Rochester, New York: The Badass Women's History + Amazing Food Combo You Never Saw Coming

When you think "girls trip destination," Rochester, New York probably doesn't make your top 10 list. But after this episode, it absolutely will!

Join hosts Nikki and Heidi as they spill all the tea about their unexpected love affair with this upstate gem. From sipping perfect espresso martinis at Angelina's restaurant to getting literal chills standing in Susan B. Anthony's parlor where she was arrested for voting, Rochester delivers a travel experience that's equal parts inspiring and delicious.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why the Susan B. Anthony Museum will make you want to text every woman in your contacts (seriously!)
• The friendship between Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass that will restore your faith in collaboration
• A craft brewery scene that rivals any major city (hello, Strange Bird Beer!)
• The only adaptive kayak center in the United States (prepare to be amazed)
• How to bowl, drink craft cocktails, AND listen to live music all in one converted warehouse
• The 116-year-old public market where locals actually shop (breakfast empanadas, anyone?)
• Why the Strong National Museum of Play isn't just for kids (adults-only nights with beer!)

Nicky shares behind-the-scenes moments from her recent girls weekend with Jana from Whiskey and Sunshine, while Heide reveals why her solo research trip turned into a full-blown Rochester obsession. Together, they break down exactly why this manageable, walkable city hits every mark for women 45+ looking for meaningful travel that goes way beyond checking boxes.

Perfect for listeners who:

• Want their travel to have deeper meaning beyond Instagram shots
• Love discovering under-the-radar destinations before everyone else
• Appreciate cities where you can actually park (for free!) and walk to everything
• Get excited about supporting local breweries, distilleries, and farm-to-table restaurants
• Believe that learning about badass historical women is the best kind of inspiration

Whether you're planning your next girls trip or just need some armchair travel therapy, this episode will have you googling flights to Rochester before it's over. Trust us – this one's a game-changer!

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Transcript

[00:00:00] Let's set the scene. You're sipping an incredible espresso martini in a cozy restaurant called Angelina's. You've just spent the day exploring where Susan B. Anthony was arrested for voting, and tomorrow you're going bowling at a converted warehouse with live music and craft cocktails, and you're doing it all in Rochester, New York, a city that's about to become your new favorite girls trip destination.

I'm Nicky Omohundro, and I just got back from the most unexpectedly amazing weekend in Rochester with my friend Jana from Whiskey and Sunshine. And I'm Heide Brandes, and I visited this vibrant city last year.

On today's episode of Untethered and Wander Wise, we're diving deep into why Rochester should be at the top of your travel list and trust us, this one's gonna surprise you.

Welcome back to the award-winning podcast, Untethered and Wander Wise, the podcast for women who refuse to let age define their adventures. Today we're taking you to a destination that completely surprised both of us, Rochester, New York.

When you think of girls trips, Rochester probably doesn't immediately come to mind, but trust us, it should. Absolutely! I spent an incredible long weekend there last year researching for my travel writing, and Nicky, you were just there with Jana from Whiskey and Sunshine for what sounds like the perfect girls' weekend.

Oh my gosh, Heide, it really was. Jana and I have been friends for many years and we've been talking about doing a girls' trip somewhere. When Visit Rochester invited me to experience the city, I thought this would be a great trip to do together. It wasn't the beach location with cabana boys we had joked about, but it was the best decision ever.

We flew right into Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport. Yes, it's named after the famous abolitionist. We picked up a rental car and within 20 minutes we checked into the gorgeous Woodcliff Hotel and Spa in nearby Fairport.

Honestly, Rochester checks every box for the perfect women's getaway. It's got history that'll inspire you, incredible food and drinks, spa time, and that perfect balance of planned activities and spontaneous discoveries.

When I was there, I was at the Strathallan Hotel, a luxury boutique hotel set in the center of Rochester's social hub among all the cultural and business districts.

Let's talk about Woodcliff for a minute. This place seemed perfect for a girls' trip. Elegant, but not stuffy. At that spa, you both had massages, right?

Oh, totally. It was pure heaven just outside the city. After days of exploring, those massages were exactly what we needed. The spa staff was incredible and the whole atmosphere was so relaxing. The location in Fairport gives you the small town charm, but you're still close to everything in Rochester.

Another great option for those of you considering visiting Rochester is the Strathallan Hotel, which is a DoubleTree by Hilton property. Tell me about that one.

