Get Out! - Campus Times

t
e
Gout!
Campus Times
A wide world surrounds us.
Let’s go exploring.
CAMPUS TIMES
Page 2
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Your dorm rooms are comfortable. Warm. Relaxing. But college isn’t supposed to be any of those things.
Turn off the 360° (whether Microsoft or AC), put down that thrilling edition of “Organic Chemistry,” throw on
your shoes and
get out! You are going to discover Rochester courtesy of this insightful, convenient guide,
that utilizes random sampling and thoughtful pondering to tell you what there is to do in the Flower City, at any
time, in any condition, with anybody. This might make you wary. But as four young men sang several decades
ago, we want to hold your hand. Here is the best of
do something, but to go do it (ever)
better.
Rochester — and a friendly reminder not just to go
Table of contents
Page 3
Bar
Page 9
Movie theater
Page 4
Pizza
Garbage Plate
Page 10
Festival
Music venue
Page 5
Frozen treat
Café
Page 11
Park
Page 6
Restaurant in walking distance
Delivery option
Page 7
Diner
Vegetarian restaurant
Page 8
Grocery store
Farmers’ market
Page 12
Hike
Day trip
Page 13
Date
Page 14
Hot day
Page 15
Cold day
What we have here
The contents of this guide is brought to you courtesy of your peers. We at the Campus Times devoted our tireless
resources (unpaid, caffeine-injected editors) to tabling and surveying other students. For most categories, we democratically determined winners — our sample, though limited, picked the best of the crop and those close behind.
Editors used their expertise for categories with low respondent rates in order to deliver a mix of thoughtful and
unique opportunities that Rochester has to offer.
For you upperclassmen who worry about whether this guide is the amalagamation of uninformed opinion, we
offer a caveat: freshmen results were not included. To you freshmen who take umbrage at that because you live in
greater Rochester, we offer this second caveat: Your opinions were considered. So if non-local freshmen are offended, we simply say that in time (next year), your opinions will be relevant. Perhaps, then, there’s even more incentive
for newcomers to read this guide.
Design by Ross Brenneman
Illustrations by Krista Lombardo
Thursday, October 15, 2009
FOOD
Page 3
Best BAR:
The Old Toad
by Ross Brenneman
You aren’t classy just because you shop at Beers of the
World, and the sooner you realize that, the better.
If you want a truly foreign alcoholic experience, go to
the Old Toad. Located at 277 Alexander Street between
East Avenue and Park Avenue, the Old Toad is British
through and through.
Its waitstaff consists primarily of students visiting
from England (there’s a map inside the door to show
you from where everyone hails), and the food is just
as authentic.
The prices remind you that it’s also expensive to
experience London. Here beer is not cheap, nor is the
food, and the portions aren’t necessarily heaping even
though they’re delicious (the Double Decker — chips
loaded with cheese and bacon — is a notable exception).
What you really go to the Toad for is Trivia Night.
There’s one on Sunday night that requires an entry
fee, but Monday is where the action is at. And unlike
the volatile frenzy that happens at the Lux trivia night,
the Toady Brits once again prove refined. At 9:30 p.m.,
without fail, the staff distributes notebook paper and
pencils to every table, and there’s a 20-question quiz
read by a staff member.
The winning team
or patron gets a
prize. Every five
questions, they
have a free-forall-question,
and the first to
answer correctly gets another
glass of whatever
they’re drinking.
Plus, these
aren’t your average
“Jeopardy!” questions. Do you know where
the Sternwheel Regatta took
place? Or what president
created Grand Canyon
National Park?
You’d better be on
your toes.
Close behind
by Ethan Burnham-Fay
Bug Jar
The Bug Jar is, at heart, a different type of bar. It may have
the same drinks, but it most definitely has a different atmosphere than any other bar in Rochester. For example, bolted to
the dancing room ceiling there is an entire living room. The Bug
Jar also has ever-changing artwork (that is actually for sale)
hanging in the main room, a billiards table and live music that
is an integral part of the bar’s identity.
They host live music and/or DJs everyday of the week, which
only adds to the appeal of Bug Jar. Not only a bar, but an intimate venue to see musical acts, it is a worthwhile stop if you
like live bands or if you like to dance. Thursday nights are
especially big, with “Rundown” — a dance party starting up
after the live bands have finished, which draws a crowd and is
worth checking out. The Bug Jar provides a much-needed venue
for indie bands and an outlet close to campus for students to
dance and enjoy themselves, as well as generous bartenders.
Also, “unders” are allowed in for a nominal cover charge. Check
out their Web site (bugjar.com) for drink specials and for the
calendar of upcoming shows.
Tap and Mallet
The Tap and Mallet has an enormous selection of beers on
tap. This in itself is a feat, but the fact that the staff presents
it in an easygoing atmosphere makes the Tap and Mallet a
must-stop tavern. Located at 381 Gregory Street, within easy
walking distance of the University, the Tap and Mallet presents
students with a discerning taste with a challenge. With so many
beers on tap, the only choice is to try them all, which cannot be
done in one night. And although the beer selection is large, it
is ever-changing based on the season. All of the bartenders are
friendly and are more than willing to give recommendations as
to what would suit you as a drink. It has a relaxed atmosphere
of darts, food and easy conversation where friends are merry
and the entire patronage enjoys itself. This bar also serves up
a delicious food menu, complimenting both the beer and the
mood of the place. Under-21s are usually not allowed in, meaning, sadly, they won’t be able to enjoy the chill bar that is the
Tap and Mallet.
