Things To Do

Niagara Falls-- Maid of the Mist --Cave of the Winds (Coming from BUF)

An awe-inspiring sight to see if you plan to fly in or out of Buffalo. Only 30 min drive from the Buffalo airport. From either the United States side or the Canadian side (Passport required for Canada), view one of the great wonders of the world. Definitely worth the trip. 30 min drive from Buffalo. 1-2 hours time on site. 1 hr 30 min drive to Rochester.

Jell-O Museum (Coming from BUF)

Just a little museum on the original grounds of the Jell-o Company. A fun, random kitschy stop in the small town of LeRoy, halfway between Buffalo & Rochester. Approx 2 hrs (includes drive time).

DiBella's (Coming from BUF)

If you're driving to or from the Buffalo airport. Grab a sub for the road. This is a local chain originating in Rochester, so you’ll also find shops in Rochester. Founded in 1918, DiBella's is now a family-operated submarine sandwich chain with a 1930's/1940's theme. Stop in for their freshly-homemade, egg-glazed bread sandwiches and enjoy the red glow of neon lights on their tin ceilings while Glenn Miller plays on the stereo. Don't forget to grab a cookie!

George Eastman Museum

One of Kelly's favorite places to visit in Rochester or anywhere! Built in 1905, it was George Eastman's personal residence until his passing in 1932. It has since become the world's oldest museum dedicated to photography with one of the world's oldest film archives, operating as museum for the public in 1949. Take in some photographic history as you tour Eastman's private home and learn about his contributions to the medium. Approx 2 hrs (includes drive time).

Susan B. Anthony Museum & House

There is a lot of history in Rochester, and especially surrounding Women's Right to Vote. Tour Susan B.'s humble house and see where the movement began. This home was the headquarters of the National American Woman Suffrage Association when she was its president, until her passing in 1906.

The Strong Museum of Play

A great place for kids and adults alike. Relive your childhood as you are reminded of old toys, board games, video games, and much more. There is also a butterfly garden exhibit to check out if you're feeling whimsical.

ARTISANworks

An active art studio, gallery and eclectic collection of working glass Americana. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58VzD07x5rQ

Memorial Art Gallery

Founded in 1913, it is part of the University of Rochester and occupies the southern half of the University's former Prince Street campus. Learn about works of art in their permanent collection with one of their Docent-led tours every Thursday at 6:45 pm and every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 11:15 am. Just let the Admission Desk know that you wish to join the tour. Reserve your timed ticket to the museum in advance.

Mount Hope Cemetery

Come early before the ceremony, or stop by on another day in comfortable hiking clothes and tour this beautifully haunting Victorian cemetery, which is considered a city park to many. Be sure to check out Susan B Anthony and Frederick Douglass’ grave.

Rochester Public Market

Open since 1905, the Public Market is open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Over 300 vending stalls offer local produce; produce from around the country and world; meats and seafood; eggs and dairy products; ethnic delicacies; prepared and packaged foods; specialty items; general merchandise; and more in three covered outdoor vendor sheds and also a fully indoor shed. In addition, an array of independent local businesses--cafes, food stands, coffee shops, specialty food purveyors, breweries, retail shops, and more--can be found on Market grounds and in the surrounding Market District.

Colonial Belle - Erie Canal Boat Tour

🎶“I had a mule and his name was ‘Sal,’ 16 years on the Erie Canal..”🎶 Spend an hour on the relaxing, informative Erie Canal Wine tour! Approx 2 hrs (includes drive time).

Dentzel Carousel

Built in 1905, "The Duchess" Dentzel menagerie carousel spins in Lake Ontario beach park. It’s the only surviving vestige of the great Ontario Beach trolley park once situated at the end of the New York Central Railroad line. Referred to as "The Coney Island of the West," the amusement once offered a bathing beach, boating, fishing, a dance pavilion, skating rink, funhouse, shooting galleries, food vendors, German village, Japanese garden, scenic railway, Virginia Reel roller coaster, a giant slide into the lake, vaudeville shows, high-wire acts, aerial demonstrations and animal shows. Tragically, fires destroyed most the rides & buildings by 1919. The surviving carousel has the distinction of being one of only 14 operating antique carousels in the U.S.; one of only a few that remain in its original location. Its 52 hand-carved animals & two chariots offer children an imaginative, fun-filled menagerie. Figures include horses, mules, ostriches and a tiger. 20 min drive from Downtown

Abbott's Frozen Custard

Grab a custard, walk along the Lake Ontario pier, take a ride on the 1905 Dentzel Carousel and stop by the Lower Falls on the way back to the city all in the same day.

Seabreeze Amusement Park (Ideal for a longer stay)

Seabreeze is one of 13 original trolley parks* still operating in the United States. Today, it is a humble, amusement park in Irondequoit, NY (10 miles/15 min drive from downtown). Though it doesn't compare to the scale of a modern theme park, it is the 12th-oldest operating amusement park in the world & 4th oldest in the United States. Early rides included its 1915, centerpiece carousel which unfortunately was mostly destroyed by fire in 1994 (a new, hand-made carousel has replaced it, using the four horses that survived the fire). The last surviving ride of the early park is also its most celebrated ride: the wooden, rickety "Jack Rabbit; the 4th-oldest operating roller coaster in the world (opened 1920). *Trolley parks were picnic & recreation areas along or at the ends of streetcar lines. These were precursors to amusement parks. Trolley parks were often created by the streetcar companies to give people a reason to use their services on weekends.