The Strathallan is right in the heart of Rochester's cultural district, which gives guests perfect access to attractions. And if you're someone who prefers to be right in the thick of things and wants to walk to major attractions, this is ideal.

That sounds perfect for people who want that urban experience. Exactly. And the George Eastman Museum is a few blocks away, so you could easily walk there for your visit and then stroll back to the hotel. Same with the Memorial Art Gallery. It's right there in the neighborhood, and you're also within walking distance of the university area, which has great restaurants and cafes.

And I imagine the DoubleTree brand means it's reliable and comfortable. Oh, you know, it is. You know exactly what you're getting. You're getting comfortable rooms and good service and those famous DoubleTree cookies at check-in, which are some of my favorites. Plus being a Hilton property means that if you have status or points with Hilton, you can use those benefits.

So it's really about what kind of experience you want. Do you want a resort-style spa experience in charming Fairport or the urban cultural immersion right in Rochester's museum district? Exactly. And both are great options, depending on your priority.

And speaking of priorities, let's dive into what makes Rochester such a unique destination, especially for women our age.

 You know, Nicky, I've been writing about travel for over 20 years, and rarely have I visited a place where the history felt so personally relevant. Rochester isn't just about dusty old museums. It's about the badass women and men who literally changed our lives today.

[00:04:54] Especially this year, the Susan B. Anthony Museum and House was my first stop, and honestly, it was emotional, standing in the parlor where she was arrested for voting in 1872. Just over 150 years ago, women couldn't own property. They couldn't keep their wages. They couldn't even have custody of their own children.

It really does put things in perspective. What I loved about this museum is that it doesn't just tell you what happened. It makes you feel the courage it took. Susan B. Anthony was rebellious, she was loud, she never backed down, and she's exactly the kind of woman we celebrate on this podcast.

The tour guide I had when I was there told us that when Anthony died in 1906, she never got to see women get the right to vote. That didn't happen until 1920. If you think about it, it's only 104 years ago. She kept fighting anyway. And now at Mount Hope Cemetery, there's a beautiful tradition where people place "I voted" stickers on her grave.

It was one of my favorite trips in Rochester, just wandering around that old historic, very wooded, very hilly cemetery. We saw Susan B. Anthony's headstone and it's so inspiring. But there's another inspiration that made Rochester really famous. And that's Frederick Douglass. This city is where he truly found his voice as an orator and an activist, and there's the bronze sculpture titled "Let's Have Tea" showing both him and Susan B. Anthony together in a park very near Susan B. Anthony's home, that really captures their friendship and collaboration. These weren't just historical figures, they were real people working together to create the world we live in today.

So let's talk about something equally important, the food and drinks.

Rochester has this incredible food scene that's perfect for a girls trip. Oh my gosh, yes. And you know me, I love everything food related. Oh, yes, you do. So one of the lunches I had while I was there was at the Genesee Brew House, which sits right next to the spectacular 96-foot High Falls waterfall.

So picture this: you're enjoying a craft beer, or in my case, a cider and elevated pub food while looking out at a waterfall in the middle of downtown. It doesn't get much better than that. And that rooftop view of High Falls is absolutely Instagram worthy. Plus, there's something so satisfying about supporting one of America's oldest continually operating breweries.

The restaurant is actually above part of the brew house, so you can see all of the manufacturing in the background and get a lot of cool souvenirs too. Very true. I actually saw hockey pucks, and I had to ask what those were. Being a southern girl, I had no idea what a hockey puck looked like. You actually discovered Strange Bird Beer during your trip and that brewery was such a fun, quirky vibe that I think is perfect for groups of girlfriends. If you like beer, the beer names alone were worth laughing about.

Oh yeah. They had all these creative names for beers and the beers were fantastic and we also ate there. They have a really nice menu of elevated pub food, but the vibe is really excellent.

 They've got a great patio. I'm always one for supporting small local craft breweries. So if you're into that scene, Strange Bird is where you need to go. Okay. And then too, if you're going to the farmer's market, there's another one down the street called Rohrbach. I didn't get to go, but it's such a respected name in craft brewing.

I've seen it around a lot and I like their beer. When I asked locals, they said those were the top three to go and visit.

 For cocktails, we have to mention Black Button Distilling. So this is a local craft distillery. Their spirits are incredible. And if you're into craft cocktails, this is a must visit. And you know me, I love gin, and they had a couple varieties of gin that were just to die for. So go support your local distilling company in Rochester.

