Rochester, New York - My Family Travels

When looking for a prime vacation spot, none can beat the city of Rochester, New York. This city holds many attractions that appeal to a large variety of interests for all ages. Whether it's going to the annual Jazz Festival, visiting Frontier Field to see the Rochester Red Wings play ball, or enjoying a Rochester favorite, Garbage Plates, you will never be bored with the attractions of the area.

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For those looking for a more artistic experience on their vacation, there are many unique theaters and museums in the area. One of these is the Memorial Art Gallery. This gallery features a plethora of different types of art from around the world, gathered into one collection of artistic brilliance. Another artistic attraction is Geva Theatre. With shows ranging from operas you can find something the entire family would enjoy going to see. A unique type of artistic attraction present in Rochester is the Rochester Museum and Science Center. At this museum you can enjoy many different exhibits presenting fun ways to learn about science. In addition to the museum, you can visit the annexed planetarium for a laser light show.

Also, a visit to Rochester is not complete without visiting Eastman Theatre. Since it's opening in 1922, the Eastman Theatre has been home to many ensemble performances, including the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. It also regularly features operatic performances through the year, if your taste in music is more classical. If instead, you are looking for a more fun-for-the-whole-family type adventure while on your vacation, there are many varying activities you can do to fill your time in Rochester. One of these would be going to a Red Wings game at Frontier Field and enjoy America's favorite pastime. If you do not like baseball, you could head over to Sahlen Stadium, just a few blocks away, to see then Rochester Rhinos, Rattlers, or Western New York Flash.

Another idea would be to go to one of Rochester's annual festivals. These festivals include the Lilac Festival and the Jazz Festival. At the Lilac Festival, you can get good food, hear some live music, and enjoy all the other entertainment provided. At the Jazz Festival, you can enjoy many free shows by local bands, or pay some extra money to see some bigger name jazz musicians perform.

Another day trip that is fun for the whole family is going to Sea Breeze. This amusement park has been around since 1879, but even today, it keeps its reputation for being an amazing amusement park. If you are looking for something more child-oriented, it doesn't get any better than the Strong National Museum of Play. Here, there are many fun activities to suit children of all ages. In addition to all of the exhibits, they have a small museum of the history of toys.

Another fun attraction to visit while in Rochester is the Seneca Park Zoo. With a wide variety of animals including elephants, rhinoceroses, and polar bears, there is sure to be fun for everyone. For lodging there are many hotels in the area, including but not limited to, The Hyatt, The DoubleTree, Comfort Inn, and The Radisson. If you prefer camping over staying in a hotel, there is a KOA campground between Rochester and nearby Canandaigua. If you are looking for some places to eat, some Rochester favorites are Grinnell's Restaurant, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, and Nick Tahou Hots, home of the Rochester-famous Garbage Plate, a collection of macaroni salad, homefries, a burger or hot, and tasty hot sauce. So when you're choosing the location for your next vacation, consider giving Rochester a try.

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