Local Guidebook

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

We hope your stay here is uneventful. However, if you find yourself in need of emergency medical services you should know that there are 2 excellent hospitals within a mile or 2 of this house and of course you can call 911:

• Highland Hospital is right down the street at 1000 South Avenue

• Strong Memorial Hospital is at 601 Elmwood Avenue

Closest Urgent Care: Highland Family Medicine | 777 South Clinton Avenue

Closest Pharmacy: CVS | 1431 Mt. Hope Avenue or Highland Family Medicine

Closest Gas Station: Sunoco/A Plus | 809 South Clinton Avenue

Closest Apple Store: Eastview Mall, Ontario County

Closest Verizon Store: 14 Celebration Drive in Collegetown, Mt Hope Avenue

Closest T-Mobile Store: 1373 Mt. Hope Avenue

Closest Mall: Marketplace Mall | 1 Miracle Mile in Henrietta

Closest Tailor: Thimble Tailor | 1900 South Clinton Avenue in Tops Plaza

Closest Auto Repair Shop: Schrader’s Garage | 686 South Clinton Avenue

Closest Auto Parts Store: Advance Auto Parts | 527 Monroe Avenue

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NEARBY CONVENIENCES Most Are Walking Distance

 

Grocery & Convenience Stores We Recommend:

• Abundance Co-op (Corner of Averill and South Avenue)

This is a full service organic & natural foods store that includes prepared foods. They are open every day until 8 PM.

• Highland Market (Corner of Linden and South Avenue)

This is a convenience market that includes a deli, and Greek prepared foods. They are open Monday - Thursday from 9 AM to 7 PM, Friday and Saturday 9 AM to 8 PM and on Sundays 9 AM to 3 PM.

• Wegmans at 1750 East Avenue (not walking distance)

If you’ve never experienced Wegmans, try it. If you really want your mind blown, visit the Pittsford Wegmans at 3195 Monroe Avenue, also not walking distance but worth the drive. Open 24 hours.

• Tops Friendly Market at 1900 South Clinton Avenue.

Tops is a full service grocery store that rivals Wegmans. A little closer than the East Avenue Wegmans but less of a selection. Open 24 hours.

 

RESTAURANTS & BARS Nearby

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• Breakfast: Galicia | 489 South Avenue, Ukrainian, very small location so reservations recommended for parties of 5 or more.

• Brewery: Swiftwater Brewing Co. | 378 Mt. Hope Avenue, craft brewery also serves sandwiches, burgers, charcuterie, includes vegan & vegetarian options, includes an outdoor seating area. Tuesday Trivia Night is especially fun, trivia starts at 7:00.

• Burgers: Playhouse/Swillburger | 820 South Clinton Avenue, gourmet burgers & wings, arcade games, in a converted church.

• Casual Dining: Angelina's | 689 South Avenue, steaks, pasta, seafood, vegetarian. 

• Casual Dining: Crisp Rochester | 819 S. Clinton Avenue, American comfort food, seasonally inspired.

• Coffee: Boulder Coffee | 100 Alexander Street, also serves café lunches and Equal Grounds | 750 South Avenue

• Deli: Pellegrino’s Deli Cafe | 1120 Mt. Hope Avenue Avenue, a full service deli with beer & wine.

• Diner: South Wedge Diner | 880 S. Clinton or Pat's Coffee Mug 627 South Clinton

• Family-Friendly: The Distillery | 1142 Mt. Hope Avenue, full service American fare and sports bar, indoor and outdoor seating

• Gourmet Pizza: Pizza Wizard | 760 South Clinton Avenue, square pizzas, beer & ciders, unusual but small menu.

• Hipster Bar: Lux Lounge | 666 South Avenue, quirky & eclectic fun bar with live music on Fridays, karaoke once a month, drag shows, Wednesday night movie nights, a life sized twister game on the floor. No food served, large outdoor seating area in the backyard.

• Irish Pub: Caverly’s Irish Pub | 741 South Avenue, neighborhood bar, no food served.

• Pizza: Little Venice Pizza | 742 South Avenue, pizza, Italian, and subs, delivery or eat-in.

• Sandwich Shop: River Street Sandwich Makers | 678 South Avenue

• Sports Bar: The Old Stone Tavern | 758 South Avenue, wood-fired pizza, burgers, includes vegan & vegetarian options and includes an outdoor seating area.

• Sushi: Poke Sushi | 682 South Avenue | Japanese fusion sushi bar.

• Upscale Dining: The Cub Room | 739 South Clinton Avenue, converted warehouse, full menu and bar, serves brunch too, also has an outdoor seating area.

• Vegan: Red Fern | 283 Oxford Street, also farther away but excellent food.

• Vegetarian: Owl House | 75 Marshall Street, a little farther away (30 min walk) but excellent food with a full bar and outdoor seating.