 But Heide, I have to tell you about my absolute favorite meal on this trip, and that was at Angelina's restaurant. This place completely stole my heart.

Ooh. I ate there when I visited as well. So tell me everything about your meal. Jana and I were looking for a nice dinner spot, and Angelina's came highly recommended by locals. It's this cozy, intimate restaurant on South Avenue and from the moment you walk in, we knew we were in for something special.

The atmosphere was perfect for girls' dinner; warm, welcoming, not too loud, so you can actually talk and hear the person across the table. So what did you order? Well, I started with the blue crab dip with homemade crackers, and oh my goodness, it was phenomenal. Then I had grilled broccolini, but I'm not usually someone that gets excited about vegetables, because you know, after all, a salad does not photograph well.

[00:10:03] But this broccolini was amazing. The seasoning, the char, everything about it was perfect. And then we got their version of Old Bay biscuits. Ooh. Oh, that was amazing. Put some blue crab dip over it, and it was a perfect combination of fluffy and flavorful. Okay, that already sounds amazing. Yeah, I'm hungry. I'm getting that way too.

But wait, there's more. So for my main course, I had the bucatini with fresh summer squash. It was so fresh and light, but still satisfying. You could taste the summer in every bite, and the cocktails were fantastic. I had their version of an espresso martini that was absolutely perfect, not too sweet, great coffee flavor, presented perfectly, and Jana convinced me to try their old fashioned, which is one of the best I've ever had. It wasn't quite a proper old fashioned, but they had a little something extra that was like, oh, yes, please. And that's high praise considering you are an old fashioned connoisseur. Yes, I am a bourbon and whiskey girl.

 So what we're saying is you definitely have to add Angelina's to your must visit list when you're in Rochester. Yes, you totally should. And the best part, it's literally down the street from the Lux Lounge, which Jana had read about online. She found this review, calling it one of the best dive bars in the city, and we thought, eh, why not check it out after dinner?

And how was it? Uh, it was an experience. A fun, quirky, irreverent, you know, all of the best things that you would love about a dive bar. Cheap [00:11:40] drinks. I had two Irish coffees for $12. Wow. A $6 mule. I'm like, yes, please. Friendly bartenders and exactly the kind of place where you'll find devil dolls on the back shelf of the bar and cartoon sketches of Bill Murray on the walls.

The outdoor patio is almost two, three times larger than the actual bar, and it's the perfect place to laugh with your friends and end the perfect evening, whether you're 21 or 81.

[00:12:09] You also went to a place called Radio Social. I know that was another highlight for you.

 Radio Social was so much fun. It's in this converted warehouse space and they've got everything; bowling, live music, and yard games like shuffleboard and cornhole. Jana and I are not exactly bowling pros, but we had such a blast. Although we probably could have benefited from using bumpers.

 So the live music aspect sounds pretty great too. I love a place with live music. Yes, it was included with our bowling, so it was all paid for, and they had this local band playing and they just added this whole atmosphere. It was kind of a small area. We sat in front of a fire pit and listened.

The food there too is outstanding, much better than your typical bowling alley food. Our server was telling us about their on-site garden, which he helps manage, where they grow some of their own ingredients. I love restaurants that are doing this kind of approach.

So it sounds like Rochester really surprised you with the quality of the food scene. I know it did me and we haven't even talked about Dinosaur Bar-B-Que yet. I know absolutely every meal was memorable, and that's not something I can say about every destination.

So you and Jana, speaking of unique experiences and local food, you also explored the Rochester Public Market. So tell me about that experience.

[00:13:30] 'Cause I didn't get the chance to do that. Okay. Well, the public market was definitely a highlight. We went on a Saturday morning, and it's been operating since 1905. It has this wonderful, authentic feel. It's not touristy at all. It's where locals actually shop. So what did you find there? First we grabbed breakfast at one of the food vendors because we were starving.

 We found a vendor selling breakfast empanadas. It was this flaky pastry, perfectly seasoned eggs and vegetables inside. And then we got coffee there too, 'cause you have to caffeinate. It was the perfect way to fuel up for shopping.

Yeah, that sounds like the perfect market breakfast.

 It was. And there were many other food vendors if you wanted something different. After we ate, we started exploring all the different stalls. We both stopped at the chai guy for iced chai. Jana is obsessed with good chai and she says this was some of the best she'd ever had.

