Have a conference at the University there, willing to tack on a day or so. What is worth seeing in or near Rochester?

If I had the option, I'd like to see if Kodak gives a plant tour.

The Eastman House is just gorgeous and the photography museum therein is very interesting.

What season will you be there? In May, there's the lilac festival -- you've never seen so many lilacs at Highland Park.

The Mt. Hope Cemetary is right near the Univ. and has some interesting tours, and graves of people like Susan B. Anthony and Fred. Douglass.

South of the city, there are many towns known for their antiques (I don't remember which -- Victor?).

Finally, you aren't too far from Niagara Falls (1.5 hrs or so) and Toronto (3 hrs.), both splendid.

What do your tastes lean to? The George Eastman House is beautiful, there's the Strong Museum, High Falls area, Letchworth Park with the Gorge is just south of here to name a few.

Are you talking about Rochester, New York? There is more than one Rochester in the United States.

Ah, but how many Rochesters have a university?

Timely thread since I'm going there soon. Is it worth going to Nick Tahou's for the "garbage plate" ?

Well, I grew up near Rochester. They are of course known world-wide for their health care facilities at the Mayo Clinic. Many past Presidents and Foreign leaders go there for health care. You can visit the clinic and they even have a museum of health care.

Also, which University is the conference at? There are numerous Universities in Rochester.

If you are into sports, you are only about an hour's drive from Minneapolis where the Twins are playing right now.

For more information, I suggest you check out their website @:
http://www.rochestercvb.org

Good luck.
Paul

OK Paul (sarcastic as usual?), you made your point that I should have specified Rochester NY. Thanks to the others who were insightful enough to know I meant Rochester NY, and thanks for the great suggestions. What's at the Strong Museum and how far is Letchworth?

There is one? I mean a Rochester in New York...

FYI:
Population of Rochester NY: 219,772
Population of Rochester MN: 81,182

There is a town/city named Rochester in the following states: NY, IN, MN, NH, MI, IL, IA, KY, MA, MO, OH, PA, TX, VT, WA, WI, MT, NV. There may be others...

Is everyone here is a foul mood? Or is Fodors always like this?

I admitted I should have specified "NY," but as "Dandelion" points out, the Rochester in NY is by far the largest city so named and the only one with the "University of Rochester," so I didn't think it was that big a mystery. Sheesh!

There are lots of "Bostons" in this country, but you don't see people piling up on top of posters who don't specify the state. Thank you to those who actually helped. To the rest of you, what are you actually contributing to this website by picking on people?

Nemo,
Letchworth Park has a beautiful gorge with many scenic overlooks throughout the park. It has camping areas, pools, etc but it also has a fantastic restaurant The Glen Iris I think it is called. This restaurant overlooks a few waterfalls. Many weddings are held here. The Strong Museum is a nice museum with a planetarium attached with interesting shows. The George Eastman House is fantastics with gardens as well and is located in a very upscale part of the city. As stated previously you will not be far from the Finger Lakes area where there is many wineries if that's your interest. Have fun. Any other questions let me know. I'm in fodors quite frequently.

Letchworth Park is worth considering if you're 'tacking on' a night or two. The Glen Iris Inn is located well into the park, and it overlooks one of the waterfalls located within the park. There are many trails to hike if you're interested, and there is a pool there with cabins also available to rent. It's a very peaceful area over 20 miles long with so many beautiful lookouts.

Rochester, NY is the home of Eastman School of Music. There are often very good, free or low cost, concerts at Kilbourne Hall, especially during the school year.

The Susan B. Anthony House is worth the visit if you are interested in the women's sufferage movement.

If you have time, a trip to the Finger Lakes and the wineries is great. The scenery is beautiful and the wine is very good at some of the wineries. Watkin's Glen is at the south end of Seneca Lake. I think walking the glen is one of the most spectacular sights. You walk around, under and over 17 water falls and rushing water. At one point you stand on a 350 million year old ocean floor. Several of the Finger Lakes are less than a 2 hour drive from Rochester.

Letchworth Park is referred to as the Grand Canyon of the East. While there is a grand canyon, it is not as spectacular as the Grand Canyon, but worth the time. I would consider picking up something from a Deli for a picnic lunch rather than eat at the Glen Iris. Even though Hillary Clinton has eaten there, I don't recommend it. There are so many great places to picnic. The park is less than a 2 hour drive from Rochester.

The Memorial Art Gallery is small in comparison to many, but does have some interesting pieces. Not a must do however.

Mendon Ponds Park is only a few miles from the University, but must have a car. It was formed by the last of the four major glaciers that covered the area 12,000 years ago. There is a kettle lake there, Devil's Bathtub. This is a rare meromicctic lake which is very deep and surrounded by very high ridges which prevent the wind from blowing on the water which gives the lake a mirrored effect. Additionally, there are several walking trails.

The Erie Canal runs through the area. There walking and biking trails along it. There are also boat tours, which I really don't recommend.

Rochester has not taken advantage of its river front. There is a falls, High Falls, in downtown Rochester. Not worth the time to see it.

Hope this is helpful information.

I suggest Nick Tahoe's only after a nite out. Make sure you have your Tums for the AM!