Cobb's Hill provides a great panoramic view of downtown. Located on the corner of Culver and Monroe, it is an easy walk from the cafes on Park Ave. Large duck pond, baseball diamond, tennis courts and a nice (although steep) trail to the top of the hill, where the reservoir is located. A path popular with runners circles the reservoir. Adjacent to Washington Grove, 26 acres of old-growth Oak–Hickory forest right in the middle of the city.
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Several different collections, for both exhibition and research, are combined here to document the public health of Rochester and Monroe County.
Bowling used to be big in Rochester; all the local manufacturers had after-work bowling leagues back in the 70s and 80s. There are still alleys around but many of the big ones have closed. Radio Social, though, combines 34 bowling lanes with all sorts of other indoor and outdoor games like giant Jenga, shuffleboard, and cornhole. It's not just gaming, though; this place has an executive chef! The kitchen does serve up pizza and burgers, but it specializes in inventive Middle Eastern fare. The bar has the expected beers on tap, but also unique craft cocktails and a nice selection of wine. 21+ after 9PM.
A non-profit organization housed in a huge warehouse, Artisan Works comprises a labyrinth of hallways and levels where every square inch is covered with art in all media (but mostly painting and sculpture). Everything is for sale. The gallery provides studio space to dozens of artists, some of whom may be working when you visit, and all of whom are happy to chat about what they're making. Also within is the Triangle Theater, a 30-seat movie theater which features films by student and local filmmakers.
The world's oldest photography museum, the George Eastman Museum could really be considered three museums in one. First, and most visible, is the George Eastman House, the mansion built by the founder of Eastman Kodak, restored to appear much as it did when he was alive, illustrating the life of Rochester's elite in the early 20th century. Second, the museum hosts regular rotating exhibits highlighting the history of photography and film. Third, and perhaps most importantly, the museum houses an enormous archive of photographs, film, and related technology, among the largest in the world. Other institutions regularly send film here for conservation. Guided tours of the house are available, and the exhibits can be toured at your own pace, but access to the archives is restricted to serious researchers only. Films are presented regularly in the museum's Dryden Theatre (see below).
The George Eastman Museum knows that part of preserving the history of film is showing films to audiences. That's the role of the Museum's Dryden Theatre. The Dryden shows a wide variety of Hollywood classics, international and independent films—literally something different every night of the week. The programming is thoughtful and cutting-edge, with frequent visits by directors and actors. Nearly all films begin at 7:30PM and are preceded by a brief film talk.
One of the first and largest indoor rock-climbing gyms in the country, RocVentures remains a local institution. Some apparatus only requires brief training, so even beginners can give it a try, but there are also courses and training equipment for experts to improve their skills. Great exercise and fun, too.