Visitor's Guide to Rochester, New York

Having moved to the Rochester, NY area only three and a half months ago, there is so much I have yet to experience. It's hard to know what there is to do when you move to a new city in the dead of winter. However, I've done a little research of my own to find out just exactly what there is to do here in Rochester.

If, like me, you are looking for someplace historic, you might want to start your site-seeing adventure at the Charlotte Genesee Lighthouse. Built in 1822, the original lighthouse was whitewashed and contained 10 Argand lamps with reflectors using whale oil. When you are done visiting the lighthouse, stop by Ontario Beach Park. This park was once known as the "Coney Island of the West." In the 1800's, you were not allowed to play baseball on Sunday in Rochester. In order to bypass such a law, a field was built in Charlotte, which was an independant village prior to its annexation in 1916. If you are looking for some music, why not stick around for one of their concerts on the beach? It's sure to be a good time for all.

If you want the feel of Vegas or Atlantic City without actually going to either of those places, why not stop by Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack. With nearly 1200 videe gaming machine and live and simulcast thoroughbred races each day, you are bound to find what you are looking for. Make sure you stop in to their all-you-can-eat buffet or enjoy live music on the weekends in their sports bar. Enjoy a night of theater, music or dancing at one of Rochesters many auditoriums and theaters.

If you are visiting Rochester with your family, you will no doubt enjoy all the family-friendly things the city has to offer. The Strong National Museum of play is a must-see for everyone. It is the only museum devoted to the importance of, what else, PLAY! Kids will love the five magical literary worlds in Reading Adventureland, playing on Sesame Street, riding the train or the carousel, and shopping at a kid-sized Wegman's Supermarket. The whole family will enjoy the Danging Wings Butterfly Garden, upstate New York's only indoor butterfly garden, where you can walk amongst free-flying butterflies. The second floor houses the National Toy Hall of Fame, including recent inductees the Easy Bake Oven and Lionel Trains. The Rochester Museum and Science Center is a ton of fun for the whole family. Enjoy three floors of hands-on educational fun in science, technology, natural science and local heritage. The Strasenburg Planetarium will take you on a trip to the stars as well as show you large-screen movies.

A short drive from the city is the Genesee Country Village and Museum. Here, you can visit 60 restored buildings from the 19th century, visit the JELL-O Gallery in LeRoy or the Victorian Doll museum and doll hospital in Chili. Visit the New York Museum of Transportation and take a 30 minute train car ride to the Rochester and Genesee Valley Railroad Museum's restored 1909 depot. See the home of the only African elephants and Bornean orangutans in New York state at the Seneca Park Zoo.

Farms abound in the Rochester area. Springdale Farms in Spencerport has a wonderful petting zoo, duck ponds and farm festivals. You can sample agricultural history, trails and animal displays at Tinker Homestead and Farm museum. Long Acre Famrs offers a chance to get lost in corn mazes, or you can also visit Watt's Farm, Brown's Berry Patch, Hurd Orchards and rural markets for u-pick fruits, hay wagon and train rides.

If you are an outdoors person you will find plenty to do. From hiking the Erie Canal path, on foot or by bike, ice skating, cross country or downhill skiing to fishing, you are sure to be satisfied. Not the outdoors type and would rather watch others play? Stay and visit one of Rochester 6 minor league sports teams; the Rochester Red Wings (triple A baseball), Rochester Americans (American Hockey League), the Raging Rhinos (United Soccer League First Division) and the Women's Team (W League), the Rochester Knighthawks (National Lacrosse League), or the Rochester Rattlers (Major League Lacrosse). You can also enjoy a round or two of golf at one of the areas many golf courses, some of which have been and are currently the home of PGA or LPGA golf tournaments.

Rochester is not just a place, it is an ideal, a vision. This vision is shared by its residents and visitors alike. Rochester is truly made for living, for a weekend, for a lifetime. Whether it is taking a stroll on the beach at Charlotte, taking a bike ride on a path lined with fall foliage, or skiing on a quiet, snow-covered trail, Rochester remains a true destination.