INTERVIEW WITH A LOCAL: ROCHESTER

What’s unique about Rochester?

Two big universities, good hospitals, and a pretty vibrant arts scene owing to the three local music schools and active theatre and dance companies.

If money were no object, what would you do in Rochester?

Stay a night at the Strathallan, take in a play at the Geva Theatre, and follow that up by hitting the bars on Park Avenue.

Name five tourist spots in Rochester that are worth the effort.

1) The Lilac Festival in May showcases thousands of fragrant lilac bushes in bloom.

2) The Fringe Fest is a knock off of the Edinburgh, Scotland fringe fest, and is worth the crowds. Nearly every venue, large and small, show cases some sort of Rochester Talent, and buskers take to the street.

3) The Annual Jazz Fest, is well, jazzy.

4) The Public Market has everything you can imagine

5) George Eastman House (Kodak) International Museum of Photography and Film is the world’s oldest museum dedicated to photography and is one of  the world’s oldest film archives.

What’s your favorite restaurant?

1) The King and I serves tasty Thai in a flash.

2) India House what it lacks in atmosphere in more than makes up for with with great food!

Who has the best happy hour?

The Old Toad, an old Scottish pub, makes me feel like I’m somewhere else.

Where is the best shopping?

Victor Mall is the best – and Park Avenue for knick knacks. Pittsford offers upscale retail shops. Henrietta and Greece offer tons of retail.

Where do the locals hang out?

Park Avenue is where the hipsters are. Nearby is South Wedge for the urban locals. The well-employed hang in Brighton and Pittsford. Urban entrepreneurs hang out at Village Gate. Craft Brew lovers enjoy Rorhbachs and CBs Craft Brewery. The best parks around here are Durand Eastman Beach and Charlotte Beach, which has an old time carousel.

Wait! There’s More!

Just south of Rochester, NY are the Finger Lakes, an amazingly beautiful set of long, narrow (finger-like) lakes nestled in between green hills, which creates the perfect climate for growing grapes. Our wine region is pastoral and well-respected for wines such as Reisling, Gewurztraminer, and some light reds. Do take a day or two to enjoy the wine trails! Rochester’s Mt. Hope Cemetery is the sacred burial ground for historical figures including Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglas, both important figures in different civil rights movements.

 

Destination Spotlight

interview-with-a-local
travel-tips
work-with-us

SUBSCRIBE TO UPDATES!

When you subscribe, you’ll get our very best travel tips, tricks, recommendations and resources.

All free and delivered right to your inbox!

follow us

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

2 × 4 =

Related Content

London

SKIP THE TUBE!! LONDON WALKING TOURS

The Tube is as much an iconic part of London as the River Thames and the semi-permanent miserable weather. But did you know that many ...
Read More →
Entertainment & Nightlife

BEST CINEMAS IN LONDON

It could be the weather scuppering your plans, or maybe you just want to escape the crowds of the city, but sometimes you just crave ...
Read More →
Eat

LONDON: 10 THINGS TO DO UNDER £10

I don’t know about you, but the phrase ‘Central London’ doesn’t exactly conjure up associations with cheap entertainment or saving your money. Most everything is ...
Read More →
Eat

LONDON – CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY TRADITIONS

Five of my favorite Christmas holiday traditions: Ice skating –For many Londoners come December, there’s one must-do activity, and that’s ice skating. Wrapping up warm ...
Read More →
Berlin

5 FREE THINGS TO DO IN BERLIN

Berlin, in comparison to other European capitals, is cheap. A bottle of beer will cost you €1 at some corner stores while hotels are at ...
Read More →
Bangkok

SONGKRAN IN BANGKOK – THE WORLD’S BIGGEST WATER FIGHT

Imagine millions of people racing around a city armed to the teeth with super-soakers, water bombs and hosepipes – each with one sole purpose in ...
Read More →
Canada

THE TOP 5 THINGS TO DO IN TORONTO THIS CIVIC HOLIDAY WEEKEND

When winters can be as treacherous as the frigid season found in Canada, you learn to make the most of the short but beautiful summer ...
Read More →
sight-see

FIVE FABULOUS FREE THINGS TO DO IN DC

Start your day out stretching and breathing deeply in a yoga class. Afterward, join a friend for a walk in the garden at the National ...
Read More →
Eat

6 FESTIVALS IN SAN DIEGO FOR FOOD LOVERS

It’s no wonder San Diego plays hosts to many world-recognized events; gorgeous year-round weather, a fantastic downtown, and plenty of venues. While Comic-Con and San ...
Read More →
eat

A DAY IN THE BRONX

Beautiful fall foliage with the Conservatory in the background. Fall Color at The New York Botanical Garden are a sight to see First time to ...
Read More →
Scroll to Top