Genesee Brew House (Lunch, Happy Hour or Dinner)

Grab a local beer and sit up on the roof overlooking the High Falls and downtown.

Spot Coffee

Grab a cup of joe just down East Avenue in the art deco Hallman’s Chevrolet showroom.

Java's Cafe

Another nice coffee spot off of East Ave, next to the historic Eastman Theatre

Fuego Coffee Roasters

The Owl House (Breakfast or Lunch)

Located in a snug, old house, serving vegan-friendly American plates & craft beer served with a bohemian vibe.

DiBella's Subs -- Downtown (Lunch)

Founded in 1918, DiBella's is now a family-operated submarine sandwich chain with a 1930's/1940's theme. Stop in for their freshly-homemade, egg-glazed bread sandwiches and enjoy the red glow of neon lights on their tin ceilings while Glenn Miller plays on the stereo. Don't forget to grab a cookie!

DiBella's Subs -- Near Ceremony (Lunch)

This location is closest to where our ceremony will be held, should you wish to grab a sandwich for lunch beforehand. Founded in 1918, DiBella's is now a family-operated submarine sandwich chain with a 1930's/1940's theme. Stop in for their freshly-homemade, egg-glazed bread sandwiches and enjoy the red glow of neon lights on their tin ceilings while Glenn Miller plays on the stereo. Don't forget to grab a cookie!

The Red Fern (Lunch or Dinner)

Being vegan has just recently started to become easier, but when we started dating that was not the case. On Kelly's first trip to Rochester, Mike found The Red Fern. Delicious food and treats in a cozy atmosphere, and we have been going there every trip. Be sure to try the "Compost Plate," a vegan version of Rochester's Garbage Plate.

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que (Lunch or Dinner)

Enjoy some BBQ and Blues rock inside the old Lehigh Valley Passenger Train Station on the Genesee River.

Jine's Restaurant Diner (Breakfast or Lunch)

Opened in 1971, Jines is a diner with a refined twist. Located in the historic Park Avenue area of Rochester, New York, Jines Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch or dinner, any time of the day!

Nick Tahou's Garbage Plates (Lunch)

For the curious foodie who's willing to eat Rochester's legendary unhealthy meal! The old Buffalo, Rochester, Pittsburgh passenger train station that now hosts the restaurant is sadly no longer in the best shape or thriving part of town. It's recommended to visit during the day, but you might want to prepare for a nap after 😛

Edibles Restaurant (Dinner)

A staple for Kel & I, it's both friendly to Vegans and non-vegans!

Good Luck Restaurant (Dinner)

Innovative, upscale American plates to share in an industrial yet intimate warehouse-style space

Swan Dive

Stop in for some tasty drinks and pizza here. Just a walk from the Courtyard Marriott.

The Daily Refresher

Great lounge atmosphere with speciality cocktails

Ox And Stone

The Ox and Stone restaurant serves Latin-inspired eats and craft cocktails. Built into a small, 1880's mansion, it is a lively spot that feels more like a cocktail bar than a restaurant.

The Revelry Bar & Restaurant

On the outskirts of the city, this unsuspecting, little, swanky, cocktail bar and restaurant made its home inside the old Huther Saw Manufacturer factory.

Radio Social

Grab cocktail or beer, and go bowling, play cornhole, jumbo jenga, skee-ball, or darts inside the old, converted Stromberg-Carlson Telephone & Radio factory.

Tap and Mallet

Lots of beers on tap. Stop before or after the ceremony

Mullers Cider House

Living Roots Wine & Co.

An urban winery? Located in a redeveloped warehouse across the street from The Revelry bar & restaurant, the taste of the Finger Lakes wine region (and Adelaide HIlls of Australia) are a bit closer. The environment and atmosphere of Living Roots is lovely.

The Spirit Room

Across the street from the Holiday Inn, and walking distance from La Luna, this spiritualism-themed bar is a ghostly-fun spot for anyone with an open-mind and appetite for a tasty cocktail.

Unter Biergarten

Located below the historic Rochester Club, Unter Biergarten serves "Bavarican" Cuisine, that is, a Bavarian/ New American fusion not be found anywhere else.

Seven Story Brewing

Sip a craft beer along the Erie Canal in this quaintly, modern-yet-rustic brew house.

Wegmans Grocery Store

Kelly: Ok, at first I was overwhelmed by Wegman's and all of the options, but now I am a believer! There are many locations you can go to that will meet your shopping needs, but I fancy the Pittsford Monroe Ave. store the most. Be sure to stock up on locally- made Nance's Mustard, a staple that Los Angeles does not offer. (Open 24 Hours!)

The Canandaigua Lady

The Canandaigua Lady is a 19th century steamboat replica and an authentic double-decker paddle wheeler cruise boat that takes visitors down Canandaigua Lake from Lakefront Park. Those interested can enjoy a meal aboard the boat or just cruise while listening to a narration. Cruises are offered at lunch and dinner.

Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park

Sonnenberg (which means "sunny hill" in German) features a 1887, 40-room Queen Anne style mansion and 9 gardens in a variety of styles.

Letchworth State Park

Go for a hike, white water raft or take a hot air balloon through this gorge-ous park!

Corning Museum of Glass (Ideal for a longer stay)

Watkins Glen State Park

Go for a hike and see all the waterfalls in this gorge-ous park!