When the sun comes out in Rochester, the festivals begin–hence our adventure to Rochesterfest.

Not making it up.

27 food vendors, including corn on a stick, gyros, curly fries, a milkshake, and a Minneapple pie (that one was all me).  Hot air balloons!  Music!  Not a bad way to spend an evening.

Then it was off to explore small towns along the Mississippi River–Wabasha and Red Wing–recommended for their antique stores.  Lessons learned along the way:

• Olive does not enjoy antique stores
• Antique stores do not enjoy Olive

Given our canine passenger, we also had to take a pass on the Red Wing shoe store.  But the drive itself was beautiful–the Mississippi River was its compelling, rushing self, and the weather was glorious.  Also I found a chocolate shop, so the day was complete.

Mississippi River