Tag Archive for: Ellwanger Estate

Why 2023 Is The Year to Visit Rochester

By Visit Rochester Staff 

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!

Rosemary’s Favorite Things 2022

  1. Hands down ~it’s you, my guests. Each of you grace the Ellwanger with your energy and positive vibes. You are a blessing. The evidence is in the warm and welcoming Google and Tripadvisor Reviews, and our returning guests.
  2. Social Responsibilities: Memorial Art Gallery, B&B for Vets, David’s Refuge
  3. Surprize Vacations with Pack Up + Go. A Fun and fabulous treat, especially when you vacation at the Ellwanger.
  4. Four course breakfast. Where Else?!
  5. Jazz Jamming: From April to December, on the first Saturday of each month, our guests are entertained with spectacular live music. Think value added, think gift certificates.
  6. Deb Delights” apple-pear butter on the breakfast table. I went for the beets, but stayed for the apple-pear butter!
  7. Amenities galore: From luxurious Italian cotton linens, makeup remover cloths, house slippers, robes, and full toiletries. Here are my 4 favs:
    • Greenwich Bay Trading Co. shampoo (Rosemary, Cedar & Thyme), conditioner, and hand lotion
    • Ellwanger Laundry Bags, fashioned after the Grandhotel Pupp’s gift bag in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic
    • PranaSleep organic mattresses
    • Pillow menu. In an effort to enhance your sleep, lighten your suitcase, and try out new pillows~ the Ellwanger offers hypoallergenic, down, latex and wool pillows
  8. Ellwanger Garden, owned and operated by the Landmark Society of WNY, is a nature oasis in the middle of the city, a.k.a. Our very own Secret Garden! Think YOGA, Thai Chi, meditation, and Plein Air Painting.
  9. Original artwork from artist all over the world, including my original pieces as well as … “The Ellwanger Coasters”.
  10. Refreshment hour (new 1/2/23) Monday-Thursday 5-6PM

Enjoy!

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!

Kojo at the Ellwanger Estate B&B

Enchanted April, infused with Jazz

With the enchantment of April, my thoughts turn towards JAZZ.  It all started over a decade ago with our pop up Jazz music salons. It was Jack Presberg and jazz jammers that found me. It was love at first sight, and we all became one big family~ on the first Saturday of each month, starting in April. While the Ellwanger Estate B&B knows how to jazz things up a bit, we also have a little help from our friends.  So it starts once again, and our B&B guests are in for a treat this Saturday, April 2nd, from 2-4 PM as we usher in the Spring with JAZZ!

Pre-Pandemic, now masked and vax’ed

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 & Breakfast

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 Mule

Erie Grill Apple Pie MuleVISIT ROCHESTER

Erie Grill

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.

Magnolia’s Café

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 area

Red Fern dining areaVISIT ROCHESTER

Red Fern

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 Market

Rochester Public MarketVISIT ROCHESTER

Public Market

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.

Ox & Stone

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.

Adrienne Jordan

Initially published Dec 17, 2018