My Blue Heaven Guidebook
Neighborhoods
Fishing tips, from a long-time resident:
The first fish to come in from the lake are the yellow perch. You see all the cars parked on the north rip-rap. This lasts for a month or so right after ice-out. Then shortly after are the walleye. Standard bait and some trollers with outriggers- spinner trailing a worm, very productive for short periods. In abundance are catfish of all sorts, white bass and shad. Small populations of largemouth are trying to hang on but declining. Some sunfish too in the shallows for the kids. Water depth is only 6-8 feet at the highest, with a couple of 10 ft pockets by the bridges. Other than live bait from Carlton's Sunoco, I have done well with spinner baits and Rapalas but they MUST match the size and shape of the minnows. There are a few muskies and northerns around you can toss for along the weedlines and you can also flip jigs into the grasses and lily pads when they come up. I've never seen DEC do license or boat checks on the pond except for those who fish from shore but be aware they do fine you if caught. I haven't seen the walleye trollers out yet but expect them soon...just 2 guys in a tin tub but they do well after they shake off any catfish following their rigs. Good hunting! Release the breeders and I would only eat what comes in from the lake. GL Keep your line tight and your net wet!
copy and paste link to NY Dept of Environmental Conservation: https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/88354.html
Long Pond Road
Long Pond RoadFishing tips, from a long-time resident:
The first fish to come in from the lake are the yellow perch. You see all the cars parked on the north rip-rap. This lasts for a month or so right after ice-out. Then shortly after are the walleye. Standard bait and some trollers with outriggers- spinner trailing a worm, very productive for short periods. In abundance are catfish of all sorts, white bass and shad. Small populations of largemouth are trying to hang on but declining. Some sunfish too in the shallows for the kids. Water depth is only 6-8 feet at the highest, with a couple of 10 ft pockets by the bridges. Other than live bait from Carlton's Sunoco, I have done well with spinner baits and Rapalas but they MUST match the size and shape of the minnows. There are a few muskies and northerns around you can toss for along the weedlines and you can also flip jigs into the grasses and lily pads when they come up. I've never seen DEC do license or boat checks on the pond except for those who fish from shore but be aware they do fine you if caught. I haven't seen the walleye trollers out yet but expect them soon...just 2 guys in a tin tub but they do well after they shake off any catfish following their rigs. Good hunting! Release the breeders and I would only eat what comes in from the lake. GL Keep your line tight and your net wet!
copy and paste link to NY Dept of Environmental Conservation: https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/88354.html
Greece, New York, in Monroe County, is 5 miles Northwest of Rochester and 64 miles East of Buffalo. The town benefits from easy access to the City of Rochester and surrounding towns in the Rochester metropolitan area. As of the 2010 United States census, the town had a total population of 96,095. To learn more about Greece: https://greeceny.gov/visitors
Greece
Greece, New York, in Monroe County, is 5 miles Northwest of Rochester and 64 miles East of Buffalo. The town benefits from easy access to the City of Rochester and surrounding towns in the Rochester metropolitan area. As of the 2010 United States census, the town had a total population of 96,095. To learn more about Greece: https://greeceny.gov/visitors
Food scene
Either cooking at home or eating out, Rochester is the home to delicious options and many local favorites!
Famous family grocery chain, founded in Rochester. Latta Rd. Wegmans is the closest, or go across town to the Pittsford Wegmans on Monroe Ave for an even more memorable experience (that's where all the celebrities go when they come to town).
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Wegmans
3177 Latta RdFamous family grocery chain, founded in Rochester. Latta Rd. Wegmans is the closest, or go across town to the Pittsford Wegmans on Monroe Ave for an even more memorable experience (that's where all the celebrities go when they come to town).
The Brook House is our go-to for Italian food - the place has been a local favorite for over 50 years, great for groups large or small. And the owner, Red Fedele, may likely visit your table, as he has done faithfully throughout the years. We highly recommend the Gnocchi, the Shells a la Rubino, or the Chicken/Veal Saltimbocca - but honestly, everything is great!
Brook House
920 Elmridge Center DrThe Brook House is our go-to for Italian food - the place has been a local favorite for over 50 years, great for groups large or small. And the owner, Red Fedele, may likely visit your table, as he has done faithfully throughout the years. We highly recommend the Gnocchi, the Shells a la Rubino, or the Chicken/Veal Saltimbocca - but honestly, everything is great!
Walking distance from the cottage, upscale eatery. Local favorite for many many years.
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Bernard's Grove
187 Long Pond RdWalking distance from the cottage, upscale eatery. Local favorite for many many years.
Long Pond Family Restaurant
496 Long Pond RoadGreat local diner - perfect for breakfast, or any time of the day.
The Retreat
512 Long Pond RoadLocal bar and grill, a great place to hang out.
Great local burger/hots joint - hit the Greece location, or any spots around town. (Check out their version of the Garbage Plate).
Bill Gray's Greece
2050 Latta RdGreat local burger/hots joint - hit the Greece location, or any spots around town. (Check out their version of the Garbage Plate).
Better than ice cream, Abbott's Frozen Custard is must. Flavors are limited, but oh so good - Chocolate Almond with chocolate sprinkles is my all-time favorite.
Abbott's Frozen Custard of Greece
3208 Latta RdBetter than ice cream, Abbott's Frozen Custard is must. Flavors are limited, but oh so good - Chocolate Almond with chocolate sprinkles is my all-time favorite.
Greece has lots of local pizza options - we like Mark's the best, but there's also Russo's and Pizzeria Americana that deliver.
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Mark's Pizzeria
1201 Bay RdGreece has lots of local pizza options - we like Mark's the best, but there's also Russo's and Pizzeria Americana that deliver.
