Rochester, NY is happy to welcome the Buffalo Bills and their fans to St. John Fisher University from July 23-August 7 for the 2025 Buffalo Bills Training camp!

Looking for ways to spend your days in Rochester between all the football action? There are several great attractions, restaurants, shops, and breweries to explore right near the university.

 

Can’t Miss Attractions

 

Did you know that Rochester, NY has multiple nationally recognized museums? Among those is the Strong Museum of Play, the only museum in the world completely dedicated to the study and history of play. The Strong is a must-see while you’re in the area, whether you’re traveling with children or looking to indulge your own inner child!

Another amazing museum to check out is the Rochester Museum & Science Center (RMSC). Located right on East Avenue in downtown Rochester, RMSC is dedicated to lifelong learning through interactive and immersive exhibits featuring ethically sourced artifacts. Don’t forget to stop by Strasenburgh Planetarium and catch one of the amazing star shows or musical laser experiences!

Also on East Avenue, you’ll find The Memorial Art Gallery (MAG) where you can stroll through more than 12,000 pieces of art included in their permanent collection. The MAG is also home to amazing temporary exhibits and collections!

Additionally, taking a drive to Genesee Country Village & Museum is an absolute must while you're in Rochester. As the largest living history museum in New York State, this museum will transport you back to the past in the best way. Whether you're attending on of it's many special events, or just taking a tour of the museum, GCV&M is guaranteed to be a good time. 

Fun fact: Kodak was founded in Rochester, NY, and its founder’s historic estate is now home to the world’s first photography museum. The George Eastman Museum is comprised of Eastman’s mansion, historic gardens, and galleries that exhibit the history of photography and film.

Speaking of history, Rochester, NY is also home to the historic Susan B. Anthony Museum & House. Take a guided tour and learn all about Susan B. Anthony and the incredible work she did for the women’s rights movement while standing in the home much of that work took place in.  

After visiting the museum, head to Mount Hope Cemetery where you’ll find the graves of both Susan B. Anthony and civil rights activist Frederick Douglass, who also called Rochester home for much of his life.

 

Unique Experiences and Events

 

A great spot for sports fans visiting Rochester is X-Golf located on Monroe Avenue in Pittsford – just 3 miles from Training Camp! Enjoy a full bar, delicious food, flatscreen TVs showing different games, and an incredible golf simulator experience. Bonus: X-Golf is offering a special for guests attending Training Camp! Bring your Bills Training Camp ticket or pass into X-Golf from July 23-August 7, and golf for just $25 an hour!

If you’re looking to get out on the water, you’re in luck. Rochester, NY is surrounded by several stunning waterways! From the Erie Canal (which is currently celebrating its bicentennial year) and the Genesee River to Lake Ontario and High Falls, waterfront adventures are a must when visiting ROC.

Hop on board the Colonial Belle, the Sam Patch, or the Riverie and take a canal or river cruise. Be sure to check the events calendar for each tour boat to see all the special themed cruises and experiences they offer! And don’t forget to check out High Falls, a 96-foot waterfall right in the middle of Rochester’s downtown.

Insider tip: The Bills Training Camp takes place right in the midst of the Rochester Red Wings baseball season. If you’re looking to indulge in more sports after a day full of sports, head to Innovative Field for a Red Wings game!

Additionally, there are several special events and festivals taking place in the Rochester area during the Bills Training Camp. Be sure to check out the Black Culture Festival, Spencerport Canal Days, and the Indigenous Music & Arts Festival on on July 26 & 27 as well as the 2025 Rochester Puerto Rican Festival, taking place from July 31-August 2.

Looking to extend your stay? The Hoochenanny Whiskey & Music Festival takes place August 8-10 in Rochester, and you don’t want to miss it!

Be sure to also explore our events calendar to find other special events happening around ROC while you’re in the area.

 

Local Eats

 

There are several amazing restaurants that should be on your radar while you’re in town for training camp. Head to Park Avenue – just 6 miles from campus – to enjoy authentic Italian food at Vern’s, delicious French cuisine at Roux, Mexican favorites at Dorado, great brunch at Jines or The Hideaway, and so much more.

While you’re over there, don’t forget to grab a sweet treat at Stever’s Candies before heading to your next location!

If you want to explore a truly historic spot, the Genesee Brew House is a must visit for lunch or dinner. The oldest brewery in New York State, Genesee Brew House is still serving up delicious burgers, plates, and locally brewed beers that have made it into a cornerstone of the food scene (and, of course, the beer scene) in Rochester, NY.

Speaking of plates, a trip to Rochester, NY is not complete without indulging in a hometown favorite: the Rochester Garbage Plate. You can find an iteration of this classic dish at several spots around ROC, but for the most authentic Garbage Plate experience, you should head to Nick Tahou’s, the founding location of the dish.

Other great dinner spots to check out include Erie Grill, located at the Del Monte Hotel, JoJo’s Bistro & Wine Bar, and Next Door by Wegmans in Pittsford. Looking for a breakfast or lunch spot in Pittsford? You can’t go wrong with Village Bakery or Simply Crepes.

Fairport is also home to some amazing local eateries. If you’re spending some time in this canal town, you should check out Bonnie & Clyde, a delicious new spot in the area. We also recommend keeping Tin Cup Social and Iron Smoke Distillery on your radar for some yummy bar bites and phenomenal whiskey.

This is just the tip of the iceberg, check out our restaurant guide for even more great ideas for where to eat around Rochester.

 

Quench Your Thirst

 

After all the excitement of training camp, you’re bound to be in need of a beverage. ROC has no shortage of incredible places to grab a drink around the city.

If you’re looking for a caffeine fix, you can’t go wrong with one of our amazing local coffee shops. Swing by Pearson’s on Park Avenue, Winter Swan (located in Stacy K Florals) on Russell Street, Locals Only on Alexander Street, RoCoCo (located in the Mercantile on Main) on East Main Street, Neutral Ground on Exchange Blvd., or Bar Bantam on South Clinton Street. The possibilities are endless when it comes to coffee in Rochester!

Find even more options here.

If after-hours libations are on the docket, there are several downtown breweries and wineries that should be on your radar. For beer, the Genesee Brew House, Three Heads Brewing, Rohrbach Brewing Company, Strangebird Brewing, Sager Beer Works, and Red, and White, & Brew Rochester are must-visits.

Rochester has no shortage of great spots to grab a craft beer. Explore more breweries here.

If wine is more your scene, stop by Casa Larga (located near Bills Training Camp!), 20 Deep Winery, Living Roots Wine & Co., Unwine’d, Flight Wine Bar, Legacy Wine Bar, or Vine & Tap for some refreshing sips.

Looking for even more options? Find our wine guide here!

 

However you spend your time in Rochester in between all the Bills action, be sure to share your adventure with us using #VisitROC.