In a state as diverse as New York, it’s easy for cities like Rochester to fly under the radar. But this dynamic city holds a rich history of innovation and progress. Known as the birthplace of Kodak and Xerox, Rochester has long been a hub for technological advancements. It also played a pivotal role in the fight for equal rights as a center for the women’s suffrage movement and home to abolitionist leaders like Frederick Douglass. In today’s politically charged climate, Rochester’s legacy of championing social justice continues to inspire. It was here that Susan B. Anthony fought for women’s right to vote and was subsequently arrested for doing so.
Beyond its rich history, Rochester is also a hidden gem for wellness, offering serene parks, nearby hiking trails, and even unique wellness experiences such as The Strong National Museum of Play, which promotes mental wellbeing through creativity and the power of play. It’s a city where relaxation and rejuvenation are just as celebrated as its deep cultural roots. Before spending a few days in Rochester, I knew very little about what makes this city tick. But after exploring its vibrant history, innovative spirit, and unique wellness offerings, I quickly discovered that Rochester is a place full of heart.
What Not to Miss:
- A relaxing Erie Canal Cruise on the Sam Patch. Discover the history of this legendary passageway and its influence on the region.
- Take a tour of Mount Hope Cemetery, where Anthony and Douglass are buried.
- Visit the National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House, home to one of the great revolutionaries as well as headquarters of the National American Woman Suffrage Association when she was president of the organization.
- If possible, time your visit to coincide with Rochester’s Fringe Festival. Each year, this extraordinary festival features a lineup of surprising performances, offering unparalleled access to the arts.
- Wander the Rochester Public Market, a truly multicultural experience with more than 300 vending stalls selling fresh produce, goods, and specialty items from around the world.
My first introduction to Rochester came with a stay at Woodcliff Hotel & Spa (Fairport, NY), which sits on a hill overlooking the city. With scenic views, comfortable rooms, and nearby nature trails, the hotel served as an ideal base to explore all Rochester has to offer. A favorite wedding venue, the hotel was buzzing with excitement when I visited, with two wedding parties slated for that weekend alone. Its prime location, elegant event spaces, and enticing wedding packages make it a premier destination for couples looking to celebrate their special day.
My partner and I also had the opportunity to dine at Horizons Modern Kitchen & Wine Bar, Woodcliff’s signature restaurant. Serving refined American cuisine from fresh, local ingredients—many from the nearby Finger Lakes—the restaurant offers a number of healthy dishes. I opted for the pan-seared salmon with pearl couscous and zucchini salad.
Embracing Wellness
Wellness enthusiasts will especially love the newly renovated spa, which features epic views from the relaxation lounge. Enlarged and transformed, The Spa at Woodcliff serves as an inviting place to while away the day. The spacious, neutral-colored spa offers facials, massages, and body treatments—all the usual suspects. It relies on products from Eminence Organic Skin Care, G.M. Collin, Dazzle Dry, OPI, Footlogix, Keyano, Bathorium, and Kerstin Florian. A nail and hair salon is also on-hand for other beauty-related services. I experienced the Woodcliff Signature Facial ($165, 50 minutes), which works to brighten and soothe the skin. The esthetician tailored the treatment to accommodate my rosacea-prone complexion, and it was just the gentle touch my skin needed after a summer of neglect. Throughout the fall, spa director Sheila Bracewell led moon meditations and intuitive readings. Click here for more on her wellness musings in our W/D Wellness Questionnaire.
Prioritizing Play
Wanting to get a better sense of the city, our next stop was the Hampton Inn & Suites Rochester Downtown. Only about a year old, the hotel gives a playful nod to The Strong National Museum of Play, which is located across the street. With bright and modern rooms with stylish pops of color, the hotel served as the perfect home based to explore the city. As an added bonus, it featured hot beverages in the lobby 24/7 and a complimentary hot breakfast buffet to fuel up for the day ahead.
Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Exploring Art and Music Therapy
Art is yet another way to calm the mind, inspire creativity, and nurture emotional wellbeing. It allows us to reflect, connect with our emotions, and find balance in a busy world. For a dose of art-infused wellness, we visited the George Eastman Museum, where photography, film, and history come together. Eastman founded the Kodak Eastman Company and was responsible for bringing the use of roll film to the public. While there, we also grabbed a healthy lunch at Open Face, the museum’s charming café. On the menu were a variety of specialty sandwiches, soups, salads, and baked goods. Before leaving, we made sure to tour Eastman’s historic mansion and gardens.
Our next stop was ArtisanWorks, a unique event space with a mission “to be a place where people experience creation and inspiration.” Encompassing 40,000 square feet in a renovated factory, the space features approximately 500,000 items in the collection. The space was founded by Louis Perticone, who devoted his like to supporting artists and making art accessible to all.
Like art, music has the ability to reduce stress, elevate mood, and create a sense of harmony within. On a visit to Record Archive, we experienced this firsthand. The vintage record shop—the first in New York state to be granted a liquor license—has become a community hub with early happy hours and frequent musical performances.
In Rochester, wellness isn’t just about physical health—it’s rooted in the spirit of activism and the fight for social justice. This is the city where Anthony tirelessly campaigned for equal rights and where Douglass boldly fought for abolition. Their work was driven by a belief that true wellbeing includes equality, freedom, and the empowerment of every individual. Rochester’s wellness culture today reflects that same holistic approach, offering spaces for both personal renewal and collective growth.
