Day Trips Around Rochester, New York

COPYRIGHT © 2023 DEBI BOWER

Gevany Publishing, PO Box 213, Rush, NY 14543

Published 2023

ISBN: 979-8-9874620-0-3 (paperback)

ISBN: 979-8-9874620-3-4 (ebook)

ISBN: 979-8-9874620-4-1 (audiobook)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2023904567

917.4704

TRV025050

Visit the author’s website at daytrippingroc.com/book

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the prior written permission of the author or publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews, social sharing, and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

While the author and publisher have made every effort to ensure that the information in this book was correct at the time of publication, the author and publisher do not assume and hereby disclaim any liability to any party for any loss, damage, or disruption caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. Please note that attractions, price of admission, hours of operation, company names, addresses, websites, and phone numbers are subject to change or closure.

Edited by Michele Elder.

Photography by Debi Bower. Front cover: Sonnenberg Gardens, Grimes Glen, Skaneateles, Durand Eastman Park. Back cover: Rochester Museum & Science Center, Colonial Belle, Holley Canal Falls.

Contents

Hello, Rochester!

DAY-TRIP DESTINATIONS

Rochester

Canandaigua

Naples

Letchworth

Geneva

Seneca Falls

Watkins Glen

Skaneateles

Syracuse

Buffalo

Niagara Falls, USA

Lewiston

East Aurora

Corning

Ithaca

WATER

Lake Ontario

The Genesee River

The Erie Canal

The Finger Lakes

Easy Waterfalls

Gorge Trails

Swimming Holes

Boat Tours

LAND

Gardens and Arboretums

Nature Centers and Preserves

Additional Parks

Farms and Farmers’ Markets

CULTURE

Theaters

Museums and Galleries

Street Art

Roadside Attractions

Annual Events

Additional Resources

Share Your Adventures

Our Caring Community

About the Author

Hello, Rochester!

As the founder and creative director of Day Trips Around Rochester, New York, I am excited to share with you some of the most memorable places to explore in Rochester and the Finger Lakes region. These are places that have made a lasting impression on me, and I hope they will do the same for you. Whether you’re a local looking for something new to do, or a visitor looking to make the most of your time in the area, I’m confident that you’ll find something here that will enhance your experience and create lasting memories. So come along with me and discover the hidden gems of Rochester and the surrounding area.

While much of the information provided here can also be found on my website, daytrippingroc.com, I created the book for those who prefer spending more time offline or reading books to browsing websites. Whether you are new to Rochester or a lifelong resident looking to discover more about the city, this book is for you.

I hope to inspire exploration, appreciation, preservation, and conservation of our natural and human communities. By making a deeper connection with Rochester, you will gain more curiosity and empathy for the diverse people, cultures, and perspectives that make our city remarkable.

I am in no way affiliated with the places I recommend, but based on personal experience, input from the Day Trips Around Rochester community, and trusted sources for ratings and reviews, I genuinely believe you will find something to enjoy at each place mentioned in the pages that follow.

General Ideas

If you want to change your perspective to inspire creative thoughts and ideas, try taking a leisurely walk or drive without a specific destination. Here are some suggestions:

Change your usual commute and explore a different route.

Walk through a historic district or vibrant neighborhood, such as South Wedge, Corn Hill, Four Corners, or Neighborhood of the Arts.

Wander through a walkable village, such as Fairport or Brockport, and spend a few hours exploring the local history, shops, parks, and restaurants.

Admire the beautiful mansions along East Avenue and learn about their early beginnings.

Bring a chair or find a bench to sit on and observe your surroundings, or sit in a bar or café and enjoy a casual conversation with others.

Find a roadside waterfall, such as Honeoye Falls or the Churchville Dam, and listen to the soothing sound of rushing water.

Visit all 31 libraries in the Monroe County Library System. Each one offers unique amenities and is in a different neighborhood, providing plenty of opportunities for exploration.

