Rochester: located on the Genesee River in upstate New York, the home of Eastman Kodak presents a tourist-friendly image - If You Only Have A Day In … New York

Travel America, July-August, 2003 by Ellen Clark

THANKS TO THE ERIE CANAL, Rochester--now New York's third largest city--became America's first "boom town." Before the canal, the town's main industry was flour, made from wheat ground by waterwheels powered by the Genesee River. With the advent of the canal in 1825, however, Rochester's flour could be easily shipped to reach a far greater market, and business boomed.

In the 20th century three large companies--Eastman Kodak, Bausch & Lomb, and Xerox--became the city's top industries. In Rochester today you'll find an excellent visitors bureau, a revitalized downtown area, and some outstanding tourist attractions, including several unique museums.

Even if you're not a photography buff, the George Eastman House and Museum is well worth a visit. Home of the founder of Kodak, the house is full of original furnishings, has a variety of exhibits, and boasts lovely gardens.

For kids, the Strong Museum is especially appealing. A regional history center, the first floor is devoted to hands-on exhibitions that tell stories of everyday America since 1820. Children can even practice their shopping skills at a mock grocery store, complete with mini-baskets, merchandise, and kiddie-level checkout stands. In the museum's atrium you can ride on a 1918 carousel, dine in an authentic transplanted 1950s diner, and devour scrumptious ice cream confections at a 1920s soda fountain. Another family favorite, the Rochester Museum & Science Center, has planetarium shows.

At the Susan B. Anthony House, visitors can tour the modest, red-brick Victorian home of the woman whose militant protests led to women throughout the United States getting the right to vote.

Downtown's High Falls Historic District, an area of old warehouses, is going through a period of renovation, due to be completed this year, Some restaurants and shops are already open for business. Jillian's, a restaurant/entertainment center, is located in an old trolley bam. Adjacent to the historic district is the dramatic 96-foot High Falls.

Even from downtown Rochester it's possible to spend time on the canal. A replica packet boat called the Sam Patch (named for a daredevil who was killed after leaping over the Genesee River's High Falls) offers river tours and connects with the Erie Canal.

For theater, music, and dance enthusiasts, Rochester has several repertory theaters, its own philharmonic orchestra, the Geva Theatre Center, and the famous Eastman School of Music. It boasts Garth Fagan, Tony Award winner for his choreography for Disney's The Lion King, as director of the city's dance company. The hotspot for night life is the city's East End district with jazz clubs, cabarets, and restaurants.

Kids of all ages will love the Seabreeze Amusement Park, a family owned enterprise opened in 1879. Not as glitzy and perfect as Disneyland maybe, but the fides and waterpark are teeming with activity on a hot summer afternoon.

WAYNE COUNTY WORTH A DETOUR

JUST SOUTH OF ROCHESTER SITS WAYNE County. Peaceful and rural it may be, but it has some surprises, not the least of which are the two extraordinary bodies of water within its boundaries. The south shore of mighty Lake Ontario borders the northern part of the county, while one of the country's most famous manmade waterways, the Erie Canal, runs through the southern part.

The Seaway Trail, a designated scenic byway, snakes along the shore of Lake Ontario past historic and scenic towns such as Ontario, Pultneyville, and Sodus Point. Heritage Square in Ontario boasts eight historic buildings. In Sodus Bay there are two lighthouses. One, built in 1870 of smoky gray brick, is now a museum; the other continues to guide boats into the bay.

In the southern part of the county, along the Erie Canal, there are more historic towns and a few unusual museums. Palmyra boasts the Ailing Coverlet Museum, with one of the largest collections of hand-woven coverlets in the country. Timepiece devotees will love Newark's Hoffman Clock Museum with its 15 showcases full of antique watches and clocks. And in Lyons the building that served as the town jail from 1854-1960 now houses the Historical Society Museum.

There are accommodations to suit every taste from campgrounds to beautifully decorated B&Bs. Restaurants range from fast food emporiums to fine dining and include such ethnic choices as German, Greek, Italian, and Mexican. In Lyons the Bridge Tavern is a great place to have lunch with a view of the canal, while Trombino's By the Park serves down-home southern Italian fare in a cozy atmosphere. In Pultneyville, the Pultneyville Pickle Restaurant is a local favorite.

Wine enthusiasts might want to visit Thorpe Vineyard in Wolcott, one of the country's smallest wineries. And, for the freshest produce anywhere, summer visitors can buy home-grown fruits and vegetables from roadside stands.

Contact: Wayne County Tourism, (800)-527-6510; www.waynecountytourism.org.

For more information, contact Greater Rochester Visitors Association, (800) 677-7282; www.visitrochester.com.