Rochester Weekend Getaway
Does a Rochester weekend getaway ever cross your mind when you’re in dire need of a weekend away from NYC but close enough to make it downstate by Sunday evening? Well…it should.
Western New York may not be top of the list for quick weekenders, but if you’re open-minded to explore Buffalo and the Niagara Falls area, let me introduce you to what to see and do on a Rochester weekend getaway.
Getting To Rochester
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Fly to Rochester under 2 hours from NYC airports or take a 7 hour Amtrak from NYC Moynihan Train Hall. Rochester Airport is Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport.
On landing, Uber and Lyft are readily available, as well as local taxi services. Even better are the numerous hotel shuttle bus services available to call for arriving guests.
For my Rochester weekend getaway, I opt for a 7 hour train ride from NYC where I’m in Business Class with extra leg room. I prepare for this journey by packing my travel pillow, compression socks, headphones, and a book to keep me occupied. In truth, I nap and snack most of the way.
#What To Do In Rochester On A Weekend Getaway
Rochester Fringe Festival
If you’ll be in Rochester between September 9-20, do not miss the 2025 Rochester Fringe Festival with over 600 performances across 30 venues.
Below is my 2024 Fringe experience where I experienced Daedelum Architects of Air, Cirque du Fringe, contortionists, balancing acts, and Colin Jost at the George Eastman Theater. I had a time at the Fringe!
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See Cirque du Fringe at the 2024 Rochester Fringe Festival.
Erie Canal Cruise
2025 is the bicentennial of the Erie Canal in Western New York. This structure was considered the eight world wonder, cost $7m in 1825 dollars, and its development helped with trade routes and the Underground Railroad.
For bicentennial celebrations, take an Erie Canal Cruise from Pittsford, a small upscale village outside the City of Rochester. The cruise I did was the 2 hr Sam Patch cruise through the famed canal locks where waters rise and fall to allow boat passage. A fall cruise here will be scenic with vibrant fall foliage of trees along the canal.
The cruise offers an historic narration of the Erie Canal, snacks and water – or bring your own light meals – and if you’re lucky, a go at the captain’s wheel.
If you prefer taking the wheel yourself, look into the self-piloted canal boat activity below:
George Eastman House
Elder Millennials and above who were raised with analogue technology…you’ve heard of Kodak, right? Of course.
Well, George Eastman is the man that founded the company famous for the classic Kodak moments and the first digital camera in 1975.
The George Eastman House is a museum for photography history buffs, but everyone can indulge. The house details his life, Kodak beginnings, and a gallery of camera equipment from vintage to modern.
The house is large with multiple rooms and George lived there alone, with his sister joining him at some point. There are 50 rooms, expansive gardens that are lovely to sit in warm weather, and a cafe.
For its day, the house had innovation like surround sound for an organ. Eastman had the organ player play in his conservatory daily and that tradition continues today. The tinkling of piano keys from the beautiful conservatory follows you on the tour.
Lastly is Dryden Theater, an onsite theater and one of the few to show films shot on flammable silver nitrate film. Eastman bequeathed the house to University of Rochester and it became a museum in 1949.
>>> Reel of George Eastman House & Erie Canal Cruise<<<
Genesee Country Village & Museum
The museum is technically in Mumford outside Rochester, and a vehicle is required to get here.
It is the largest living history museum in New York State and the third largest in the country. At Genesee Museum, there are many historic structures with a mix of architectural styles belonging to vintage Rochesterians of the time.
If you’ve been to Staten Island’s Historic Richmond Town in NYC, you’ll be familiar with living museums and what they offer.
At Genesee Country Village & Museum, there is an abundance of skilled tradespeople, like potters, tin makers, beer maker, baker, and a jam maker, dressed in period clothing and creating the products they are skilled in. There is also a fragrant herb garden and oxen tended to by skilled people.
The Museum is expansive and you’ll get your steps in visiting historic exhibits of the day, such as Mourning Customs in Victorian times.
George Eastman’s childhood home is onsite and the telegram announcing Frederick Douglass’ passing is displayed in an exhibit. The museum hosts seasonal activities and themes for children, teens, and history buffs.
Genesee Country Valley & Museum pottery, jars, and octagonal house on a Rochester weekend getaway
Black History In Rochester
Do you know that there is Black/African-American history in Rochester?
Frederick Douglass – famed abolitionist, fugitive enslaved, activist, and orator – not only lived his life here but is buried in the city’s Mount Hope Cemetery. He is the most photographed American of the 19th century and used photography for his political views.
He lived in the time of Susan B. Anthony and they were activist colleagues who didn’t always agree with each other’s ideologies. In fact, there’s a sculpture of him and Susan B. having tea in front of the Susan B. Anthony museum in a Rochester neighborhood.
For African-American Heritage things to do in Rochester, browse this list from Visit Rochester.
Lastly, I did an hour tour on Rochester’s Black history and learnt the following:
1️⃣ Austin Steward, an enslaved man and the first Black person to own a parcel of land in the city.
2️⃣ Esther Jeffrey – part of the suffrage movement with Susan B. Anthony.
3️⃣ Highland Park – designed by Frederick Law Olmstead. The park is home to a Frederick Douglass statue, the first of a non-white person in the U.S. and was dedicated in 1899.
❓️DYK that in the 19th century, Douglass was the most photographed person in this time? A death mask of him was made at the time of his passing for the statue, and the statue’s hands are from a member of his lineage.
Rochester High Falls
Don’t miss this 96 foot waterfall in downtown that once supplied flour mills and several industries. The best and unobstructed viewing point is from the rooftop of the Genesee Brewery and the Pont de Rennes bridge.
Strong National Museum of Play
I won’t be surprised if the Museum of Play is in the top three most visited Rochester sites. It is huge and satisfies all childhood nostalgia from toddler to senior.
Allot a minimum of 3 hours to explore if you cannot spare a full day because you will be overwhelmed with nostalgia. Played with the first Barbie? She’s there. The first Monopoly set? Present. History of chess in India? Read about it.
From ancient toys to modern internet games and everything in between, learn their history, play interactive games, walk Sesame Street, shop in a miniature Wegmans, eat and rest at the cafe, and relive fond childhood memories.
Eastman House, Eric Canal cruise, and Strong Museum of Play activities on a Rochester weekend getaway
Butterfly Garden
Do not miss the butterfly garden after the Museum of Play. Buy a combined ticket to include the Museum of Play and the garden or get a separate ticket for the butterfly garden. Either way, do the butterfly garden.
Gird yourself for the humid temperature and enjoy the birds, amphibians, and flitting butterflies in this small space.
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#Where to Stay in Rochester
Hampton Inn & Suites
You have several accommodation options in Rochester but I highly recommend Hampton Inn because it is opposite the Museum of Play and is walkable to a number of restaurants and cafes.
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