Welcome, Bienvenido, Bienvenue to Rochester, New York! This beautiful city is full of history, foodie experiments, and views you can’t help but post to social media. Our city is growing exponentially and there are always so many new places to explore! While I hope your time here isn’t limited to your four years on campus, now is the time to take advantage of some new sights to see, restaurants to indulge in, and views perfect for your next Instagram post. As a Rochestarian myself, here are some suggestions to add to your 585 bucketlist!
As a Naz student, walking to Pittsford Dairy is a given. I think two of my freshmen year classes took the stroll together before it got too chilly. The walk is a great way to tell yourself that it’s okay to indulge in the XXL sized waffle cone because you’re walking back! Or, better yet, get the most out of your tuition money and rent a bike from Bikes @ Naz and turn your 30-minute walk into a 10-minute bike ride.
One of the best views of Rochester has got to be Cobbs Hill, but don’t get confused by Apple Maps! The real view of Rochester is hidden at Cobbs Hill Reservoir on Reservoir Road off of Culver Road. The best area to picnic (and for a photo shoot) is a bit competitive as the space with the view is smaller than you’d imagine and right next to a sleep hill, but there are benches to wait your turn and enjoy the view in the meantime.
Two words: Dog Town! Rochester is known for its infamous garbage plates and Dog Town on Monroe Avenue is the best place for your 2,000 calorie meal (worth it). They offer eat in and take out options (COVID dependent), but the experience in the little restaurant might be the best for all of us dog lovers! They have a whole wall of locals’ friendly canines. Nonetheless, they have options for vegans, vegetarians, and those in it for the whole ride!
Appreciate our Sister City, Rennes on a walk across the Pont de Rennes Bridge! Any fellow French majors out there? Nazareth’s best partnership abroad for French students might be the program in Rennes, France, and it wasn’t until I came back from my year abroad that I realized how prominent Rennes is throughout Rochester. The Pont de Rennes bridge is downtown, right outside of the Genesee Brewhouse (another great option for dinner, try the pretzels and the goat cheese burger). It has the best view of the High Falls at night time where they light colorful lights behind the waterfall at sunset for another great Rochester photo shoot.
Speaking of downtown, everyone needs to check out Rochester’s Public Market at least once. The hours are a little funky, but it’s the best place to see all of Rochester’s little businesses, including the Pierogi Guy! If you’re a buffalo chicken fan, they have the best buffalo chicken filled pierogi’s that you can pick up on the spot, or bring home and cook yourself.
While you’re already downtown, take a stroll down Park Ave. This is the life of inner-city Rochester and has a ton of local businesses calling your name. One of my favorites is Parkleigh. They have the perfect little knick-knack gifts for the holidays or to make your dorm feel a little homier.
Bring out your inner child and spend a few hours exploring The Strong National Museum of Play! This was the best field trip growing up in Rochester, and like wine, it only gets better with age. It’s a nice way to stroll down memory lane with photo ops with Big Bird and a kids-sized grocery store where you don’t have to worry about your budget. The Rochester Museum and Science Center, The George Eastman Museum, and the Rochester Contemporary Art Museum are other great ways to spend your Saturdays!
Another highlight from my childhood has always been the famous Lilac Festival. Every May, right in time for the lilacs to bloom, is the best festival of Rochester. Have you ever heard of Rochester as the flower city? Here’s why! The lilac festival brings the whole city together in Highland Park with carnival food, local business shops, and free live music. Be sure to check out the Green House in Highland Park too! It won’t disappoint.
Rochester has tons of hidden coffee shops. Spot Coffee, Cafe Sasso, and Pour are great options, but also consider checking out a new local business: Unleashed Nutrition. With hundreds of drink combinations, this must-see stop has all the vibes you didn’t know you needed. It was started in 2020 by some Saint John Fisher alums and has been a hit ever since! If you’re balling on a budget, they also offer discounts for those who post their aesthetically pleasing drinks on Instagram!
Another fun stroll around the park is at Turning Point Park. This trail is miles long along the Genesee River and you can walk, bike, or canoe for as long as you’d like! This was our Father’s Day stop this past year where we saw so much nature and wild life, you forget you’re still in Rochester!
Last, but not least, make sure a concert is on your 585 bucketlist. COVID permitted, we have so many options to see live music for free around our area. All of our street festivals have free live music, or restaurants like the Bug Jar have local artists, including our very own Nazareth-born Band, Free Casino (Check them out on Spotify!). Rochester also has concerts at the Armory, Party in the Park, or take a little drive to CMAC or Darien Lake! Darien Lake makes for a great day trip if you get concert tickets, because they’re valid for an all-day pass in the park too!
There are so many things to see and do in Rochester, that it makes it hard to narrow it down! We’re full of hidden treasures all around the city and suburbs to make sure everyone enjoys their stay in the 585.