So what else caught your eye besides the food? Nicky. Sorry. Yeah, not sorry. It's always about the food for me, but there was a fruit vendor that had some of the most beautiful berries. You couldn't resist getting some strawberries. And Jana found this table with some really fun crocheted items.

I heard about those crocheted items, and I love markets where you can find everything from food to local crafts. Exactly. I wasn't just there for shopping either. It was about experiencing that slice of local life. The vendors were friendly, telling us about their products, giving us recommendations for other places to visit in Rochester.

[00:15:01] It felt very authentic and welcoming. Yeah. So whenever you visit Rochester, would you recommend trying to experience the local market? Oh, most definitely.

Let's talk about some of the other unique experiences that Rochester offers. I know you did a river cruise.

Yes, the Riverie cruise was really relaxing. There's something magical about being on the water, learning about Rochester's maritime history, while seeing the city from a completely different perspective on the Genesee River, and the Erie Canal. Just imagine a day out on the river with your friends.

What I found really special about the Erie Canal Boat Company is that they're the only adaptive kayak and bike center in the United States.

The owner, Peter Abel, has this incredible passion for opening up the outdoors no matter what a person's ability is. Oh, that's amazing. Tell us more about that.

Well, Peter has created this space right on the Erie Canal where people with disabilities can experience kayaking and biking in ways that may not be possible elsewhere.

They have specialized equipment and trained staff who understand how to make outdoor activities more accessible to everyone. Oh, that's so important. I think about how many outdoor activities can feel exclusive or intimidating, especially if you get older or have some mobility challenges. Exactly, and it's not just about the equipment, it's about the philosophy.

Peter believes that everyone deserves to experience the joy and freedom of being out on the water or exploring on a bike regardless of their physical abilities. That kind of inclusive approach makes me want to support businesses like that even more.

For our listeners who might be traveling with family members or friends who have mobility challenges, knowing that there are places like this that welcome everyone, that's incredibly valuable information. Mm-hmm. It really speaks to Rochester's character as a community. This isn't just a business trying to make money.

 It's someone who saw a need and decided to fill it in a very meaningful way.

 I have to talk about the Strong National Museum of Play because I was also there during my research trip and oh my God, I could have spent all day there. Right? When you hear "toy museum," you think it might be a quick hour-long visit, but this is so much more than that.

Oh, it's a full day experience, not just for kids, but for adults too. They have these incredible pinball machines from different eras that you can actually play. They have vintage toys that take you right back to your own childhood and this amazing comic book section with full-sized statues of all the iconic characters. It's just so much fun.

And my favorite was Sesame Street. Heide, I have to tell you, I was completely enchanted by this exhibit. They've recreated the street and especially the stoop. You can sit on that stoop, look up at Big Bird and explore the different areas.

It's incredibly detailed, isn't it? Oh, so detailed and you know, standing there brought back some interesting thoughts. With all the recent cuts to NPR funding and public broadcasting in general, seeing this celebration of Sesame Street really reminded me how important these programs have been to our culture, and that's such a good point.

Sesame Street has been educating children for over 50 years, and it's largely supported by public broadcasting. Exactly. Shows like Sesame Street, Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood. All these programs have shaped our childhoods and continue to shape kids today. They depend on public support, and when we see cuts to NPR and PBS funding,

we're really talking about cutting support for educational programs that serve communities, and it makes you think about what we can do to support quality broadcasting and media in our communities. Right? Whether it's donating to your local public radio station, supporting quality journalism, or being more intentional about the media we consume and share.

Standing in that Sesame Street set really drove home how valuable these resources are and how they bring communities together across generations. I was getting genuinely excited about Big Bird's nest. Exactly. It's that shared cultural experience that's so important.

But anyway, back to the museum. What else do you love there? Well, the interactive elements are incredible. You can actually play with things, try games from different eras, really engage with the exhibits. It's like being a kid again, but with the perspective of an adult who can appreciate the history and cultural significance of these toys and games.

 I spent way more time here than I planned because I kept finding things that brought me back to childhood memories. There's something about sharing those memories with your travel companions too. Jana and I were laughing and reminiscing the whole time. My friend and I were the same way.

[00:20:05] We even rode the little carousel and had a great time doing it. You feel like a kid again? Mm-hmm. The museum actually has adult-only nights, I believe it's once a quarter. We thought about it. As we were recording this, it was, I think yesterday. I had seriously thought about coming back and going to an adult night at that museum.

Do they have beer? I'm sure they do.