FOOD
Page 4
best
pizza:
best plate:
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Po
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N
ick
T
ahou
’
s
l
l
i
t
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by DANIEL SNOW
by DongDong Han
If there’s one thing that’s never
lacking around here at UR, it’s
— yup, you guessed it — pizza.
This humble comfort food
is a staple item at hall
programs, school events
and late-night study
parties. And while
we may be constantly
flooded with fliers from national chains like Papa John’s,
the local chain Pontillo’s was the clear favorite choice
among UR students.
Pizza tends to be one of those things where your mileage
may vary significantly from one experience to the next.
For Pontillo’s, the largest locally owned pizza chain in
western N.Y., it is no exception. Pontillo’s could have the
best or worst pizza in the world depending where you get
it, but the Pontillo’s near Mt. Hope Avenue is excellent
on a regular basis.
At first glance, it appears to be nothing special. It’s
got your usual wings, calzones and pizzas. The Mt. Hope
Pontillo’s specialty pizzas, though, are something else.
This writer has friends who swear by their “New Yorker”
–— the awesomeness of which, until tasted firsthand,
cannot be comprehended. One Rochester native especially
liked their pizza sauce.
Pontillo’s Pit-like operating hours (closing at 11 p.m.
Monday through Thursday, midnight on Friday and Saturdays and 10 p.m. on Sunday) and its delivery option
make it a competitive choice among the myriad of other
pizza places around the school. Located nearby on Mt.
Hope Avenue, it is definitely worth a try.
The mystique of Nick Tahou’s (or Steve T.’s, as the one
on Lyell Avenue has since been renamed) was created
long before my time at UR and will continue to be a
right of passage for countless students far after.
I remember back when I decided to attend UR, reading
in the “Fiske Guide to Colleges” about a mystical diner
with something called a garbage plate. The fact that the
writers of Fiske deemed Tahou’s to be important enough
to include it in its description of the school should give
you some sense about the integral part this dish plays
in the Rochester experience.
Describing a “plate” would not do this yummy heap
justice as it is all part of the tradition (alumni even
come back and buy Tahou’s meat sauce with hope of
recreating the plate, but it is never quite as good). Like
its name indicates, it’s a massive mix of ingredients.
Tahou’s is an experience, uniquely ours like Meliora
Weekend or D-Day, that brings students together for
something horrible for our health but wonderful for
the soul. So when this old world starts getting you
down, round up your friends and take a ride on over
to Tahou’s.
Close behind
salvatore’s
There’s nothing that screams Rochester like Salvatore’s Old
Fashioned Pizzeria. They have a classic menu of what you’d
expect — pizza, wings, pasta and burgers — but they do all of
it right. Their pizza is not your run-of-the-mill pie. The crust
has a nice, chewy bite, while the top is loaded with cheese and
toppings. The Chicken Charlie is as good as it gets, mixing
bleu cheese, wing sauce and chicken fingers. Add in Salvatore’s
delicious pasta dinners and its delivery to campus, and you’re
sure to have a winner.
Close behind
Henrietta Hots
If Tahou’s is the black coffee of plates, then Henrietta Hots
is the iced chai mocha frappuccino. The melted cheese that
smothers their steak and cheese plate is a delicacy for the
Rochester gourmand while maintaining the sense of satisfaction that comes with completing such an epic meal.
best frozen treat:
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Abbott’s
food
Close behind
granny’s
Located in the South Wedge,
Granny’s Ice Cream Parlor is an
ice cream shop that opened in 2007
with a selection of Perry’s ice cream
products. This is the perfect place to
go grab a tasty cone of Perry’s on a
hot summer day. Affordable prices
and friendly customer service make
Granny’s a wonderful addition to
the community.
by Nandini VEnkateswaran
In walkable distance on Mt. Hope Avenue,
Abbott’s is the haven for any ice cream
lover.
Frozen custard is richer and creamier than
your standard ice cream because of its unique
ingredients, slower production time and less
air blended into the mix.
For the simple custard lovers, vanilla custard with rainbow sprinkles hits the spot.
This locally based national chain is known
for its famous custard. Abbott’s was awarded
Democrat & Chronicle’s Rochester’ s Choice
Award for “Ice Cream” in 2007 and was voted
“Best Ice Cream Shop” in City Newspaper’s
“Best Of” awards in 2008.
best café:
Java’s
by Nandini Venkateswaran
Whether you’re killing time waiting for the Red Line or
just want to find a place to hang out with friends, be sure to
check out Java’s, the well-known and well-trafficked coffee
shop on Gibbs Street situated right next to the Eastman
School of Music.
With their wide assortment of cookies — ginger-molasses
and peanut butter being two of the best — scones, pies,
cheesecakes, mud-cake and pastries, people cannot help
but satiate their sugar cravings.
Their selection of drinks — such as their signature hot
chocolate, a pot of freshly brewed Turkish coffee, chocolate- and espresso-filled Terrapin, an iced Aztec mocha that
gives you the kick of spice you need on a lazy day and their
Kinky Reggae iced tea — offer a one-of-a-kind appeal to a
large consumer population.
Even after a full concert at Eastman, the lines move
unexpectedly fast, but during quieter hours this makes a
great study spot for Eastman students (or if they’re willing
to trek, River Campus students). Free wireless and outdoor
seating are also appealing to college students who want to
find a new studying location.
Page 5
roman holiday gelato
With several flavors of creamy
gelato, ranging from peanut butter to rum raisin, you can help
yourself to several scoops of Italian
deliciousness. Friendly service and
outdoor seating make the locale on
Park Avenue a fun place to visit.
