A Guide for Tourists Visiting Rochester, New York

Rochester, New York and its suburbs are a vibrant community of over a million people. Located just south of the shore of Lake Ontario, and astride both the scenic Genesee River and the historic Erie Canal, the city has many sights, scenes and places to interest young and old alike.

A wide range of festivals and celebrations begin about this time of year and throughout the summer and fall.

The Lilac Festival celebrates the hundred plus varieties of lilacs to be found in the city's Highland Park. A parade, an arts and crafts show, and music accent the scent of the blooming lilacs. This year's festival is from May 9 to May 18, 2008.

The 68th annual Senior PGA Championships are being held in suburban Rochester. The Oak Hill Country Club will be the venue May 19-25 for the best in senior level golf. The Golden Bear will be there.

Rochester becomes the center of the jazz world for a few days in June, as the Rochester International Jazz Festival takes place. Fifteen venues will showcase the best in jazz from June 13-21, 2008.

Golf will again be featured in suburban Rochester as the Locust Hill Country Club hosts the ladies of the LPGA. The best women golfers will challenge the course June 16-22, 2008.

Some of the best bicycle street racers in the world will pedal through downtown Rochester on August 8-10. The Rochester Omnium offers multiple bicycling events on city streets where fans are just a few feet away from the speeding competitors.

The Special Olympics will hold their Fall NYS games in Rochester October 4-6.

All year long, the Eastman School of Music, a part of the University of Rochester, and the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra offer concerts, recitals and performances for all ages and tastes.

Rochester is also a sports town. The summer sees the Triple A Rochester Red Wings in action, playing baseball at Frontier Field. Rochester also offers both indoor and outdoor professional lacrosse, professional hockey, arena football, professional basketball and professional soccer. The six local colleges and universities also provide enough sports for any enthusiast.

One of the unique aspects of Rochester is the Genesee River. Running south to north through the heat of the city, it provides scenery and a back to nature setting in an urban setting. Several waterfalls and a spectacular gorge can be viewed from a new set of trails along the river. In a matter of moments a visitor can go from city streets to deep woods.

Rochester is the home of several unusual museums. The Strong National Museum of Play is dedicated to toys and is a must see if you have children. The George Eastman House is the home of the founder of Kodak, and houses a massive museum dedicated to photography.

No matter the season, no matter your interest, Rochester offers something entertaining or informative for you. Just off the New York State Thruway, Interstate 90, or a short plane flight from most major airline hubs, the city is ready to welcome you.