#MyDowntownRochMN with Sam & Ariel Jensch

In our last #MyDowntownRochMN we had the opportunity to hear from Sheryl, a Rochester native that moved around until she found her way back to her home town. This week we get to hear from country music lovers and nontraditional High School sweethearts who share their love for a good company, food, and drinks. This is their #MyDowntownRochMN story:

Samantha: Sam and Ariel, thank you so much for taking the time to tell me your #MyDowntownRochMN story. Want to start off by telling me a little bit about the two of you?

Ariel: Of course, I’m a Rochester native and I actually met by now husband, Sam, when we both worked at the Apache Mall back in High School, but we took a little break when I moved around to Virginia and Florida for college. However, when I came back for Christmas one year he asked me on a date and the feelings came flooding back. So, when I graduated in 2012 with my degree in Dental Hygiene, I decided to move back home to be closer to him, along with my family. A few short years later, we are now married and live in Oronoco with our two fur babies, Barrett (a standard poodle) and Macy (a Shih Tzu mix).

Samantha: High School sweethearts to single to married? Sounds like quite the whirlwind romance! I’m happy the two of you found your way back to each other. Sam, do you want to tell us a little bit about you?

Sam: Sure, I grew up on Lake Zumbro and went to High School in Plainview and found my way to RCTC and Mankato State for college where I majored in business, however I ultimately changed majors to Forestry and worked as a Certified Arborist for five years, before I found my way to my current career as a Logistics Manager at The Furniture Superstore.

Samantha: Those are some pretty drastic changes in career choices, but I’m glad you have found something that you really enjoy! Other than working what can I find the two of you doing off-hours?

Ariel: Well Sam loves to go hunting, fishing, hiking, and he enjoys almost every sport. I, myself, enjoy spending time with family, friends, eating great food, and traveling to see other parts of the world.

Samantha: Those all sound great! Where do you typically find yourself hanging out with friends and family?

Sam: I really enjoy Porch & Cellar. Their ‘Happy Meal’ and Pickle Back Shots are so delicious.

Ariel: We also really enjoy La Vetta and Kathy’s for their rooftop views, Newts for their burgers, Half Barrel for their whiskey, and Chester’s for their ambiance and wide selection of options. However, our favorite would have to be The Tap House! I love their Shrimp Salad and their drink selections, but especially their Blackberry Mojito. It's also the perfect date night.

Sam: I agree, The Tap House is great, they have live music (which we always want more off) and their beer pairs great with their Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwich.

Want to learn more about Sam and Ariel's favorite restaurant? Click here to read our interview with Natalie and Christine, owners of The Tap House.

Samantha: All of the restaurants the two of you listed are such great choices! What other things bring the two of you Downtown?

Ariel: We love all the events that happen, such as Thursday’s on First & 3rd, SocialICE, Down by the Riverside Concerts, Chili Challenge on the Peace Plaza, the Craft Beer Expo at the Mayo Civic Center and really anything that includes live music.

Sam: I would have to agree, particularly events that include Country Music.

Samantha: All those events are so fun and I’m also a Country Music fan, so I would have to agree with you. Anything else you would like to share with me today?

Ariel: Yes, I have to send a huge thank you to Kent Gillespie and Premier Bank, as I mentioned earlier, we live in Oronoco, and he is the reason for that. He was amazing to work with on our home mortgage and he helped get us into our “forever home”.

Samantha: That’s amazing! Thanks so much for sharing your story with us today.

Want more #MyDowntownRochMN stories? Check out the links below.

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Disclaimer: the views, comments, and opinions located within this blog are those of the community individual, not those of the Rochester Downtown Alliance (RDA).