Close behind
sPot
Previously home to Hallman’s Chevrolet, sPot Coffee is one
of the key hot spots on the corner of Matthews and East Avenues.
With large windows to bring in warm sunlight, the coffee
house is home to many studious college students.
Their brewed coffee beans, variety of salads, wraps and
breakfast meals offer the perfect combination of ambiance and
food.
boulder
Need a change of pace from the packed stacks in Rush
Rhees or the incessant noise in Gleason?
Take a bus over to Alexander Street
and find yourself a cozy couch at
Boulder Café.
With a wide assortment of fresh
salads, grilled sandwiches, coffee
and alcoholic drinks, Boulder has
become a coveted meeting place for
many students and professors.
Featuring wireless,
ample seating
space, intriguing paintings and
p r e t t y d é c o r,
the café is definitely a mustexperience in
Rochester.
FOOD
Page 6
best place in walking distance
Distillery
the
by Ross Brenneman
While UR does not have an accompanying college
town, there are still certain off-campus staples of student
life. They become instilled in our culture when curious
lowerclassmen lacking automobiles put those two flimsy
appendages at the base of their legs to use and head to
the Distillery. A land of milk and honey (both may be
alcoholic) and delicious food, the Distillery is the place to
go if you want to watch late evening sports or celebrate
a friend’s birthday.
As far as food goes, don’t miss a step of the meal: Appetizers, entreés and desserts all have something to offer.
But first, if you’re 21 or older, do the right thing and order
an Anchor Steam — those on-tap specials are tempting,
but this one’s a winner.
Start off with either the spinach and artichoke dip or
the loaded cheese fries, based on whether you’re willing
to go to the gym for the week. Or go for the solid staple
of chicken wings. But please, go hot — it’s not the worst
thing in the world. If you’re looking for cheap and delicious, though, do yourself a favor and try the French onion
soup — it’s the best thing about French culture next to
Nicolas Sarkozy’s wife and, indirectly, “Ratatouille.”
For the main course, try a different appetizer: the
nachos. Next to the Elmwood Inn, these are the best
in town, so long as you ask for some extra cheese. But
if that’s not your thing, there are plenty of American
food staples, as well.
Top off the meal with the molten chocolate cake. And
a Tums, if you’re a pansy.
Close behind
pelligrino’s
At most places, a turkey sub is just a plain turkey sub, but
Pelligrino’s has freshness and strong variety. The bacon cheeseburger sub is perfect for anyone looking to indulge, but the
chicken parmesan is nearly unrivaled in Rochester. Pelligrino’s
also accepts URos, and if you have an extra dollar to kick around,
buy one of the chocolate chip cookies.
boulder coffee
The one across the river, easily accessible thanks to a strategically placed footbridge, has all the café staples, along with
wonderful adult beverages, which the Riverview set could take
advantage of easily. The sandwiches aren’t giant, but they taste
good, which is really what matters most.
best very/
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del up
pick
Thursday, October 15, 2009
n
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ar
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u
Y
a
ebecc
by R
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lebe
Instantly satisfying comfort food that’s decently
priced, Chinese is an ultimate takeout
choice. There’s
no question their
fast service
sounds ohso-tantalizing
on a cold (and
likely snowy) day.
Yummy Garden,
especially, is a great
alternative for students too reluctant
to leave their dorms
for Danforth Dining
Center.
As for food quality, while some
patrons love it and others hate it, the food itself doesn’t differ
much from a run-of-the-mill Chinese delivery restaurant. It’s
really the service that distinguishes Yummy Garden as No.
1. Yummy Garden serves its food at cheap prices, delivery
is always quick and you’ll somehow always find extra food
thrown in that you didn’t order but is welcome nonetheless.
Sometimes you might find a Sprite, other times an egg roll
in your order. It’s a guessing game as to what you’ll get, and
that’s half the fun.
Even more impressive is Yummy Garden’s ability to fill
in the gaps of your order. Ordering Chinese food is a skill
limited to a select few, but at Yummy Garden it doesn’t
matter. You can literally mumble a few words, hang up, and
you’ll actually get the same order you called in last time.
And that was a tried and tested experiment. Creepy, yes,
but awesome nonetheless.
Close behind
Dinosaur Bar b que
In the mood for some ribs? Dinosaur Bar B Que is the place to
go. Although you can’t order for delivery, this pick-up restaurant
has plenty of meaty choices — ribs, wings, steak and pulled pork
— or even better, any combination of meats. It is definitely worth
it to eat in-house, however; the homey decorations and busy but
friendly service makes it a fun night out.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Jines
Breakfast is what makes
a trip to Jines worth it. Its
egg options alone extend
far down the menu page
— from a Jines’s original
“eggs Alaska” to 24 types of
omelets, you’d be hard-put
to find a style not on the
menu. Still, make sure to
read past the overwhelming eggs page and get to the
even better stuff — banana
bread french toast.
OPEN FACE
Lesson No. 1: Just because the name of the place
is Open Face, it doesn’t
mean the sandwiches are.
Despite the deceiving title,
Open Face still offers a
host of natural ingredient
sandwiches and great tea to
satisfy the pickiest of eaters.
Be aware of the desserts:
They’re dangerously good.
Best VEGGIE RESTAURANT:
For all you people who
love digging into a bowl
of Gazpacho while enjoying some of the rare good
weather days, Sinbads is
your place. The Lebanese
restaurant on bustling Park
Avenue features outdoor
seating and warm service,
not to mention some of the
best grilled eggplant gyros
around.
NEW HEALTH CAFé
SINBAD’s
For all of you craving a ramshackle ambiance and satisfaction for just about every dietary need, look no further.
