Rochester, NY
Rita’s first venture to the USA!
Stay Prepare to be introduced to the funkiest accommodation in Rochester! A former schoolhouse, built in 1919, the centrally-located Alexander Hamilton building now hosts film studios on the first floor, and the School 31 Lofts on the second floor. My parents stayed in a luxury loft, complete with kitchen (and residual blackboards!), while I had a micro-loft, with bathroom set within the room. Both suites included jetted tubs which we made use of. The bed were also super comfortable. All the lofts are dog-friendly, but although they advertise “homemade dog treats for your furry friends” on their website, I didn’t receive any extra canine touches, and when I asked I was told they had run out. Rita seemed to enjoy the space and investigating the interesting artefacts along the corridors. There was also a quiet private parking area to the side of the building and a dog waste station. They also offer a selection of snacks as room-service and self-check-in, all handily done via text message.
Sightseeing Perhaps one of the things Rochester is most noted for is being the home of Kodak. The founder, George Eastman, hailed from here, and by the end of the 1870s, employed over 50,000 people in Rochester. The story does not have a happy ending though, as Eastman committed suicide in 1932, feeling his work on Earth was done. Humans can visit George’s home at the Eastman Museum in the centre of the city.
We were staying in the Neighbourhood of the Arts (NOTA), which includes the Memorial Art Gallery, and so admired some sculptures.
Walk The go-to trail within Rochester is the Genesee Riverway Trail, a 24-mile trail running along the Genesee River. Rita and I began at the Genesee Valley Park and walked a couple of kilometres north, before crossing back over the river and walking back again. We were right at the river’s edge and it felt like a nice green space amidst the city jungle.
The next day, we joined the trail further north at Turning Point Park. The boardwalk trail, which extends right into the Genesee River, won American Public Works Association’s “Transportation Project of the Year” Award in 2008. From here, you can walk to the Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse, America’s oldest surviving lighthouse.
Eat For breakfast, we went to Jines, where Rita was welcomed on the patio with her own cup of water. The menu was extensive; I opted for buckwheat pancakes with fresh strawberries.
Dinner for us was at Swiftwater Brewing, situated along the Genesee River. This is a trendy space and the indoor area was completely open in the hot weather, so we could get a good look inside from the patio. They were very dog-friendly, with a bowl outside and some funny prints inside! The food menu was limited but don’t be fooled…..what they do serve is 10/10!! There are meat, veggie and vegan options too!
Both of these were popular spots and we had to wait for a table each time, but it was worth it! Plus we met a cute dog called Donovan at Swiftwater (pictured).
Doggy specials In Spencerport, 20 minutes West of Rochester, is Woofies Gourmet Dog Bakery. However, it is more than simply a bakery. In their 1500 sq foot boutique, you can buy dog toys and accessories as well as gifts for their owners. The business also offers off-site catering, birthday cakes and meal plan services and has hosted charity events. Set up with a “human-style” display counter, the bakery section is filled with tasty, and natural ingredient delicacies like pumpkin kisses, doughnuts, ice cream and chicken broth. Rita was given some more treats at the counter and made a fuss of.
Our last stop in Rochester was Bruster’s Real Ice Cream, which can be found in 22 states. My choice of coconut chip, butter pecan and vanilla really was delicious, and Rita enjoyed her (free!) doggy sundae, topped with a milk bone!
