Cool thing to do in Rochester
I am increasingly bemused by the comments I hear of local people and students alike saying there is nothing to do in Rochester. It’s about time there was a grass roots review of the cool factor in Rochachacha and I’d like to offer a few of my own suggestions as a fresh off the plane immigrant. Have you for instance seen the tree house city in Henrietta? Since a small boy I have been fascinated by tree houses. You can imagine my surprise when I rode down Casa Drive in Henrietta and saw a mini city of tree houses in one back garden. We are not talking one little house up in the sky. No sir, Americans do things BIG. There are several of them connected by rope ladders, an elaborate network of pulleys and the like. Even the creators name is cool. Maurice Barkley. Check out the youtube video for more details BUT go ahead and take a look in person, you wont be disappointed. Please add your additional cool factors for Rochester in this post. I’m always looking for other things to do and truly believe that there are PLENTY of cool things to do in the area.
Check out a short video of it here.
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I think of
- Public Market
- Schoenplace in Pittsford
- Park Ave
- MAG
- First Friday (http://www.firstfridayrochester.org/), go to the tab “about”
- Genesee Country Village and Museum
- George Eastman House
- Sonnenberg Garden
There are several others but I don’t know what you like to see. Honestly, Rochester is kind of boring for singles but an excellent and affordable place for families.
Hi Benno – these look good – havent as yet been to the Sonnenberg Garden.
One of my other cool places is the top floor of the Xerox building (not an easy place to get into for obvious reasons). However – I defy anyone to see the Rochacha vista from that vantage point and not think it is anything other than beautiful.
There is never a shortage of anything to do in this city, especially during the summer months. Village Gate has become a favorite spot of ours – Friday night free concerts and this weekend’s free Bop Shop music festival. Bike riding the river trail, movies at Highland Bowl and Charlotte Beach, Party in the Park, Shakespeare at Highland Bowl, laser light show and fireworks at High Falls…ALL FREE. Anyone who tells me there’s nothing to do gets an earfull.
Hi Laura – another great list of things to do! Village Gate is an excellent place.
One of my favorite things to do is go for drives or bike rides along Lake Ontario and stop at all of the farm stands for fresh produce and other goodies. It’s nice in the summer and it’s fun in the fall for pumpkin picking, candy apples, etc. The Apple Blossom Festival is fun too.
Not to forget is Clothesline Festival at MAG if you are an art enthusiast. True that summer is best season for Rochester due to many festivals. However, most of them are quite similar which include food, drink, music, art, and, of course, meeting old and new friends.
Not to mention is German Fest that takes place in Spencerport between 7th and 9th. Go to http://www.rochestergerman.com/ You as Briton should appreciate German’s fine beer as I as German do appreciate some of England’s beers.
Unfortunately, there is no Oktoberfest this year for unknown reason, but I hope it returns next year.
I meant between 7th and 9th August.
Making a list of all your suggestions…..
Benno – I wasnt aware of the German fest – will check that out. There is an English fest once a week in the old toad – quiz night on Monday.
One of my favorite “unknown” thing to do in Rochester I discovered is the free telescope viewing on the roof of the Strasenburgh Planetarium at the RMSC every (clear) Saturday night after dark. Just show up and go check out Jupiter!
http://www.rmsc.org/Calendar/?date=07-25-2009&categoryid=0
My third top tip would be – and this is a big one – little drive out but worth it – Sodus Point Lighthouse – BUT go in the dead of winter (be careful – the approach to the house has no rails and it will be VERY icy). I have never heard icebergs moving against each other before now. It is truly remarkable.
A picture of what Sodus in the winter:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neilhair/3739366712/
If you’re going out to Sodus Bay, checking out the Chimney Bluffs is also cool (and free!). I love going for walks along that beach, and you can rent kyaks to get an interesting view of the Bluffs. Rochester does have some beautiful natural phenomena.
These are excellent things to do in Rochester, I was going to suggest the Sodus point lighthouse but I see it has already been covered. I am making a list to see these in the first year.