Located in South Wedge, New Health Café looks less like
a beacon of delicious food and more like a mix between
a hippie outpost and your Aunt Ethel’s kitchen. But the
style (or lack thereof) of this cozy little café suits it. When
you’re at home in your kitchen, helping yourself to seconds
of your mom’s secret recipe lasagna, updating the window
treatments are likely the last thing on your mind.
The same logic applies to New Health, where the sumptuous smells and eclectic, delicious selection of all-vegan home
cooking (with most ingredients coming from local vendors)
are ample distraction from all things not on your plate.
Best of all, the food tastes fresh, as if, after taking an order,
the waitress went in the kitchen, picked veggies right off
the plants, whipped up some fresh dough to make noodles
and stewed everything together (although, sadly, sometimes
it feels like it actually took that long, too).
To a certain extent, though, New Health produces more
than just good food. Conversation flows as freely as the
reasonably good coffee they pour (gasp!) from the same
kind of pot you likely would have in your kitchen.
Artistic creativity is encouraged as they leave you waiting
for food armed with tablecloths of paper and an arsenal of
crayons in assorted colors.
And, most dangerously for your wallet, New Health Café
will leave you wanting to go back every day of the week.
by DANA HILFINGER
Close behind
Best diner:
Mt. Hope Diner is within
reasonable walking distance to the University (a
little over a mile away).
Its hours are from 6 a.m.
to 9 p.m. and it offers a 10
percent discount with the
UR RED sticker. Students
like it for its low prices and
convenient location.
jay’s
Mt. hope diner
The 24-hour diner is good for a late-night trip or brunch
with the family. Its range spans all. Menu items fall in a
range of prices, with most entrees adding up to $10 (less
when paying in cash: UR students receive a 10 percent
discount), so choose wisely.
Breakfast is served all hours of the day, but this diner
has a worthy lunch/dinner selection as well.
Anything with cheese on top — grilled cheese, tuna melts
and more — will always be a good bet. Pair it with a milkshake (and Jay’s isn’t stingy on the portion size), and you’ve
got yourself a traditional, but satisfying, diner meal.
And, of course, it wouldn’t be right to forget dessert. The
dessert stand, placed centrally and visibly, has shelves of
cakes and pies. The best part is Jay’s lets you think more
creatively than good ole American pie, with appetizing
chocolate and cheesecake variations. Still, you can never
go wrong with the original, so take my advice and leave
extra room for the pie.
The atmosphere of the place is one of comfort and enjoyment, and its old-fashioned flare makes you feel as if you
could spend the day chatting in good company, even when
there’s a midterm the next day.
The service and especially those personal jukeboxes are
other unexpectedly sweet touches that somehow fit perfectly
in the charming and conveniently close diner.
Going to Jay’s takes on a whole new meaning at UR: it’s
synonymous with a good, reliably tasty time.
Page 7
by rebecca leber
Close behind
FOOD
best Groceries:
Page 8
ESTABLISHMENTS
Pittsford
Wegman’s
by Willie Clark
What bad things can truly be
said about Rochester’s homegrown company, Wegmans?
The Disney World of grocery
stores, Wegmans is so liked
by UR students that there
isn’t even a runner up in the
category.
Yeah, that’s how cool it is.
For all you non-New York
staters, Wegmans may be a new
entity to you. Imagine a grocery
store where not only can you
find everything you need to pack
in your pantry, but it also serves
hot, fresh, wonderful food.
Case in point: Miss the buffalo pizza from hillside? Wegmans has it. And fresh Buffalo
wings. And a salad bar. And
everything else that your heart
could possibly desire.
There is a reason that Wegmans has climbed to the top of
the food chain in the upstate
New York area, and there is
no doubt from this writer that
this is entirely based off of good
food, good service and the convenience and local flavor that
big chains really seem to lack.
Which brings up another
important point.
More often than not, while
walking through the fresh
produce aisle, you can see the
large array of fruits, vegetables
and other yummy products —
some brought in from various
local farms and places around
New York.
Now that’s not to say that occasionally they have to bring in
food from other places, but hey,
at least they remember where
they came from.
Being a Rochester company,
Wegmans also puts a lot back
into the community — I’m not
just talking about into your
stomachs. Frequent sponsors of
RPO shows and other cultural
and social events, Wegmans
is an ever-growing part of the
Rochester community whose
generosity to the community
Thursday, October 15, 2009
goes hand-in-hand with its vast
selection and good prices.
“I could get some Tylenol,
a loaf of fresh bread and some
cookies. Where should I go?”
The answer to your questions
and any similar to it, is really
simple.
There is no better grocery
store — or answer to your question — than Wegmans.
best farmers’ market:
Public market
by Dana Hilfinger
B e careful,
UR students. Too much time
spent at 280 N. Union Street on
Saturday mornings will make
you want to ditch that $200,000
investment into your education,
take out massive loans, buy
one of the small shops situated
around the edge of the Public
Market and become a cheese
connoisseur.
Once you get a chance to go,
though, do yourself a favor.
Upon entry, take a moment to
look around.
Arguably the best part of
the Market is not the insanely
low prices on produce or the
free samples of the cheese
and local wine, but simply an
opportunity to observe… everything: the warm embraces;
Close behind
South Wedge
Located just behind Boulder Coffee, the South Wedge Market
serves up delicious local offerings every Thursday.
While produce and meats are abound at this small setting,
you really can’t leave this market until you’ve tried some of the
homemade ice cream.
the entertaining 4-year-old
trying to evade his mother’s
command; the sense of community that sometimes appears
absent in the city of Rochester,
but that is woven deep into the
interactions between people
on Saturday mornings at the
Public Market.
