Map Legend
-
- Blue line - Bike Lane.
- Specific bike routes with particularly good views, attractions, history, etc. This includes rails to trails, famous park trails, and more.
- Red line - Bike Friendly Route.
- Bike tour route with no particular standoutishness. Just for getting from A to B. Efforts will be made to make it bike friendly.
- Flag - Rental Location.
- Suggested starting location if bike rental is needed.
- Red pinpoint - Drink!
- Drinking establishment; bars, breweries, distilleries, etc; might have food but the main goal here is drink.
- Light Blue pinpoint - Eat!
- Eating (restaurant, food truck, etc); might have drink, but nothing special, these places are for the food.
- Green pinpoint - Eat and Drink!
- Great eating and drinking! Fill up and sip up at these establishments!
- Purple pinpoint - Future stop.
- Future stop on the tour; this establishment is not open yet.
The Destinations
Drinking
- Roc Brewing Company - 56 S Union St.
- This Lower East End brewery opened in June of 2011 and is great look into what looks to be a happy future for beer in the city. You will find all different types of beer here to try; might be best to just go with the sampler. The drinking area is small, but nice and the large window provides a nice look at downtown.
- Genesee Brew House - 25 Cataract St.
- This is located at the historic Genesee Brewery near the High Falls district (across the pedestrian Pont de Rennes). It includes a museum, which has exhibits of beer, Genesee Brewing, and history of beer in the area, a pilot brewery, gift shop, and pub style restaurant. The museum is free and has lots of fun information; if you only have time or the desire to see one part of the Brew House, make it the museum.
- Rohrbach Brewing Company - 97 Railroad St.
- Stop in for a tour and tasting at the brewery if you happen to partaking in a lovely bike tour on a Saturday. Learn about how craft beer is made (and if you already know, learn again, you need a break between drinks). They are also open during the day on Thursday and Friday for beer sales and samplings. They have a brewpub in the western suburbs if you happen to be out that way, but for the BED tour, the brewery is the place to go!
- Spot Coffee - 200 East Ave.
- Slip into Spot coffee for a nice warm coffee or tea, something to take the chill off if it is cool. Relax in the friendly coffee shop atmosphere of this recently remodeled downtown coffee location.
- Black Button Distilling - 85 Railroad St.
- This is New York State's first craft distillery since prohibition. All of their drinks are made from grains, fruit, and more from New York State. They are right next to Rohrbach's by the Public Market.
Eating
- Dinosaur Bar-B-Que - 99 Court St.
- While it may be Syracuse that has the first Dinosaur, this Rochester location is well worth a visit. Not only do you get the finger lickin' bar-b-que that Dinosaur has become known for, but you get to enjoy it in the historic Lehigh Valley Rail Station, with a wonderful view of river (if you get a window seat).
- The Rochester Public Market - 280 Union St. North
- What you find at the public market depends on the day. While the objective is the food, you are encouraged to check at the market for any the events. The market hours throughout the year are Tuesday and Thursday, 6am to 1pm, and Saturday, 5am to 3pm.
- Dogtown - 691 Monroe Ave.
- As implied by the name, you can find some dogs here (hot dogs, duh), but these are not your normal hot dogs. Dogtown serves local Rochester Zweigle's hot dogs. Choose from such unique offerings as the Greek Stray, St. Bernard, and German Shepard. Also, their garbage plates (called Junkyard Dog Plates here) are considered one of you better options for the Rochester speciality of all things greasy. This is a good place to try out a a Rochester hot dog speciality, the "white hot"!
- Dorado - 690 Park Ave.
- This little place has some tasty Mexican food. The inside is nice but small; if it is a nice day, the outside seating provides for some great people watching.
Eating and Drinking
- Flight Wine Bar - 262 Exchange Blvd.
- This is the place for those on the tour who might favor a glass of wine over a pint. As the name implies, this location allows one to choose from different flights of wine, each with a different theme. The wine is best if enjoyed with some of their impressive cheese and charcuterie. Located in the new Corn Hill Landing, with a perfect view of downtown Rochester and the Genesee river out back.
- Victoire Belgian Beer Bar - 120 East Ave.
- A great new location on East Ave, you will discover many a good beer and spot of food at this downtown stop. They have a cozy inside section and an outside area just below street level from which to choose your seating. If you can arrive at happy hour, you'll find some cheap small (and absolutely amazing) plates to decide among.
- The Owl House - 75 Marshall St.
- This little house of a restaurant focuses on fresh "new" American food. Everyone from vegans to vegetarians to carnivores will find something to please their palate. In addition to the creative food, you can pair it with a diverse choice of beers, wines, and cocktails.
- Swan Market - 231 Parsells Ave.
- If you are taking your BED tour on Wednesday through Saturday and can make it to Swan between 11 and 2, you will find yourself enjoying some of the best German food in the area. There many hand-made sausages and German sides to choose from. Note: best enjoyed with a pitcher of German beer shared amongst friends.
- TRATA - 145 Culver Rd.
- The Restaurant At The Armory has put a modern flare onto the old Armory. With delicious and creative food and a good choice for drinks, you'll leave happy.
- Tap and Mallet - 381 Gregory St.
- Creative and mouth watering food, extensive beer selection (draft and bottles), all wrapped in a cozy pub feel. You can also throw a few darts if the board is open.
- Elmwood Inn - 1256 Mt Hope Ave.
- A typical neighborhood bar serving up some good comfort food and drinks since 1974. Its cozy and you will always find some friendly locals hanging around. They may not be doing anything greatly innovative, but tell me this, when was the last time you sat down with a nice meatloaf?
Biking
- Pont de Rennes
- This bridge spans the Genesee River at the gorge by High Falls. It offers amazing views of both the falls and downtown Rochester. The bridge is named for Rochester's sister city of Rennes, France.
- Genesee River Trail
- Explore the trail from downtown Rochester until the Canal Trail. Check out all the great view, beautiful parks, and other attractions. Take your time on this one and just enjoy the flow the river.
- East Avenue
- Take a ride down East Avenue and get both a view of downtown and the stately homes which line it just outside the city center, including the George Eastman house. Various other attractions, drinkeries, and eateries line the road.
- Mt Hope Cemetery
- Ride around the historic cemetery and contemplate life and such. Look out for such famous graves as Frederick Douglass and Susan B Anthony.
- Cobbs Hill Park
- Bike around Cobbs Hill Park, taking the loop around the reservoir. Stop for a rest in the grass and check out the spectacular view of the downtown Rochester as you go around the reservoir.
- Monroe Avenue
- This is a historic road running from Pittsford to Rochester, but you will focus on the Monroe Village section. This area as some fun bars, restaurants, and unique shops, such as Aaron's Alley.
No comments:
Post a Comment