Rochester, New York

Rochester, New York is located in Western New York, meaning that it is a 5 hour drive from New York City. There are a few different names for Rochester, including Flower City (or sometimes Flour City), from the many flowers and plants that bloom around the city.

This means that you should be prepared for potential allergies during our reception!

It also means that flowers and parks are woven throughout all neighborhoods in Rochester. There are a number of amazing places to visit, some being completely free (parks), and some costing money. We will detail a few of our favorites below.

Places to walk

Highland Park

  • South Wedge is a semi-residential neighborhood similar to Brooklyn Heights in NY

  • Highland Park is a medium-sized park with a collection of trees, paths, swings, valleys, a green house (this cost $5), and a reservoir

  • Where: 180 Reservoir Ave, Rochester, NY 14620

Mt. Hope Cemetery

  • Mount Hope Cemetery was made when cemeteries were designed to be final resting places where someone could enjoy the sights and sounds.

  • It is both a park and cemetery, with sights and structures, including statues on graves and a giant water fountain.

  • Susan B. Anthony and Fredrick Douglass are buried here

  • Kurt Vonnegut was a member of the Mt. Hope board of directors for years, after discovering that his friend, Billy Pilgrum (who he used as the central character in Slaughterhouse Five) had been returned to Mt. Hope after his death overseas

  • Address: 1133 Mt Hope Ave, Rochester, NY 14620

 

Letchworth State Park

  • 40 minute drive from Rochester, NY

  • Called “The Grand Canyon of the North”

  • Features hiking trails and white water rapids

  • We almost put the wedding here, but decided it was a pretty far drive for everyone. If you are up for it, go!

  • Address: 1 Letchworth State Park, Castile, NY 14427

 

Lake Ontario

  • Lake Ontario, one of America’s 5 great lakes, is a 20 minute drive from Rochester, NY

  • The lake is like any other beach, but the water is warmer, clearer, and cleaner because it is not coming from the ocean

  • There are bbq pits, a carousel, and a bandshell with performances

  • Address: 50 Beach Ave, Rochester, NY 14612

 
 
 

Places to eat or shop

  • Hip Coffee Spot: Ugly Duck Coffee | Fancy coffees | 89 Charlotte St., Rochester NY 14607

  • Solid Coffee: Equal Grounds | Chill lounge with coffee, breakfast, and board games | 750 South Ave, Rochester, NY 14620

  • Elegant Tea Spot: Happy Earth Tea | Beautiful chill location with great teas and tea flights | 696 South Ave, Rochester, NY 14620

  • Barcade: Swillburger | Bar and arcade with best burgers in Rochester | 820 S Clinton Ave, Rochester, NY 14620

  • Vegan/Gluten Free Food: The Red Fern | Amazing healthy food | 283 Oxford St, Rochester, NY

  • Brewery/Restaurant: Genesee Brew House | Museum, local brewery, & restaurant | 25 Cataract St., Rochester, NY 14605

  • Hip Thrift Store: The Op Shop | Hip vintage clothes and local artist work | 89 Charlotte St, Rochester, NY 14607

  • Ask us for more recommendations!