Rochester, NY—a hidden gem, we're not Buffalo and we're not NYC. We boast that we're the third largest city in the state. Rochester is full of unique hidden treasures, here's to all the people that grew up within a 40 mile radius of the city like I did. Here are just a few unique assets to this wonderful place others will never understand.
1. Wegmans
Let's face it, founded in Rochester, Wegmans is more than just a supermarket. It's a way of life. Voted one of the best places in the country to work (I work there and I can honestly say it really is) and one of the best grocery stores out there, Wegmans provides everything you need. Whether it's pizza, a delicious sub, heavenly original chocolate chip cookies, you name it- Wegmans has it. Sometimes I just go there with my friends to hang out (the homestyle food bar is pretty bomb). Wegmans even has their own organic farm, several restaurants, and they're currently working on opening a pub. Satisfaction guaranteed.
2. Strong National Museum of Play
It's more than just a museum. Whether you're an adult or a kid -- it's one of the best places to go for entertainment. There's a mini wegmans, a ton of different interactive exhibits (ex. Sesame street, an old fashioned house, a ship, etc). Some of my favorite childhood memories were in Strong.
3. Garbage plates
People who aren't from Rochester will never understand the magic of a garbage plate. I can't even explain why all of this food put together is one of the most amazing taste sensations you will ever experience. And the hot sauce? To die for.
4. "Pop-Open" Zweigles hotdogs
Whether you like hotdogs, or you don't, there's one thing for certain and that is Zweigles are the star of every backyard barbeque.
5. This guy
He's all over central/western NY television stations. Why? Because it's huuuuuuuuuuge Rochester, HUUUUUUUUUGE,
6. Abbott's frozen custard
It really is the way ice cream was meant to be. (Life Hack: try the cake batter, you won't be disappointed)
7. Gimme, Gimme, Gimme Bill Gray's
They really do have the world's greatest cheeseburger. Luckily Bill Gray's and Abbott's go hand in hand (they're usually in the same building). It's a mouth-watering experience.
8. Snow Days do not exist
The governor issued a state of emergency? LOL school still isn't cancelled, sorry Rochesterians! 18 inches of snow fell last night? Brush off your car and head to work, don't be such a baby.
9. Consistent weather patterns also do not exist
Basically, be prepared at all times. It could be 70 one day and snowing the next. Some years we have a green Christmas and a snowy May, there's really no taming this bipolar weather pattern. (Life Hack: keep the snowbrush in your car and an extra jacket in the trunk, you never know).
10. The Bills make us wanna shout!
No, we aren't from Buffalo. But each year thousands of Rochesterians support the Buffalonians to create the rowdiest fan section in the NFL. Each year we set out in high hopes, each year we're disappointed. We never give up. LETS GO BUFFALO!
11. We're proud of our mysterious accent
It's not Rochester. It's pronounced "Rah-chester".
12. Lakes in the shape of Fingers?
I'm from the Canandaigua area, and lemme tell you, travel a half hour away from Rochester and you're in beautiful wine country. The Finger Lakes boasts beautiful country scenery, gorgeous lakes, wine, and amazing gorges and hiking trails. We're proud of it.
13. Kodak is a big deal
George Eastman, the founder of Kodak, is from Rochester. Everyone knows of someone that works there or once worked there or knows someone who knows someone that worked there. Not only is the company a big deal for us, the museum is too. Eastman's beautiful mansion is an awesome walk through history. At Christmas it is decorated with hundreds of gingerbread houses you can admire.
14. Genny
Located on the Genesee River, Genesee Brewing company makes great beer that many Rochesterians enjoy. Check out their awesome keg Christmas tree. Only in Rochester.
15. We put hot sauce on everything
Whether it's RedHot, hot meat sauce, boss sauce, wing sauce, etc. If you're a Rochesterian you know you can put hot sauce on just about anything and everything.
16. Best cookies in the league
You'll never eat a chocolate chip cookie the same again after you've tried one of these babies. If you're sly enough you can sneak one straight out of the free cookie bin at Wegmans, clearly meant for children under 8.
17. You can't swim here
Only in Rochester is the lake too toxic to swim in. I question why some days it's even safe.
18. Seabreeze
As a kid, you couldn't wait to sit front row on the Bobsleds or go nuts on all the water slides. Great childhood memories were made here. Seabreeze also boasts one of the oldest roller coasters in the world, pretty nifty.
19. The arts
There are a lot of beautiful places in Rochester to see shows and art. The Memorial Art Gallery is a beautiful and interesting place for the art lover, Geva Theater has great family-friendly shows, and the Eastman Theater (pictured) is absolutely gorgeous. Some of my favorite memories happened in this theater watching in awe of the Rochester City Ballet and the RPO putting on the Nutcracker.
20. Flour City or Flower City
Rochesterians go crazy for the Lilac Festival. We do have many other festivals we boast throughout the year as well (Park Ave, Jazz, etc.) We're proud of our well-rounded culture.
21. Frontier Field
The first Red Wings game of the season always leaves us in high hopes that warm weather is about to return. Although they're not major league, the game is always an exciting night out with the family. (fun fact: I watched Bryce Harper play here)
22. You say Americans, we say Amerks
Another pride of Rochester, our minor league team affiliated with the Buffalo Sabres.
23. You couldn't imagine living anywhere else.
It was truly hard to compile all the great things about this city into one document. Whether you love it or you hate it, if you're a Rochesterian you'll always truly belong in the Flower City.