While it might not always be
practical to ditch the weekly
Wegmans run to buy everything
from a local source, the Public
Market offers an alternative
for some products that not only
gives you an opportunity to
enjoy affordable, quality goods,
but also the opportunity to
better understand just what
the Rochester community is
about.
West Side
Just across the Genesee River from the River Campus, the Westside Farmers Market is a great option within walking distance.
Unlike the Public Market, Westside vendors only sell food grown
within a 100-mile radius of the city, providing an authentic array
of goods straight from local producers. Hurry though, because,
also unlike the Public Market, Westside isn’t open year round —
the final market of the season is Oct. 27.
ESTABLISHMENTS
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Page 9
Best
Movie Theater
Movies 10
by nandini Venkateswaran
Housed in Henrietta right across from the much-frequented
Jay’s Diner, Movies 10 is just a ride away on UR’s Green Line
buses. Ticket prices are $2 during the week and $1 on Tuesdays. On weekends, shows after 6 p.m. cost $2.50 and daytime
tickets are $2. The theater is usually visited by a good mix of
Rochester community members and college students.
It shows movies that have just left theaters but are not
yet released in stores on DVD. But for one-third the price of
a conventional ticket, the trip is worth it — that is, if you
don’t mind seeing a movie one or two months after it has
been released.
The concession stand offers snacks ranging from
popcorn and candy to drinks, but, like most theaters,
a bit pricey.
The theater itself is well-kept, seats are surprisingly
comfortable, movie quality is satisfying and the staff
is attentive and helpful, all of which contribute to a
fulfilling experience.
So when you’re bored on a Friday night or just want
to escape from campus for a little bit, be sure to check out
Movies 10.
Close behind
LITTLE THEATRE
REGAL Henrietta
Located on 240 East Avenue, the Little Theatre offers you
an intimate atmosphere in which to watch movies.
Unlike the large, commercial movie theaters people are
accustomed to going to, the Little was built in 1928 to provide
Rochester locals with a small, suburban theatre.
The Little has featured movies such as “Slumdog Millionaire,” “Religulous”and “Baghead” and is currently playing
a more offbeat movie set including “Julie and Julia,” “La
Boheme” and “Inglorious Basterds.”
The movie experience is always more tangible when in
a theater.
With a large, high-quality screen and acoustics, the ambiance makes movie-watching a pleasure when compared
to the prospect of sitting in your less-than-spacious dorm
room staring at the 14-inch mini television or tiny computer
screen.
For the typical theater experience, check out Regal Cinemas in Henrietta.
ESTABLISHMENTS
Page 10
by marley schneier
Excellent news about this
city: festivals galore! However, our favorites are the Lilac
and Clothesline Festivals.
The Lilac Festival is just as
lovely as it sounds.
From May 14-23, 2010,
Highland Park will transform
into the lilac capital of the
world. Concerts are held all
throughout the festival, completely free of charge.
The only fees are for the
Highland Bowl Concert Series, where tickets go for
$15.
The musicians come out
in droves. In recent years,
the sets have ranged from
elementary school bands to
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy to Joan
Osborne. Other, larger acts
­— such as Mike Doughty and
Ingrid Michaelson — have
also made appearances.
The festival offers a variety
of exhibitors from local businesses and local branches.
There are over 100 varieties
of local, regional and international foods just waiting to
be tried. Of course, what is a
festival without souvenirs?
The Arts and Crafts Fair
features ceramics, pottery,
handmade wooden art, metal
sculptures, paintings, photography, floral arrangements,
clothing, jewelry, furniture,
lamps, mirrors and more!
Not to mention the gift shop,
which offers apparel, postcards, posters and of course
perfume and a wide variety
of scented candles and the
like.
Oh, and don’t forget to stop
and smell the lilacs.
Close behind
The Clothesline Festival
Wishing to use that beret you are too shy to actually wear
around campus? Fear no more! Get your fix of all things fine art
at the Clothesline Festival. The next festival is Sept. 11-12, 2010,
right in downtown Rochester.
Known as “Rochester’s best $5 vacation,” the Clothesline Festival is an annual celebration of arts and crafts right at our own
UR Memorial Art Gallery, aptly situated in the Neighborhood of
the Arts. The festival has a soundstage, and the weekend includes
live entertainment free of charge throughout the weekend.
Craving Mediterranean? How about a crepe? Need an ice-cold
beer to go with that? The festival’s diverse food fare will help
satisfy your any craving.
If you’re inspired to hone into your own inner artiste, try a
creative workshop. Classes are offered on drawing, painting,
framing, sculpture, clay and jewelry, including demonstrations
from workshop leaders.
Another plus? Your Clothesline admission also gets you into
the museum, which is home to nearly 11,000 pieces of art.
So feel free to dust off that beret and embrace the expressionista within you. It’s time to get your art on!
best music venue:
Lilac Festival
When it comes to music in Rochester,
one place should immediately come to
mind: Water Street Music Hall. Whether
you are looking for one of your favorite
large national acts to swing through
town or just want to relax to the sounds
of a favorite local artist, Water Street
is the spot for both lovers of music and
people who just like to get out and have
a good time.
Water Street not only houses one, but
two separate venues to bring in all the
more variety and spices of music to the
city of Rochester.
First off, the Club at Water Street is
the perfect place for local acts, smaller
national acts and shows in a friendlier
and more intimate setting. With a snack
bar and a small balcony, the Club side is
great not only because it keeps everybody close to the musicians, but it also
gives off that personal vibe that larger
venues tend to lose.