Stroll along Park Avenue and ask yourself questions about what you observe, such as Why is the road curved between Vick Park A and Vick Park B?

Fun fact: Park Avenue curves between Vick Park A and B because they were initially the straightaways of a horse-racing track, with this section of Park Avenue serving as the bend.

Helpful Tips

Visit daytrippingroc.com/resources for additional information, including maps, photos, and links to each location’s website.

Borrow an Empire Pass or a Very Important Places (VIP) Pass from any Monroe County Library with your library card, free for Monroe County residents. The Empire Pass offers free admission and parking at most state parks in New York. Alternatively, you can purchase an Empire Pass at parks.ny.gov. The VIP Pass offers reduced admission fees at many of our local museums. And look for museums that offer reduced prices on special nights, like half-price Thursday evenings at the Memorial Art Gallery.

Before you go, know the hours of operation for any specific activities or places you’d like to visit. Keep in mind that small businesses, restaurants, and bakeries may be closed on Sundays and Mondays, and some shops close by 5 p.m. on weekdays.

Personal safety is paramount. Don’t let other people’s fears stop you from exploring, but do your research and make sure you feel comfortable. Only explore remote or less popular destinations alone if you are intentional about solo venturing and trekking. Be aware of your surroundings and listen to your instincts.

How to Use This Guide

Assuming you’re standing at State and Main in downtown Rochester, the following is a breakdown of rough drive times from that location:

City of Rochester: under 10 minutes

Monroe County: under 30 minutes

Greater Rochester: within 30–90 minutes, includes Genesee, Livingston, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, Wyoming, and Yates Counties

Surrounding Counties: within two hours, a select few within three hours, includes Allegany, Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Erie, Niagara, Onondaga, Oswego, and Tompkins Counties, to name a few

It is a given that traveling on back roads will always take longer than on expressways, but the added time is worthwhile because of the experiences you will encounter. Exploring the cities, villages, and small communities you’ll find along these routes is a rewarding part of any journey of discovery.

To help you plan your trip, I’ve included the street address, phone number, and website for each destination, where available. Please remember that details may change over time, so it’s always a good idea to check a destination’s website for up-to-date information on hours of operation, admission fees, and accessibility or call to confirm before you visit.

Alternatively, you can take a more spontaneous approach and just hit the road without a destination. Follow a scenic route or a well-traveled highway, and let your curiosity guide you to fascinating places.

DAY-TRIP DESTINATIONS

These day trips are filled with carefully chosen breakfast, lunch, and dinner options at some of the most popular local restaurants, as well as unique experiences and events that make each destination truly special. You’ll find various ideas to help you make the most of your time and create lasting memories.

Rochester

Rochester is a vibrant and diverse city in the heart of the Finger Lakes region. With a population of over 200,000, Rochester is the fourth-largest city in New York State and is home to several world-renowned institutions and attractions.

A perfect day in Rochester would involve visiting one of the city’s engaging museums, spending time in its exceptional parks, and seeing both High Falls and Lake Ontario. Enjoy some amazing food and drinks, and consider rounding out the day with an evening at a theater, baseball game, festival, or concert.

BREAKFAST: Begin your day in the East End with a satisfying breakfast at Jim’s on Main, Jines, The Mad Hatter, or Locals Only. If you’re visiting on a Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday, spend an hour at the Rochester Public Market and grab something light from Zimmerman’s, Best Coffee at the Market, The Chai Guy, Flour City Bread, or Duke’s Donuts. (See Farms & Farmers’ Markets.)

MORNING: Choose one of Rochester’s excellent museums to spend a few hours. The little ones will love The Strong National Museum of Play. Young scientists will appreciate the Rochester Museum & Science Center. Budding photographers and history buffs will enjoy exploring the George Eastman Museum. And art enthusiasts should see the Memorial Art Gallery. (See Museums & Galleries.) If you’re in the mood to search for local treasure, each museum offers a delightful gift shop, plus Parkleigh on Park Avenue and Craft Company No.6 on University Avenue are both nearby.

