I will be traveling to watch my son play in a football game at Suny Brockport in September. I live in Virginia.

My question is...I have never been to this area before! If I make a weekend of it...should I stay in Buffalo or Rochester. Buffalo is just an hour away, Rochester is closer...so no big deal.

I have been to Niagra Falls, so no interest there.

Any advice on Rochester and Buffalo?

Thanks!!!

8-)

My husband is from Buffalo so I posed this question to him...his advice is stay in Rochester. He says that Rochester is closer (as you noted) and that you aren't missing anything by not staying in Buffalo (especially since you have already been to Niagra Falls).

Enjoy your trip - I am sure watching your son play at SUNY will be exciting!

It's a toss-up. Really. Each city has come interesting aspects. However, Bflo does not have an interesting shopping area. Albright Knox Art Gallery in Buffalo. Erie Canal in Rochester. Etc. Just make it easiest on yourself.

What do you want to do in your off time? Buffalo has more to offer but you are closer to Rochester while at Brockport.

If you decide to stay in Rochester, make sure you go to the Dinosaur BBQ...YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT!
dinosaurbarbque.com

I live about 20 miles east of Rochester and I am a Brockport alumni so perhaps I have a little bias here, but I would suggest staying near Rochester. The attractions I would suggest are the scenery and wineries in the Finger Lakes area, southeast of Rochester. All of the lakes have several excellent wineries that offer tours and tastings.They would be not too far out of your way since you will be travelling from Virginia. I can make specific recomendations if you are interested. The one attraction that Buffalo has, on a fall weekend,are our beloved Bills. Check the schedule and you may be able to join the tailgating crazies at a NFL game Sunday afternoon. It is quite the experience !!

I'm going to go with the majority - Rochester is much better than Buffalo. Buffalo is pretty big and confusing, without too much to do. Rochester is much closer to Brockport, and you'll find it easier to navigate with more to do. As mentioned, take a trip to the Finger Lakes, see the fall colors (and drink some wine!). A Bills game isn't far if you decide you'd like that on the roster as well.

Though neither is great I believe Buffalo is much better. Buffalo atleast has a couple of nice neighborhoods to walk around in (the edgy hip areas of Elmwood Village and Allentown) and some great restaraunts such as the Anchor Bar home of the worlds first and best buffalo wings, teds hotdogs worlds best in my humble oppinion and the many great pizza places around the city. It also has a nice waterfront park (great for watching the sunset) some nice nightspots, the Albright Knox gallery and some realatively inexpensive theatres.

I grew up on the west side of Rochester and lived only about 20 min from Brockport. I'd say stay in Rochester, it's much eaiser to get to Brockport and there is plenty to do in the area. Rochester isn't a huge place, but that doesn't mean it has nothing to offer.

You can find great food and boutique shops on Park Avenue downtown. If the weather is nice head down to the Charlotte beach area and grab an Abbott's custard and walk on the pier. I agree wtih the previous post to get dinner at the Dino BBQ if you have time. Go see a Red Wings (baseball team), or Rhinos (soccer) game.

Finger Lakes region is wonderful as everyone else here has said.

If you're looking for museum's Rochester has some great places to check out. There is the George Eastman House, the Memorial Art Gallery, The Rochester Museum and Sceince Center. In Corning just south of Rochester is the Corning Museum of Glass which is really interesting as well.

You should certainly be able to have a great weekend in the area. (And if you pass by the town of Gates, wave hello for me!)