• Wine Bar & Craft Cocktails: Martine | 647 South Avenue, charming wine & cocktail bar. Outdoor seating area.

 

SPECIALTY FOOD & BEVERAGE Nearby

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• Cheesecake: Cheesy Eddie’s | 602 South Avenue, cheesecake, carrot cake, cookies

• Spices: Stuart’s Spices | 754 South Clinton Avenue

• Coffee: Boulder Coffee | South Clinton Avenue, also serves café lunches

• Chocolates: Hedonist Artisan Chocolates | 674 South Avenue, wonderful selection of high quality treats

• Ice Cream: Hedonist Ice Cream | 672 South Avenue, small batch artisan ice cream

• Tea: Happy Earth Tea | 696 South Avenue, tea bar also sells fine quality teas and supplies

• Liquor: Fort Hill Liquor | 1520 Mt. Hope Avenue, full service wine and liquor store

• Natural Wine: Aldaskeller Wine | 289 Gregory Street, Specializing in low-intervention, biodynamic, and organic wines & ciders from around the world.

 

SPECIALTY RETAIL Nearby

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• Bath & Body: The Period Bath Supply Co. | 528 South Avenue, wide selection of bath & body along with antique & new bathroom furnishings.

• Children’s Books: Hipocampo Children’s Books | 638 South Avenue, books, toys, apparel, children’s programs and activities.

• Flowers: Bradley James Designs | 653 South Avenue, floral arrangements, decorative accessories and gifts.

• Garden: Artful Gardener | 727 Mt. Hope Avenue, home & garden décor and gifts.

• Handmade Crafts: Little Button Craft | 658 South Avenue, locally made handmade goods and craft supplies.

• Home Décor: Axom Home | 661 South Avenue, modern urban furniture, art, and decorative accessores.

• Home Décor: Historic Houseparts | 540 South Avenue, antique & new, architectural salvage, home décor, cabinet & furniture hardware, plumbing, stained glass, etc.

• Yoga: Tru Yoga | 683 South Avenue, an open and inviting full service yoga studio.

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NEARBY PARKS & OUTDOOR SPACES for some fresh air

 

Ellwanger Barry Playground

Playground and park located at the corner of Meigs Street and Linden Street in the South Wedge. 

 

Highland Park & Arboretum

In 1888, nurserymen George Ellwanger and Patrick Barry endowed the Rochester community with 20 acres of land which became Highland Park, one of the nation's first municipal arboretums. Highland Park is one of many parks designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, and was designed with the purpose of retaining a natural appearance. Horticulturist John Dunbar, later known in local circles as Johnny Lilacseed, started the park's famous lilac collection in 1892; some of the 20 varieties he installed were descendants of native Balkan Mountain flowers brought to North America by early colonists. Includes Lamberton Conservatory, built in 1911, an indoor greenhouse featuring seasonal displays and an excellent holiday light show.

 

Mt. Hope Cemetery

Founded in 1838, is the first municipal cemetery in the United States'. Situated on 196 acres of land adjacent to the University of Rochester on Mount Hope Avenue, the cemetery is a beautiful park-like setting of hills and trails and is home to many famous burials including Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass.

The cemetery hosts the sculpture Defenders of the Flag, a Civil War monument made in 1908 by the American sculptor Sally James Farnham. The cemetery is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

 

Genesee Riverway Trail

This 24 mile long, scenic, multi-use trail runs through Rochester. The GRT is an off-road trail for walking, running and bicycling along the Genesee River. It extends through the scenic, historic and cultural heart of Rochester, from the Erie Canal to downtown and Lake Ontario.  It provides pedestrian access to the Genesee River, its scenic gorge, three waterfalls, eight pedestrian bridges, and eleven parks, including four historic parks designed by Frederick Law Olmsted.  

GRT links nine historic districts and individual landmarks including the 1842 Erie Canal Aqueduct and the 1822 Lake Ontario Lighthouse. The trail serves the University of Rochester and a host of other city attractions, services, and neighborhoods. 

The trail runs on both sides of the river from the south city line to Court St downtown, a total of 9 miles.  This section of trail has five pedestrian bridges and a variety of trail loops.

 

Parks along the trail:

• Genesee Valley Park 

• Bausch and Lomb Riverside Park

• Durand Eastman Park  

• Genesee Gateway Park  

•  High Falls Terrace Park

• Highland Park  

• Middle Falls Crossing 

•  Lower Falls Park

• Maplewood Park  

• Ontario Beach Park  

• Seneca Park  

• Turning Point Park

 

 

