A Celestial Eclipse Escape to Fit Your “Peaceful & Serene” Phase
A major celestial event like a Total Solar Eclipse is a great way to get in touch with your inner self and better understand your place in the great universe. If you're someone who’s looking to set aside time for yourself to reflect and slow down ahead of the eclipse, check out this itinerary.
Roam through local museums, treat yourself to time at the spa, and become immersed in the sights and sounds of our beautiful parks. Find your serenity in Rochester this weekend.
Saturday, April 6, 2024
Start your trip by familiarizing yourself with some of the museums in the area. The George Eastman Museum, the estate of the father of popular photography and motion picture film, is a must on the list. Explore the world’s oldest photography museum, the floors of his historic mansion and lush gardens. You should also spend time at the Memorial Art Gallery, one of the finest regional art museums in the country. It houses art that extends over a period of 5,000 years of human history.
Of course, make time to also stop at the Strasenburgh Planetarium, located at the Rochester Museum & Science Center. This Planetarium boasts new state-of-the-art projection systems which provide clear pictures of the stars above and a memorable experience no matter your age.
There are plenty of things to do outdoors during this spring weekend. Stroll the serene and stunning Erie Canal towpath which runs along the canal side through parks and villages. Or relax and unwind with a good book or podcast as you enjoy the open air at Parcel 5, a lush green space in the center of downtown.
For dinner, treat yourself to whatever you enjoy—pizza, sushi, Italian, and so on. You name it—we have it! Check out a comprehensive list of restaurants on our website.
When the day comes to an end, you’re going to want to lay down and get a good night’s rest. Be sure to make a reservation for your preferred accommodation ahead of time as rooms are filling up quickly for this weekend!
Sunday, April 7, 2024
Good morning! Kickstart your day with some breakfast! Visit Jine’s Restaurant, Highland Park Diner or The Original Steve’s Diner for a class American Diner experience. Check out Brown Hound Downtown, The Revelry, or Simply Crepes for a sit-down brunch that can’t be beat. Or grab a bite on-the-go with places like the food hall at Mercantile on Main.
Once you are sufficiently fed, treat yourself to a spa day! Some of the best in the area include The Spa at Woodcliff, The Del Monte Lodge Renaissance Rochester Hotel & Spa, and Ape + Canary. Whichever you choose, you are in for a lavish experience with a taste of luxury and genuine moments of self-pampering.
After your trip to the spa, take some time to reflect on the past. Rochester is bursting at the seams with national history. In fact, did you know we were the home to both Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass? Step into Susan B. Anthony’s home for a glimpse of her world before making your way to Highland Park to admire the monument of Frederick Douglass, the first statue in the United States to honor a Black person.
It’s time for some lunch. Have you ever had a garbage plate? Start with your choice of meat, then add on fries, macaroni salad, condiments and more! This is the signature dish of Rochester, and it is well worth adding it to your itinerary as its own stop!
In the afternoon, take a short drive to experience true shopping bliss at the Eastview Mall or Fairport Main Street Mercantile where local artists sell their trinkets and souvenirs. Or maybe some antique shopping is more your speed—check out our recommendations on where to find the best antiques and collectables.
Enjoy dinner at the Genesee Brew House, a pub-style restaurant with unparalleled views of High Falls or Rhorbach Brewing Company, a century-old beer hall located in the heart of the city.
Monday, April 8, 2024
Today’s the day! Start your morning with breakfast at Neutral Ground Coffee House, a local (dog-friendly) hotspot with casual counter-service or Erie Grill, an upscale eatery in the Del Monte Lodge, a Renaissance Hotel. Both overlook the Erie Canal in Pittsford, NY.
Wherever you look, you’ll find solar-themed activities happening all around town. Take a look at the schedule of events and see what would be of interest to you.
Or, maybe you’d like to spend more time enjoying the great outdoors by yourself with a game of golf or hike through Seneca Park where you can breathe in the fresh air and find amazing views of High Falls and the Genesee River.
The final big event of the weekend is the picture of serenity and space. Get into place by 3 pm (and make sure to allot time for traffic and parking!). Find your spot in a park, at the foot of a river, in the middle of the city, or even in front of your hotel. Wherever you opt to experience this stellar event, you’re sure to remember it for years to come!
And don’t forget to #TakeTuesdayToo, so that you have an extra day to explore and depart without the chaos of traffic and crowds!