On the other hand, the Music Hall
proper is the best place in Rochester
to see any large group, bringing in acts
from all different styles and musical
tastes that anybody is sure to find some
act they love coming through the doors
of Water Street. Even with the bigger
size, the Music Hall still retains a more
intimate show size and feel than the
giant arenas in the city.
And for all you drinkers out there,
Water Street is also home to the longest
bar in the city, holding within its musical borders a counter that stretches
the entirety of the venue. Add that on
top of the usually fair ticket prices (as
far as I have ever seen) and the great
shows they bring in, there is no reason
why you shouldn’t be going online right
now to find a show that you want to
Water Street Music Hall
festival:
by Willie Clark
Best
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Close behind
Eastman TheatRE
Just renovated, the Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre offers
cozier seats and improved acoustics. The large repertoire of
both classical and pops music that comes out of Eastman is
outstanding.
Between all of the Eastman School of Music ensembles, the
Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and the myriad of student
recitals and other performances, you can’t go wrong when it
comes to finding at least one show a semester that you need
to attend.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Mendon Ponds
As painful as it may be
for some to admit, winter is
just around the corner. But
that doesn’t mean you have
to boycott the outdoors.
In the case of Mendon
Ponds Park, it would just
be a shame if you did. The
largest park in Monroe
County, Mendon Ponds is
open year-round, but really comes alive during the
winter. The snowshoeing
and cross country skiing is
always an adventure, and
Monroe County hosts its
own version of Winterfest,
complete with games and
dog sledding.
If you’re a bird lover, this
is also the place for you.
Take one weekend to wake
up early and make your
way to Mendon, where you
might just be lucky enough
to catch a great blue heron
perched across the pond.
Best Park:
If you’ve been in Rochester in May, you may
know Highland Park as the
venue for the beloved Lilac
Festival. But this expansive
park, just a mile east of the
River Campus, serves as so
much more than just a setting for springtime events.
Highland’s walking paths
are numerous, often lined
with an abundance of flowers, both of lilac and nonlilac variety. If you have or
can borrow someone else’s
dog, take them to this park.
If you don’t have access to
a dog, which I’m assuming
is the case for most of us,
go to this park to perfect an
often overlooked activity:
strolling. Walk slow, take it
in and you might just forget
you’re only a mile from the
downtown limits.
Genesee Valley Park
highland
Frisbee. I’m not really much of a Frisbee player myself,
but every time I head over to Genesee Valley Park, what
can I say? When in Rome, I guess... Whether you’re playing
a game of pick up or just throwing the disc around while
someone grills burgers for a spring barbeque, Frisbee always seems to define an experience in this expansive area
adjacent to the River Campus.
GVP is more than just a Frisbee player’s dream, though.
Picture this: It’s sunny and reasonably warm. You’re on a
crowded academic quad, and you try to throw a football to
someone else. Since those glory days as the backup QB on
your Pop Warner football league have long since expired,
you instead clock your unsuspecting biology professor in the
head as she walks through the maze of people. How could
this situation be avoided? Head to GVP where, no matter
how hard you try, you probably won’t hit an unsuspecting
bystander with an off-target throw.
For those of you unathletic souls who spend too much
time in Carlson, don’t worry — there is also a place for you
at GVP. Beyond just being the perfect place for a game of
pickup, this sizeable city park is also a lounger’s paradise.
Whether it’s under a tree, down by the river or on the jungle
gym, there is plenty of places to lie out and take your mind
off the looming image of your upcoming orgo exam.
Just don’t try and study here. It simply doesn’t work
that way, and you’ll notice other relaxed people start to
tense up the moment you flip open that textbook. Instead,
harness your inner paparazzi and snap photos of all the
cute squirrels; enjoy some good grilled American food and
an ice-cold solo cup beverage; or just sit there, watch the
Genesee wind through patches of forest and enjoy some
Page 11
by Dana HIlfinger
Close behind
ACTIVITY
ACTIVITIES
Page 12
Thursday, October 15, 2009
best Hike:
Letchworth State Park
by DANA HILFINGER
Only a 45-minute drive
from UR, Letchworth State
Park provides average college
students an opportunity to
reconnect with their childish curiosity. From the first
outlook, the beauty of this
expansive park coined, “The
Grand Canyon of the East,”
will leave you staggering
dangerously close to the edge
of the cliff.
Cutting through the park
is the too familiar Genesee
River — but you’d likely
never realize it, given its
stark contrast from the water
bordering the River Campus.
The river, in some places,
meanders steadily at the bottom of a 500-foot canyon; in
other places, it is tumbling
over 100-foot ledges. Etched
along the river are foot trails
diverse enough to accommodate both those looking for a
challenge and those who just
want a scenic walk.
But you can’t leave Letchworth State Park until you’ve
done a bit of Calvin and
Hobbes-style exploring —
whether it is back into
the wooded area off the
main drag, where you can
test your balance rockhopping across streams
and bushwhack your way
through deciduous for-
est (another great aspect of
the park, especially during
late October); or climbing up
to the top of the railroad track
bridge. Definitely worth the
climb, the bridge provides
some of the best views of
this little anomaly
in the middle
of the rolling
hills of the
Finger Lakes
region.
Close behind
STony Brook
While you may run into a number of people on your expeditions in Letchworth,
rest assured you’re unlikely to see too many people when you get out on the trail
in Stony Brook. While it is small, this park — located just outside of Dansville
— offers difficult and easy paths and, best of all, solitude. Trail you don’t want
to miss: The one that juts down along the brook. Close-up waterfall action!
