The Perfect Itinerary for Your "Artsy and Explorative" Eclipse Phase
A once-in-a-lifetime celestial event is the perfect time for you to explore a new city or new parts of a familiar city. When you visit Rochester in 2024 for the Total Solar Eclipse, follow an itinerary that is made for those in their artsy and explorative phase of life!
Experience art in museums, cuisine, and the breathtaking views in Rochester. Explore the city and everything it has to offer while experiencing an incredibly rare event.
Saturday, April 6, 2024
Welcome to Rochester! Start your visit by immersing yourself in creativity at Artisan Works, where you can view an impressive variety of local art.
For lunch, explore a new food option! Try out a classic Rochester garbage plate where it originated, at Nick Tahou Hots. While you’re in the area, appreciate some history when you stop by the Susan B. Anthony Museum & House.
Dip your toe into some DIY opportunities. Browse the classes offered by the Rochester Brainery or try your hand at making your own candle at Scents by Design.
Take some time to relax and enjoy the scenery at the Erie Canal. Appreciate the history of the canal while exploring all it has to offer today. Stop by the restaurants and shops along its path through the towns of Fairport, Pittsford, Bushnell’s Basin, Spencerport, or Brockport.
In the evening, stop by the West Herr Auditorium Theatre to see an incredible performance by the Rochester Broadway Theater League. Or explore the craft beverage scene at one of Rochester’s many wineries, breweries, or distilleries.
After a full day of roaming the city, head to your accommodation for the night. Rochester has plenty of comfortable options to choose from, but reservations for this weekend are filling up fast so book your stay now!
Sunday, April 7, 2024
Good morning! The eclipse is tomorrow! Begin your day with brunch at a local spot like Village Bakery and Café, Root 31 Café and Eatery, Locals Only, or Neutral Ground Coffeehouse.
Head over to the Memorial Art Gallery (MAG), located in the “Neighborhood of the Arts” to journey through over 5,000 years of art history. Check out their unique collection of installations and be sure to stop into THE STORE @ MAG for hand-crafted gifts for your family and friends or some souvenirs to remember this weekend!
After that, refuel with some lunch right at the MAG! Brown Hound Downtown, Inc. serves mouthwatering food and beverages in a creative and artistic environment!
Since you’re here for a once-in-a-lifetime celestial event, be sure to stop by the ROC The Eclipse Festival at the Rochester Museum and Science Center to enjoy themed events and activities. With all things eclipse on the schedule, the festival will be an incredible experience.
In the late afternoon, take some time to explore the City of Rochester. Enjoy the atmosphere when you walk the streets or view the breathtaking scenery when you visit one of our many parks like Highland Park, Cobbs Hill Park, or Mendon Ponds Park, to name a few. While you’re roaming around, consider picking out your perfect place to watch the eclipse tomorrow!
Spend the evening at one of Rochester’s many remarkable restaurants. No matter what cuisine you are looking to explore, Rochester has something for you. Check out this list to find the perfect dinner spot.
After your action-packed day traveling through Rochester, head back to your accommodation to get ready for the big day!
Monday, April 8, 2024
It’s Eclipse Day! Start your day off right with breakfast or brunch at one of our classic diners, local restaurants or on-the-go locations.
Be sure to take some time this morning to check out this list of eclipse-related events to prepare for the big moment!
An absolute must-visit for all ages while in Rochester is The Strong National Museum of Play. The highly interactive exhibitions are devoted to the history and exploration of play. With their recent expansion, they now offer nearly 150,000 square feet of entertainment space for you to explore!
Give yourself plenty of time to get to that perfect spot where you’ll view the eclipse. Choose your ideal backdrop, whether that be the Rochester skyline or the greenery at one of the parks you saw yesterday. We recommend being in place and ready by 3 pm, as the event will begin shortly after at approximately 3:20! Sit back and get ready, you’ll remember this day forever!
There’s still so much of Rochester for you to experience. Extend your stay and #TakeTuesdayToo, to continue exploring all this city has to offer.
