Erie Canal's crown jewel: Explore Rochester and nearby waterfront vlllage Fairport

Upstate New York offers plenty of great escapes throughout the summer, and Rochester should be at the top of your wish list.

"Rochester is just a short plane ride away from Long Island and offers visitors a whole new world of unique experiences and activities in the summer months," said Rachel Laber Pulvino, vice president of communications for Visit Rochester (visitrochester.com). "Summer in Rochester has something for everyone. Visits to cultural attractions and world-class museums, dining alfresco at one of the city’s top-rated restaurants, boating on Lake Ontario, paddling on the Erie Canal and visits to local wineries and breweries, she said. 

"Plus, the award-winning Finger Lakes Wine Region is a short drive away, along with the stunning Letchworth State Park."

For those looking for a summer road trip, here are things to do and explore in Rochester.

Getting there

Daily flights (duration: about one hour and 30 minutes) are available from LaGuardia Airport and Kennedy Airport via Delta or you can drive approximately six hours from Long Island. 

Start in downtown

Following your arrival, make your way downtown for a wealth of entertainment. First up, stretch your legs while walking the Pont de Rennes pedestrian bridge (74 Browns Race, cityofrochester.gov) over the Genesee River Gorge. As you stroll, you can take in the views of High Falls, a 96-foot waterfall right in the middle of downtown Rochester.

Next, make your way to the George Eastman Museum (900 East Ave., 585-327-4800, eastman.org; $23, $9 ages 5-17), the world’s oldest photography museum. Not only will you see exhibits and pieces from the museum’s collection of more than 400,000 photographs from 14,000 photographers, but you also will tour George Eastman’s 1905 Colonial Revival mansion. Be sure to take time to explore the gardens surrounding the home.

Another historic house museum, the National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House (17 Madison St., 585-235-6124, susanb.org; $20; $8 ages 5 and up) tells the stories of Susan B. Anthony and her fight for women’s suffrage. Her story is an inspiration to all people that one person can make a difference in the world around them.

Art aficionados can’t skip the Memorial Art Gallery (500 University Ave., 585-276-8900, mag.rochester.edu; $20, $9 ages 6-18), home to 5,000 years of art history on display across the 14-acre campus. Allow plenty of time to wander through the exhibits before heading outside to the Centennial Sculpture Park (always open and free).

When you’re ready for some lighthearted fun, head to The Strong National Museum of Play (1 Manhattan Square, 585-263-2700, museumofplay.org; $12.50-$37.50). More than a city block long with two floors of galleries, you will feel like a kid again as you peruse the world’s largest collection of toys, dolls and games. The museum also is home to the National Toy Hall of Fame and World Video Game Hall of Fame, where you’re sure to spot many of your childhood favorites.

Wrap your day with a sunset cruise on the Genesee River. Climb aboard the Riverie (280 Exchange Blvd., 585-662-5748, rochesterbywater.org; $40) and soak in the sights and sounds as you glide through the water. This 90-minute tour takes you under the Frederick Law Olmsted-designed arch bridge, onto the Erie Canal and back again for skyline views of Rochester.

Throughout your day, you’ll find many great dining spots, including Genesee Brew House (25 Cataract St., 585-263-9200, geneseebeer.com/brewhouse), Angelina’s (689 South Ave., 585-435-4039, angelinasonsouth.com), Strangebird (62 Marshall St., 585-505-8700, strangebirdbeer.com/eat), and The Gate House (274 N. Goodman St., 585-473-2090, thegatehousecafe.com).

Spend time in Fairport

A quick 15-minute drive southeast, and you’ll find yourself in Fairport, located right on the Erie Canal. This small locale is a lovely spot to relax and recharge. "Fairport is a quaint village on the Erie Canal that resembles the front of a postcard," Pulvino said. "The village is home to many restaurants, coffee shops and breweries — as well as a distillery and live music venue. The Erie Canal is the heartbeat of Fairport, and visitors should expect to see lovely activity alongside the canal, including walking, biking and kayaking. Fairport is an inclusive and friendly destination waiting to be discovered."

Getting there

Once in Fairport, it’s time to hit the water. You can rent a kayak right by the Erie Canal from the Erie Canal Boat Company (7 Liftbridge Lane W., Fairport, 585-748-2628, eriecanalboatcompany.com; $35 for a single two-hour rental kayak). Plus, everyone in your group can go. "Fairport is home to the Erie Canal Boat Company, the first outfitter to offer fully accessible bike and kayak rentals in New York State," Pulvino said. Paddle at your leisure as you take in the scenery, watch for wildlife and soak up the sun.

If you’re in need of "me" time, book a treatment at The Spa at Woodcliff (199 Woodcliff Drive, Fairport, 585-248-4870, woodcliffhotelspa.com/spa-at-woodcliff). Choose from a massage (starting at $150), facial (starting at $165) or body treatment (starting at $135), and prepare to drift away. Before or after your treatment, head to the lounge to enjoy panoramic views from the expansive floor-to-ceiling glass windows.

When you’re ready to eat, pop into Mulconry’s Irish Pub (17 Liftbridge Lane, Fairport, 585-678-4516, mulconrys.com) for a taste of authentic Irish fare. Think shepherd’s pie, bangers and mash, and fish and chips. For great steaks, check out Horizons Modern Kitchen & Wine Bar (199 Woodcliff Dr., Fairport, 585-248-4825, horizonsmodernkitchen.com).

Where to stay

Convenient to Fairport and Rochester, the Woodcliff Hotel & Spa (199 Woodcliff Dr., Fairport, 585-381-4000, woodcliffhotelspa.com; room rates start at $143) welcomes guests with comfortable accommodations, a full-service spa and on-site dining.