Our family loves to travel to new places. Recently, I was invited to the Silver Daisy Boondoggle, a fun working trip for the top Macaroni Kid publishers to visit New York! You're probably thinking skyscrapers, Statue of Liberty, and Broadway. This year it was in Rochester, New York, to explore some of the over 60 family friendly attractions in the beautiful area. Conveniently located to other vacation destinations of New York State such as Niagara, Finger Lakes, and Syracuse, your family will fall in love with the waterfalls, vineyards, amusement parks, museums, mountains and canals. I was so surprised to learn about the "Grand Canyon of the East," rich history of the area, and all the fun attractions. Here are the top 10 reasons why I cannot wait to return to Rochester, New York, with my family and show them why this place ROCks!
10. Erie Canal at Village of Fairport
Our trip began with the hors d'oeuvres at Packett's Landing followed by a dinner cruise on the family owned and operated Colonial Belle. The cruise took us on a journey of the Erie Canal traveling west between Fairport and Pittsford under low bridges and beautiful scenery. Every age would enjoy their daily cruises lasting 1.5 to 3 hours with optional meals. I know my kids would love to see how the dam works. Did you know that it took 7 years to dig the Erie Canal? Fairport, New York, is a picture perfect canal town where the Erie Canal serves as a second Main Street. The village is home to the only decagon lift bridge in the world built on an incline, raising up in one piece to allow boats through; however, pedestrians can still cross the bridge while it's raised!
9. National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House
This National Historic Landmark was the home where Susan B. Anthony was most active during her political career. Susan B. Anthony felt compelled to change something that did not feel right or fair, reformed suffrage, abolition, temperance, and education. She was also known for her friendship with Frederick Douglass and her trial for voting in 1872 which caused her arrest in this home. In 1892, the home served as headquarters when Susan B. Anthony was elected president of the National American Woman’s Suffrage Association. One of her letters in the permanent collection written, to Lucy Hawley Calkins of Ithaca, New York, states "nothing ever will bring justice to woman...until they are equal factors in the political world." Talk about creating change instead of complaining, what an inspiring woman! The National Susan B Anthony Museum & House is a 501(c)(3) educational entity dedicated to preserve and tell the story.
8. Casa Larga Vineyards and Winery
Casa Larga Vineyards and Winery's backdrop was picture perfect during my first taste of the Finger Lakes Region of New York. Set in Fairport, NY, Casa Larga hosted an event for us to discover some of the area's local businesses while wine tasting. My favorite wine served was Lilac Hill, and I also had my first taste of an ice wine, Fiori Vidal Blanc Ice Wine. Ice wine is produced from grapes that have been frozen while still on the vine past harvest giving it an ultra-sweet taste. Their Fiori delle Stelle ice wines are the most awarded ice wines in the country! Casa Larga Winery ships to 38 states, Louisiana included. The family owned winery is open year-round for visitors to taste and purchase their superior, award-winning wines.
Leading conservation efforts locally, regionally, and internationally, the Seneca Park Zoo is a must-see. The zoo staff are very visible and interactive with visitors. While there, we were able to observe a lion training demonstration with Chester, an African lion! This training program teaches behaviors that allow the animals to take part in their own health care by voluntarily allowing physical examinations and vaccinations. Chester works along the fence with his keeper so guests get an up close look at their intelligence. Seneca Park Zoo hatched its first penguin chick in 1999. Since then, hatching more than 90 chicks has made the zoo #1 in African penguin contribution to other zoos. The spotted hyena, Lou, is twenty-four years old and has been at the zoo since 1999. His keeper stated that Lou's mother was the oldest hyena on record, living to the age of 27. During our visit to the zoo, I discovered this is a true home environment for many of the animals. Seneca Park Zoo is expanding and renovating to include a new restaurant, a passenger tram, and new exhibits featuring giraffes, snow leopard, and red pandas.
6. Wegmans
As the pilot store for many programs offered in Wegmans stores, visiting Wegmans Fairport was a treat. With over 800 friendly employees and a wide variety of products, your family will find grocery items without a problem. Wegmans offers EZ Meals, which I could see myself using often if we lived there. Packages are prepped with fresh ingredients to make meal preparation easier. When you walk into Wegmans, the first thing you notice is the beautiful colors of all the fresh produce and the gorgeous assortment of brightly colored flowers in the florist department. Next discover the food bars of cheese, sushi, trail mix, and olives. The Burger Bar, one of Wegmans restaurants, offers one of the best burgers; their sandwiches, salads and milkshakes looked pretty amazing too. Need a refreshing treat during or after shopping? Grab a coffee, freshly made smoothie, or a delicious baked good or chocolate. As you shop, you'll notice labels on a variety of foods indicating the product was made with the freshest, best quality ingredients from one of the nearby 400 family farm partners. It was easy to see why Wegmans is ranked America's favorite supermarket!