LUNCH: On Monroe Avenue, there are many places to grab lunch, such as Dogtown, Voula’s Greek Sweets, Cedar, Han Noodle Bar, Neno’s Gourmet Mexican Street Food, or Aladdin’s Natural Eatery. After lunch, take some time to browse the shops at Archimage and Aaron’s Alley.

AFTERNOON: Drive up to Cobb’s Hill Reservoir to capture the picturesque view of Rochester’s skyline from above the treetops. Afterward, continue exploring the Pinnacle Range with a walk through Highland Park and a leisurely drive through Mount Hope Cemetery. As you head north through the city, stop into Genesee Brew House, one of the oldest and largest operating breweries in the United States, and marvel at Rochester’s impressive 96-foot urban waterfall. Take an hour to explore Seneca Park Zoo, and if the ZooTram is operating, hop on for a ride back to your car. Alternatively, Rochester is home to a dozen excellent craft breweries you can choose from to taste your way around the city. In addition to Genesee Brewing, you’ll enjoy Rohrbach, Swiftwater, Three Heads, Heroes, Strangebird, Iron Tug, Sager, Nine Maidens, Nine Spot, Fifth Frame, and Roc Brewing.

DINNER: Drive to Charlotte and choose from Hose 22 Firehouse Grill, California Rollin’ II Sushi, Pelican’s Nest, Mr. Dominic’s, Windjammers, or Whiskey River Pub and Grill for dinner by Lake Ontario.

EVENING: Enjoy a sunset stroll down the pier with an Abbott’s Frozen Custard. Alternatively, plan your night around a live performance at the RBTL Auditorium Theatre, Geva Theatre, Blackfriars Theatre, or the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra at Eastman Theatre. You could also catch a movie at The Little Theatre or Dryden Theatre, laugh out loud at Comedy @ The Carlson, attend a Red Wings baseball game, enjoy bowling at Radio Social, or watch an Amerks hockey game.

Signature Events

For more information about special events, such as the Rochester Lilac Festival in May, the CGI Rochester International Jazz Festival in June, the Rochester Fringe Festival in September, and Roc Holiday Village in December, please refer to the Annual Events chapter.

Contact Information

Abbott’s Frozen Custard

4791 Lake Ave.

(585) 865-7400

abbottscustard.com

Aaron’s Alley

662 Monroe Ave.

(585) 244-5044

aaronsalleyroc.com

Aladdin’s Natural Eatery

646 Monroe Ave.

(585) 442-5000

eataladdins.com

Archimage

668 Monroe Ave.

(585) 271-2789

archimagestore.com

Blackfriars Theatre

795 E. Main St.

(585) 454-1260

blackfriars.org

California Rollin’ II Sushi

1000 N. River St.

(585) 271-8920

californiarollin.com

Cedar

746 Monroe Ave.

(585) 442-7751

Cobb’s Hill Reservoir

Reservoir Road

cityofrochester.gov

Comedy @ The Carlson

50 Carlson Road

(585) 426-6339

carlsoncomedy.com

Craft Company No.6

785 University Ave.

(585) 473-3413

craftcompany.com

Dogtown

691 Monroe Ave.

(585) 271-6620

dogtownhots.com

Fifth Frame Brewing Co.

