FOOD & DRINK

I know there is a ton of discussions happening right now about the downtown area in Rochester, Minnesota. Several businesses have been struggling and we've actually seen many close forever, including the downtown Newt's location. In the midst of all of the challenges, we are seeing new businesses pop up, including a new fancy dining spot in the heart of downtown.

ROCHESTER, Minn.-There was a farmers market today at Graham Park. A business called "Laurel Confections" had lots of different kinds of items for sale. Some cost less than $10 and others cost more than $60. All of the products were made from locally-grown produce. Lisa Schutz, the owner, has been selling at Graham Park for several years. She said it's important for us to support local farmers.

(ABC 6 News) – A mural paid for by federal tax dollars was recently taken off a Rochester theater. However, it was supposed to be permanent. The Walls of Color mural project was painted in 2020 by volunteers and members of the group RNeighbors with Cares Act funding to help give local artists work.

Chester Woods Park in Olmsted County, Minnesota, will offer kayak rentals through the Rent.Fun app this summer. Visitors will need to download the app to check out a kayak from a locker that will contain paddles and lifejackets.

ROCHESTER, Minn.-- Art Heads Emporium is encouraging attendees to “not be afraid to create”. Saturday they hosted a 'City of Rochester' painting class hosted by Willow Gentile of Lake City. It offered a chance to view and experience the beauty of Rochester through a canvas with a two-hour...

If you need a smile today, check out the video below of four babies that were recently found at a local golf course in Southeast Minnesota. #SuperCute. CUTENESS ALERT: Another Adorable Animal Spotted in Southeast Minnesota!. If you haven't heard, adorable animals are popping up all over Southeast Minnesota right...

Watch the Honkers on the road with other fans! Wildwood Sports Bar & Grill at 1517 16th St SW in Rochester has you covered! They are the OFFICIAL road game watch party location of the Honkers! Watch as the team travels to Thunder Bay, Mankatao, La Crosse, Eau Claire, Duluth, Bismarck, Waterloo, and Minot in 2023! While watching the Honkers, enjoy a large variety of food and drinks at a Locally owned business! “If you’re wild about food that’s seriously good, you’ll be wild about Wildwood Sports Bar & Grill!” Go Wild for the Honkers at Wildwood Sports Bar & Grill, the OFFICAL watch party location when the Honkers hit the road!

To anyone who is NOT going away for the weekend...there is a really amazing walk happening that I think you'll love. And when I say "walk", don't freak out...it's just a 0.5k walk...AND there is wine throughout the course. Yeah, you aren't getting that at the Med City Marathon. Get...

(ABC 6 News) – One of Rochester’s most anticipated summer music events returns for its 31st season in Mayo Park. Rochester Civic Music has released the band lineup for the 2023 “Think Bank Down by the Riverside” series which will take place every Sunday night from July 9 to August 6 along the banks of the Zumbro River. It’ll feature local bands opening for national headliners. The scheduled lineup is below.

After years of working out of her home, Jill Bondhus has opened a store in Kasson. Called Petals2Metals, she carries flowers, plants and salvaged treasures. Down the road at her 2,400-square-foot shop, she’ll also start offering classes. “When I would go to shows and sell, I would have customers...

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - Rochester Mayor Kim Norton today exercised her veto power to strike down a recent decision by the Rochester City Council. The Council, on a 5-1 vote with one member absent, approved a Counsel Initiated Action brought forward by 5th Ward Councilmember Shaun Palmer. It authorized the use of $50,000 from the city's contingency account to fund a 30-week pilot program to make Rochester School District gym space available for public use.

Mantorville’s Karlee Wynia called on her hometown roots to win an art competition. A senior at Kasson-Mantorville High School, Wynia submitted a pencil drawing of her cow, Mabel, to the First District Congressional Art Competition. And she won. “Karlee’s artwork stood out as a true representation of southern Minnesota,...

ROCHESTER, MN.-- "Imagine a concert pianist losing their hand." This is what singer Dani A'mor told her doctors when they told her it was possible that she could lose her voice. She started singing at the age of 4 and eventually became a singer by trade. performing jazz and soul...

ROCHESTER, Minn.-Soldiers Memorial Field Park will remain on the potential list of local historic places after the Rochester Heritage Preservation Commission rejected its removal 4-3 on Tuesday. City staff recommended the downtown park to be removed because of another out of state report that said it would not be eligible...

BTW, kids that get registered score some free swag and tips to help make their sale a huge success!

Mayo Clinic peregrine falcon program welcomes nestlings. The peregrine falcon chicks at Rochester’s Mayo Clinic were named and banded on Friday, said Mayo Clinic. Every year, Mayo hosts Banding Day – that’s when biologists check the health of the chicks, weigh them, band them, name them, and return them to their parents, Hattie and Orton.

According to a new sign that is up in Rochester, a new gym will be opening soon in Southeast Minnesota. W.I.P. Fitness Opening Soon in Rochester, Minnesota. If you've been looking for a gym and haven't paid for that membership yet, I thought I'd let you know that there is going to be another one to tour very soon.

ROCHESTER, Minn.-The 13th annual "Art on the Ave" happened today at a neighborhood near Slatterly Park. "Art on the Ave" is a spring festival meant to showcase area artists and musicians. There were vendors showcasing a wide range of artwork including small canvas paintings, coasters with some fun images, and crocheted dolls as well as musicians, such as Jason Evans, performing live music. One of the big parts of the festival was when people unveiled regional artist Tim Adams' handcrafted sculpture, which is the 19th public sculpture installed in that neighborhood.

FREE Family Fun Day Happening in Rochester, Minnesota. If you've got a child that is sensitive to loud noises, lights, or sounds, it can be a challenge to find fun activities to do as a family. I know because I've been in those shoes. Loud music and flashing lights are two things that are challenging for a member of my family and unfortunately, that is a lot of the world.

PINE ISLAND, Minn.-The first ever "Pine Island Activity Day" happened today at the Pine Island Elementary Track & Soccer Complex. The event had over 30 students participating in the fun. These athletes took part in a wide variety of track and field events. Their classmates were there to cheer them on. Also, each one of the athletes had a high school student helping them throughout the event. The event left Jill Petersen, the school district's special education director, feeling terrific.