Classic burger joint, just down the road, with convenient counter service. If it's too crowded, the Charbroil next door is just as good, with sit-down service.
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Schaller's Drive-In
965 Edgemere DrClassic burger joint, just down the road, with convenient counter service. If it's too crowded, the Charbroil next door is just as good, with sit-down service.
Things to Do
The Rochester provides all kinds of activities - feel free to use the recommendations in this guide book, or ask your Hosts if you're looking for something that's not listed.
The Strong National Museum of Play draws visitors from across the globe! Rotating displays of all kinds, plus regular activities for kids of all ages! And visit the butterfly sanctuary all year long. The Strong Museum is a must-see!
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The Strong Museum
1 Manhattan Square DrThe Strong National Museum of Play draws visitors from across the globe! Rotating displays of all kinds, plus regular activities for kids of all ages! And visit the butterfly sanctuary all year long. The Strong Museum is a must-see!
Enjoy the historic Seabreeze Amusement Park, home to the Jack Rabbit, the oldest continuous-running wooden roller coaster in the country! Lots of rides and water slides - fun for the whole family!
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Sea Breeze Amusement Park
Culver RdEnjoy the historic Seabreeze Amusement Park, home to the Jack Rabbit, the oldest continuous-running wooden roller coaster in the country! Lots of rides and water slides - fun for the whole family!
Another great day trip, head South to Corning, and check out the Museum of Glass.
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Corning Museum of Glass
1 Museum WayAnother great day trip, head South to Corning, and check out the Museum of Glass.
A great place to visit for an afternoon, check out the exhibits and activities, along with a viewing at the planetarium. The museum is on historic East Avenue, home of the George Eastman House.
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Rochester Museum & Science Center
657 East AveA great place to visit for an afternoon, check out the exhibits and activities, along with a viewing at the planetarium. The museum is on historic East Avenue, home of the George Eastman House.
The founder of Eastman Kodak, George Eastman, called Rochester home for many years. Visit his estate and special exhibits on photography and cinema, which draw visitors from far and wide.
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George Eastman Museum
900 East AveThe founder of Eastman Kodak, George Eastman, called Rochester home for many years. Visit his estate and special exhibits on photography and cinema, which draw visitors from far and wide.
Frontier Field
One Morrie Silver WayWatch AAA baseball at nearby Frontier Field.
Rainy day? Catch a movie at Tinseltown. Or for a more cost effective movie trip, check out Movies 10 in Henrietta.
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Cinemark Tinseltown USA and IMAX
2291 Buffalo RdRainy day? Catch a movie at Tinseltown. Or for a more cost effective movie trip, check out Movies 10 in Henrietta.
Another rainy day activity option for the family - bowling at Dewey Garden Lanes.
AMF Dewey Garden Lanes
4470 Dewey AvenueAnother rainy day activity option for the family - bowling at Dewey Garden Lanes.
City/town information
Enjoy a night at the drive-in, as a couple or with the whole family, in nearby Avon, NY. Cut and paste to see double-feature movie times: https://vintagedrivein.com/
Avon
Enjoy a night at the drive-in, as a couple or with the whole family, in nearby Avon, NY. Cut and paste to see double-feature movie times: https://vintagedrivein.com/
A great day trip, check out one of the natural wonders of the world! Fun for the whole family - be sure to take the boat ride. You will never forget it!
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Niagara Falls
A great day trip, check out one of the natural wonders of the world! Fun for the whole family - be sure to take the boat ride. You will never forget it!
Another great day trip, see the waterfalls as you hike through Watkins Glen State Park. Or check out the races at Watkins Glen International!
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Watkins Glen
Another great day trip, see the waterfalls as you hike through Watkins Glen State Park. Or check out the races at Watkins Glen International!
Sightseeing
Head South to Dansville for the day, to Stony Brook State Park. Hiking, a natural swimming pool, play places for the kids, and picnic areas. Pay a single fee per vehicle, and carry out your garbage.
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Stony Brook State Park
10820 NY-36Head South to Dansville for the day, to Stony Brook State Park. Hiking, a natural swimming pool, play places for the kids, and picnic areas. Pay a single fee per vehicle, and carry out your garbage.
Visit the beautiful Finger Lakes area for boating and fun, including the many wineries dotting the countryside.
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Finger Lakes
Visit the beautiful Finger Lakes area for boating and fun, including the many wineries dotting the countryside.
Consigli per viaggiatori
Usanze e culture
Great grocery stores in the area (bring your own bags)
Rochester is home to Wegmans Markets, often rated the #1 grocer in the country! The closest location is on Latta Rd., less than 10 minutes away. Anything you want is at Wegmans, including prepared foods for last minute dinners, or you can have it delivered through Instacart. Or if you're looking for a different experience, Aldi's is right across the street. Note that any store in NY, (grocery, retail, etc.) no longer provides plastic bags, in an effort to reduce plastic waster. You can either bring your own shopping bags, or purchase paper bags at the check-out.
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Enjoy a Garbage Plate!
Intrigued by the name? Rochester is home to the Garbage Plate, a delicious mess of food. Originally started at Nick Tahou's hots downtown (now closed), many local places have their own version (i.e. the trash plate, the rubbish plate, etc.) Our favorite version is the base layer of french fries and macaroni salad, topped with a cheeseburger and a Zweigles white hot (available only in Roch), covered with onion, hot sauce, ketchup and mustard - or you can have it any way you like it! Cut and paste for the review by Huffington Post (https://www.huffpost.com/entry/garbage-plate_n_4854514).
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Looking to rent some kayaks?
Kayaking is a popular activity on Long Pond - unfortunately, the only place we know of to rent kayaks is the Bay Creek Paddling Center, which is on the other side of the city. Please call ahead for availability: https://www.baycreek.com/