155 St. Paul St.

(585) 735-7155

fifthframe.co

Genesee Brew House

25 Cataract St.

(585) 263-9200

geneseebeer.com

George Eastman Museum

900 East Ave.

(585) 327-4800

eastman.org

Geva Theatre Center

75 Woodbury Blvd.

(585) 232-4382

gevatheatre.org

Han Noodle Bar

600 Monroe Ave.

(585) 242-7333

hannoodlebar.com

Heroes Brewing Company

543 Atlantic Ave.

(585) 434-5472

heroesbrewco.com

Highland Park

180 Reservoir Ave.

(585) 753-7270

monroecounty.gov

Hose 22 Firehouse Grill

56 Stutson St.

(585) 621-2200

hose22.com

Iron Tug Brewing

371 Park Ave.

(585) 738-5606

irontugbrewing.com

Jim’s on Main

785 E. Main St.

(585) 442-4172

jimsonmain.com

Jines

658 Park Ave.

(585) 461-1280

jinesrestaurant.com

The Little Theatre

240 East Ave.

(585) 258-0400

thelittle.org

Locals Only

311 Alexander St.

(585) 537-7566

localsonly311.com

The Mad Hatter

176 S. Goodman St.

(585) 545-4985

madhatterrestaurantandbakery.com

Memorial Art Gallery

500 University Ave.

(585) 276-8900

mag.rochester.edu

Mount Hope Cemetery

1133 Mount Hope Ave.

fomh.org

Mr. Dominic’s

4699 Lake Ave.

(585) 730-5444

mrdominics.com

Neno’s Gourmet Mexican Street Food

642 Monroe Ave.

(585) 978-7210

nenosmexican.com

Nine Maidens Brewing

1344 University Ave.

(585) 434-3030

ninemaidensbrewing.com

Nine Spot Brewing

190 Monroe Ave.

(585) 333-0584

ninespotbrewing.com

Parkleigh

215 Park Ave.

(800) 333-0627

parkleigh.com

Pelican’s Nest

566 River St.

(585) 663-5910

pelicansnestrestaurant.com

Radio Social

20 Carlson Road

(585) 244-1484

radio-social.com

RBTL Auditorium Theatre

885 E. Main St.

(585) 222-5000

rbtl.org

Roc Brewing Co.

56 S. Union St.

(585) 794-9798

rocbrewingco.com

Rochester Museum & Science Center

657 East Ave.

(585) 271-4320

rmsc.org

Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra

Eastman Theatre

255 East Ave.

(585) 454-2100

rpo.org

Rochester Public Market

280 N. Union St.

(585) 428-6907

cityofrochester.gov

Rochester Red Wings

Innovative Field

1 Morrie Silver Way

redwingsbaseball.com

Rochester Americans

Blue Cross Arena

1 War Memorial Square

amerks.com

Rohrbach Brewing Company

97 Railroad St.

(585) 546-8020

rohrbachs.com

Sager Beer Works

46 Sager Drive

(585) 417-5404

sagerbeerworks.com

Seneca Park Zoo

2222 St. Paul St.

(585) 336-7200

senecaparkzoo.org

Strangebird

62 Marshall St.

(585) 505-8700

strangebirdbeer.com

The Strong National Museum of Play

1 Manhattan Square Drive

(585) 263-2700

museumofplay.org

Swiftwater Brewing Company

378 Mount Hope Ave.

(585) 530-3471

swiftwaterbrewing.com

Three Heads Brewing

186 Atlantic Ave.

(585) 244-1224

threeheadsbrewing.com

Voula’s Greek Sweets

439 Monroe Ave.

(585) 242-0935

voulasgreeksweets.com

Whiskey River Pub and Grill

421 River St.

(585) 417-6231

whiskeyriverpubandgrill.com

Windjammers

4695 Lake Ave.

(585) 663-9691

windjammersbarandgrill.com

Canandaigua

Of the five Finger Lakes closest to Rochester, Canandaigua Lake has the most to offer visitors in the way of activities. Located 30 minutes southeast of Rochester, the city is known for its historic downtown area, which features several charming shops, restaurants, and museums. Surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, Canandaigua Lake is a favorite spot for swimming, boating, and fishing.

BREAKFAST: Start your day with something savory from Simply Crepes or Patty’s Place.

MORNING: Explore Sonnenberg Gardens, a magnificent late 19th-century Victorian estate, complete with a Queen Anne–style mansion