There are two definitive New Yorks: Downstate, which is basically New York City and Long Island, and Upstate, which is everywhere else. But pretty much everyone in Upstate New York prefer to differentiate themselves by region. That’s why the people in Rochester will tell you that they’re from Western New York, not Upstate. Everyone agrees on one thing: New York City has nothing to do with the rest of the state and Rochester prefers to keep it that way.
In the continuing saga of New York state versus New York City, the sports wars rage on. If you’re in Rochester, you’ll be among Buffalo Bills fans. The Giants and Jets are in NYC, and some would even say that they don’t even belong to them since they play in New Jersey. But you’re in WNY, which means it’s time to start sporting the red, white, and blue.
If you want to sound like a local in Rochester, all you have to do is hold your nose and say, “Rah-chester, N'York.” It’s a little on the nasal side, but they don’t hear it. Always remember, you’re the one with the accent, not them. The vernacular takes a little getting used to, as well. For example, if you’re talking with two people, you would refer to them as “yous twos.” Say it with me, “Yous twos should come to Rah-chester this weekend for some white hots.”
Snow you’ll get. Snow days? Not so much. Rochester sees an average snowfall of 95 inches annually. So you better know how to drive in it because it would literally take an avalanche for anything in the city to close. Rochester drivers plow through the streets in their SUVs despite the foot of snow around them, because that’s life in WNY, so get used to it or get out of the way.
Rochester’s favorite delicacy is anything but delicate. The Garbage Plate, made famous by Nick Tahou’s, starts with baked beans or macaroni salad and home fries or French fries, topped with your choice of hamburger, cheeseburger, red hots or white hots, Italian sausage, haddock, fried ham, grilled cheese or egg. There are a lot of imitations throughout the city, but if you want to hold true to this Rochester tradition, accept no substitutes.
Rochester landed the number 3 spot on Forbes’ 2010 list of Best Places To Raise A Family in the U.S. The reasonable cost of living, commutable downtown full of arts and culture, and booming suburbs make Rochester the city that all cities strive to be. Families thrive in Rochester and never run short on fun.
Hot dogs are taken very seriously in Rochester, and you’re going to need to know how to order one if you don’t want to look ridiculous. A “red hot” is a beef hot dog and a “white hot” is pork. So, when you're craving a Zweigle’s (which was born right here, by the way), order a “white hot” and your server will know exactly what you mean.
The South thinks they have the market on barbecue, but that’s only because they’ve never been to Dinosaur. Originally founded in Syracuse, Dinosaur BBQ became such a popular restaurant in New York, they branched out throughout the state. Rochester’s Dinosaur is located in an old railroad station on the Genesee River and is where everybody goes for exceptional service, huge portions and, of course, authentic smoked barbecue dishes.
It’s a way of life in Rochester. Wegman’s has branched out in select areas around the Northeast in recent years, but it was born in Rochester. When locals leave and end up in a place that doesn’t have their favorite grocer, it’s a truly unnerving experience. No other grocery store on the face of planet Earth could ever compare to the heaven that is a Wegman's.
Rochester’s drinking water comes directly from The Finger Lakes, which are a favorite destination for New Yorkers and a huge tourist attraction. But it doesn’t stop there. The Genesee River’s waterfalls, the Erie Canal, Irondequoit Bay, and Lake Ontario are all perfect for anyone looking for a day of cruising, watersports, or just enjoying the tranquility.
Hoffman was raised in the Rochester suburb of Fairport and was a regular at local theaters such as the Geva Theater and the Little Theater. His 1999 movie “Flawless” actually premiered at the Little Theater. After the announcement of his death, the Little Theater filled its seats with a weekend long marathon of six of his movies.
You’re going to need them here. It’s not uncommon for locals to wear shorts with a coat, or to hear that someone ended up with frostbite and sunburn in the same week. That's because at any given time the Rochester weather can go from 70 degrees to below freezing, and locals often switch from heat to air conditioning in the same day.
Get your pen and paper out, kids, because there will be a test on this. The parking restrictions in Rochester are known as “alternate parking.” The rules only allow parking on the even-numbered side of the street until 7:00 pm on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Parking on the odd-numbered side of the streets is allowed only until 7:00 pm on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Then, of course, there are separate restrictions for snow emergencies and parking emergencies. Whew.
No, that’s not some dirty euphemism. A lot of people who grow up in Rochester talk about how eventually they’re going to move out of the city. And a lot of the time, they do. But they always end up coming back. No matter where you go, Rochester is home. And no place feels quite like it. And living without Wegmans really isn’t living at all.
You can keep your Breyer’s, Ben and Jerry’s, and Kohrs Brothers because Rochester has the only ice cream you’ll need: Abbott’s Frozen Custard. Founded in Rochester in 1902, Abbott’s has been the most popular spot for everyone’s favorite summer treat. Locals wait in lines throughout the city to get a cup of pistachio pineapple or coffee Oreo.
Photography lovers will feel right at home in Rochester. The city is considered the birthplace of amateur photography, and the founder of Kodak was a local. The Kodak corporation is still headquartered in Rochester, as well as the photocopying giant Xerox company. It’s still abig draw for employees to the region as well.
If you’re looking for art in Rochester, you won’t have to look far. The city is home to the Rochester Museum of Fine Arts, the Rochester Contemporary Art Center, ARTISANworks, and the Memorial Art Gallery. Art lovers can take the ArtWalk along University Avenue connecting the different centers in the art district with public works.
There’s a little something for kids and adults alike here. The Museum Of Play at The Strong is the only collections-based museum in the world devoted solely to playing, featuring a ride-on carousel, hands-on exhibits and a toy museum. Adults will get all nostalgic and kids will have a blast at the National Toy Hall Of Fame, with yearly inductees like the Atari 2600 game system, Star Wars and G.I. Joe figurines, and even the classic cardboard box.
Root Beer is serious business in Rochester. Finding out that a restaurant is out of Stewart’s is like finding out they’re out of water. How does that even happen? It’s the ultimate beverage. Drink it cold to wash down your Garbage Plate, or dump two scoops of Abbott’s in it for the world’s best dessert. Order a Stewart’s (not a “root beer”) with your dinner, and you’ll fit right in.
There’s always something to do out in the streets in Rochester. The festivals alone can fill up your calendar pretty fast. The Rochester International Film Festival, Innovation and Creativity Festival, Lilac Festival, ROC City Rib Fest, International Jazz Festival, Monroe County Fair, Festival of Food, Big Rib BBQ Blues Fest, Nazareth College Arts Center Dance Festival, Oktoberfest, and Corn Hill Arts Festival are just a few, among many more.
Believe it or not, Canada is actually closer to Rochester than Manhattan is. So people in Rochester make the trip across the border fairly frequently, and wind up with a pocket full of Canadian currency on the way back. Susan B. Anthony’s house is located in Rochester, too. So get a change bowl, because you’re going to need a place to put your change.
