Our no-gifts request is rooted in the hopes you can spend your buckaroos on some fun while you're in Rochester. We aren't having a formal rehearsal dinner and we're too old for our parents to pick up the tab for brunch. So, here are a few of our favorite spots -- we hope to join folks for some extra hangs while they're visiting.

Forager is our favorite place to get out in Rochester. The beer, the food, the vibes, the dining and garden areas, the staff are all inspired. And it's the only place you'll see me eat a salad, let alone rave about it. They support local art, music, and shenanigans. It is the first place that made us feel like Rochester could be home.

You don't have to be a vegetarian to adore this creative, bright, community-minded spot. You do have to love donuts, flavor, and a diversity mindset. Abe has a real vibe going -- and in the winter, we are always excited to attend his sauna/cold plunge nights. Not 100% safe on fertility meds, though. Oops.... now we know.

We're lucky it's a stone's throw from home -- and you're lucky it's in the hotel parking lot. It's a smaller restaurant, but their takeout game is fire if there is a wait. They make their own noodles, the service is fantastic, and you can watch cooking shows. Robbie and I recommend the Dan Dan noodles and the coconut milk.

Want to feel like you're on a REAL vacation? Step into the nearly-literal jungle for delicious Thai food -- you may not find the traditional fried bits and pad thai, but you will leave with something better. Like the lemongrass chicken, wings, or the coconut curry brisket. And the craft cocktails? Chef's kiss.

There's rarely a week that we don't flap a doodle. Don't get weird, it's a local ice cream shop and their flavors are off the CHAIN. These startled dairy-(and non-dairy)-slinging teenagers never quite know how to handle a 6'5" man skipping up to them so he can give boomingly loud reviews from his tiny-spoon tastes. Lemon cheesecake, key lime pie, and cherries jubilee are our favorites. Only creeps like malted milk balls.

Perhaps our worst-kept secret in Rochester. This speakeasy's drinks are too good to keep to yourself. Note that they do not offer standing room service. And rarely accommodate large parties. But if you want a small group outing with some of the truly best cocktails you've had in a minute, solve the riddle in the basement (down the block from Thai Pop) and treat yourself after we tucker out at home.

Craving Italian? Terza's chef learned to cook alongside his grandmother's apron strings in Italy, and it shows. They've got amazing lasagnas, entrees, FRIED CHEESE, and wines. We've celebrated good news and big birthdays here a few times. And their catering may be our new Christmas tradition.

The Honker is a Rochester staple that is like an IHOP with a bar. We are big fans of their cinnamon rolls (and eat them every Christmas morning since we moved here), burgers, and their (now discontinued) nachos.

Grandma's Kitchen is our favorite greasy spoon. It feels like real meals with real local folks -- when we want to get out of downtown's tourist trap.

Corona's Tacos - they're delicious, and the closest we get to the Southwest here in Minnesota. But they don't open early, so check before you go. If you're unlucky, the karaoke machine will be turned on and you can get grinded on by a dancing burrito.

Want a taste of Cuba in the middle of white-bred USA? Lord have mercy, does Francisco's have your back! Jerk chicken, empanadas, tacos, rice 'n beans, plantains, cuban sandwiches, grapefruit soda -- plus, construction is putting a lot of strain on this GEM of a business, so bonus points if you'll go out of your way to support them so they can keep feeding us for years to come.

We don't usually advertise the corporate joints, but you get a big discount if you stay at the Home2 Suites hotel, so that's worth mentioning. Be warned... service is mindbogglingly slow and the ghost of St Lous Bread Company would be ashamed of the new generation. But hey, you don't have to drive for it, so that's nice.

A way better cup 'o joe and breakfast sammy spot downtown on Broadway. But, it does require you to leave the hotel parking lot. If you're early enough, they'll sell ya a homemade pop tart.

These posh-aproned barista heroes know how to make a speciality coffee drink: lavender, turmeric... they're not trying to murder you with 4 pumps of sugar water. And if you're there on the right day, they'll sell you a flakey croissant with a flan center in it.

Local theatre is pretty special in Rochester. In fact, our dear friend, Ashley, is starring as Dolly Parton in 9 to 5 at the Rochester Rep the weekend you're here. She is a vision on stage and if you skip seeing us Friday night or Sunday afternoon to witness her perform, we can't possibly be mad at you.

Sargent's Greenhouse has a cute plant and gift shop we adore, that doubles as a bright, warm space to enjoy coffee from their in-house coffee shop (called Aqui) in the cooler months. They turned us down for the wedding plan, but it's still worth a stop for a pastry and a cup of coffee.

Spark is a local children's museum. They have things for kids as young as Charley into early school ages. We haven't gone yet, but it's right around the corner from us/the hotel by the mall & other parents rave about it.

Quarry Hill Nature Center - it's no Rocky Mountain Trail, but it's a nice space to get out and see some fall colors. They have short hiking trails, long bike/walking paths, and a small nature center to explore.

We spend a lot of time thrifting and boutique shopping. From Savers, to Kismet, Chappies, Clover & Rose, Refashion, Old Rooster Antiques, and Pawn America... you can pass a whole day chasing cheap thrills.