Rochester, America’s first “boom town,” has a reputation for being the kind of place you’ll visit and want to stay. Over the years, the area has received numerous accolades including; Top Ten Vacation Spots (Money Magazine), Friendliest Place in NY (Traveling Mom), America’s Safest Weather City in the Northeast (The Weather Channel) and Ranked as Best Quality of Life in the nation (Expansion Management Magazine). There is a bustling metropolis, as well as a long list of great parks and great outdoors to enjoy when traveling to Rochester. Festivals and events are common throughout the year. Rochester offers a great zoo, amusement parks, a beach, and rich history. No matter your interest, you are sure to find something fun and unique to enjoy while in “Flower City”.
Durand-Eastman Park / Parks
There are many parks in the area to keep families and individuals entertained. Durand-Eastman Park offers activities such as hiking, golf, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and more. A unique story also accompanies this park: a woman in a white dress and her ghostly white dogs are said to chase unwanted visitors out of the remains of her castle. On the way to the park, there is a viewpoint on the lakeside path where you can see Lake Ontario. Also consider Letchworth State Park (East Grand Canyon) and Ontario Beach Park (Charlotte Beach).
Festivals / Events
One of the largest jazz festivals in the country takes place in Rochester. Established in 2002, the Rochester International Jazz Festival draws some 133,000 music lovers to the region each June. Previous artists include Nora Jones, Diana Krall, and James Brown. The Big Rib Barbecue Fest is every July from the 12th to the 15th. Seneca Park Zoo regularly hosts events like Zoo Brew (May-September) and Zoo Boo in October. Rochester is also known for the Highland Parks Lilac Festival in August; hence the reason why the city is also known as the City of Flowers. The Lilac Festival attracts half a million visitors from around the world and is Rochester’s oldest festival. Check out the Rochester event calendar and join in the fun.
Seabreeze Amusement Park
Established in 1879, Seabreeze is the fourth oldest park in the United States. Seabreeze offers a bit of nostalgia while being a modern playground with all the amenities. There are four roller coasters, eight water rides, and 85 rides in total. One of the roller coasters, the Jack Rabbit, is worth visiting. This piece of history dates back to 1920 and is the oldest continuously operating roller coaster in the US The park is open daily from 11 am to 6 pm. M. At 10 p. M. Between June and Labor Day. Adults can purchase their slide and ride pass for $ 26.99 with additional discounts offered online. Then prices go down according to age, height, and other factors. So be sure to make a stop on your visit if you’re in town while running and enjoying themselves.
Susan B. Anthony House
August 18, 2012 is the 92nd anniversary of the 19th Amendment. With that comes the Susan B. Anthony Festival that will take place between Susan B. Anthony Plaza and the Susan B. Anthony House. The house and the guides will bring you closer to a very determined woman who was fundamental in the fight for women’s rights. This Rochester exhibit is proud to bring guests the details of this civil rights leader, as well as others like Frederick Douglass. The entire tour lasts less than an hour and is located on the outskirts of the city. The price of admission is between $ 5 and $ 10 and it is worth it.
Cayuga-Seneca Canal Day Tour
While you will find many treasures in Rochester, you will want to take a day to enjoy a beautiful driving tour of the Cayuga Seneca Canal in the Fingerlakes region. The scenery is especially impressive during the fall season. The trip takes about an hour, but it will seem like it happens in a few moments and is great for wildlife viewing, hiking, and just about anything outdoors. The area offers excellent walking tours and boat trips. The area is also known for its wine production. If you have the opportunity and a designated driver, make wine tasting part of your trip. Rochester has many treasures. But, if you have time for a day trip, do it here.