Romantic Inn / B&B & Couples Getaway in Rochester
Kiss & Tell
Why 2023 Is The Year to Visit Rochester
If Rochester isn’t on your list of upcoming travel destinations, it’s time to make some room on your itinerary. (We are listed among the best places to travel in 2023 by INSIDER, after all!)
Rochester, and all the people, places and events that make it great, is ready for your visit in 2023. We consider ourselves: a food-lover’s paradise, offering tastes of every flavor throughout the city; the king of festivals; a hub of historical sites and destinations; and the getaway spot you didn’t know you needed.
And while the city has already been buzzworthy for major events like the upcoming 2024 total solar eclipse, Rochester will only get more love in the new year. Many annual events will be returning in 2023, and there are also new attractions and restaurants joining the ranks of Rochester’s list of places to go.
WHAT’S NEW IN ROCHESTER IN 2023
- 2023 PGA Championship. In May 2023, Rochester’s prestigious Oak Hill Country Club will play host to the 2023 PGA Championship, marking the fourth time the PGA’s premier event will be held in Rochester at Oak Hill. The greatest golfers will descend on Rochester May 18-21, 2023. More info: https://www.pgachampionship.com/
- Opening of Expansion at The Strong Museum of Play. The top children’s museum in the country happens to find its home in Rochester, NY. The Strong National Museum of Play is the only museum in the world dedicated to the exploration and discovery of play. And beginning in 2023, The Strong will have even more to offer visitors with the completion of a transformative expansion. The heart of the all-new Neighborhood of Play will be The Strong’s 90,000-square-foot expansion which will house state-of-the-art guest amenities and a 24,000-square-foot interactive gallery.
- Neighborhood of Play. In the shadow of The Strong Museum, a new neighborhood, the Neighborhood of Play, has been built up in the footprint of the former Inner Loop. The new neighborhood offerings include housing, commercial space, planned retail – including a new brewery, a gaming themed restaurant, new hotel and more. Also just steps away from The Strong, visitors will find the newly opened Tasting Room for Strangebird Brewing, which was recently named the 2022 Brewery of the Year in New York State Craft Beer Competition.
- Black Button Distilling Expansion and New Distillery. Rochester’s Black Button Distilling was the first distillery to open in the area since prohibition, when it first opened in 2012. Now ten years in business, Black Button recently announced plans to expand its production space and tasting room to University Avenue in Rochester’s Neighborhood of the Arts. The new facility, which will renovate a historic building (built before World War I) into a 28,000 sq. foot distillery. Black Button will move to its new location in summer 2023.
- Expansion of Rohrbach Brewing on Railroad Street. As Black Button Distilling prepares to move from its current home near Rochester’s Public Market to its new space, the move presents an opportunity for Black Button’s current neighbor, Rohrbach Brewing Company to expand its existing space. Rohrbach is Rochester’s first craft brewery, serving craft brews since its opening in 1991. The expansion will allow for more production space for the pioneer in the Rochester’s growing beer scene, as well as event space and more seating for guests in its Railroad Street Beer Hall, adjacent to the Rochester Public Market – one of the oldest and largest markets in the country.
- Development alongside the Erie Canal in Fairport NY + Empire State Trail. The Empire State Trail connects New York State, from Buffalo to NYC. In the Rochester area, the trail is comprised of the Erie Canalway Trail. The Rochester area is home to several canal side communities, including the picturesque village of Fairport. In Fairport, visitors will discover a new entertainment district known as The Cannery, which was once the home of the American Can Co. The 62,000 sq. foot structure was originally constructed in 1908, and today is home to two breweries, a distillery and several different restaurants.
What’s not to love!
FALLING “INN” LOVE: ONE VERY ROMANTIC B&B FOR VALENTINE’S DAY
You have a few days until Valentine’s Day. Don’t be that guy (or girl) who waits until the last minute and then rushes out to buy a half-wilted roses and a box of generic chocolates. Instead, surprise the love of your life with one of the most romantic gift possible—an Ellwanger Estate Bed & Breakfast getaway in Rochester, NY.
The Ellwanger Estate B&B knows how to celebrate romance! We are the proud recipients of the I Love Inns and American Historic Inns “Top 10 Most Romantic Inns of North America” award, and featured in the Getaway Mavens 32 Great Romantic Hotels in New York State, Travel and Leisure, Rochester Magazine, INNS Magazine, and Design Sponge: Rochester, NY city guide.
With ANY February stay, the mansion will be decked out in red roses galore, with half a dozen in your guest room, and a heart shaped chocolate cake for your 4th course during your gourmet breakfast.
Here’s a thought to share by Elizabeth Barrett Browning:
I love you not only for what you are,
but for what I am when I am with you.
I love you not only for what you have made of yourself,
but for what you are making of me.
I love you for the part of me that you bring out.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Ellwanger Estate Participates in B&B’s for Vets
The Ellwanger Estate B&B of Rochester, NY recently announced their participation in B&B’s for Vets, a national program offering complimentary overnight stays for veterans and active military. The B&B’s for Vets program, hosted by the Association of Lodging Professionals, is designed to thank our nation’s veterans and active military for their service by providing them with the unique experience of staying at independent lodging properties like Bed and Breakfasts. The B&B’s for Vets program was started by Kathleen Panek, a West Virginia innkeeper, in 2008 and thousands of veterans and active military have been hosted over the years.
