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Rochester Attractions
Rochester is the 3rd largest urban area in New York state and also one of America’s friendliest cities. Whether you are interested in incredible museums, arts and music festivals, world-renowned food markets, independent theatres, or beautiful outdoor opportunities, you’ll find it in Rochester. Culture in Rochester has a rich and varied history. If the history, nature and culture of Rochester don’t keep you completely occupied, then there are other New York state wonders just a short drive away. The Finger Lakes wine region (2nd largest wine producing area in the U.S.) is 45 minutes from Rochester, and Niagara Falls, one of the 7 wonders of the world, is 90 minutes to the Northwest. Here are a few suggestions for activities and attractions while you are in Rochester:
Rochester Museum and Science Center - offers a look at local and Native American history as well as significant science exhibits
657 East Avenue
(585) 271-1880
www.rmsc.org
Memorial Art Gallery - one of the few university-affiliated art museums in the country that also serves as a city art museum, with gallery exhibit space larger than that of the Whitney or the Guggenheim
500 University Avenue
(585) 473-7720
http://mag.rochester.edu
Strong Museum-National Muesum of Play- a hands-on museum and science center for families and children, it features a number of world-famous displays for youngsters and adults alike
One Manhattan Square
(585) 263-2700
www.strongmuseum.org
George Eastman House - originally the home of the founder of Eastman Kodak Company, it now houses the International Museum of Photography, with contemporary and classic films also shown in the Dryden Theater
900 East Avenue
(585) 271-3361
www.eastmanhouse.org
Mt. Hope Cemetery - a true Victorian cemetery near the University’s River Campus
791 Mt. Hope Avenue
(585) 461-3494
www.fomh.org
Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra - performances held from September to May in the Eastman School of Music’s Eastman Theatre and in July at the Finger Lakes Performing Arts Center in Canandaigua, New York
(585) 454-2620
www.rpo.org
Eastman School of Music - is a top-ranked graduate school of music providing year-round performances at reduced rates to University of Rochester students
Box office - 108 East Avenue
(585) 274-1100
www.rochester.edu/Eastman/concerts
Historic Pittsford Village - an upstate treasure noted for its unique 19th-century architecture, village shops and location along the Erie Canal at Routes 31 and 96
www.villageofpittsford.org
Genesee Country Village and Museum - New York’s largest living history museum and the largest collection of historic buildings in the East, fully restored and furnished with period antiques.
Flint Hill Road , Mumford
(585) 538-6822
www.gcv.org
Are you interested in learning more about Rochester? The Greater Rochester Visitors Association is your source for information at www.visitrochester.com.
Restaurants in Rochester
You’ll find an incredible array of restaurants in Rochester serving up everything from international cuisine to our world-famous "garbage plates" and BBQ, in every venue from eateries to sidewalk cafes to up-scale restaurants. Rochester offers a variety of restaurants that compete with even the most eclectic and diverse cities nationwide. You can try Ethiopian, Philipino, Vegetarian, and gourmet foods without walking more than three blocks! If in-home cooking is more your style, you too can test your culinary abilities as Rochester is home of the famous Wegmans Supermarkets (which include in-store cafes as well as an exquisite shopping experience). While visiting Rochester, leave some time to sample our cuisine, either on- or off-campus. If you’re not sure where to go, feel free to take some of these suggestions to round out your epicurean experience:
Aja Noodle - Contemporary Asian Cuisine
Aladdin's - Greek, perfect for lunch
Dinosaur Barbeque - Famous for everything BBQ
The Macaroni Grill - Family-style Italian
Pellegrino’s - Delicious subs, salads, and custard
Pomodoro - Trendy Italian, great drinks
The Spot Cafe - Chevy-showroom-turned-cafe, great for lunch
Tapa’s - Latin-themed upscale appetizers and meals
