This upstate New York city features top-rated cultural attractions, beautiful natural areas and a very special supermarket.
See everything from toys to lilacs to a grand canyon in the Rochester region of Central New York. Near downtown, go to the National Museum of Play at the Strong to marvel at childhood delights from the 1900s and beyond. Find the Rochester Museum & Science Center, Strasenburgh Planetarium and Memorial Art Gallery nearby.
The George Eastman House features an important photographic museum with theater, gardens, and varied still and film collections. Eastman, who founded Eastman Kodak, also created an architectural gem, the Eastman Theatre. Attend a symphony or theater performance or perhaps a recital from the Rochester City Ballet or the renowned Eastman School of Music.
Watch the Rochester Red Wings play baseball at Frontier Field and the Rochester Americans play hockey downtown. Enjoy golf and cross-country skiing at Durand Eastman Park on the city’s north side along Lake Ontario. Highland Park celebrates spring during the Lilac Festival with over 1,200 aromatic plants.
Take advantage of numerous upstate New York waterways. The Genesee River has etched the “Grand Canyon of the East” at Letchworth Park south of Rochester. Follow the river through Rochester to the downtown High Falls area before it ends at Ontario Beach Park in Charlotte, pronounced sha-LOT. Ride the carousel, swim, walk the pier to the lighthouse or simply enjoy the sun and sand. Have a hamburger and famous Abbott’s frozen custard before you leave the area. To the east is popular Seabreeze Amusement Park with rides and water slides.
Visit the Finger Lakes area southeast of Rochester. These 11 narrow lakes offer boating, swimming and pristine beauty. Canandaigua is a quaint city with numerous festivals. Nearby is Bristol Mountain for winter skiing and summer hiking. Take a wine tour around Keuka Lake to sample some of New York State’s award-winning riesling varietals.
Fly into Rochester’s international airport or come by bus, train or rented car. Once in the city, purchase supplies for your visit at Wegmans, frequently identified as the nation’s finest supermarket chain. Visit the flagship Pittsford store to see why it’s one of Rochester’s most popular attractions.