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Spouses, Partners and Guests
Updated 4/29/10
Instead of coordinating official trips for the spouses this year, we’ve opted to list a number of opportunities available within a short distance of the hotel for you to take advantage of while you’re in Rochester. In past years the scheduled tours have seen fewer participants – partly because of cost, partly because of lack of interest. So, below you will find several activities, tours and exhibits that may be of interest to you. A representative from the Rochester CVB will be at the Spouse/Partners Welcome Party on Thursday to tell you about these, and other opportunities, to explore their fair city. We hope you’ll partner up and explore the town!
Spouse/Partner Welcome Party – 11 a.m. to Noon on Thursday – Join us in the Spouse/Partner lounge at the Kahler Grand for light snacks and friendship. Meet new people and become reacquainted with others. Find out what opportunities are available to you throughout the conference. The Spouse/Partner lounge in the Mayo Brothers Room on the second floor of the hotel. A CVB representative will be on hand to help you plan your activities
Thursdays on First! – The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. each Thursday on First Avenue between Second and Third Streets. Vendors selling food, drinks, jewelry, flowers, paper goods and more will be on scene, and musical acts will perform starting at 4:30 and 6 p.m. each week. Sidewalk chalk contests, puppet shows, and hula hoop contests are planned for kids. It's free, and right outside the hotel doors in Peace Plaza! The hours are 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Shopping! – The Shops at University Square are located just steps from the Kahler Grand. The freshly remodeled building has all of your favorite downtown shopping with an added twist, the University of Minnesota’s newest campus located on the third and fourth floors. With skyway access from the Mayo Clinic and downtown hotels, we invite you to enjoy Rochester’s best in downtown shopping and dining. (A side note from Robin: The mall also includes an incredible Barnes & Noble that's built out of an old theater... it's by far the coolest B&N I've ever been in. In my life! Ever!) Additional shopping opportunities are listed on the attached pages.
Italian Cooking Classes! – Offered at Sopra Sotto, located in the Shops at University Square. (www.sopra-sotto.com) Also, during the first two weeks of June there will be a promotion/special event, being hosted by the Italian Trade Commission, at the store. They will have artisans from Italy there to promote their work in many different kinds of items, from ceramics to linens to leather, etc. *If you’re interested in attending a cooking class, please let us know. We’ll set up your reservation at Sopra Sotto!
Art! – There are several galleries close at hand. The Memorial Art Gallery at the University of Rochester, the SE Minnesota Visual Artists Gallery; Rochester Art Center and more! A complete list of local galleries and exhibits is included on the attached pages.
Pampering! – There are several spas in and around the hotel. Take an hour to get a massage or a pedicure. Pamper yourselves while your spouses are hard at work at the conference. See a list of local spas on the attached pages.
Mayo Clinic Art Tour (self-guided) – Across the street from the hotel is the Mayo Clinic. Former patients and benfactors have donated significant original art which is on display throughout the clinic. You’re invited to go on a self-guided tour. It's free, and easily accessible to the hotel. Unfortunately they don't do guided tours for groups, but this tour is something you can do at your leisure.
Historic Tours – There are several historic venues in the vacinity that offer tours: The Mayowood Mansion, the Plummer House & Gardens, and Assisi Heights Convent Tour. See the attached pages for a list of local historical tours.
Segway Tours of Rochester – A unique way to zip around town and see the sights! www.ultimatesegway.com
Winery Tour – Salem Glen Winery is located just south of Rochester, and their winery tours and tasting room are open Thursdays through Sundays - which is perfect timing for our conference! You can check them out here: www.salemglenvineyard.com/index.php. This will require transportation – find a group to carpool with!
Spouse Tea – Sunday, 2-3 p.m. – Join us in the Spouse/Partner lounge at the Kahler Grand for light snacks and friendship. Make plans to keep in touch over the next year and chat about your experiences in Rochester. The Spouse/Partner lounge in the Mayo Brothers Room on the second floor of the hotel.
Children Activities – There are no formal activities planned for children; but there is plenty to do in and around Rochester. For more information, visit: www.rochestercvb.org or call the Rochester Convention & Visitors Bureau at (800) 634-8277. Children may attend workshops if supervised by parents, but they may not attend Registration Day Displays, Breakout Day, Shooting Program, sponsored meals, receptions or hospitality suites. All registrants must be at least 18 years of age.
