As Avelo gears up to fly to seven additional locations out of LAL this fall, we’re preparing you for takeoff by covering the must-dos for each of these destinations.
Next up, we’re heading to one of the destinations our readers shared they’re most excited about: Rochester, NY.
✈️ Fast facts
Flying into: Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC)
Flight time: 2 hours 53 minutes
Est. cost: $56+
Est. population of Rochester: 211,328
Avg. high in October: 60º
The Strong National Museum of Play completed a $75 million expansion project in 2023, making it one of the largest history museums in the US.
Photo via City of Rochester
🗺️ Things to do
Outdoors enthusiasts will feel right at home in Rochester. Readers Myron C. and Robbie D. recommended trekking to explore the rest of the Finger Lakes Region or Niagara Falls — both of which are less than 90 minutes from ROC. There are also 50+ state parks within a 2-hour drive of the city.
If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, bring along your passport — Rochester is only a 3-hour drive or 5-hour bus/train ride from Toronto, Canada.
Bringing the whole family along on the trip? Check out The Strong National Museum of Play, recommended by Reader Caroline K. Pro tip: From Sept. 21 to Jan. 5, a new exhibit will be on display that delves into the world of Dungeons & Dragons.
Bonus: According to Visit Rochester, Rochester has earned the name “Festival City” for the number of festivals that happen annually around town.
🍽️ Where to eat + drink
When it comes to places to wine + dine, Rochester has a whole host of options for every palate. For classic pub fare, check out Genesee Brew House — Genesee Brewing Company opened in 1878 and is one of the largest and oldest continually operating breweries in the US.
If you’re looking for a fancier night out, head over to Chortke — a fine dining establishment serving up New American fare that boasts a 4.9/5-star rating on Resy.
You won’t find this on the menu at Nineteen61. For a truly authentic Rochester dining experience, you’re going to have to try the city’s signature dish, “The Garbage Plate.” While the dish can be found at restaurants all across town, it originated at local diner Nick Tahou Hots. Traditionally, the plate includes:
- Choice of cheeseburger, hamburger, white or red hot dogs, Italian sausage, chicken, or grilled cheese
- Served on top of any combination of home fries, french fries, baked beans, and/or macaroni salad
- Finished off with a Rochester-style meat “hot sauce” (and optional mustard, onions + ketchup)
- And you can’t forget the side of buttered bread
We could totally see ourselves cozied up on this couch with a book after a long day of exploring what Rochester has to offer.
Photo via VRBO
🏨 Where to stay
1910 Tudor Home
Take a trip back in time by staying in this historic apartment that’s within walking distance to East and Park Avenues, two of the city’s major roadways, as well as the Rochester Museum and Science Center.
Cozy Lakeside Home
Nestled in a serene neighborhood, this home is just a 2-minute walk from Ontario Beach Park and less than 15 minutes from downtown Rochester.
Renovated Studio Apartment
If you’re planning to be out and about for the majority of your trip, this studio located in Rochester’s Neighborhood of the Arts is located within minutes of the Rochester Public Market and the Rochester Broadway Theatre League Auditorium.