Today is the Day to Remember our Veterans…when we as a country formally honor the service and sacrifice of our former and current U.S. military members as well as their families – whose unique support is sacrificial and inspiring. I also want to take this opportunity to recognize and thank our B&B guests who currently serve or have previously served. We are proud to now serve you and honored to have you as part of our Ellwanger B&B family on this day and everyday.
Complimentary overnight stays are available at volunteer host Bed & Breakfast across the USA. Offer details are listed by region on BandBsforVets.org. This year filled the day I posted with B&B for Vets! Please visit this website next year for a repeat offering at the Ellwanger Estate B&B.
Hospitality Intern never tires of Ellwanger Elopements and Rochester seed swap
As Kojo prepares to graduate from Monroe Community College hospitality program, he applauded the Rochester seeds swap and the personalized Ellwanger elopements. During his short time at the Ellwanger Estate Bed and Breakfast, he has learned everything from culinary skills, preparation, serving, bed making 101, silver polishing, planting a garden, button sewing, furniture restoration, and attending Visit Rochester meetings. His highlight was meeting Mayor Evans. And what a highlight indeed-as he praised Kojo’s perseverance, quoting, “ now you can take over” the running of the bed and breakfast. While the internship is geared towards preparing interns for hospitality management, the true test is in finding a balance and excelling in customer service. So what 17 hours of the day would you like to work? He is sure up for the task!
A Delicious Surprise…To Be Listed in Forbes
6 Great Places to Eat if You’re Visiting Rochester, New York
Adrienne JordanFormer ContributorTravelI cover adventure, outdoor, and wellness travel.Follow
Situated on the southern shores of Lake Ontario, Rochester is a part of the breathtaking Finger Lakes region. New York’s 3rd largest city is in the midst of a period of revitalization. Recently, there has been over $750 million invested in downtown Rochester, which in turn exploded the food, craft beer (there are 17 breweries), and dining scenes. It’s easy to sample the city’s tasty offerings: here are 6 food-driven reasons to hop on a quick 50 minute flight from NYC airports:
Ellwanger Estate Bed & BreakfastVISIT ROCHESTER
Ellwanger Estate Bed & Breakfast
Run by the gregarious Rosemary Janofsky, always ready with a quick smile, the 115 year old home of George Ellwanger has maintained its reputation of great breakfasts, like Stuffed Acorn Squash with Quinoa, topped with poached egg and Spicy Sausage & Vegetable Frittata with sausage, zucchini, bell pepper, eggs & mozzarella cheese. You will also be cozy in the themed rooms-from “Woodland Suite” to “Garden Room”– at the B&B.
Erie Grill Apple Pie MuleVISIT ROCHESTER
Choose to break your fast during brunch at the Erie Grill located at The Del Monte Lodge Renaissance Rochester Hotel & Spa. The view is stunning, with a scenic biking and running trail, historic Erie Canal, and picturesque industrial bridges. The menu is eye candy too: try the smoked salmon bagel, corned beef hash, or brioche French toast. Try the Apple Pie Mule cocktail if you want to savor a holiday-themed beverage.
Park Ave is one of Rochester’s most popular neighborhoods: the street is lined with boutiques, coffee shops, salons, dining and more. Stop along Park Ave’s Magnolia’s Cafe and try one of their many pizzas like the Quattro Fromage or Pesto. Or choose what President Barack Obama ate while in Rochester in 2013: grilled cheese and a cup of the signature tomato and artichoke soup. The casual setting with huge windows allows you to eat and watch the foot traffic go by on Park Ave.
Red Fern dining areaVISIT ROCHESTER
If you’re into healthy eats, choose one of six fresh juices at vegan Red Fern, like “Beet It” (beet, carrot, apple, ginger) or “Sunrise” (orange, carrot, grapefruit, lemon). There are also gluten-free options, including entrees, sandwiches, salads, and smoothies. You can also savor the house-baked pastries and the venue’s beer & wine selection. Since it is located across the street from Magnolia’s Cafe, you can opt for a freshly brewed coffee or herbal tea post-lunch.
Rochester Public MarketVISIT ROCHESTER
Rochester’s City-run Public Market is a one stop shop for a fresh lunch. The outdoor and indoor market has been in operation since 1905 and is open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturdays. Since there are over 300 vendors on site, you have an opportunity to collect fresh produce and ethnic delicacies. There are also local businesses to hop around at the market, like cafes, food stands, coffee shops, specialty food purveyors, and breweries.
For Latin-inspired eats served with craft cocktails in a candlelit setting in a mansion from the 1880s, Ox & Stone favorites include braised ox tail and paella, and the crispy tortillas are made in house. Farm to table comes into play here as regular menu items feature seasonal ingredients from locally sourced farms and merchants.
Initially published Dec 17, 2018