What to do and see in Rochester, New York (NY): The Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day

July 29, 2021 Flossie Demartino

From family-friendly activities to professional sports teams, museums and galleries, Rochester has something for everyone. Enjoy the scenic Erie Canal, Genesee River and Lake Ontario. Don't miss the Strong National Museum of Play (America's second-largest children's museum) or the International Museum of Photography. Be sure to sample one of Rochester's famous "white hots," Rochester's version of the hotdog! And don't miss the nearby Finger Lakes region with its wine trails and gorges.
Restaurants in Rochester

1. The Strong National Museum of Play

1 Manhattan Square Dr, Rochester, NY 14607-3941 +1 585-263-2700 [email protected] http://www.museumofplay.org/
Excellent
84%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2,156 reviews

The Strong National Museum of Play

The Strong is a highly interactive, collections-based museum devoted to the history and exploration of play. It is one of the largest history museums in the United States and one of the leading museums serving families. The Strong houses the world's largest and most comprehensive collection of historical materials related to play and is home to the International Center for the History of Electronic Games, the National Toy Hall of Fame, the World Video Game Hall of Fame, the Brian Sutton-Smith Library and Archives of Play, the Woodbury School, and the American Journal of Play. Together, these enable a multifaceted array of research, exhibition, and other interpretive and educational activities that serve a diverse audience of adults, families, children, students, teachers, scholars, collectors, and others around the globe.

Reviewed By V7823XUmichaelb

This museum is fun for all ages and for hours! They have a mini Wegmans, toys HOF, a butterfly exhibit and so much more! Fabulous.

2. Eastman Theatre

60 Gibbs St Eastman School of Music, Rochester, NY 14604-2505 +1 585-274-1109 [email protected] http://www.EastmanTheatre.org
Excellent
87%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 128 reviews

Eastman Theatre

As one of the world’s premier music schools, the Eastman School of Music has been enriching the musical life of Rochester since 1921. Today, the School presents more than 700 concerts a year in the magnificent Eastman Theatre, intimate Kilbourn Hall, and the modern Hatch Recital Hall – providing the Rochester community with an exceptional opportunity to experience world-class music in a world-class setting. The School’s rich and diverse concert season features prominent guest artists, our own acclaimed faculty, and our incredibly talented students and ensembles. No matter what type of music you prefer, you’re certain to hear it at Eastman: Classical, jazz, and opera. Symphonic and chamber music. Early music, new music, world music – there is something for everyone! The general public is welcome at all Eastman concerts and performances. Remarkably, most concerts are free; those that are not are modestly priced.

Reviewed By robertbrucel - Rochester, United States

The Rochester Philharmonic Orchastra is one of the great Treasures of this city. A Wonderful season throughout fall, winter and spring is inhanced by the beautiful of the Eastman Theater. A must go to for anyone in our city. With the Finest Music School right here and a wonderful Kilbour Hall series as well Its astonishing Rochester is so vibrant. Like Jazz??? Check out our annual Jazz feast with great preformances in both venues

3. Dryden Theatre

900 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14607-2219 +1 585-327-4800 http://www.eastman.org/dryden-theatre
Excellent
86%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 35 reviews

Dryden Theatre

The George Eastman Museum's exhibition space for showcasing its unparalleled collection of motion pictures as well as films from around the world.

4. Black Button Distilling

85 Railroad St, Rochester, NY 14609-6039 +1 585-730-4512 [email protected] http://blackbuttondistilling.com/
Excellent
85%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 79 reviews

Black Button Distilling

We are Rochester NY's first and finest craft distillery since prohibition. Located at the Rochester Public Market making only the finest Vodka, Gin and Whiskey from New York State grains. Since 1922 my family has provided some of the finest men's suit buttons available. For Four generations these buttons have closed suits worn by Presidents, Popes, Kings, and Businessmen the world over. From a young age I went to work in my grandfather's factory but it was clear I was meant for a different path. I broke tradition and decided to make whiskey, but the lessons I learned in his factory as a kid still guide me to this day; work hard, work with your hands, make your product the best on the market, and you can't cheat time. My distillery pays homage to my grandfather and the world he knew - where real men worked hard and drank real pot distilled whiskey. My name is Jason Barrett, I started my craft distillery at 24 years old, and I love distilling. I hope you will try our small batch, grain to glass spirits and join me in raising a glass to Living Large in Small Batches.

Reviewed By 49MarkL - Penfield, United States

Black Button Lilac Gin is incredibly smooth and flavorful! Unlike the popular national brands such as Tanqueray and Bombay, I can enjoy Black Button's Lilac Gin on ice alone or with a squeeze of fresh lime. When I add tonic water it's hard to control the urge to drink it down like iced tea or lemonade on a blistering hot day.

5. Blue Toad Hard Cider

120 Mushroom Blvd Suite 105, Rochester, NY 14623-3263 +1 585-424-5508 http://www.bluetoadhardcider.com/
Excellent
80%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 20 reviews

Blue Toad Hard Cider

6. George Eastman Museum

900 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14607-2298 +1 585-327-4800 [email protected] http://www.eastman.org
Excellent
70%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,037 reviews

George Eastman Museum

The George Eastman Museum is located in Rochester, New York, on the estate of George Eastman, the pioneer of popular photography and motion picture film. Founded in 1947 as an independent nonprofit institution, it is the world's oldest photography museum and one of the oldest film archives. The museum holds unparalleled collections-encompassing several million objects-in the fields of photography, cinema, and photographic and cinematographic technology, and photographically illustrated books. The institution is also a longtime leader in film preservation and photographic conservation.

