The content below provides supplemental information for the second edition of my award-winning book, Day Trips Around Rochester, New York. Each chapter is digitally enhanced to provide maps, photos, and links to help you plan your day-trip adventures.
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Section 1 – Day-Trip Destinations
These day trips include carefully chosen breakfast, lunch, and dinner options at some of the most popular local restaurants and unique experiences and events that make each destination special. You’ll find various ideas to help you make the most of your time and create lasting memories.
CHAPTERS
Explore Rochester
A perfect day in Rochester would include a visit to one of its world-class museums, spending time in its exceptional parks, and seeing both High Falls and Lake Ontario.
Explore Fairport
With a wonderfully walkable Main Street and a picture-perfect setting along the Erie Canal, Fairport is the quintessential canal village.
Explore Pittsford
With its scenic canal views, unique shops, cozy cafés, and rich history, Pittsford offers the perfect blend of relaxation and discovery.
Explore Spencerport
Spencerport is a historic canal village in Ogden. Nestled along the Erie Canal, it’s a peaceful place to walk, learn, and unwind.
Explore Brockport
Brockport is a charming Erie Canal village with historic architecture, local shops, SUNY energy, and scenic trails perfect for a day trip.
Explore Letchworth State Park
Letchworth has something for everyone, from hiking one of the park's 29 trails and picnicking beside a waterfall to taking a scenic drive.
Explore Canandaigua
Of the five Finger Lakes closest to Rochester, Canandaigua Lake and the city's historic downtown have the most to offer visitors.
Explore Naples
Nestled in the hills at the southern end of Canandaigua Lake, Naples is known for its beautiful surroundings and annual Grape Festival.
Explore Penn Yan
One hour from Rochester, Penn Yan is a unique day-trip experience due to the significant presence of Old Order Amish and Mennonite communities.
Explore Hammondsport
Hammondsport offers a charming getaway brimming with scenic beauty, delicious dining, unique shopping, and exceptional wines.
Explore Corning
Corning's Gaffer District features nearly one hundred boutiques, specialty and antique shops, art galleries, glass studios, and restaurants.
Explore Geneva
Situated midway between Rochester and Syracuse on Route 5 and 20, Geneva feels like the center of the Finger Lakes region.
Explore Watkins Glen
The heart of the village of Watkins Glen is the 1.5-mile-long gorge, a truly breathtaking and awe-inspiring showcase of nature's beauty.
Explore Seneca Falls
Seneca Falls, on historic Route 5 and 20, is the birthplace of the Women's Rights movement and is the inspiration for It's a Wonderful Life.
Explore Ithaca
Spend a day in the City of Ithaca, exploring the waterfalls, restaurants, shops, and festivals that make this Ivy League college town unique.
Explore Auburn
Auburn offers a full day of immersive experiences. Follow this guide to make the most of your time exploring the city's rich culture.
Explore Skaneateles
The Village of Skaneateles is the perfect place to get away and enjoy the pace of lake life, surrounded by unique boutiques and restaurants.
Explore Syracuse
A day trip to Syracuse should include a walk through its squares, exploring renowned museums, and indulging in delicious local food.
Explore Lewiston
Ranked as one of the "Top Ten Small Towns," spend a day in Lewiston, with its excellent shops, restaurants, and Niagara River views.
Explore Niagara Falls, USA
Visitors travel far and wide to see Niagara Falls State Park, America’s first state park, and we are fortunate to drive there in 90 minutes.
Explore East Aurora
From Vidler's to the Aurora Theatre to the Roycroft Arts & Crafts movement, the early 1900s are alive and well on Main Street in East Aurora.
Explore Ellicottville
Ellicottville offers the perfect combination of outdoor adventures, boutique shopping, craft beverages, and delicious dining.
Section 2 – Water
Surrounded by abundant freshwater sources, we are fortunate to have many opportunities to connect with nature and revitalize our minds and bodies. Take some time to explore and appreciate our lakes, creeks, rivers, and canals, which offer an ideal mix of activity and tranquility.
CHAPTERS
Explore The Lake Ontario Seaway Trail
Explore the Lake Ontario Seaway Trail along the southern shoreline, from Fort Niagara in Youngstown to Fort Ontario in Oswego.
Exploring The Genesee River
At Genesee Valley Park, the river merges with the Erie Canal and continues north through Rochester before reaching Lake Ontario.
Explore the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor
Enjoy each canal town along the 115-mile stretch between the Cayuga-Seneca Canal and the Niagara River, with Rochester at the heart.
Explore New York’s Finger Lakes Region
The Finger Lakes region is a popular tourist destination, featuring 11 lakes, charming cities and villages, and scenic farmland.
Easy-to-See Waterfalls Near Rochester
Not all waterfalls are hidden in dark ravines. Many of the region’s most stunning waterfalls can be viewed from the road or a short walk.
Gorge Trails Near Rochester
Gorge trails call out from their deep, dark, and cool caverns. If you haven’t already, start checking these spectacular trails off your list.
Swimming Holes
On a hot day, you can stand under a waterfall, swim in a lake, or wade through a creek at one of these refreshing natural swimming holes
Rochester-Area Boat Tours
Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Great Lakes, Genesee River, Erie Canal, and Finger Lakes on one of these Rochester-area boat tours.
Section 3 – Land
Enjoy the beauty and wonders of the natural world by making the most of the many biological, zoological, horticultural, geological, and historical experiences offered by our parks, gardens, and farms. Our region is filled with unique and fascinating places to discover.
CHAPTERS
Gardens & Arboretums
These carefully designed gardens, often cultivated for decades or even centuries, display exceptional collections of flowers and trees.
Nature Centers and Preserves Around Rochester
The various nature centers, preserves, and management areas all work to protect and maintain natural spaces for the benefit of all.
Farms & Farmers’ Markets: Your Guide to Locally Grown Produce
Exploring local markets and roadside produce stands is a great way to immerse yourself in the community and support family farms.
Section 4 – Culture
Rochester’s theaters, museums, and events offer opportunities to celebrate the region’s unique identity and cultural heritage. Join tours or explore independently to learn about the customs and traditions that make Rochester unique and appreciate the city’s rich and varied experiences.
CHAPTERS
Museums Around Rochester
Rochester is home to world-renowned museums and thought-provoking galleries. You can spend weeks exploring our rich cultural heritage.
Theaters Around Rochester
Sit back, relax, and enjoy a show on stage or screen. Experience diverse artistic expression, from Broadway productions to classic movies.
Roadside Attractions
Have fun finding these fun roadside attractions—shoe trees, a skeleton army, a metal dragon, a shark girl—within two hours of Rochester.
Things to Do Around Rochester Throughout the Year
Explore things to do around Rochester all year, from seasonal day trips and annual festivals to monthly traditions, outdoor adventures, and events.
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