FALL IN ROCHESTER: A WEEKEND IN NEW YORK'S FLOWER CITY

There’s something special about autumn in upstate New York—crisp air, golden leaves, and that unmistakable scent of woodsmoke drifting through the trees. And now, with non-stop flights on Avelo Airlines from Wilmington International Airport, Rochester, New York is closer than ever. It’s an effortless escape for a long weekend—just a short flight from the coast, but a world away in charm, culture, and culinary delights.

By Colleen Thompson

Perched along the Genesee River and framed by the Finger Lakes region, Rochester is a city that hums with creativity. Once known as The Flour City (for its milling might), and later The Flower City (thanks to its historic nursery trade) it has reinvented itself yet again as a destination where innovation, history, and art come together—especially in the fall, when the maples turn crimson and amber.

Make The Strathallan Hotel, your home for the weekend, a stylish boutique property that blends modern comfort with classic sophistication that Hilton does really well. Situated in the Neighbourhood of the Arts (NOTA) the hotel is just steps from museums, gardens, and the city’s best restaurants, it’s an ideal base for exploring Rochester’s artful side. And after a day of discovery, you won’t have to go far for an exceptional meal—CHAR Steak & Lounge, located right inside the hotel, is one of the city’s finest dining experiences or grab a cocktail at Hatties Rooftop bar.

Friday: Stories of Strength & Flavor

The next morning begins on Park Avenue, a tree-lined neighborhood bursting with cafés, boutiques, and early 20th-century architecture. Locals gather at Jines, a beloved breakfast spot serving hearty omelets, fluffy pancakes, and endless cups of coffee alongside the city’s best people-watching. Second-generation owner Peter Gines often greets guests with the warmth of an old friend—he’s not only a fixture of the community but also a wonderful resource for getting to know Rochester. Ask for a few local tips, and you’ll walk away with a personalized guide to the city’s hidden gems.

From there, dive into Rochester’s history of activism and reform. At the National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House, you can stand in the very parlor where Anthony was arrested after attempting to vote in 1872—a humbling reminder of how far the fight for equality has come. Nearby, Mount Hope Cemetery, a sprawling 196-acre landscape of winding paths and century-old trees, serves as the final resting place of both Anthony and Frederick Douglass. Their friendship and shared passion for justice are immortalized in the nearby “Let’s Have Tea” sculpture, depicting the two icons in conversation, teacups in hand.

By lunchtime, head to Strangebird, a craft brewery that feels like the embodiment of Rochester’s creative pulse—where culinary artistry meets small-batch brewing. The menu celebrates what’s fresh and local, with dishes that shift effortlessly with the seasons. Order the Farm Salad, a stunning medley of honey-whipped ricotta, couscous, squash blossom, pickled farm beets, and frisée fennel, finished with a scatter of crisp potato chips for just the right crunch. With 24 rotating taps, choosing just one pint feels impossible—so don’t. Order a flight and sample your way through the lineup, but if you’re taking recommendations, the Hazy IPA is a standout: lush, juicy, and bright enough to match the city’s energy.

The afternoon offers a playful shift of pace at The Strong National Museum of Play, one of the most unique cultural attractions in the country. With interactive exhibits and the world’s largest collection of toys and games, it’s impossible not to feel like a kids again.

After all that nostalgia and laughter, pause for a refined coffee moment at AlBunn Coffee House, a sleek café celebrated for its Organic Premium Yemeni Coffee. The vibe is chic yet relaxed. Order the pistachio latte and pair it with a Dubai baklava for a perfect touch of indulgence. It’s a stop that proves coffee can be art, not just habit.

As the sun dips, venture about 45 minutes beyond the city for dinner experience at Genesee Country Village & Museum. Inside Hosmer’s Inn, guests gather by candlelight for a seven-course meal prepared using 19th-century recipes and techniques. It’s a communal experience where guests are encouraged to break bread and swap stories and between courses, you’ll play parlor games. It’s history you can taste—rich, rustic, and transportive.

Saturday: Markets, Music & Modern Indulgence

Start the day at Public Provisions, a lively busy spot nestled within the bustling Rochester Public Market. Grab a seat at the bar counter and watch the comings & goings as you munch down on your BLT Sammy. The historic market, open since 1905, comes alive on Saturday mornings with the chatter of vendors, the aroma of freshly baked bread, and stands overflowing with apples, pumpkins, and fall produce. Wander the stalls, chat with local makers, and feel the pulse of the city in motion.

If the weather’s kind—and in Rochester, autumn often is—spend the late afternoon wandering through two of the city’s most enchanting green spaces. Start at the Lamberton Conservatory, where sunlight filters through glass panels onto a collection of tropical plants, vibrant orchids, and cascading ferns. It’s a peaceful, fragrant escape from the urban buzz. Just down the road lies one of Rochester’s most romantic hidden gems: the Sunken Garden at Warner Castle. Designed in the 1930s, this secluded, terraced garden is tucked behind a stately stone manor and feels like something out of a classic novel. Paths of worn limestone lead you past ivy-covered walls, blooming borders, and manicured lawns, all wrapped in an atmosphere of quiet elegance. Bring a book, a coffee from a nearby café, or simply yourself—this is the kind of place meant for lingering.

Make a detour before or after to Ugly Duck Coffee, a minimalist café that’s become something of a Rochester institution. Known for its expertly sourced beans and precise brewing methods, Ugly Duck is the kind of place where every pour feels intentional. Order a macha latte (it will match the color of the crockery) and settle into the bright, Scandinavian-inspired space, and watch the day unfold through the wide street-facing windows.

As dusk settles, head downtown to Patron Saint, a sleek, modern steakhouse where everything feels like an occasion. The dining room glows with soft light, polished brass, and green velvet and the menu brims with elevated comfort—filet mignon, truffle mashed potatoes, and expertly mixed olive oil washed martinis. Afterward, slip next door to Unwine’d, Rochester’s first interactive wine lounge, where you can pour your own glass and savor the evening at your own pace.

Sunday: Artful Endings

On your final morning, linger over brunch at Brown Hound Downtown, located within the Memorial Art Gallery (MAG). The restaurant’s menu is as artful as the works on the walls—local ingredients, seasonal flavors, and a rotating exhibition of local artists. After brunch, explore MAG’s stunning 14-acre campus and its collection of more than 12,000 works spanning five millennia, from ancient relics to contemporary installations.

Then, just a few minutes away, step into the elegant world of George Eastman, founder of Kodak and one of photography’s greatest pioneers. The George Eastman Museum, housed in his 1905 mansion, offers a fascinating glimpse into both photographic history and the man who made capturing it possible. The surrounding gardens, still immaculately kept, are the perfect place to pause and breathe in the last of your weekend.

Looking for a late lunch or a charcuterie board and glass of wine head to Living Roots Urban Winery, where South Australian vintner Sebastian Hardy and his Rochester-born wife, Colleen, merge their two hometowns in every bottle.

Back at The Strathallan, enjoy one final dinner at CHAR—a fitting end to a weekend that has blended old and new, refinement and warmth, in perfect harmony. Settle in around the outdoor fire pits or at a window table overlooking the neighbourhood street as you enjoy perfectly seared cuts, seasonal seafood, and handcrafted cocktails that rival any big-city bar.

Why Go Now

Rochester is a city of unexpected delights—where grand history meets modern creativity, and every street seems touched by art, music, or the color of fall leaves. With non-stop flights from Wilmington on Avelo Airlines making travel seamless, there’s never been a better time to discover this upstate gem. Pack a cozy sweater, a sense of curiosity, and your appetite. Need help planning your trip Visit Rochester has the all of the information you need.