DAY-TRIP DESTINATIONS Explore East Aurora From Vidler’s 5 & 10 and the Aurora Theatre to the Roycroft Arts and Crafts movement, the early 1900s are alive and well on Main Street US 20A. With its charming small-town atmosphere, rich cultural offerings, and beautiful natural surroundings, East Aurora is a must-see destination an hour and a half west of Rochester and 10 minutes east of Orchard Park, home of the Buffalo Bills. Explore Naples Nestled in the hills at the southern end of Canandaigua Lake and one hour south of Rochester, Naples is known for its beautiful natural surroundings, which have inspired many artists and farmers to create and work here. With its strong connection to the grape industry, Naples is home to several wineries and grape-themed events, such as the celebrated Naples Grape Festival. Explore Skaneateles Skaneateles is a peaceful and picturesque village an hour and a half east of Rochester and 30 minutes southwest of Syracuse. The beautiful village streets are perfect for strolling, and the views of Skaneateles Lake make for a great backdrop as you explore the charming shops and restaurants in the area. The village is home to a thriving arts and culture scene, with various galleries, shops, and restaurants showcasing the work of local artists and artisans. For a glimpse into the area’s rich history, walk around the Skaneateles Historic District, where you can admire the beautifully restored 19th-century homes and buildings that line the streets. WATER Lake Ontario The Port of Rochester at the mouth of the Genesee River was once a significant destination for ships on Lake Ontario. Today, it is a stop along the Great Lakes Seaway Trail, a 518-mile scenic drive along Lake Erie, the Niagara River, Lake Ontario, and the Saint Lawrence River. Easy Waterfalls Not all waterfalls are hidden in dark ravines only reachable by challenging trails. Many of the region’s most stunning waterfalls can be viewed from the road, parking area, or a short walk on a pathway. Erie Canal According to the New York State Canal Corporation, nearly 80% of the upstate New York population lives within 25 miles of the Erie Canal. The original “Clinton’s Ditch” was completed in 1825 and later updated to accommodate larger boats, leading to the creation of the Enlarged Erie Canal. Further modifications in 1918 allowed for self-propelled boats, which no longer required mules, resulting in the current Barge Canal. The entire waterway is commonly referred to as the Erie Canal. LAND Gardens & Arboretums Rochester became a global center for flower and tree nurseries in the mid-1800s, fostering our identity as The Flower City, with George Ellwanger from Germany and Patrick Barry from Ireland leading the way. Their nursery catalog was issued in 1843, selling fruit trees, ornamentals, flowers, and greenhouse plants across the globe. In 1888, they donated some of their land and trees to Rochester to establish the city’s first public green space, Highland Park. Nature Centers & Preserves The various nature centers, wildlife preserves, and management areas in New York State all work to protect and maintain natural spaces for the benefit of all. These organizations are committed to preserving the land and its inhabitants. While their missions may be similar, the specific names of each area suggest unique characteristics and offerings. By understanding the distinctions between these names, you can better appreciate the environment and the services provided. Farms & Farmers' Markets Exploring local markets is a great way to immerse yourself in the community and support family farms. You can visit a roadside produce stand, spend time at a U-pick farm, or participate in farm-themed activities. Farm markets offer various options, from simple seasonal produce to opportunities for community-supported agriculture (CSA) and artisanal goods. Some markets even provide events and entertainment. Be sure to check the days and hours of operation for the places you plan to visit. CULTURE Theaters Sit back, relax, and enjoy a show on stage or screen. Experience diverse artistic expression, including interpretive dance, chamber music, Shakespearean plays, and Broadway productions. Whether historic auditoriums or multiplex theaters with reclining seats, Rochester’s movie theaters offer a wide range of first-run, independent, foreign, and student films; live-stream events; and festivals. Museums & Galleries Rochester is proud to be home to world-renowned museums and thought-provoking galleries. Some of these institutions offer guided tours by knowledgeable docents, while others are run by dedicated volunteers. If you are interested in viewing some of the city’s historic homes and archives, making an appointment in advance may be necessary. The city’s Neighborhood of the Arts (NOTA) is a vibrant district that spans several walkable blocks around University Avenue, Goodman Street, and East Avenue. This area is home to many museums, galleries, and artist studios participating in popular First Friday events, when the community celebrates all things creative and enjoys a lively night out. Annual Events Each month offers unique seasonal experiences. This section features a comprehensive guide to the most popular activities and events and recommendations for top things to do throughout the year.
✔ Author(s): Debi Bower
✔ Title: Day Trips Around Rochester, New York: Your guide to exploring within two hours of Rochester and the Finger Lakes region.
✔ Rating : 4.5 out of 5 base on (80 reviews)
✔ ISBN-10: B0C1JK3J79
✔ ISBN-13: 978B0C1JK3J71
✔ Language: English
✔ Format ebook: PDF, EPUB, Kindle, Audio, HTML and MOBI
✔ Device compatibles: Android, iOS, PC and Amazon Kindle
Readers' opinions about Day Trips Around Rochester, New York by Debi Bower
Virginia Savage
What a rollercoaster of emotions! I laughed, cried, and everything in between. The author's ability to evoke such raw feelings is truly commendable. It's a story that will stay with me forever.
Katherine Stevenson
The plot twists were executed masterfully. I was left gasping at every unexpected turn, and the suspense kept me on edge throughout. Bravo to the author for keeping me guessing.
Iris Watts
I'm already planning to reread this book. It's one of those stories that you can revisit again and again, discovering new layers of meaning each time.