CHIMNEY BLUFFS
best DAY TRIP:
A must see. Period. Bring a camera, because you likely won’t believe you can
see this type of formation amongst the relatively unspectacular shoreline of
Lake Ontario. Take the path that follows the coast up to the top of the bluffs
(it’s a little tough to find, but it’s worth getting lost in the woods for a bit)
and then snake down to take the beachfront trail back to the parking lot on
the west side of the park, and you won’t be disappointed.
k
c
no
n
a
gh
u
a
T
lls
a
F
by DANA HILFINGER
In cases like this, only the
tag line of a national airline
seems all-encompassing
enough to suffice: want to
get away?
Meet Niagra Fall’s 25-foot
larger cousin. Named after
the Delaware word for “great
falls in the woods,” Taughannock Falls might be a bit of
a drive (the falls are nestled
up against the west side of
Cayuga Lake), but that’s
why we’re giving you a day
to explore.
Just 11 miles up the road
from the “gorges” Ithaca (a
little bit of bad upstate New
York humor for you all), a
trip to these falls will mean
you’ll have plenty to do.
Go on a warm day and you
can play in the river a little
downstream from the falls.
In the fall, the foiliage will
astound you enough that you
will be sure you are the next
Thoreau.
And there are also other
things to do in this area:
Ithaca is the college town UR
wishes Rochester could be,
so grab dinner in Ithaca and
party it up with Cornell.
Good times will inevitably
ensue.
ACTIVITY
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Page 13
Best
DATE:
high Falls
by Meg Healy
There is definitely something romantic about waterfalls (See Pam and Jim’s
“Office” wedding at Niagara
Falls). Yet how many cities
can boast that they have
one of these wonders
of the world in the
middle of their city
center? Not many. Rochester’s High Falls are
truly a focal point of
what makes the city
so uniquely charming
— and within those roaring
waters lies unlimited date
potential.
For a simple, outdoorsy
kind of outing with your
significant other/crush/
friend-with-benefits/whoever else you might be into,
try a simple walk along the
pedestrian bridge. While the
industrial surroundings of
the falls might not seem very
romantic at first, you’ll find
that if you look long enough,
the stark contrast between
the power of nature and the
rusty color of the cityscape
can be absolutely beautiful.
And the city
govern-
year.
For a more elegant date in
the High Falls district, try
the Triphammer Grill,
which offers
ment tries its best to add to
an atmosphere of romance
and fun with laser shows
and fireworks throughout
the warmer months of the
excellent food and a sweeping view of the Genesee.
Since they are a little pricey
(entrees averaging around
$20), this is a great place for
a special occasion.
If it’s nice out, their gorgeous patio makes it well
worth the price. For something a little less fancy, there
is a multitude of other places
to eat or have coffee in the
area — especially
the nearby Spin
Caffe.
While the
High Falls district is not as
developed as it could be,
it is an area that is on its
way up and definitely
warrants a visit at
least a couple times
during your college
career.
Beyond just food and laser
shows, the area is also home
to an art gallery, gift shop and
visitor’s center where you
can also sign up for walking
tours. Whatever your style,
and whatever your relationship, High Falls is an ideal
place to take a date.
Close behind
Local Game
RPO Concert
Rochester isn’t really known for its exciting sports scene.
A lack of major league teams can lead people to forget that
there are any athletics at all. But these naysayers forget that
Rochester actually has a lot of great minor league teams —
from the Redwings (baseball), to the Americans (hockey)
to the Rhinos (soccer). These games provide good, cheap
entertainment and a perfect date for couples not looking to
do anything too over-the-top romantic.
Couples looking for a classier evening might try the Rochester Philharmonic. Tickets can run from as little as $24, and
most concerts conveniently take place at Eastman Theatre.
And while the orchestra specializes in classical music, the
RPO’s musical offerings can run the gamut from jazz, movie
music, Broadway and opera. And, if sitting through an entire
concert seems daunting, the Casual Sunday Matinee series
offer shorter afternoon shows.
ACTIVITY
best Thing to do on a HOT day:
Page 14
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Wine Tours:
Keuka, Seneca,
Cayuga
Yes, hot days may be rare
here in Rochester, but all
the more reason to take
advantage of them!
And what is the one thing
that could make you drop
that Frisbee and unglue your
butt from its fixed position
on the quad?
Yes, you guessed it correctly: Alcohol!
The Finger Lakes offer a
wide variety of trails to follow — Cayuga, Seneca or
Keuka — all offering that
by marley schneier
special something for wine
connoisseurs of all kinds.
And for you environmental science majors out there,
the wine trail boasts more
than just some booze.
You can enjoy the nature
surrounding the lakes as
well, which offer scenic
views of the lakes and surrounding forestry.
A cool factoid about Cayuga?
The lake is the longest
Finger Lake, measuring at
38.2 miles, and the widest,
at 1.75 miles!
Not to mention, Cayuga is
one of the deepest lakes at
435 feet. Water that drains
into Cayuga Lake takes over
10 years to cycle through
the lake.
Its trail is the longest in
the country.
As for Seneca, its wines
include hardy native grapes
and premium hybrids, but
also more delicate finds such
as Riesling, Chardonnay,
Cabernet Franc and Pinot
Noir.
Lastly, the Keuka Lake region is the Plymouth Rock of
wine history. It was at Keuka
in 1860 that the first bonded
winery was established.
Keuka also planted the
first Vinifera vines ­— another huge chapter of wine
history.
So slather on that sunscreen and head out to the
lakes to drink yourself some
culture.
