I must say that I have always loved to travel. My heart is always telling me that even though I love home, there is an adventure and a whole wide world waiting for me to explore. In July, I had the pleasure of heading to Rochester, New York, for the first time, on a hosted trip with fifty other Macaroni Kid Publishers for our annual Silver Daisy Boondoggle. I was amazed at all the family friendly activities that Rochester and the Finger Lakes region has to offer throughout the whole year. This is definitely going to be a future vacation spot to explore with my husband and children.
Here are my top five spots that I was able to explore while on my summer getaway:
1. The Strong National Museum of Play: This is the only museum that is dedicated to play and play has a crucial role throughout the different stages of human development, which is why their space is highly interactive to encourage visitors of all ages to learn through play. It has the world’s largest collection of dolls, toys and games (electronic and board), plus there is a video game hall of fame. I absolutely loved the vintage pinball room (I scored 27 million on the Indiana Jones game), Sesame Street Land, the butterfly garden, and Reading Adventure Land which is the world’s largest pop-up book. Did you know that you can even check out books and return them to any of their local libraries? What a great way to foster a love for reading!
2. Genesee Country Village and Museum: This living history museum, with costumed interpreters, focuses on life in the 19th century and is the largest in the state of New York and the third largest in the USA. They have 68 historic buildings in their village, including an octagon house, schoolhouse, Flint Hill country store (hand-thrown pottery demos) and Grieves’ Brewery. Grieves’ Brewery is the only working brewery in the country that makes beer using the 19th century techniques, which can be purchased at the museum. They also host different events throughout the year, including the War of 1812 and Jane Austen weekend, Civil War Re-Enactment and Encampment, Preparing for the Holidays, and Yuletide Tours and Buffet.
3. Rochester Museum and Science Center: The Museum and Science Center covers over four floors of exhibits, including having interactive science experiments daily and being home to the Strasenburgh Planetarium. I loved the one of a kind musical twin Tesla coil live Electricity Theater. Plus the museum has the largest Seneca Iroquois collection in the world. They also have Science on a Sphere (high-res 3-D image data projection system) which can show you Earth in real time, storms, the northern lights, planets and so much more!
4. Seabreeze Amusement Park: One of the oldest family owned and operated amusement parks that is home to one of the oldest wooden roller coasters in the USA, called the Jack Rabbit. They are also home to the Seabreeze Carousel, which was created in 1996, by Edward Roth who hand carved this classic wooden carousel making it extremely unique to see and ride. In addition to their many amusement rides, they also have a waterpark that includes waterslides, soak zones, a lazy river and a wave pool. Be sure to taste their famous sugar waffle before you leave! And they also offer a walk around only price for the parents, grandparents, aunts/uncles, who want to bring the kids but not ride any of the rides. How cool is that!
5. Susan B. Anthony House and Museum: This was such an awe-inspiring experience to be standing in the front parlor of her home where she was arrested for voting illegally in 1872. Just to visit the home where she resided for over 40 years of her most influencing part of her life fighting for social justice and human rights was so amazing. Words can not describe this experience.
Some other highlights of the trip that I enjoyed were the dinner cruise on the Colonial Belle on the Erie Canal at the Village of Fairport, the Seneca Park Zoo, Wegmans Pittsford, Glen Iris Inn (they make the best brown sugar pie), Letchworth State Park, Casa Larga Vineyards, and Cayuga Lake Creamery (I can now say I tried Lavender ice cream).
While in Rochester, New York, I stayed at the Doubletree Hotel by Hilton Rochester and had great experience. Their hospitality was amazing and I was even handed a cookie at check in. They had a wonderful bar for an evening cocktail to help unwind. Plus, an indoor pool to relax.
A few areas that I want to add to my trip the next time I visit with the family are Stokoe Farms (they even support Trees for Troops), Long Acre Farms, Bristol Mountain, Lazy Acre Alpacas, and the Sweet Treat Trail, which is like a wine trail but only desserts!
I’ll be back Rochester, New York! For more photos and videos search #MKVisitRoc on social media!
Visit Rochester (visitrochester.com) and the Finger Lakes (fingerlakestravelny.com) hosted the author for a three-day press trip. Accommodations and most meals and activities were complimentary. No other compensation was received in consideration of this article and all opinions are that of the writer.
