When you have a quick 48 hours during the summer in Rochester, how will you fill your itinerary? There are endless cultural attractions, festivals, restaurants, coffee shops, artisanal ice creameries, and top-notch local breweries. Never fear—we have the perfect weekend trip to Rochester all planned for you!
Saturday
10 am - There are so many places you can grab a great breakfast in Rochester! We recommend heading to the Public Market to take in all the local vendors and some great little shops. You can grab a delicious breakfast sandwich from Flour City Bread or head to Boxcar to level up with a breakfast sandwich on a donut.
1 pm - Ready for some art in your life? Head to Rochester Contemporary Art Center, right in the heart of downtown Rochester, to take in their latest exhibit. Each summer from early June to mid July, they run 6x6, a “small art” exhibit with 6” by 6” pieces submitted by everyone from local kids to internationally renowned artists. Next head over to the Memorial Art Gallery, which features the best balanced collection in New York State outside of NYC- locals lovingly refer to it as the “mini-MET.”
3 pm - Head out to one of Rochester’s many festivals. Corn Hill Arts Festival runs each July and you can purchase an amazing assortment of unique hand-crafted items from local artisans. You can always find tasty festival food at these events, too, whether it’s sushi from a food truck or artisanal toast.
>> SEE MORE INFO ON ROCHESTER EVENTS & FESTIVALS <<
6 pm - Dinner and games at Playhouse/Swillburger. Work up an appetite playing vintage arcade games at this South Wedge barcade, located in a former church. After you’re done playing, enjoy delicious burgers (including veggie burgers!), fries, and tater tots from Swillburger. Wash it down with a locally-made beer or craft cocktail.
Sunday
10 am - Brunch time! You need to be well fed to start the day, so visit a well-loved eatery to have an outstanding brunch. Atlas Eats is beloved for its brunch, with favorites like kimchi pancakes that have guests coming back again and again. Radio Social, located in the popular North Winton Village neighborhood, will also have you salivating with a plethora of eclectic options, including shakshuka, a falafel waffle, Turkish coffee, and more.
1 pm - Once you’ve recovered from the inevitable food coma, head out for a walk! We have an abundance of beautiful parks that are well worth exploring. Turning Point Park gives you a beautiful view of the water as you stroll along a boardwalk, or Corbett’s Glen in Brighton takes you through the forest and along a bubbling, peaceful creek. You can’t go wrong when exploring Rochester’s parks!
4 pm - Cool off with ice cream! There are plenty of options available, whether you want something artisanal and unusual, like chocolate chipotle from Hedonist Artisan Ice Cream in the South Wedge, or a classic frozen custard from Abbott’s, a Rochester original. Sit in the sunshine and enjoy!
6 pm - Wind down the weekend with a walk on the beach. Visit Rochester’s Lake Ontario shoreline, check out the restaurants and merchants in the Port of Rochester, take a ride on the historic Dentzel Carousel and walk the pier. Stay on the shoreline and visit the tiki bar at Marge’s Lakeside Inn, which features an old-time jukebox, live music and a scenic beachfront patio.
Monday
10 am - Before you hit the road, stop for a cup of coffee. Glen Edith, Ugly Duck, or Fuego won’t disappoint. You’ll be able to enjoy the ambiance and locally made baked goods with your coffee before you drive away from Rochester, already dreaming of your next visit.