I haven’t been in Rochester for a few years now, but I always liked going to the Little Theatre to see an independent film and then I’d stop by the Spot for some coffee and live music. I hope those places are still around! The Bug Jar was always an interesting place to grab a drink for those who like the night life.
Golf, Golf, and more Golf. We have so many great courses, but public and private.
There’s a ton of great golf courses within the Rochester area. Some even hold LPGA and PGA Tour tournaments throughout the year. Golf Rochester Guide has a great listing by area. http://www.golfrochesterguide.net
What about the Erie Canal/Genesee River Boat tours? Those have always been some of my favorite things to do in Rochester. How many other cities have historic boat tours?
http://www.colonialbelle.com/
There are many things to do in the Rochester area. The public market is currently bringing in the local produce. It is a melting pot of people and runs year-round. There are also different events throughout the year held there. drive -in theaters can be found in Avon and Silver Springs, Letchworth park is breath taking –all glacier formed and often referred to as the “11th wonder”. You can rent cottages there all year. The finger lakes wine tours and area local festivals,Pick-your-own fruit at Green Acres in Greece (150 acres). Hamlin Beach State park and its beaches. Bike and foot trails along the canal, the strong museum for children, the planitarium,the garlic festival and apple fest, the bird migrations at Braddocks bay and the raptor society annual events ( hawks, eagles and others, a garbage platter, the yearly jazz festival, local micro breweries, the east end fest, the carousel at seabreeze (though not the original), or the one at Charlotte Beach.Sailboat races, Fishing derbies, The 3-day art show at Letchworth (the mother of all), our fall foliage displays, Waterstreet club with up-and-coming bands. Geva Theatre, The Eastman School of Music, The “Hill Comorah Pageant in Palmyra. Even if it isn’t your religion–it’s quite a show!Lucky restaurant near the Village Gate, Yes, the Bop Shop (my old neighbor Tom Kohn), sports teams: The Red Wings, Knight Hawks, Rhinos,Amerks,Razorsharks and Raiders. Our history of Frederick Douglas, Susan B. Anthony and Dizzy Gillespie amongst many other notables. Geneva on the lake and if you are really bored–a trip to Canada. Tons to do around here and you don’t need to worry about money. Just bring your water bottle! Plus our weather NEVER stays the same and it won’t kill you! There is NO excuse for being bored here, you just need to see past the end of your nose. Whew!!
Karen you are so right – lots here I wasnt aware of! Carl – I need to go on one of those tours, Colleen I love the bug jar, Adrienne – bluffs are also great, and as for golf – the place is surrounded by excellent 19th holes.
One of the best things about Rochester is the food. Did you know that you can get real fish and chips (and I am the expert on this given my heritage) at a small place off of East Henrietta Road? Infantino’s gets my vote for the best place for it on Fridays. Who says there is nothing to do here? I say eat! (many more recommendations to follow)
um…hello….people…..DINOSAUR BBQ!!!! Also Dibella’s subs.
Like rock music? Great GREAT House of Guitars is a must.
OK – for you foodies out there:
Dibella subs (something you really could almost drive)
Dino BBQ
MY FAVE: STICKYLIPS BBQ (think Dino with better sauce – ouch – controvercial me thinks)
Black and Blue – best steak Ive had in America (and I have had a LOT of steak)
Aladins in Pittsford’s Schoen Place (when youve had too much steak the week before)
GoodLucks (hidden – do you searching – exceptional food experience all around with Tapas style)
Marks Texas Hots (garbage plates aka of the Tahoe variety)
Virtu in Corn Hill (amazing cocktails and a great view of the canal)
Greece Chamber of Commerce network luncheons (I kid you not – at the Lake Shore country club – best breaded pasta I have ever eaten in my entire life)
Anything RED at Palmers meat market off Jefferson Road
Anything from Thom Wahls
Anything from Highland Hospital’s cafeteria (ok I probably ahd other things on my mind like the birth of my first child but I remember the food being excellent)
Wings from MacGreggors, Jefferson
Lunch buffet from Taste of India, Jefferson
Mario’s 32 ounce steak, Monroe
Pizza at Veneto on East Ave
ok break from list needed – Im hungry.
