The unofficial food of Rochester is probably the garbage plate. (Sounds appetizing, we know!) So, we dare you to try a "plate" while you're here! For those who don't know, a plate includes your choice of cheeseburger, hamburger, hot dog, or sausage served on top of any combination of home fries, french fries, baked beans, and/or macaroni salad.
All around great food, drinks, and ambiance! It tends to get busy here, but there's a reason for the hype. NYBP is a crowd-pleaser, and their "boom boom shrimp" and mango mojitos are the best! Plus, for those who want to do some shopping, NYBP is right across from the Eastview Mall, which is the biggest mall in Rochester.
An upstate New York classic. Though they started in Syracuse, Dinosaur BBQ has gotten big enough that you may have heard of it even if you've never been here. This is a fun one for big meat and barbecue lovers, or for someone who just wants a good view of the Genesee River!
They have AWARD-WINNING CHEESECAKE... need we say more?
Though we went to different high schools, we grew up 10 minutes from each other and Pittsford Village was located right in the middle of our childhood homes. Pittsford Village is a quaint neighborhood with lots to do and see, including a walking path and boat tours down the Erie Canal! Check out the Colonial Belle or the Sam Patch if you're interested in a boat tour. There's also Hungry's Grill where you can pick up a garbage plate to-go, and Pittsford Farms Dairy where you can get a cup of ice cream and the world's best chocolate milk! If you get thirsty, grab a beer at Copper Leaf Brewing or Lock 32 Brewing Company, or a coffee at Neutral Ground.
The George Eastman House, in our opinion, is a must-see in Rochester. There's a museum built on the estate of George Eastman, the pioneer of popular photography and motion picture film. The museum, unsurprisingly, is dedicated to photography and has one of the world's oldest film archives. The gardens outside the estate are drop-dead gorgeous, and where Michelle often took photos as a portraits photographer - so definitely bring your cameras and snap some shots here! General admission to the museum is $20 and roaming the gardens is free.
If you love museums, try the MAG! The Memorial Art Gallery is known for its comprehensive, well-balanced collection, and dynamic schedule of exhibitions year-round. Plus, its prices are reasonable at $20 for general admission, with deals for children, students, and seniors. You can also check out the museum gift shop for local, hand-crafted gifts for family and friends!
If you are lucky enough to be in Rochester while there's an event happening at the Eastman Theater, we highly encourage you to go (especially if you are a music lover)! The inside of the theater is absolutely stunning, and it also happens to be the primary concert venue of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra.
Established in 2021, the Lucky Flea Market is relatively new to Rochester. As the name suggests, it's an open-air vintage market hosted within The Grove located right in the heart of Downtown Rochester. You never know what you'll find here with their wide assortment of vintage goods, thrifted clothing, handmade crafts, and food trucks. And even if you don't purchase anything (though we encourage you to support Rochester's local curators and vendors), the vibes are absolutely free!
Michelle's favorite brunch spot! While you can't go wrong with any of their sweet and savory crepes, their Simply Strawberry Crepe hits the spot every time. Plus, their mimosas and boozy coffees rock. There's a location in Pittsford (Mike and Michelle's hometown), and also one in Canandaigua, which is only a 30 minute drive from the Microtel.
A Locke family favorite, the Timber Stone Grill is a great choice if you want to stay in the Keuka Lake area. It's located in Hammondsport, which is a 30 minute drive southwest of the Microtel at the other tip of Keuka Lake.
They're an ice cream stand and duck farm all in one. Curious? Their ice cream is made from duck eggs (you guessed it, produced on the farm!) to make it extra creamy. If you can't pick a flavor, no worries - they offer ice cream flights too! They were voted the best ice cream stand in upstate NY, and they're less than a 10 minute drive northeast of the Microtel.
Keuka Watersports rents out paddle boards and kayaks (as well as boats and jet skis) for those who want to take a dip in the lake in the August heat!
We are partial to Weis (pronounced like vice) Vineyards, because it's right down the road from the Lockes' lake house! Weis Vineyards is a boutique winery that specializes in German style wines. The winery has an abundance of outdoor seating and games and a tasting room that overlooks the lake. Not only is the wine delicious, but the owners are super nice to boot!
New York's most award-winning winery is a must try at Keuka Lake. Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery specializes in Riesling and Chardonnay and has been credited as the winery that changed winemaking in the United States. The wine and beautiful lake views make the 30 minute drive from Penn Yan well worth it. Tastings are offered daily and are $15 a person.
Watkins Glen State Park is about a half hour drive southeast of the Microtel, and boasts 19 waterfalls over a span of less than two miles. Its trails are easy for beginner-intermediate hikers, and you are guaranteed to get some beautiful views from it! If you're interested in a less popular hiking trail, you can also try Eggleston's Glen which is alongside Keuka Lake. Note: You can probably get through Watkins Glen State Park without getting your feet wet, but that's pretty much unavoidable with Eggleston's Glen.