For some people, New Year’s Resolutions give them the focus they need to start the year out strong. For others, resolutions may feel more like a burden than an inspiration. In lieu of resolutions, I’ve instead kept track of all of the new things that I’ve done, tried, and learned each year. It’s given a different focus for each year that helps maintain a growth mindset, making learning or trying something new— no matter how small—into something to recognize and celebrate. Lean into the new year and try one new thing or a dozen—the freedom is yours!
Free/Low Cost
Geocaching
Yes, geocaching is still alive and well, and a fun way to explore the outdoors right here in our own community! For those not familiar, geocaching is like a treasure hunt; items (‘caches’) are hidden in public places and spaces worldwide. Use the app to geo-locate, sign the log and record your find. The geocaching app is free, and there are hundreds of geocaches right here in Rochester. For even more available caches, the upgraded app ($40/year) offers hundreds more. Get outside and get hunting!
Walking/Jogging
Whether you’ve never been a walker, or are a dedicated walker, there’s always so much more to explore and see. Start small by walking on your street or in your neighborhood. Wave to neighbors, admire gardens, say hello to the dogs. Walk alone, with a 4-legged companion, or make a walking date with friends/family. Branch out and explore other neighborhoods or the city’s extensive trail system. Visit city parks, walk through county park systems, and so much more. Add some challenge to your walk with a little jogging here and there, or ramp up to a run!
Biking
Rochester has over 85 miles of paved, interconnected bike trails, making biking a great and accessible way to have an adventure right here at home. Dust off that old bike, air up the tires, grab your helmet and go! For longer trails with beautiful views, check out the Douglas Trail, and the Great River Ridge Trail.
Visit State Parks
$35 will get you a full year park pass, or spend $7 for a day pass. Minnesota has 64 State Parks to explore, in every corner of the state. Visit nearby state parks, or make a weekend trip north—you won’t be disappointed with the natural beauty of our home state.
Game night/ BINGO/ Trivia at Local Breweries
Local breweries around Rochester host weekly game and trivia nights: no signup required, free to join. Show up and learn to play a new board game, or take a group of friends to pool your knowledge for a chance at a Trivia Night win. Play and shout BINGO! for the first time in your adult life. Find them all on our Event Calendar.
Pickleball
Pickleball is storming the country as the fastest growing sport, and it’s surprisingly simple and easy to play. The whiffle ball slows the pace of play and the amount of bounce, making learning and playing much more fun—even for those of us who hated/failed the tennis unit in gym class. Playing pairs makes it twice as fun! There are several free courts to play at around town, and leagues to join for all abilities. Pickleball paddles and balls are all that is required to play, and can be purchased very inexpensively.
$5 5k- Terraloco
Want to run a 5k, but intimidated by the big races? Terraloco’s $5 5k is just the thing! With weekly fun-run 5ks on Monday nights spring though fall, it’s all of the joy of accomplishment with zero pressure. No advance sign-up is required, and the $5 fee goes directly to local non-profit organizations doing great work in our community. It’s a win-win-win! Runners, joggers, and walkers of all levels are welcome in this encouraging environment.
Try New Recipes
Want to be more confident in the kitchen, or just tired of cooking the same 8 meals on a rotation? Mix it up with a new recipe (or several)! Whether it’s trying a new flavor or spice, a new cooking technique, or trying vegetarian/vegan cooking, there’s no limit to the amount that you can learn! Even reading up on or watching videos to perfect something as simple as scrambled eggs will be a gift to yourself for the rest of time.
Rochester Public Library
The Rochester Public Library is a gem in our community and offers endless opportunities to grow, connect, and learn. Each month RPL hosts dozens of events, groups, and gatherings for a wide variety of interests. Join one of many book clubs, the craft club, or art club. Sit in on a parenting support group, attend family events, storytimes, and more. Of course, the library also offers a myriad of ways to learn through books, audiobooks, music, movies, and more.
Volunteering
Volunteering is an amazing way to give back to our community while also learning and growing as a person. Hear other people’s stories, learn about the work being done behind the scenes to help those in need, and gain new skills along the way. Building connections with people in the community is always a valuable use of time.
Podcasts
Podcasts are a fascinating way to learn about all kinds of subjects. With deep dives into everything imaginable from history to science, music to movies, crime to justice, and so much more, combine podcast learning with walking for a boost to your brain and body! Don’t know where to start? How about the Rochester Local Podcast, where you’ll get to learn from people right here in Rochester and hear their stories!
Arts/Hobbies/Activities
125 Live
125 Live is dedicated to helping the community age successfully, and they offer a wide variety of classes, activities, lessons, sports, clubs, and more to help with just that. Some classes and activities have a cost associated, others are free. Contrary to what some may think, you do not need to be near retirement age to join—125 Live is open to all adults 18+.
Community Education
Community Ed is a one-stop shop for arts, hobbies, and activities. Whether you’re interested in an introduction to woodworking, learning to cook Indian food, trying your hand at pottery, learning a new language, stretching and strengthening at a beginner’s Pilates class, or exploring the universe at the planetarium, it’s all here at Community Ed. Classes are released for each season: Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer. Many can fill quickly, so keep an eye out for the registration dates.
Places to Get Creative
Lean into your artistic side and learn a new skill, or dust off an old one! From painting to sculpture, needlepoint to mosaics, and everything in between, there’s a class happening in the Rochester area to spark your creativity.
Cooking Lessons
Learn beginner skills, expand your flavor profiles, master new techniques, all taught by experts. YouTube videos are great, but nothing is quite like hands-on learning! There are several places that offer a variety of classes for all skill levels and tastes; here are a few:
Dance Lessons
Find a dance partner and learn some new social dances together– ballroom, swing, tango, and more are offered at local dance studios. Take dance classes in prep for a wedding or just for the fun of it! Blue Moon offers scheduled dance lessons as well as dance nights, where you can show up with or without a dance partner and join in. Short dance lessons are given prior to the open dance. Dahl Dance offers private classes and group lessons, specializing in West Coast Swing.
Martial Arts
Martial Arts is an activity for people of all ages. In addition to being a great workout for the mind and body, martial arts is a way to learn self-defense skills, gain confidence, improve coordination and balance, and much more. There are a wide variety of classes available around Rochester that focus on different skills and martial arts styles. Worried you’ll be the only adult in the room? Don’t be! Adults sign up for beginner martial arts classes all the time. You won’t be alone!
Go to Local Plays/ Concerts/ Live Events
Experience live performances and support local artists and musicians by attending shows around town. Each performance is unique, and a great way to try something new. Check out various genres of music; see a play or a musical; attend a dance performance or cultural event. You aren’t just a spectator—you’re a supporter too, and seeing art in action. We’ve got all of the area’s live events right here on our Event Calendar.
