Rochester, Minnesota is not known for much else than being home to the world-renowned Mayo Clinic. We don't have a crazy cool waterpark or amusement park. The only artists that come play at our arena are not exactly considered "in". But one thing that is true for many people who have lived or live in Rochester is that we love our city and that we take great pride in all things Rochester.

1. You have a strong allegiance to only one of the high schools.

Century, John Marshall, and Mayo are all great schools in their own ways. The students at each school take pride in different things, but never fail to think that their school is by far the best. The rivalry between the three is unreal and sporting events that include two of the schools are always highlights.

2. Down By The Riverside brings all ages and music lovers together.

We are lucky enough to have a music-festival that spans nearly the entire summer. Even if we don't like the genre we have a tendency to go and enjoy just being with thousands of other music lovers from Rochester.

3. Thursdays on First (and Third) is the place to be every Thursday during the summer.

Although Thursdays (as we call it in Rochester) started less than ten years ago it has become a staple for every Rochester-ite on Thursday. Mayo employees go for lunch, high school students go to get out of the house, and parents take their kids to distract them from Netflix.

4. Dunn Bros and Brueggers are the go-to spots for Century students during lunch.

I don't necessarily know of the places to be during lunch for JM or Mayo, but I know for Century students these were the places to be. Whether we couldn't stand the cafeteria food any longer, or we just got our licenses and wanted to show off our skills to our friends these were conveniently just down the hill for our enjoyment.

5. When Bowlocity opened we finally had something to do besides going to the movies during the winter.

Who knew laser tag would attract such an audience? Well the owners of Bowlocity certainly did. It was miracle-like when high school students suddenly had an option on the weekends besides seeing the newest release for the hundredth time.

6. The Mayo Clinic seems normal.

If you ask anyone living in Rochester there's a good chance they or someone they're related to works at the Mayo Clinic. For many people living in Rochester it doesn't seem like anything special--just our everyday clinic, but when famous politicians and actors come for a visit we are reminding just how fortunate we are to have it as our family clinic.

7. Carroll's Corn is heaven on Earth.

We are lucky not only to have the best hospital in the country, but the best popcorn as well (in my humble opinion). Carroll's Corn's famous popcorn never fails to make my day and everyone else's passing through Rochester. They have perfected the mix of cheese, caramel, and normal popcorn into an amazing snack.

8. The best burgers aren't found at Five Guys, McDonald's, or Wendy's, but at Newt's.

There is something about eating a Newt's burger that makes just about anything better. (Their Bacon Cheeseburger is my all-time favorite) And the free bowls of popcorn makes the experience even better.

6. The best gelato can be found at Chocolaterie Stam.

A staple of Thursdays and of University Square no better gelato is yet to be found in Rochester.

7. The best pizza is at Forager.

And pretty much any food you could want. Forager's has the best pizza I have had to date and the atmosphere is amazing. If you ever stop by I highly recommend the Pile of Fries as well.

8. If you are a high school student and have a job there's a pretty good chance it's either at the RAC or at Hy-Vee.

I think that majority of my friends in high school worked at one of the two. Each had their benefits. Hy-Vee hires 15 year olds so it was a perfect fit for the ambitious sophomore and the RAC (Rochester Athletic Club) provides a free membership to its employees.

9. Silver Lake isn't really a lake.

We live in one of the two counties in Minnesota that doesn't have a natural lake. So Olmsted County is effectively the land of no lakes. We try to make do with Silver Lake, but the goose poop kind of ruins the aesthetic.

10. Our swimming options are limited to Chester Woods or Foster Arends.

Unless you are willing to put in the time to go to Whitewater State Park and brave the freezing water these are your two options. Both are unique in their own ways and work just fine on a 90 degree day with 90% humidity.

11. Sledding at Judd Hill is always one of the highlights of your winter.

Sledding doesn't get much better than Judd Hill and it's fun for any age. Just hold on tight!

12. The seats at Paragon were the talk of the town when they were installed.

They are so comfy you could take a nap in them. Who knew that they needed a reclining comfy leather chair to truly enjoy a movie?

13. Five West and The Loop are two of the best places for a quality dining experience.

I'm not much of an expert, but every time I have gone to either place with a group of 20 high schoolers dressed up for Homecoming or Prom the staff was nothing short of amazing (for putting up with us) and the food is always of the highest quality.

14. The Nordic Ski Team keeps growing (and getting better)

I started Nordic Skiing my sophomore year of high school and haven't looked back. Each year the team grows bigger and bigger because of the fantastic coaches and the friendliness of the program. Talk to anyone and there's a good chance they'll know at least one person on the team.

15. Each high school is known for its own thing.

Each has it's own "style". Now that I've graduated I can say that each is a great school in every way, but each school excels in different aspects. And in my opinion all are equally important. From personal experience Century is known as the "brains and bandies" of Rochester. Mayo is the "athletic" school (they are really good at pretty much every sport). And JM is leagues ahead in generosity (they constantly raise almost double the other schools during our fundraising weeks) and school spirit.