Rochester is a city that, when spoken of, brings images of snow and bitter cold. But a destination known for some brutally cold weather is an actually wonderful town all year. The city blossoms with the coming spring. The snow melts, the dandelions begin to sprout, sun peeks through the clouds, and all of a sudden its as if the city comes to life.
I visited the ROC recently after taking a work hiatus to spend some much needed time with the family and during my week there I was more than a little surprised by the sense of community and all there was to do! To preface, my family grew up in northern New Jersey, and have only recently moved up to Rochester, so it's relatively new to all of us, but what I found was a blossoming city with an extremely welcoming community, a slew of interesting young bars, museums, and art festivals.
HOME SWEET HOME
GEORGE EASTMAN MUSEUM
One of the must-see attractions is the George Eastman Museum. George Eastman is one of Rochester's most famous citizens, having been born, raised, and starting the revolutionary company of Kodak in the city. Garnering the slogan, "You Press the Button, We Do the Rest" Mr. Eastman's achievements changed the world. His house is on East Ave, just a 15 minute walk or short bike ride from the center of the city. The peaceful gardens are open to the public for free every day, and the Museum is open Tuesday-Sunday.
Although closed on Monday so my Mom and I ventured the gardens and then went back to see inside the next day. Once entering the house we got to see the an astounding, elegant interior showcasing the Eastman style, as well a number of photo exhibits and movie theater showcasing hard to find documentaries, art films and film classics.
CHARLOTTE BEACH
OK, quick name the Great Lakes? Too tough? Well, did you know the center city of Rochester is only fifteen minutes from one! The magnificent Lake Ontario has a small beach called Charlotte Beach which was my favorite spots of the trip. I had never seen the Great Lakes before, and they truly feel like an ocean. But the true surprise is how this notorious snowbound town can also feel like the mid-Atlantic Coast! There are plenty of local eateries right on the water where you can watch the boats and the ducks come and go. With rentable picnic areas, and free access to the beach, it is a great spot for some family fun and relaxation.
CITY OF ROCHESTER
In the city of Rochester there is always things to do and see and it multiplies during the summer with a seemingly endless flowering of festivals. There are Canal days, Park Avenue days, which are food and craft festivals, in June there is the Jazz Festival, and there is a farmers market every Saturday year round. For museums there is The Strong Museum which is one of the largest museums in the United States, and houses the largest collection of historical materials related to play. Although I didn't get to go this trip it is FIRST on my list next visit, standby for updates. In addition there is also The Little Theater that has a long history which first opened it's doors in 1929 and prides itself on have a wide range of screenings from todays popular flicks, to Indie Films, to International and historic films.
EATERIES
One thing for sure you will not starve in Rochester neither in quality, quantity or variety including the famous Dinosaur BBQ for the BEST BBQ in Western NY. I suggest the peel and eat shrimp, collard greens, and cajun corn, but honestly I haven't found a food I haven't liked. I also came across the wonderfully eclectic cafe called Java's Cafe perfect for a quiet second with a great cup of coffee or tea.
THE RESERVOIR
And reserving the most restful place for last, I suggest taking a stroll to Rochester's Cobbs Hill Reservoir. From here you can see the entire city of Rochester and take a variety of trails through the woods for a hike, walk the dog, or catch up with some friends after work to watch the sunset. I was told by my mother if you come at the right time of year you can even pick some beautiful wild raspberries, and in one area of the park there are two water towers that are covered in some of the local artist's graffiti.
Now it's time for the next adventure!
I want to take a moment to thank my Mama for being my insta mom. She is beautiful and put up with me all week to make this very first blog post possible! Thank you Mommy!
Goodbye Rochester, and special goodbye to my pups.
Stay curious!
-Kierella