Reviewed By lesliek79 - Montreal, Canada

My primary interest was the history of photography, and the Kodak company’s inventions and innovations that popularized photography. The “History of Photography” exhibit was much smaller than I expected, featuring only a few historically important images and many cameras. A smaller exhibit (upstairs in the house) featured Kodak inventions and progress that included details about the early box cameras and the use of photosensitive emulsions on rolls (substituting individual plates). It was this exhibit that demonstrated Mr. Eastman’s genius. The temporary Warner Brothers Cartoons exhibit was informative and delightful; a throwback to my early television viewing experience. The congenial tour guide was a font of knowledge about George Eastman’s personal history and life, entry into photography, entrepreneurial skills, financial success and philanthropy. The tour of his mansion highlighted it’s history and attested to Eastman’s affluence, interests and tastes. He was a wealthy man whose interests reflected the mores of his time. His legacy reverberates in Rochester’s cultural and social life, generally, and through his inventions and philanthropy internationally.

7. National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House

17 Madison St, Rochester, NY 14608-1928 +1 585-235-6124 [email protected] http://susanbanthonyhouse.org/index.php
Excellent
69%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 257 reviews

National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House

The National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House shares the story of Susan B. Anthony's lifelong struggle to gain voting rights for women and equal rights for all. We keep her vision alive and relevant by preserving and sharing Anthony's National Historic Landmark home; collecting artifacts and research materials directly related to her life and work; and making these resources available to the public through tours, publications, the internet, and interpretive programs. Come visit us today!

Reviewed By LenaL8711 - Rochester, United States

This experience is priceless. Very well structured and interesting. My son got chills when standing in Susan B Anthony’s bedroom. This was the room she was in when she passed. Would recommend for anyone.

500 University Ave, Rochester, NY 14607-1414 +1 585-276-8900 [email protected] http://mag.rochester.edu
Excellent
65%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 238 reviews

Memorial Art Gallery

A visit to the Memorial Art Gallery is a journey through more than 5,000 years of art history. From the relics of antiquity to works in the vanguard of contemporary movements, the Gallery offers a panorama of the world's art. With the completion of Centennial Sculpture Park, the Gallery's 14-acre campus has been transformed into a spectacular urban space that is a destination for Rochesterians and visitors alike.

Reviewed By prosenesq - Los Angeles, United States

Nicely-curated exhibit of this turn of the century artist who was most-noted for his posters for Sarah Bernhardt. Beautiful lithographs on display, some illustrating techniques for adding color.

9. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County

115 South Ave, Rochester, NY 14604-1817 +1 585-428-7300 http://www3.libraryweb.org/
Excellent
67%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 15 reviews

Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County

10. Rochester Museum & Science Center

657 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14607-2101 +1 585-271-4320 http://www.rmsc.org/
Excellent
54%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 319 reviews

Rochester Museum & Science Center

Reviewed By JackL448 - East Syracuse, United States

The museum is three floors with my visit limited to only the first floor. The first floor is mostly the Expedition Earth & the Adventure Zone. The E.E. starts with small sea live exhibit before the end of the dinosaurs. There is one dinosaur-a Albertosaurus-65,000,00 years ago. Next is wildlife about 15,000 years ago with replicas of the Mastodon, Caribou, Raindeer & Muskox. Nearby is a replica of a mile high glacier, which a visitor can walk through along with much information. Also small wildlife of the modern era. The Adventure Zone is mostly for the children. Exhibits are the Erie Canal-which a visitor can operate the locks-open & shut-and move a tug to the locks. Following exhibits are a sailing exhibit, a three life chair for different ages, a rock climbing wall a climbing slide structure, with netting-this exhibit was closed-ending with a Rain Garden Theater. The second floor concerns the slavery of the United States & how the African-Americans were able to escape their predicament of slavery. In detail is the life & words of Frederick Douglass, Harriet Jacobs, Austin Steward, Thomas James & Henry Brown. Much of the history includes some photographs from the 1850's, many prints/illustrations, & how the Underground Railway was used to Freedom. After the African-American exhibit is the Native-Americans from the U.S., Central America & Canada. The U.S. Indians include Iroquois, Navajo, Pueblo, Indians of Peru & Guatemala, Indians of the Northwest, Plains & Southeast, Algonquian Indians of Canada. In glass cases are clothing, vases, blankets, weapons of war & masks. One interesting exhibit is the Iroquois Wood Carvings. The Native-American exhibit is larger than the African-American, however both are interesting & educational. Also on the second floor is "Iullumination" -The World of Light & Optics. The 'Galley'-which has something the way light works or affects our lives. The Forces of Nature and Science on Sphere-which is a 4-5 metric sphere that rotates while hanging from the ceiling-about weather patterns. Other museum feature are: an elevator that services all three floors, restrooms on each floor, a fountain located on the second floor and a gift shop behind the admission booth. A map of the third floor exhibits of: Rochester In 1838, The Changemakers-Rochester Women Who Changed the World & The Electricity Theater. With a short walk is the Strasenburg Planetarium. When the coronavirus calms down, I will retrn to visit the third floor and the planetarium. My visit lasted about three & half hours that included photography-lighting is excellent-reading as much as possible, & talking with the staff. Each member I talked with was polite & answered all my questions. There is no cafe, however within a 1/4 mile is Calabresella's On The Park-a sub/deli shop. The gentlemen at admissions helped with instructions to the shop. Walking only takes about 12-13 minutes. Parking is what I would call a medium lot with at least 4 handicapped spaces, My visit was on a Saturday morning & afternoon, not many visitor. One staff member informed me during certain months there are student tours. Hours: Monday-Saturday 9:30-4:30. Sunday 11:00-4:00. Admission: Adults-$16.00. Senior & collage students-with ID-$15.00. Ages 3-18-$14.00. I realize this is a long review for just three floors, however each floor is very detailed, well exhibited & displayed. Both floors are interesting, historical and educational. A visit is highly recommended for any length of time.

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