Don’t forget about the colorful outdoor exhibits at The Strong National Museum of Play.
When it comes to retentive weekend terminus for New Yorkers , while Rochester may not be directly top of mind , this urban center perched on the southern side of Lake Ontario punches well above its weight in relation to its size of it . In fact , Rochester is love as the cultural capital of Upstate New York , due in large part to its high compactness of museum , gallery , and science plaza .
And if we ’re play favorites , our top local goal is the quirky and delightfulStrong National Museum of Play . At first glance , it ’s easy to write it off as a jumbo - sized kid ’s playspace , but the museum is one of the largest story museums in the country and houses the world ’s most comprehensive ingathering of materials related to toy . This means there ’s plenty more than just old-fashioned doll collections ( although there is that , too ): There ’s everything from pinball halls and an outdoor outer space to exhibits on the history of eGameRevolution .
But perhaps the most Instagrammable attractor is the museum ’s newest : The world ’s largest playable Donkey Kong arcade game . At nearly 20 feet marvellous , the machine actually spans more than one flooring , and is one of the centerpieces of the Strong ’s new 90,000 square - human foot expansion that opened this June . Additional new must - sees in the flank include a plank plot exhibit with animation - sized playing pieces inspired by Hasbro , and High Score : The new home plate for the World Video Game Hall of Fame . And of course , do n’t forget to swing by the brand name - new gift shop on your manner out for puzzle , crafts , and toy featured in the National Toy Hall of Fame .
Strong National Museum of Play|Photo courtesy of Strong National Museum of Play
Drive time:
5 hours and 30 arcminute from New York City
More things to do near Rochester, NY:
We look you did n’t know that the largest aggregation of lilacs in North America can be found in Rochester atHighland Park . The greenish space is also one of New York State ’s prettiest , thanks to star landscape painting design by the famed Frederick Law Olmsted . The park is also home to the Lamberton Conservatory , a cautiously curated appeal of plants from around the land that ’s open yr - round .
The metropolis is also home to one of the country ’s oldest operating amusement parks : Seabreeze . With 65 ride , there ’s something for every type of passenger , whether they ’re scaredy cats or not . But if you may palm it , do n’t miss the Whirlwind , one of only three spin coaster of its type in the whole country ; and the Jack Rabbit , the previous continually operating wooden coaster in North America .
Where to stay in Rochester, NY:
For a true unplugged experience , book a elbow room atWoodcliff Hotel & Spa , a pampering resort that tout a 9 - hole golf course , 70 acres of hiking trails , and the luxe Spa at Woodcliff , known for their rejuvenate massage and wraps . Be sure to grab a meal at the on - land site restaurantHorizons Modern Kitchen + Wine Bar . The locally sourced American menu features creative takes on everything from lamb loin to cauliflower steaks , all with sensational views of the Finger lake and business district Rochester .
Where to eat in Rochester, NY:
No trip-up to the city would be complete without trying its most famous food for thought : The Rochester “ Garbage Plate . ” Traditionally , this yummy peach with an unappetizing name derive with a choice of nub ( like a cheeseburger or Italian sausage ) answer on top of some sort of combining of home fries , french fries , parched noodle , or macaroni salad . The whole stack then gets topped with Rochester “ live sauce ” which is really a spicy marrow ragu . Finishing touches can let in salty mustard and onion , plus a side of butter bread . We guarantee there ’s nothing else like it on the planet . And while there are many places to essay it , the original can be find atNick Tahou Hots , which has been in cognitive operation since 1918 .
The world’s largest playable Donkey Kong arcade game.|Photo courtesy of Strong National Museum of Play
