Don’t let winter in Rochester force you into hibernation. If snow sports and hiking don’t appeal to you, think of all the things there are to do indoors! Try some of these places that will keep you warm and active during the colder months.
1. ARTISANworks
You can spend hours and hours at ARTISANworks and never see the same thing twice—at least, not from the same perspective. Look up, look down, look all around—art is everywhere!
2. Try something new for date night
Whether it’s your first date night in Rochester or 50th, spending time exploring with your partner is a great way to connect and learn about each other.
Although many of the ideas on this list are outdoor activities, you’ll find inspiration for indoor activities as well. Try a place that brings the outdoor experiences in like Central Rock Gym or RockVentures.
Or places that let you create something together like Arc+Flame, Corning Museum of Glass, and Splatters, or destroy something at Smash Therapy.
Or play together with Geeks Who Drink, The Playhouse // Swillburger and Radio Social.
3. Enjoy tropical temperatures inside Lamberton Conservatory
Each December through early-January, the Holiday Show welcomes you with holiday lights, greens and poinsettias.
The Spring Show opens around the 1st weekend of spring (March 23) through the Lilac Festival in May. They feature hyacinth, daffodils, and tulips; the color and aroma make for a welcome retreat from winter!
4. Rochester Museum & Science Center
Between the science center and the planetarium, a nasty day outside becomes an inspiring one inside! Experience the vastness of the Universe, the confinement of hiding along the Underground Railroad, an ice age and an age of electricity all in a single day.
5. Try a new restaurant this winter in Rochester
Rochestarians frequent these establishments because the food and atmosphere is consistently amazing. These are places the locals go several times a year, if not more, and recommend them to friends and visitors.
6. Memorial Art Gallery
While away the hours among masterpieces and traveling exhibits. Take an art class, enjoy brunch at the bistro, or attend a special event.
7. Strong National Museum of Play
With “play” in the name, it’s a place that you can’t help but feel lighthearted in. The butterfly garden is the only year-round indoor butterfly garden in upstate New York. With a rain-forest environment it’s the perfect retreat from winter!
8. Spend dinnertime at a historic inn
These historic inns around Rochester offer unique dining experiences. Unlike bed & breakfasts, their dining rooms are open to the public. Unlike restaurants, they offer lodging. And their food is as extraordinary as their stories. The American Hotel in Lima specializes in a vast selection of homemade soups.
9. George Eastman Museum
What could be cozier than the mansion of Rochester’s most prominent citizen? Explore George Eastman’s home, see a movie in the Dryden Theater, see what’s new in the gallery, have lunch, and learn about the man who guided Rochester into a new phase of life as the Image City.
10. Edgerton Model Railroad
Each of the Edgerton Model Railroad’s four season-themed layouts tells a different story of life on the move in the 1950s, with operating model trains. Stop in for an hour or two on the last Saturday of each month.
11. Head to a diner for breakfast
Diners were modular–manufactured in one place and moved by rail to the final location. They were designed to look like a train’s fine dining car. Plus, they serve all makes and models of comfort food.
12. Spend time in a library
Each library has its own amenities and environments so spend some time this winter exploring a few!
13. Wander a used book store
You never know what books you’ll discover on the shelf, but when you find the right one, grab a warm cuppa and find a cozy spot to read.
14. Shop local during winter in Rochester
You don’t have to wait for Small Business Saturday to shop local! We have some incredibly talented individuals throughout the Rochester area.
Where are your favorite places to stay warm but active during winter in Rochester?
Share your thoughts with us in the comments. Your insight and experience is invaluable!