New York Travel: Rochester
From LoveToKnow Travel
Rochester, the third largest urban area in New York state, is located on the south side of Lake Ontario. It was known as the “Flour City” (because of its early milling industries) and, later, as the “Flower City” (because of its parks, nurseries, and “Lilac Festival”). It serves as the northwest gateway to New York’s Finger Lakes region (a picturesque area that’s known for its production of award-winning wines).
The Senecas
The area of western New York around what is now known as the city of Rochester first belonged to the Iroquois. The Senecas of the Genesee Valley were the largest of the five tribes of the Iroquois, and they were known as the “Keepers of the Western Door”. To learn more about their history, you can visit the Rochester Museum and Science Center, for here you’ll find Seneca exhibits and artefacts (in the “At the Western Door” display).
Genesee Country Village and Museum
For another look at the history of the area, visit the nearby Genesee Country Village and Museum (about 20 miles southwest of the city), where you’ll find restored and authentically furnished homes, shops, churches, and schools. You’ll witness the villagers, in 19th century period costumes, performing their tasks of weaving, spinning, and blacksmithing.
Susan B. Anthony House
Yet another historically important establishment is the Susan B. Anthony House. Dedicated to the women’s rights and anti-slavery movements, Susan B. Anthony made her national headquarters right here in Rochester (in her Madison Street home). You can even step into the very parlour in which she was arrested for voting (back in 1872).
George Eastman Estate
In the heart of Rochester’s cultural center, you’ll find the mansion and gardens of Kodak founder George Eastman - a celebration of George Eastman’s life and accomplishments – and including a variety of exhibitions on film and photography.
Eastman School of Music
George Eastman also founded the Eastman School of Music, and it has played a leading role in the musical life of the city since 1921. Now part of the University of Rochester, the Eastman School of Music presents more than 700 concerts a year (many of them free) - in the magnificent Eastman Theatre and in the smaller, more intimate Kilbourn Hall. Its Sibley Music Library is the largest music library in the Western Hemisphere.
Memorial Art Gallery
The Memorial Art Gallery, also part of the University of Rochester, features an indoor sculpture garden - and artistic masterpieces by such renowned artists as Monet, Matisse, and Cassatt.
Rochester for the Youngsters
With all this emphasis on the city’s history and culture, this city makes sure that there are lots of things for children to do and enjoy, too. They’ll be enthralled by the Seneca Park Zoo (where the Rocky Coasts Gallery features polar bears, sea lions, and penguins), the Strong Museum (where the National Toy Hall of Fame, Sesame Street, and other interactive displays create a lively display of exploration and excitement), Strasenburgh Planetarium (with its “I See the Sky” program, specifically designed for children aged 3-5), High Falls (a 96 foot high waterfalls, with a seasonal lights and fireworks display), and Seabreeze Amusement Park (which features Jack Rabbit, an exhilarating wooden roller coaster).
Shopping
The Rochester area offers a lot of shopping opportunities, too, including boutique and specialty shops along the Erie Canal and a large outlet center (over 100 stores) at Waterloo Premium Outlets, just east of the city. For the antique lover, a guide to more than 60 antique shops in the area is available from the Greater Rochester Visitors Association.
Getting To and Around Rochester
Rochester is easily accessible. If you’re crossing Lake Ontario from Canada, there’s convenient high-speed ferry service (seasonal) from Toronto. If arriving by motor vehicle, you’ll exit I-90. By train, you’ll arrive downtown (at the Amtrak station). And the International Airport offers hundreds of flights daily. To get around the city itself, an All-Day City Bus Pass (purchased right on the bus) provides you with cheap and convenient transportation. If you want to do some walking in the city, you’ll find a climate-controlled system of walkways which connects major businesses, hotels, and the convention center. And the bicyclist will find some very nice recreational paths in the area, including the Genesee River Trailway and the Erie Canal Trailway.
For More Information:
Greater Rochester Visitors Association, 45 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14604; phone: 1-800-677-7282; web site: www.visitrochester.com
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