Scott & Nicole
Endless Things to Do
Where to eat & drink
You won't be hungry during the wedding weekend, but if you come early or stay longer, great food is between 3 and 10 minutes away from where you're staying.
Good Luck ππΈ
Good Luck is one of downtown Rochester's most popular restaurants. It's famous 1-lb burger is perfect for sharing, and don't skip the red lentil curry or their signature cocktails. Reservations strongly recommended.
Vernβs ππΉ
Vern's is a cozy restaurant on Park Avenue, about a 5-minute drive from the hotels. It's walk-in only, so grab a cocktail at the bar or at any of the establishments nearby while you wait for a table. The tomato pie, spicy lettuces, and bee sting pizza are to die for.
Magnolia's π π§
Nicole's favorite cafΓ© in Rochester. Order a greek salad or the Obama special, named after our 44th president who ate here during his first administration!
Nosh ππ»
This is a great place for large groups, and it's just a 3-minute drive from the hotels. Make sure to try Ants in my Pants, Sweet Mary, and the ahi tuna nachos. Reservations recommended.
Open Face π₯ͺπ₯
Located inside the George Eastman Museum, Open Face is a tasty and innovative take on a healthy lunch that's within walking distance to the hotels. Enjoy award-winning photography that surrounds the restaurant space, and don't miss the open-faced corn mash and ginger carrots. Nicole, Caroline, and Emilie have been fans of this restaurant for many years.
Chickβn Out ππ―
Trust us, these are the best chicken tenders you'll ever have. Grab a box for your drive home β the 'sting' is extra, but so worth it.
Rocco ππ·
An old-school, intimate Italian restaurant downtown, Rocco's is just a 3-minute drive from the hotels. Don't leave without trying or sharing their famous lasagne. Reservations required.
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que ππΊ
Honestly, it's a bit overrated, but Dinosaur is a classic Rochester staple. If you miss it this weekend, you can check out their 2nd location in Harlem.
Java's βοΈπ₯
Just around the corner from George Eastman Theater, Java's is a Rochester staple for coffee and the best hot chocolate in town!
Ugly Duck βοΈπ¦
Rochester's coffee scene is plentiful, and this one is Nicole's current favorite. It's only a 13-minute walk from the Strathallan. If there's a line out the door, you came at the right time.
Brownstein's Bagels π₯―π
If you're looking for a deli, look no further than Brownstein's. This is Ron's pick for a great bagel & shmear or hearty sandwich. It's kosher style and cash only.
Hattie's πΈπΉ
Located atop the Strathallan Hotel, this rooftop bar offers beer, wine, and cocktails with a stunning nighttime view of the city.
Things to do
Take in the awesome sights of Rochester, home of Xerox, Kodak, Wegmans, and so much more.
George Eastman Museum ποΈπΈ
The George Eastman Museum (also called the George Eastman House) is home to the world's oldest museum dedicated to photography, and one of the world's oldest film archives.
Memorial Art Gallery π¨πΌοΈ
For art enthusiasts, the Memorial Art Gallery has an impressive collection, including those of Georgia O'Keefe, Jackson Pollock, Monet, CΓ©zanne, and Matisse. There are also exhibitions showcasing local artists and students from universities in the area. Within walking distance of the hotels, the MAG is not to be missed.
The Public Market πβοΈ
Visit the Rochester Public Market, Scott and Caroline's absolute favorite place in Rochester. Here, you can grab coffee at Java's outpost, enjoy authentic empanadas, or stock up on fresh produce at unbeatable prices. The market is a lively, bustling experience thatβs not to be missed.
Frank Lloyd Wright House π πͺ
For architecture enthusiasts, enjoy a brief stroll by the E. E. Boynton house, a beautiful home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1908. This is a private residence, but you can quickly enjoy the view on a nice walk through the Park Avenue neighborhoods.
Strong National Museum of Play ππ
For those traveling with children, the Strong Museum is a must-visit. Your kiddos can 'shop' at a make-believe Wegmans, perform on stage at 'Eastman Theater', and immerse themselves in the impressive nature of butterflies at the Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden. This museum is full of interactive exhibits that kids and parents will love.
ROC Museum & Science Center ππͺ
For those traveling with children, the Rochester Museum & Science Center is another must-visit. View our galaxy in the 65-ft domed star theater, stroll through outer space in the Strasenburgh Planetarium, and do science experiments together at this awesome museum just across the street from the hotels.
Radio Social π»π»
A lively and large space for bowling, arcade games, and a great atmosphere. Radio Social has a cocktail bar, a beer bar, and an Israeli restaurant all inside the building. This is a great place to meet up with a large group. If you're interested in bowling, lane reservations are required and fill up quickly.
Susan B. Anthony House π¦ΈββοΈπ³οΈ
This home was the headquarters of the National American Woman Suffrage Association when Susan B. Anthony was its president, and itβs also the place where she lay to rest. The museum offers guided tours of the Susan B. Anthony House, reservations recommended.
Record Archive πποΈ
A fantastic spot for serious record shopping, with a huge selection to explore.
Driving in and out of Rochester
Memorial Day Weekend is a great time to visit the Finger Lakes region, so we've included some of our favorite places in the area. Depending on where you're coming from, there are some very special spots to see on your way to and from Upstate New York.
Letchworth State Park β°οΈπΆ
Letchworth State Park, known as the "Grand Canyon of the East," is one of the most scenically magnificent areas in the eastern U.S. There are 66 miles of hiking trails, whitewater rafting, kayaking, and hot air balloon rides through this spectacular state park.
The Lake House on Canandaigua π€β΅οΈ
Visit beautiful Canandaigua Lake, where we spend summer weekends on Ron's boat. The Lake House is a beautiful resort on the lake with a fabulous restaurant, spa, and plenty of activities on land and water.
Inns of Aurora Resort & Spa β΅οΈπ§ββοΈ
This is another beautiful resort on Cayuga Lake on the way to and from Rochester. If you stay in Aurora, you can make it to Scott's second favorite city in upstate NY, Ithaca.
Ithaca π³π§βπΎ
Home to Scott's alma mater, and Nicole's first outing as a newborn, Ithaca is another great stop on your way in and out of Rochester. Home to the famous Ithaca Farmer's Market, Taughannock Falls, and the Commons, you won't run out of things to do and see in this gorges :) city.
Skaneateles πποΈ
This is Caroline's favorite town to visit in the summer, nestled atop beautiful Skaneateles Lake. Stop by for a fish fry at Doug's, shop at the local boutiques, stay at the historic Sherwood Inn, or indulge at the beautiful Mirbeau Spa. Skaneateles is a lovely place to spend the day or an overnight on your way to or from Rochester.
Niagara-on-the-Lake π«π·
If you're going to visit Niagara Falls, be sure to stop in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Caroline, Nicole, and Emilie recommend high tea at the Prince of Wales Hotel. The nearby Inniskillin, Jackson-Triggs, and Chateau des Charmes wineries feature Niagara's famous grapes, as the leading source for ice wine around the world.
Upward Brewing Company π»π₯¨
For those driving from NYC or the NY metro area, Upward is a great stopping point for a light bite with beautiful views of the Catskill Mountains.