As a guy from Buffalo, the only two places I will go for wings are L&M Lanes, and the Coal Tower in Pittsford.
Another fantastic place I see missing from the list is Tap and Mallet, best beer bar in Rochester, an excellent and ever changing menu, and the walls are covered in art from local artists which changes monthly.
Bocaccini’s Brick Fired Pizza in Perinton
Wings from Jeremiah’s Tavern on Monroe & Avondale
Mario’s grilled calamari
Sticky Fingers in Canandagua
Don’t forget about everything in the Finger Lakes (and the Finger Lakes themselves). How about Finger Lakes Wine Country (over 100 wineries), Belhurst Castle Resort, Cummings Nature Center, Canadice Lake (great Kayaking), Boughton Park in Victor, Canandaigua Lake (beach area there as well), Victor Hiking Trails, Dryer Road Park (off-road cyclist park).
There is also Bristol Mountain, El Jimador Mexican restaurant in Farmington which is excellent, Wizard of Clay Pottery store in Bristol NY, which is all handmade pottery.
I could probably list more but that’s a good amount for now.
So many listed, and I’ve been gone awhile, but some of my favorites…
Tapas 177…LOVED this place, still miss it! Fun food, fun music, fun atmosphere, great drinks. (Yes, I just killed my parallelism…)
Mario’s Steakhouse for Sunday brunch…why oh why did they change the name??? Phenomenal buffet-style brunch at a great price, super-friendly servers (a couple even still remember my name!). Make reservations.
If you’re into the music, Club Vertex. Goth/industrial + 80′s at the end of the night. Historically a nice bunch of people (lots of regulars), 1-hour free drinks early on, reasonable cover, and not horribly crowded. Dance as you please, no judgments there. Been around more than 10 years, which is eons in Rochester club time.
Park Ave. Fest. Just a lot of neat stuff.
Mendon Ponds bird trails. Bring bird seed, hold some out in your hand, and stand really, really still. The little birds will land on you and eat from your hand! They especially like sunflower seeds.
Letchworth Park – beautiful waterfalls and photo ops.
Pittsford Wegmans!!! If you think I’m a dork for saying that, you’ve never been there!
I’ll give the southern tier a plug (1-2 hrs south and a little east…)
Ithaca — Purity Ice Cream (try the cinnamon), waterfall hikes, Robert Trent Jone golf course
Watkins Glen/Geneva — Racing, Belhurst Castle, all kinds of lake recreation. Fox Run (reds) and Castel Grisch (whites) are my favorite wineries in the area.
Waterloo Premium Outlets!!
And way out there, but worth the trip, the Sterling Renaissance Festival (north of Syracuse).
Oh and then there are the buildings. Have you all seen the mushroom house on park road? A must see landmark of Rochachacha
http://rocwiki.org/Mushroom_House
Top tip bumber 6 – Im assuming everyone has made it out to the finger lakes for wine tours? Fox Run Vineyards is one of my favourites – especially since the cafe is excellent (and the wine isnt bad either).
WINE? Don’t forget Wines by Design!! http://winesbydesigninc.com/
I’m living in NYC and people here tell me all the time you can get anything you want in this city. Well I feel the same way about back home. It’s a small homey city, but there is tons to do!! Rochester is truly an awesome place. Also, I agree with you about the food list in Rochester except for one minute detial… Aladdin’s on Monroe Ave is much much better. It may not have the view of the water, but everything else is awesome. Believe me on this one, I know what goes on behind the food
Welcome to La-Tea-Da! Tea Room and Parlour
http://www.la-tea-datearoom.net/page2.html
Lets talk shopping for a moment:
1. Parkleigh – specialty shop on Park Ave – Im amazed students dont know this place.
2. The consignment shops in and around town.
3. Antiek Journey – cool European furniture stuff on Culver.
4. The coin shop on East Henrietta Road (he’s an ex US marshal – dont mess with him!).
5. Craft company number6 on University Ave.
6. Beers of the world – Winton Plaza.
7. The nut house on Monroe.
8. The cheese and bread shop next to Spin caffe on Park.
9. The specialty cheese shop at the public market!
10. Peoples pottery on Monroe.
http://www.weroc.org/
Lombardi’s Italian Imports shop in Fairport by the canal has lots of delicious treats. Par-baked bread, homemade pasta, and a lot of other little Italian yummies.
