Rochester Travel Guide, New York

Rochester is the third-largest city in New York State set in a region of lakes with Lake Ontario, Finger Lakes and Great Lakes in the area. The city is the perfect starting point for al those who want to visit the lakes, enjoy the outdoors and the nice beach.

In the past the city was well known as a major flour-milling center that produced flour for other cities including New York City. This industry was the base of the local economy, but soon other businesses started to spring up and names like Kodak and Xerox became famous in the city and later in the whole world. But you don’t have to think of Rochester as a heavy industrialized city, but as of a small scale, friendly, historic and funky little city with a sense of humor and retaining an authentic feel, a city well known and visited for its festivals, history and the outdoors at the outskirts of the city. The city itself does not lack green places, there are gardens and parks to walk through and relax maybe chat with the locals that are friendly and modest people.

When you will get to the 96-foot urban waterfall you will really say nature was brought in the city. The falls are a delight for all those who visit Rochester and starting your visit with the High Falls Historic District is a good idea and will make a really good impression on you and push you to want to visit more of this lovely place. This historic district proves to be an attraction not only for the adults but for the kids, too who love laser-light show at the falls and the educational exhibit from the visitor center.

And if you want to keep them entertained continue your visit of the city with the Strong children's museum and the 19th-century Genesee Country Village & Museum featuring interactive, hands on exhibits. And after they are exhausted of walking take them to the Lake Ontario beach and Ontario Beach Park where they can relax in the sun and have a nice splash while at the Ontario Beach Park they can also have a round on the antique carousel. The nearby Seabreeze Amusement Park offers great entertainment to fill up your day.

Another attraction for kids is the Seneca Park Zoo where they can see all sorts of animals in wonderful surroundings.

You will really feel the local’s love of nature if you come in early May when Rochester becomes a city of flowers in the annual Lilac Festival held at Highland Park, a place full of gardens and plantings. It is a time when the city is in bloom, music, happy faces and lots of fun awaits all those who come for the festival.

Another just as popular festival this time for jazz fans is the Rochester International Jazz Festival one of the city's biggest festival and music draws features more than 50 concerts by major players at 15 venues. But if you come in another time of year you can still listen to some good music as the Eastman School of Music makes sure locals and tourists have plenty of various concerts to go to throughout the year.

Watching a good play is also among the evening entertainment options and one of the best are played at The Geva Theatre Center.

For a wonderful end of a day’s walk take the Erie Canal and Genesee River cruises on a 19th-century replica boat and you will really feel you couldn’t want more from your visit to Rochester.

With a seemingly never-ending list of things to see and do, you'd want to get a head start and jet off to Rochester.

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