Close behind
Darien lake
A good way to beat the heat? Going from zero to 70 mph in five seconds, all while 200 feet in the air. Did we mention you’re
upside down? Darien Lake is an oasis for thrill seekers. But don’t worry if you’re coaster shy. There’s plenty of other fun to be
had, including such theme park favorites as carnival-style games, bumper cars and free live performances, not to mention a
bevy of water rides to help you cool off.
renting a canoe from genesee valley park
Looking for something a little more chill? Or maybe a tad closer to home? Try walking the three feet up to Genesee Valley Park
to grab a canoe and explore the more eye-pleasing parts of the Genesee. Canoes can be rented through the Genesee Waterways
Center right across the bridge. Genesee Waterways charges $15 per rental, with access to the boathouse right on the waterway
as well as classes for rowers of all experience levels.
ACTIVITY
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Page 15
best Thing to do on a cold day:
Ice-skating downtown
by Kelsey Burritt
The cold, cloudy days
that are frequent during
Rochester winters do not
have to be spent in recluse
in Gleason or hibernating
in your dorm.
The Manhattan Square
Ice Rink provides the Rochester student a unique opportunity to journey to the
city and enjoy one of the
few splendors of our winter
climate: ice-skating.
Located in the heart of
the city, the quirky, kidneyshaped rink is open to the
entire Rochester community every day of the week.
For the average college
student, this is probably the
perfect opportunity to let
yourself harness that childish feeling of stumbling over
everything — be especially
careful... the rink has no
walls to stop yourself. Still,
it is undeniably fun to fly
uncontrollably across ice at
“top speeds,” while a strategically placed ex-hockey
player “friend” catches you,
saving you from unmistak-
able peril. Swoon.
Any way you slice it, ice
skating is just plain fun.
After 20 minutes or so, you
might even feel agile (triple
salchow jump, anyone?).
Recent renovations in
2008 boast a warming
shelter (complete with a
fireplace) as well as a new
sound and lighting system.
Bring along $4 for the adult
fee, and, in case you have no
skates of your own, skate
rental is available for $3.
Also available are group
rentals for 90-minute increments. To make it a day
trip, stop by the Strong
Museum of Play after your
skating, located directly
next to the rink, or grab a
cup of hot chocolate from
nearby sPot Coffee, located
just down the street — the
perfect place to warm up,
both inside and out.
For more information on
the rink, visit the Manhattan Square Park and Ice
Rink page on www.cityofrochester.gov.
Close behind
sledding down danforth hill
Need to put all those Pit trays to good use? Now while we would never advocate
removing those wonderful good makeshift sleds from the Pit, a time old tradition
in the long-lasting snowy months of Rochester is to take that lovely tray and
sled down the hill behind Danforth. While it may not be extreme snowboarding,
it is still a great way to spend a day outside with your friends.
go to a coffee shop
Need something to cool yourself down after your whole body froze on the way to
class? Rochester houses a myriad of coffee shops, be it Java’s, Starbucks on campus
or the several Boulders locations, with an answer for every bean lover’s favorite cup
of joe. So sit down and grace your throat with some of Rochester’s finest.
Page 16
Directions
Abbott’s Frozen Custard
1340 Mt. Hope Ave.
Get there: Walk up Elmwood Ave. and turn
right
Boulder Coffee on Alexander
100 Alexander St.
Get there: Red line
Boulder Coffee on Genesee
955 Genesee St.
Get there: Gold line or footbridge
The Bug Jar
219 Monroe Ave.
Get there: Red line
The Distillery
1142 Mt. Hope Ave.
Get there: Walk up Elmwood Ave. to Mt.
Hope Ave. and turn left.
Eastman Theater
26 Gibbs St.
Get there: Red line
Granny’s Ice Cream
South Wedge
Get there: Red line
CAMPUS TIMES
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Henrietta Hots
3553 W. Henrietta Rd.
Get there: Green Line then walking from
Marketplace Mall
Java’s
16 Gibbs St.
Get there: Red line
Jay’s Diner
2612 W. Henrietta Rd.
Get there: Green line to Movies 10, then walk
across the street
Jines
658 Park Ave.
Get there: Red line
The Little Theater
240 East Ave.
Get there: Red line
Main Street Armory
900 E. Main St.
Get there: Red line
Manhattan Square Park Ice Rink
353 Court St.
Get there: Red line
Movies 10
2611 W. Henrietta Rd.
Get there: Green line
Mt. Hope Diner
1511 Mt. Hope Ave.
Get there: Take Elmwood up to Mt. Hope and
turn right
New Health Café
133 Gregory St.
Get there: Red line
Regal Henrietta
525 Marketplace Dr.
Get there: Green line
Roman Holiday Gelato
747 Park Ave.
Get there: Red line
Sinbad’s Mediterranean Cuisine
719 Park Ave.
Get there: Red line
sPot
200 East Ave.
Get there: Red line
Nick Tahou’s
320 Main St.
Get there: Car, taxi or hoof it from Eastman
Living Center
South Wedge Farmers’ Market
100 Alexander St.
Get there: Red line
Old Toad
277 Alexander St.
Get there: Red line
Steve T’s Hots
2260 Lyell Ave.
Get there: Car, taxi or a lot of ambition
Open Face
651 South Ave.
Get there: Red line
Tap & Mallet
381 Gregory St.
Get there: Red line
Pittsford Wegman’s
3195 Monroe Avenue
Get there: Car or taxi
Water Street Music Hall
204 N. Water St.
Get there: Red line, then 10 minutes walking
Public Market
280 Union St.
Get there: Red line
West Side Farmers’ Market
Genesee St.
Get there: Gold Line or walk using the footbridge