Ontario Beach Park

Ontario Beach Park is located in the northwest quadrant of the City on the shores of Lake Ontario. This 39-acre park contains one of the Great Lakes' best natural sand beaches. Whether taking a romantic stroll along the picturesque pier, riding the 1905 Dentzel Menagerie Carousel, boating, or picnicking, Ontario Beach Park provides everything for a perfect summer--or winter--day at the beach. Ontario Beach Park is managed by Monroe County Parks. Supervised swimming is offered each day from the Friday after Father's Day through Labor Day, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. For water conditions, call (585) 753-5887 Fishing pier: Fishing is allowed for anyone over the age of 16 with a valid fishing license. Public boat launch is accessible on River Street. Concerts by the shore: Presented by the Ontario Beach Park Program Committee and Wegmans, with support from the City of Rochester and Monroe County, these free concerts are held on Wednesday evenings during the summer. For more information and a complete schedule, visit www.charlottecca.org/obppc.asp. Park facilities and attractions:

• Pier

• 6 beach volleyball courts

• Picnic shelters for rent

• Food concession

• Playground

• Basketball courts

• Bathhouse

• Performance pavilion

• An antique carousel designated as a Rochester Historic Landmark offers rides from Memorial Day to Columbus Day

• Softball fields are available on a first come, first serve basis if the field is not in league use

• Parking is available steps from the beach

 

The nearby Port of Rochester offers restaurants, boat rides, and facilities that are available to rent for your next occasion. Turning Point Park and Trail, a nationally acclaimed public works project, is also a short distance away.

 

Durand Eastman Park and Beach

Durand Eastman Park is located on the shore of Lake Ontario in the northernmost section of the City of Rochester, west of Irondequoit Bay and Route 590, east of Genesee River. Enter the park from Lakeshore Boulevard off Culver Road or at St. Paul Boulevard and Kings Highway. With 5,000 feet of Lake Ontario waterfront, Durand-Eastman Park is a favorite for sun bathers. During the winter months, cross-country skiers find hilly terrain to conquer. Originally the estate of Dr. Henry Durand, the park was a gift to the city by Dr. Durand and George Eastman, who acquired some adjacent lands to increase its size to 965 acres. 

Along with Highland Park, Durand is considered part of the Monroe County Arboretum because of its many mature plant specimens. Unique topography and soils allow the growing of plants not native to this area. Its steep wooded slopes, valleys, scenic vistas, small lakes, spring flowering trees and spectacular fall foliage colors add to this park's exceptional beauty. Operating Hours, Reservations & Permits

April 1st through October 1st: 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

A permit is required for access to shelters and lodges. Shelters and lodges are available from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Call the Monroe County Parks reservations office at (585) 753-7275 or click here to obtain a permit.

Supervised swimming at beautiful Durand Eastman Beach, 1250 Lakeshore Blvd. begins in June. Check the Durand Beach page for summer hours.

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For information on beach closings, residents should contact the Monroe County Beach Hotline at 753-5887. General information on beach operations and policy is available by calling 428-7888.

A challenging 18-hole golf course designed by famous golf course architect, Robert Trent Jones, and a golf clubhouse with a restaurant and pro shop.

Other Facilities and Amenities: Hiking, bridle and cross-country ski trails. 7 picnic shelters and a variety of playground areas.

 

LOCAL CULTURAL ACTIVITIES for all ages

• Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse & Museum

• Eastman Theater

• Genesee Country Village & Museum

• George Eastman Museum

• Geva Theater

• Hochstein Performance Hall

• Little Theater

• Memorial Art Gallery

• Rochester Auto Museum

• Rochester Broadway Theater League

• Rochester Museum & Science Center/Strasenburgh Planetarium

• Seneca Park Zoo

• Sonnenburg Gardens

• Strong Museum of Play

• Susan B. Anthony House Museum

• The Auditorium Theater

 

LOCAL SPORTING ACTIVITIES to watch or to do

• Red Wings Baseball at Innovative Field

• Rochester Americans Hockey at Blue Cross Arena

• Buffalo Bills Training Camp at St. John Fisher College

• Golfing at Genesee Valley Park

• Sledding at Highland Park

• Swimming at Ontario Beach Park

• Camping at Hamlin Beach State Park

 

LOCAL FESTIVALS & EVENTS check online for specific dates

May:

• Lilac Festival at Highland Park

• Roc City Rib Fest

June:

• Maplewood Rose Festival

• Rochester Real Beer Expo

• Rochester International Jazz Festival

• Fairport Canal Days

• Finger Lakes Chamber Music Festival

July:

• Corn Hill Arts Festival

• Finger Lakes Wine Festival

• Rochester Pride Festival

• Spencerport Canal Days

August:

• Park Avenue Summer Art Festival

• Flour City Brewers Fest

September:

• Clothesline Festival at Memorial Art Gallery

• New York State Festival of Balloons

• Turtle Hill Folk Festival

• Rochester Fringe Festival

October

• South Wedge Harvest Hootenanny Autumn Festival

November:

• Christkindl Market in Canandaigua

• RMSC Holiday Bazaar

• Holiday Market at Genesee Country Village & Museum

December:

• It’s a Wonderful Life in the South Wedge Holiday Festival

• Holidays at the Public Market

• ROC Holiday Village