Rochester’s Legacy: A Traveler's Guide to the City’s Rich Heritage

Visiting Rochester for its historical significance alone would create a trip worth remembering. Rochester’s deep roots in the civil and women’s rights movements provide visitors with a profound sense of freedom and empowerment rarely felt elsewhere. At the Susan B. Anthony Museum & House and Fredrick Douglass Monument, you can almost feel the whispers of history in the air, a sense of resilience and hope that still resonates today. You can explore the legacies of both figures further by visiting the Rochester Museum & Science Center.

Another essential stop on this historical journey is the Maplewood Rose Garden, which acts as more than just a stunning collection of roses. Once home to the Seneca tribe and the historic settlement of Casconchiagon, the area is also significant for its role in the Underground Railroad. As you stand on the grounds of Kelsey’s Landing, now a designated World Heritage site, you can imagine the quiet footsteps of those seeking freedom echoing through time. The site marks a powerful intersection of Indigenous history and the fight for liberation. If you're intrigued by Rochester’s history, a guided tour will take you deeper into stories about the city’s crime families and other intriguing past events.

For nature lovers, Kelsey’s Landing is also home to the Genesee River Gorge, where a short walk along the river unveils the striking Lower Falls. As you stand near the falls, you can feel the cool mist on your skin and hear the thunderous sound of the water crashing below. From the Pont De Rennes bridge, take in the sweeping views of the High Falls. The rush of the river against the rugged cliffs is both serene and dynamic, a vivid reminder of the natural forces shaping the heart of this city.

Depending on when you visit, Rochester transforms with the seasons. In the fall, the fiery reds, oranges and yellows of the trees create a stunning contrast against the crisp blue sky. In the winter, snow blankets the streets, and there’s a quiet stillness that makes the city feel magical. In the spring, the air fills with the fragrance of lilacs in bloom. If visiting in the springtime, plan your trip around the Lilac Festival.

If you're a fan of architecture, a drive through the Maplewood neighborhood feels like stepping back in time. The stately Queen Anne Victorians and Tudor homes are a sight to behold, with their intricate details evoking the elegance of a bygone era. As you travel down East Avenue and Goodman Streets, the canopy of trees overhead cast dappled sunlight onto the sidewalks. While grand mansions line the streets, including the iconic George Eastman House, now a museum.

A city rich in the arts, music plays a huge part in Rochester’s culture. If you’re visiting in the summer, don’t miss the Party in the Park concert series, held on Thursdays for six fun-filled weeks. The vibrant energy, live performances and local food create an unforgettable experience that highlights Rochester's musical soul.

Day trip

Rochester’s location is perfect if you want to spend time in neighboring cities. Located between Buffalo and Syracuse, it’s just an hour’s drive to both, giving you more options to explore the northern cities and maybe catch a college or NFL game. Just north of Buffalo is Niagara Falls, also just over an hour's drive from Rochester. Niagara Falls is an awe-inspiring powerhouse of a waterfall, with its thunderous roar and mist rising into the air, unlike anything I have ever seen. I strongly encourage a day trip to see it. And of course, no trip to northern New York is complete without seeing more of the Finger Lakes region and going wine tasting. Cayuga, Keuka and Seneca Lake wine trails offer beautiful views and some of the oldest vineyards in the country.

A longer drive brings you to the Adirondack region, known for its breathtaking views and scenic roads. Visiting this area in the fall is a must-do. The picturesque fall foliage shouldn’t be missed. Get there by taking route 104 East, a scenic drive running parallel to Lake Ontario, where you can witness the shimmering water stretching to the horizon. Stop at Sodus Point, where the sound of waves crashing against the shore and the sight of the historic Sodus Bay Lighthouse offers a peaceful escape. Another unmissable stop is Chimney Bluffs State Park, with its towering cliffs. The hike along the bluff rewards you with sweeping views of the lake and the dramatic, jagged edges of the cliffs.

We all know how the food we try while traveling is like the cherry on top of the entire experience. While Rochester has many culinary options from fine dining to casual eating, the places I’ve listed here are true Rochester icons.

• Nick Tahou Hots - home of the garbage plate.

A quick tip on garbage plates — while I highly recommend you try one, you should be prepared with some antacids for after. It tastes amazing, but your stomach may not appreciate it as much.

• Abbots Frozen Custard - Lake Ontario location — If I could eat Abbots frozen custard daily, I would.

• Donuts Delite

• Dinosaur BBQ

• Bill Gray’s

• Country Sweet Chicken and Ribs

• Genesee Brew House

• The Rochester public market. When I lived in Rochester as an adult, I went to the public market to buy fresh food and flowers. It was one of my favorite things to do.