs space. Pick a night, learn a step, and remember that Minnesota winters feel warmer when you’re twirling instead of scrolling.
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📆 Around town this week
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
This week
🎷 Snacklebox @ Thesis Beer Project | Wednesday (2/11) at 6:00 PM – Swing by Thesis Beer Project for Snacklebox, an instrumental funk crew with vocals, serving tasty jams and crispy grooves. Think Cory Wong meets Tower of Power, powered by Rochester all-stars. Toss in a free will offering, and call it a good deed with a backbeat.
🎭 A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder @ Rochester Civic Theatre | Thursday (2/12) – Think your family drama is messy? In Gentleman’s Guide, a Tony-winning musical farce, charming Monty Navarro learns he’s eighth in line to an earldom and tidies the D’Ysquith tree, one hilariously ill-fated relative at a time. Expect razor-sharp wit, quick changes, and delightfully dark fun.
🍾 California Uncorked: Napa Valley & Beyond @ Total Wine & More | Thursday (2/12) – Consider this your cheat sheet to California wine, a guided tasting class pouring heavy hitters from Napa, Sonoma, and beyond. We’ll sip reds and whites without the pretense, compare favorites, and finally stop buying “the one with the elk on the label.”
This weekend
🐴 Olmsted County 4-H Horse Tack Swap | Saturday (2/14) at 10:00 AM – Whether you’re cleaning out the tack room or pretending you’ll ride more this year, the 4-H tack swap is your spot to sell, browse, and trade stories. Local barns, trainers, and vendors show off the good stuff. Snag a table early, space disappears fast.
🐦 Great Backyard Bird Count-Bird ID 101 @ Oxbow Park | Saturday (2/14) at 10:00 AM – Help real scientists protect birds from a comfy chair, not a blind. The annual Great Backyard Bird Count hits the Nature Center’s Wildlife Viewing Area, with a Naturalist to ID and tally, plus tips and fun facts. Binoculars, field guides, and limited seating are provided.
💃 Dancing Through the Decades: Eras Tour @ History Center of Olmsted County | Sunday (2/15) at 11:00 AM – Olmsted County’s History Center is turning 100, so they’re throwing an Eras Tour our knees can handle, with weekly dance lessons from every decade and a big dance celebration at the end. No partner, no experience, just good tunes, better company, and surprisingly affordable passes.
🥟 February Sunday School: Dumpling Making @ Bleu Duck Kitchen | Sunday (2/15) at 2:00 PM – Patio weather this is not, so cozy up to a second dumpling-making class with Choochoo-ca-Chew, in honor of Lunar New Year. You will fold, pleat, and sample your handiwork, then brag accordingly. Tickets disappear faster than the last potsticker, so snag yours.
Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Rochester report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 36°F – Low: 22°F – Precip: 0%
Partly sunny. High near 36, with temperatures falling to around 34 in the afternoon. Northwest wind 10 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 22. Northwest wind 6 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 37°F – Low: 26°F – Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 37. Northwest wind around 6 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
This house is wild
Set in a quiet neighborhood near schools and Hwy 52, 63, and I-90, this well maintained home pairs an open-concept layout with attractive flooring and a private, tree-lined backyard. The primary suite features dual walk-in closets, a separate walk-in shower, and a jetted tub. Everyday convenience meets comfort-oriented design and low-maintenance living.
Take a peek inside →
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🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we genuinely think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week:
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