Can we talk about this diaper changing station. It's been a few years that I have had to personally utilize one for my kids, but this still put a smile on my face. Wegmans thinks of everything!
Introducing the "Grand Canyon of the East!" Letchworth State Park is a 17-mile stretch of land where the Genesee River roars through with scenic gorges, three major waterfalls, and a 600 foot high cliff. The park includes hiking trails, guided walks, kayaking, whitewater rafting, hot-air ballooning, and camping. We enjoyed a delicious lunch at the Glen Iris Inn, a charming bed and breakfast. The newly built Humphrey Nature Center is a must-see educational attraction in the park. Pictures do not do justice to how beautiful this area is, nor how incredible this waterfall behind me is.
4. Rochester Museum of Science
The moment I stepped into Rochester Museum and Science Center, I knew all of my family would love it. The Strasenburgh Planetarium taught us about the upcoming solar eclipse. In the Electricity Theater, science came alive with the fascinating Tesla lightning show, which featured the lightning dancing to current popular music around me and three other Macaroni Kid publishers. We learned about planets with Science on a Sphere. I observed other visitors become inventors, climb a rock wall, and become construction workers. With three floors of many interactive hands-on fun learning opportunities, I could see my family here for hours.
Located between Lake Ontario and Irondequoit Bay, your family will make wonderful memories with a day at this family-owned amusement park complete with the lake breeze, smells from the well-known sugar waffles, and sounds of laughter as families exit the many rides and play mid-way games. We had the pleasure to meet a 6th generation family owner. The Jack Rabbit and the Time Machine gave the Macaroni Kid publishers many laughs. The Jack Rabbit is the oldest continuously operating wooden roller coaster in the United States. If you prefer less thrilling rides, enjoy the classic wooden carousel, train, or play one of the many mid-way games. Smaller kids will love the special kiddie section. The water park has many slides and also a kid's section. Enjoy a classic Log Flume ride with the entire family. One thing that I loved about Seabreeze Amusement Park is their ticket prices and options.. For instance, if you are travelling with a family member who doesn't ride, a special, lower-priced admission is available! I love that, especially for my parents if they were to come with us.
2. Genesee Country Village & Museum
Step back in time at the largest living history museum in New York State! At each stop exploring the 600 acre village, you will interact and watch demonstrations with knowledgeable persons in character that truly capture life in history across three time periods. Every building (68 historical structures) is of historical significance, such as the Kodak house from Waterville, N.Y., in which George Eastman, founder of Eastman Kodak Company, spent his early youth. At the Hyde House, an octagon home, Ms. Hyde explained that her kitchen may not look modern but still was able to do everything we currently do including coffee and waffles! Meet the Hog Island sheep, Berkshire pigs, and Blue, the cow, at the farm. One of my other favorite stops was the replica of the Morganville Pottery at the Genesee Country Museum. The pottery created on site is sold at the Flint Hill Country Store! If you love art, make sure to stop at The John L. Wehle Gallery, home to one of the finest collections of sporting and wildlife art in America. The Genesee Country Village & Museum, a Blue Star Museum, is open May to October and offers numerous special events, including Laura Ingalls Wilder Days and historic baseball on Silver Base Ball Park. Your family can also enjoy a nature walk in Genesee Country Village & Museum through hundreds of acres and five miles of themed nature trails open year-round for visitors.
1. The Strong | National Museum of Play
This was one of my favorite attractions of Rochester, NY. The two-story Strong National Museum of Play stretches more than a city block long and includes the most hands-on, interactive spaces for the entire family. Through play, your child will discover childhood toys of several generations. Areas include video game and pinball history, an indoor butterfly garden, comic book superheroes, and the world's largest collection of toys, dolls, and games. It was fun playing the only 4-player Pac-Man and the largest Nintendo pad I've ever seen. Seeing myself being drawn onto an over-sized Etch-a-Sketch was unique. Classic books like the Berenstein Bears and Dr. Seuss came to life in the Reading Adventures. Interesting fact learned - Monopoly was originally circular! Your family will love the ultimate play destination for all ages, home of National Toy Hall of Fame and World Video Game Hall of Home.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Rochester was a wonderful place to stay and very convenient to all these fabulous places. The clean, spacious room had a very comfortable bed, the staff was friendly, and a warm cookie is given at check-in! Covered Wagon Tours kept us safe the entire time if you are travelling with a large group, thank you @mco_aj!
Rochester ROCks at family fun with so many great things to see and do. Plan your next trip to Rochester, New York with help from our friends at Visit Rochester! #MKVisitROC #iloveny
I was a guest of Visit Rochester and its partners for three nights. Accommodations, some transportation and meals, and most activities were complimentary. No other compensation was received and all opinions are my own.
