By Isabel Prontes
Rochester is a city in upstate
New York, located in Monroe County. It is New York state's third largest city, and is often referred to as "The Flower City." If you are planning on being in Rochester any time soon, there is no shortage of fun things to do and see while you are there, from visiting museums to strolling through picturesque parks and gardens.
Durand Eastman Park
Durand Eastman Park is on Lake Ontario's shore in Rochester, and is a sprawling area that spans five thousand feet of waterfront. This park offers a lot in terms of beautiful natural scenery and fun recreational activities. Durand Eastman Park is a great place to go sunbathing, swimming, picnicking and hiking. There are even cross country ski trails. If you like golfing, the park is home to an 18-hole golf course designed by the well known golfing architect, Robert Trent Jones.
1200 Kings Hwy N,
Rochester, NY 14617
Tel: 585-753-7275
Highland Park
Highland Botanical is an arboretum (tree garden). It is a relaxing, lush and tranquil place to enjoy a large variety of flowers, particularly lilacs (there is a vast lilac collection that was started in 1892 by a horticulturist named John Dunbar). Other beautiful flowers on display at Highland Park include magnolias, azaleas and pansies. Other than flowers, there is a sunken garden, rock garden, a vast array of rare tree species, and much more.
450 Highland Ave
Rochester, NY 14620
Tel: 585-256-4950
Seneca Park Zoo
Visiting the Seneca Park Zoo is a fun and leisurely way to spend a day in Rochester. This delightful zoo is the home to over three hundred creatures, some of which are tigers, lions, kangaroos and wolves. One notable attraction at the zoo is an underwater exhibition that showcases polar bears, sea lions and penguins. The zoo puts on many events and educational programs.
2222 Saint Paul St,
Rochester, NY 14621
Tel: 585-336-7200
Rochester Museum and Science Center
The Rochester Museum and Science Center (formerly known as the Rochester Municipal Museum between 1912 and 1930) is a great place to have fun while learning about technology and science, as well as the area's cultural past and heritage, and nature and the environment. The museum features both permanent and temporary exhibits. The museum houses over 1.2 millions within their collections (media, archives, photographs and books).
657 East Avenue,
Rochester NY, 14607
Tel: 585-271-4320
Woodside Mansion
The Woodside Mansion is one of the most beautiful historical sites in all of Rochester. The mansion is the home of the Rochester Historical Society, and was constructed back in 1840. Inside of the house, visitors will be able to see period decor, furniture, portraits, costumes, and attire all from that era. Beside the veranda in the backyard, there is a charming and immaculately groomed perennial garden on display.
Rochester Historical Society
485 East Avenue
Rochester, NY 14607
Tel: 585-271-2705
About the Author:
Isabel Prontes is a freelance writer and traveler residing in Manhattan, NY. She has traveled to five continents and counting. Her work has appeared on a number of websites, such as Travels, eHow.com and "Happy Living Magazine." Prontes has a professional background in public relations; she received a bachelor's degree in communication studies from Pace University.
