Find What You Love in New York State
Rochester, New York. Image by Sheridan Vincent.
America’s First Boomtown
The hidden treasure of Western New York, Rochester strikes the perfect balance between refined and relaxed, amazing and affordable, historical and happening. Nestled in the beautiful Genesee River Valley, and alongside the Erie Canal, Rochester was once known as “America’s First Boomtown.” Visitors to the third largest city in New York State today will be wowed by a vibrant arts scene, diverse cuisine and craft beverages, natural wonders, unique world-class attractions, and top-rated golf. Whether you hit the road with friends or family, Rochester has something for everyone.
Arts and Culture
From public art on city streets, to music, dance and theatre, Rochester is a city teeming with cultural abundance, and thanks to the many artists, dancers, actors, writers and musicians who call this community home, you’ll find creativity at every turn. Discover one of the most comprehensive and well-balanced collections of art outside of New York City at the Memorial Art Gallery, tour the art workshop meets museum at ARTISANworks, see a show at the Geva Theatre, or take in a performance by the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. Rochester’s public art scene also can’t be missed.
Cuisine and Craft Beverages
One of the top cities for food and beer in the country, Rochester is filled with scores of creative culinary hotspots. Known as the “Young Lion of the West,” Rochester drew settlers from around the world, and they brought their recipes with them. More than two hundred years later, the region is a smorgasbord of traditional and contemporary cuisines, and diverse ethnic flavors. Your meal would not be complete without a tasty beverage. With more than 20 breweries, cideries, and distilleries, and being just a hop, skip and a jump from the Finger Lakes Wine Region, there is so much to enjoy. Be sure to ask about the Garbage Plate while you’re here!
Family Fun
If you’re traveling with the kids or grandkids, Rochester is the destination for you. You’ll find more than 75 family-friendly attractions within an hour of Rochester. Play your way through the largest collection of toys, dolls and games in the entire world at the Strong National Museum of Play. Step back in time at the largest living history museum in New York State at the Genesee Country Village and Museum. Ride one of the country’s oldest wooden roller coasters at Seabreeze Amusement Park. Discover invention and innovation through hands-on exploration at the Rochester Museum and Science Center.
History
Rochester is a hotbed for history; you can stand in the very spot where suffragist Susan B. Anthony was famously arrested for voting, follow in the footsteps of renowned abolitionist Frederick Douglass, or discover the pioneer of modern-day photography at the George Eastman Museum.
While you’re here, you’ll be wowed by High Falls, a 96-foot waterfall in the middle of downtown Rochester, and find a breath of fresh air around every turn with more than 12,000 acres of parkland, multiple waterways and limitless options for hiking, biking, fishing, golf and more.
For more information, go to visitrochester.com.
This post is sponsored by ROVA supporter Visit Rochester.