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10 Unique Things to Do in Rochester, NY That Are Totally Different
Whether you are a resident or a tourist, you need to know some of the unique things to do in Rochester, NY, that are totally different. Otherwise, you might end up getting bored of visiting the same place again and again.
Luckily, Rochester is home to numerous fun places and activities. It has escape rooms, entertainment centers, venues, museums, and much more. If you don't want to visit the same tourist spot, again and again, check out this list to find some of the unique things to do in this city.
Some Unique Things to Do in Rochester NY
If you are a resident, you might have heard of some of the places mentioned below. However, for tourists, most of these places will be new and exciting.
So, without further ado, let’s get into it!
Escape Rooms
On top of our list, we have escape rooms. Most people have heard of the escape room but have never experienced them. However, if you are in Rochester, you can get an escape room experience at the Mythical Escapes.
At Mythical Escapes, you can find some of the best escape room themes available out there. Some of the popular themes include Eat or Be Eaten and Cryosleep. Both of these themes are great if you are looking for a team-building activity. You can visit Mythical Escapes on your birthday, first date, or any other event!
NY Museum for Transportation
Next, we have New York’s Museum of Transportation. This place is an excellent spot for you if you are interested in the history of transportation. Here, you can see some stunning displays, including a historic subway car, many restored train cars, and even a giant model railroad.
If you are visiting the New York Museum of Transportation, don't forget to experience their trolley ride. Their trolley ride makes them the only museum in New York featuring a historic electric trolley!
New Year things to do in Rochester, NY.
Honeoye Falls
Another unique place that deserves a spot on our list is Honeoye Falls. Honeoye Falls is both the name of a waterfall located in the center of the downtown area as well as the name of a southern Monroe Community.
Here, we are talking about the stunning waterfall. This natural waterfall is topped with a small dam, making it around 30ft tall. It is in between the historic red mill and the town hall. At this place, you will find some stunning views!
Nick Tahou Hots
If you are near downtown and a little hungry, don’t forget to check out the Nick Tahou Hots. This hole-in-the-wall restaurant offers Rochester’s most popular dish, the Garbage Plate. Yes, the name is certainly unappealing, but the garbage plate is actually quite delicious.
The garbage plate is a combination of several meat options as well as baked beans, macaroni salad, and home fries. Afterward, the dish is topped with mustard, hot sauce, and chopped onions. You will either hate it or fall in love with this dish. There is no in-between!
Power Mill’s Fish Hatchery
the Fish Hatchery is a must-see spot in the Power Mill Park. This place was founded in 1933 and is home to hundreds of thousands of trout. These trout are grown for stocking in the nearby waterway. Here, you can see different sizes of fish and even feed the fish.
While visiting the Power Mill’s Fish Hatchery, don’t forget to check out different signs to learn more about the place. Also, check out different fascinating places available in the Power Mill Park.
Heroes Brewing Company
You can also check out the Heroes Brewing Company. This place is for you if you are an adult and love finding delicious beer flavors at local breweries. In Rochester, NY, you can check out the Heroes Brewing Company and enjoy delicious beers.
The best thing about this brewery is that the owner is quite friendly. Moreover, you will be supporting local charities with each beer, making your drinking habits completely guilt-free!
The Strong Museum of Play
Another unique place to visit in Rochester, NY, is the Strong Museum of Play. This fun-loving museum has some of the best hands-on exhibits. It devotes itself to the study of different toys and their use. Unlike other museums, this one encourages you to play with their collections.
The Strong Museum of Play also contains the National Toy Hall of Fame. As of today, they have inducted up to 74 toys, including the Play-Doh, Checkers, and the Slinky. They have created a separate hall of fame from video games. Moreover, if you want to learn about the history of electronic games, you can check out their International Center.
Susan B. Anthony House
Susan B. Anthony is one of the most popular and influential figures from Rochester, NY. She worked so hard for the woman’s rights that today’s generation might take for granted. If you are a fan of Anthony, you can take a tour of her home in West Rochester.
By visiting her home, you can learn more about her personal life and the actual impact that she had on women’s rights. While this tour includes the facility, you can also check different items that were owned and used by Anthony. You can even check the next home that has turned into a museum!
Highland Park
You must check out the Highland Park in Rochester, NY. At this park, you’ll be able to see the “Flower City” on full display. Furthermore, if you are visiting this place in May, don’t forget to check out the Lilac Festival. Depending upon the season, you can experience acres of rhododendrons, azaleas, maples, magnolias, and lilacs in this park.
In addition, more than 10,000 pansies are arranged in different patterns each year at Highland Park. This park was designed by Frederic Law Olmsted – the famous landscape architect. Besides flowers, this park has several other features, including a castle-style residence built, lilac arches, and the picturesque Sunken Garden!
George Eastman Museum
Last but not least, we have the George Eastman Museum. Before the fame of digital photography, Kodak was once the only name in the industry. This company was started in 1892 by George Eastman, manufacturing products for making movies and prints.
Since 1949, George Eastman’s mansion has been a museum devoted to film and photography. While you can enjoy your tour of gardens and estate alone, it has several other features. The George Eastman Museum features millions of items and exhibits on cinema and photography. This place is loaded with lenses, cameras, and other equipment.
Final Thought
If you have been to Rochester, NY, you may have seen all the famous places. However, there are some places that might escape your eyes. For instance, if you have never enjoyed the escape room experience, you can visit the Mythical Escapes to solve some puzzles to escape from a certain room.
Besides that, Rochester, NY, has all sorts of fun and exciting places. If you are a historical buff, you can check out the New York’s Museum of Transportation, The Strong Museum of Play, and the George Eastman Museum. You can also check out the Nick Tahou Hots and Heroes Brewing Company for some food and drinks.