Rochester is a city on Lake Ontario, in New York State. Old industrial buildings cluster near the Genesee River’s High Falls, which form a backdrop to the Strong National Museum of Play’s vast collection of toys and dolls.
This museum is home to research facilities and libraries dedicated to the history of play and how it has influenced human learning. This is a fun and educational attraction that families can enjoy together.
Outdoors
Rochester is surrounded by water, which means the region has an abundance of outdoor adventures to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a scenic hike Shopping in Rochester, an exciting boat ride, or just some time to relax by the lake, Rochester has something for everyone!
Take a stroll through one of our many county parks or explore a unique geologic landscape. You’ll find drumlins, eskers, kames, kettles, fossils, and house-sized boulders scattered throughout the area.
Bike around Rochester on smooth roads and trails that weave through the city, up mountains, or through our pristine county and city parks. Biking is a great way to get outdoors, and the city has numerous bike-share stations all over town.
Food
Rochester NY is home to a variety of dining options for every mood and diet. From upscale American food to farm-to-table Italian cuisine, the city has something for everyone.
There are plenty of restaurants in Rochester that offer both lunch and dinner, so you’ll be sure to find something for you and your taste buds! One of the best restaurants in Rochester is Ristorante Lucano, which offers excellent Italian cuisine.
Other top restaurants in Rochester include Voula’s Greek Sweets, which serves vegan and vegetarian dishes. Its lemon potatoes and Horiatiki Salad are a must try.
Shopping
Whether you’re looking for brand name or boutique shopping experiences, Rochester has it all. With several area malls including Eastview and Waterloo Premium Outlets, you’re sure to find what you’re after.
A visit to the city’s Public Market is worth a stop. The market has been operating since 1905 and offers a variety of fresh foods and ethnic delicacies.
The Living Roots winery is a unique destination that brings together Finger Lakes wines with wines from South Australia. The menu is eclectic and the staff is knowledgeable about the different varieties on offer. You can sample charcuterie, Australian meat pies, and cheese platters. The selection of beer is also impressive.
Art
Rochester NY has an extensive art community, with a range of museums, galleries and artist studios. It is also home to a number of theatres, offering many opportunities for art lovers to enjoy live performances.
The City’s art community is a vibrant one, with the City Arts Team (CAT) and the Arts and Creative Community Committee (AC3) helping to support local artists. The CAT is working towards a vision of a city that is an artistic, cultural and creative hub for all residents.
The Museum of Art and Archaeology is a world-class gallery, displaying artwork from 5,000 years of human history. It is a must-see for art history buffs and is an excellent place to start your art and culture experience in Rochester.
History
Rochester NY has a rich, interesting history. From its early days of flour mills on the Genesee River, to becoming a leading center of innovation and education.
The city is also home to several of America’s most iconic companies, including Eastman Kodak, Xerox, and Bausch & Lomb. These businesses once dominated local employment, but today smaller firms are setting the stage for a new era in Rochester’s economy.
Rochester was a major center of abolitionism and women’s rights during the 19th century. Among its many famous residents were Frederick Douglass, Susan B. Anthony, and George Eastman.
