Rochester might not be the first place you think of in terms of cities in New York to visit. And this hidden gem is one you shouldn’t sleep on. Though it only has around 200,000 people living there, when you expand your view to the larger metro area, there are about a million people. So it seems small at first, but it might surprise you! It was once a hub of flour production , and then for manufacturing. But perhaps most notable about Rochester is that it’s the place where some huge companies were founded. The origins of Xerox, Wegmans, Western Union, and Eastman Kodak call all be traced back to this small city in western NY. There’s also a history of political activity there, and it’s known for being especially important in the women’s rights movement.
These days there’s less of a focus on manufacturing (or flour) and more of a focus on tech, tourism, and education. And because of that, it boasts a ton of great things to do, see, and eat. So stick around, as Viewcation presents the best things to do in Rochester, NY!
Memorial Art Gallery
If you’re looking for the best of what Rocehrster has to offer in the fine arts, head to the Memorial Art Gallery. They have a world-class permanent exhibit there, for starters. It has great pieces from legends like Monet and Matisse. They also have a modern art collection with provocative works from current artists. One great way to experience the Memorial Art Gallery is to go on Sunday afternoon. At 1pm and 3pm they have free organ concerts playing Baroque music.
The Rochester Public Market
Founded in 1905, the Public Market is a one-stop shop for all things food and groceries. If you’re looking to load up on fresh produce, proteins, and all the sauces and spices your kitchen needs, you’ll easily stock up in no time. But if you’re also looking to just cruise the market and fill your belly as you go, you’re in luck as well. There are over 300 stalls set up at the Public Market, selling a large variety of wares. It’s open from 6am to 1pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and Saturdays from 5am to 3pm. So make sure you aren’t trying to stop by on any of the other four days of the week. And don’t’ worry if there’s inclement weather, because most of it is indoors. A couple of our favorite places to stop by and grab a bit of food to go are Juan and Maria’s Empanada Shop and Scott’s II.
The Strong Museum of Play
The Strong Museum of Play is part museum, part interactive experience. As far as the museum part goes, it has a ton of cool vintage toys on display from different points in US history. And beyond the old school toys, it also exhibits video games from different gaming eras. (Some of which you’re allowed to pick up and play.) And speaking of playing, the rest of the Strong Museum of Play is made up of interactive and fantastic play areas for kids. There are pinball machines, a Sesame Street-themed area, and a big make-believe supermarket as well. There are also some great areas dedicated to more scientific fun. This (among others) is one of the features that parents will also likely dig in addition to the kiddos. And what’s even cooler is that the Strong is currently undergoing a huge expansion. So in the years to come, it’ll be even more fun and filled with things to keep you and your family entertained for hours at a time.
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Check out the breweries!
Rochester isn’t just fine arts and museums. They know how to party too, and this is evidenced by their strong brewery game. For starters there’s the legendary Genesee Brewing Company. It’s been operating since 1878. And their Brew House is a great place to sit and have a taste of their offerings. It’s particular nice during warm weather, when you can sit outside and look at High Falls. But even the inside is cool. You can taste the beers while learning about how they transformed a giant warehouse into a beer-centric attraction. ROC Brewing Co. wasn’t founded in the 1800’s, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth a visit. It’s an up-and-coming craft brewery that’s located in downtown Rochester. Not only will you be able to taste their exceleltn beer offerings, but you’ll also be able to get a great view, since the brewery has floor to ceiling windows! And finally there’s the Rohrbach Brewing Co. Railroad Street Beer Hall, which was the original craft brewery in the city. Their large and varied menu is worth exploring, and thanks to their location next to the Public Market, you can plop down and grab a pint after checking out the Market’s 300 booths!
George Eastman Museum
George Eastman was the founder of Kodak, and while that name might not have the fame that it once did, it’s still an essential one in the world of photography. The museum stands on Eastmans’s estate, and is actually the oldest museum of photography in the world. And what’s better, it doesn’t just offer indoor exhibits of photographs. You can also tour the mansion proper as well as its outdoor gardens, which are gorgeous. You get a glimpse not only of the history of photography and motion pictures, but also of George Eastman himself. The Eastman Museum offers tours every day, and highly recommend going on one of the guided ones. If you’re a photographer, this place is an absolute must. But even if you aren’t, you won’t regret taking some time to visit this spectacular museum.
Get a Garbage Plate
Yup, you heard that right. You need to eat a Garbage Plate if you’re in Rochester. There’s just no two ways about it. Now, before you start calling the health inspector, you should know that a Garbage Plate is a nickname for a variety of tasty, yet quite unhealthy, dishes that Rochester has become famous for. It was originated at Nick Tahou Hots in 1918. There are several varieties, but it was originally a big plate full of fried potatoes and various meats, sauces, and condiments, covered in hot sauce. These days it tends to be French fries, Macaroni salad and hot sauce, with either a hamburger or a hot dog on top of all that. It might sound peculiar, but it’s utterly savory and delicious. And yes, it’s clearly about as unhealthy a dish as you can consume. So only do so if your heart and gastrointestinal systems are strong..
Ontario Beach Park
Let’s be clear – Rochester, NY, is nowhere close to either the Atlantic or Pacific Oceans. But Ontario Beach Park is perhaps the next best thing. It’s a beach area along Lake Ontario. It’s near the mouth of the Genesee River and is a great place to catch some rays when summer hits. There’s natural sand here so you can put up an umbrella, lay down a blanket and some towels, and pretend you’re by the ocean. Plus, the lake is swimmable, so you can cool off when the sun gets too hot. There are fun activities available too, like volleyball courts and a pier where you can fish. And in a fun throwback, they have a working carousel that’s been there since 1905, so the kids can be entertained for a while too.
Lilac Festival
Rochester is known as “Flower City” and this giant floral festival certainly proves it’s an apt nickname. It’s actually one of the biggest of its kind in the country. Highland Park, where the festival takes place, was designed by a world-famous landscape architect names Frederick Olmsted. He designed another little new York park known as Central Park in Manhattan. Not too shabby.) In 1898, 3000 or so people descended upon the park just to check out its blooming lilacs. 10 years later, the festival officially began. It now happens every May for 10 days. There’s live music, food, running races, and plenty of booth featuring arts and crafts. And one person is crowned the Lilac Festival Queen each year. Even if you aren’t in town in May, heading to Highland Park is a must. You’ll be able to stroll through an incredible garden, which features far more than just lilacs.
As you can tell, Rochester has a lot going for it. It may not be as talked about as other cities in the Empire State, but it certainly is full of amazing things to do, see, eat, and drink. If you haven’t check it out yet, you should definitely consider it. You’ll get a chance to hit up museums, stroll through a huge public market, eat a Garbage Plate (or several), check out a brewery, and generally have an incredible time. It’s a relatively small city, but it certainly has a lot going for it, and we highly recommend a visit!
So there you have it – the best things to do in Rochester. Now it’s time to hear from you. Did we miss any of your favorite things to do in Rochester? Let us know in the comments section below. And before you go, make sure to give this video a like, and subscribe to Viewcation if you haven’t already. Click the bell icon to stay updated on all our latest content.