Then there are the car journeys – has anyone seen for instance the nuclear plant on the drive out to Sodus via Seaway trail? I really pity people who live here for even the shortest of times and dont take that drive out through Pultnyville – some of the lake front houses are amazing and harvest time will see buckets of apples and other fresh produce in your car! The bay area is also gorgeous this time of year.
It’s been a while since I’ve been in Rochester, so this might’ve changed.
Being a student, it meant not always having the best of life’s conveniences. Like a car. But no sir, that didn’t stop me from doing stuff.
So you go outside the Library to wait for a Rochester Metro bus, one comes roughly every hour. It then takes roughly an hour to go downtown. Once there, you can wait for another bus (15-60 minute wait) while sharing a bus stop with the most interesting people ever alive!
Once you finally get to your location, you can turn around and repeat the trip — but don’t wait too long at night, or you might be waiting 1-3 hours for a return bus!
But this was a weekday bus trip. If this was a weekend trip, you’d have to make it out to the mall on Jefferson to catch the first bus. And the buses run once every 1-3 hours.
See? Just getting around without a car is plenty to do on a slow day in Rochester! Don’t know what those young whippersnappers are talking about…
Neil – you also need to check out the following:
Irish Festival: Camp Eastman Sept 11-13: http://www.rochesteririshfestival.com/
2nd
Irondequoit German Festival: Camp Eastman (Much larger than the Spencerport one) Sept 18-20 and 25-27 http://www.irondequoit.org/oktoberfest2007/index.html
Wild Hearts Catamaran: http://www.wildheartscharters.com/
these are excellent links – and sugestions – Bruce – very amusing! I remember my first stint here as a visting professor and used to catch the bus from the palacial grounds of Rustic Village. Struck up a good relationship with the driver who has since retired – but see him in the library at RIT all the time. Met some wonderful people on that hours trip into college.. (ten minutes in a car by the way)
How about nightlife – not much into tech/disco, but here is a list of Salsa dancing places. Small, pleasant, welcoming community of mostly international people:
Flat Iron Cafe, State Street. Free lesson then open dancing on Thursday nights. Small dancefloor but great atmosphere. This is one of the best in town in my opinion.
The Keg (below German House), Saturdays 11p on. Mostly open dancing. Another pretty good venue.
Tapas, Free on Thursday nights. Floor is not that great, but good place to check out.
Inikori Dance http://rocsalsa.com/. Check out the Sunday socials.
Tango Cafe http://www.tangocafedance.com
Rochester (and surroundings) is amazingly rich in things to do! Thanks for all of these suggestions. A couple of my faves that weren’t listed are:
Rochester Hidden Gems:
~ ARTISANworks – Rochester – http://www.artisanworks.net (think art museum on steroids)
~ Casa Larga Vineyards – Fairport – CasaLarga.com
~ Anderson Alley – Rochester – http://www.andersonalleyartists.com (4 floors of artists studios, open to public 2nd Saturday of month)
~ Craft Company No. 6 – Rochester – http://www.craftcompany.com (voted among Top 10 craft galleries in US)
~ Spot Coffee – 200 East Ave., Rochester – (So like a NYC West Village Coffee Shop)
~ Rochester Landmarks – http://www.rochesterlandmarks.com/landmarks2.html – An online tour by Richard Margolis
Other Regional Gems:
~Hurd Orchards – Holly – http://www.hurdorchards.com (Their special luncheons are amazing!)
~Ganondagan State Historic Site – Victor – http://www.ganondagan.org (Native American site with miles of trails)
~ Wild Wings Birds of Prey Facility in Mendon Ponds Park -Honeoye Falls – http://www.wildwingsinc.org – Raptor Rehab
I’m sure I’ve left out dozens, but these are some that come to mind quickly!