 So let's talk about the cultural attractions, because Rochester really punches above its weight in this area. The George Eastman Museum was absolutely incredible. It used to be the George Eastman Kodak Museum, and I had no idea what to expect, but it's housed in Eastman's stunning 1905 mansion, and that alone is worth the visit.

Yes, the mansion is gorgeous. The gardens are beautiful, but the photography collection is world class. And something you'd expect from someone with the name of Kodak. Even if you're not a photography buff, it's fascinating to see the evolution of photography and understand how George Eastman made photography accessible to everyone.

Yeah. The mansion gives you such insight into how the wealthy lived in that era as well. Absolutely, and what I really appreciated was that it wasn't stuffy or pretentious. The museum does a great job of making everything accessible and interesting and the early cameras and the technical innovations I found astounding.

And the Memorial Art Gallery is pretty close by. The collection spans 5,000 years of art history, and it's the perfect size. You can see everything without getting museum fatigue. We spent a couple of hours there and felt like we'd had a really rich cultural experience without being overwhelmed.

The 14-acre campus is beautiful too. We walked around the grounds a bit and it's such a peaceful, beautiful space. You can see why it draws both locals and visitors and it's the kind of place where you could easily spend a whole afternoon just soaking in art and beauty. But what I really want to talk more about is the historical aspect of Rochester.

'Cause this is where the city really shines for women our age. I mean, the history in this city isn't just educational, it's genuinely inspiring. The Susan B. Anthony Museum and House was probably the most emotional impact of the trip. It was for me too. So, kind of describe to me your experience.

Well, first of all, it's in this beautiful historic neighborhood. So even getting there feels special. When you walk into that house and stand in the parlor where Susan B. Anthony was arrested for voting in 1872, it gave me chills, and the tour guides are fantastic. They really bring her story to life, don't they?

Yes, definitely. My tour guide was a younger woman. She was in her early twenties, and she was inspired by the story. She had been a guest years before and she was inspired to change her major in college and became a docent to share Anthony's story. Wow. It was really inspiring. [00:23:20] So, but she explained that when Anthony was born in 1820, women had no legal rights whatsoever. Think about this: a woman couldn't own property. We couldn't keep our wages. We couldn't even divorce our husband.

 Oh God. Oh God. Couldn't have custody of our own children, and of course we couldn't vote. As women in our fifties now, we were born in a time where women weren't allowed to have credit cards in their own name without their husband's consent. This kind of hits hard for me.

 I was born in 1975. So I'm technically the first generation born where that was possible. What struck me most was how rebellious Anthony was. She never married, which was radical for her time. She was loud, uncompromising, and didn't care what people thought of her.

She's exactly the kind of woman we celebrate on this podcast. She never gave up, even though she died 14 years before women got the right to vote.

That's what's so inspiring. She kept fighting, even though she knew she might never see the results.

Another fascinating thing is how Frederick Douglass is intertwined with Rochester and Susan B. Anthony. He was a civil rights activist, and the connection between Anthony and Douglass was really fascinating. I mean, they were genuine friends and collaborators working together for both women's rights and civil rights. Rochester is where Douglass truly found his voice as an orator and an activist.

[00:24:56] He'd lived there for 25 years and published his newspaper, the North Star. And he gave his famous "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?" speech in Rochester in 1852. Standing in places where these historical figures actually lived and worked, it makes history feel so much more real and immediate. You had mentioned the "Let's Have Tea" bronze sculpture earlier that shows Anthony and Douglass together. I think that really brings home the level of their friendship.

But there's so many other areas around Rochester worth checking out. I stayed in Fairport, which has its own charm. We were in Fairport as well, just for a day trip, and it's so adorable. There's this lovely canal-side village that feels like something out of a movie. We had brunch at Simply Crepes there.

That's where we did the adaptive kayaking. It is such a cute little town. I remember walking the streets and the canal's right there. We don't even have time to talk about just the engineering feat of the Erie Canal and what it's being used for today.

Yeah, the canal is really charming. Just by today's standards, you've got this quaint European feel and the crepe place has really great food.

The canal is a great place to walk and work off breakfast or brunch. And it's one of those perfect moments where you're completely content and ready to plan your next trip.

Let's talk about why Rochester works so well, specifically for our demographic, women over 45 who are looking for meaningful travel experiences. It comes down to several things. First, it's completely manageable. You're not dealing with massive crowds, overwhelming tourist areas, or that feeling of being rushed from one place to another.

The pace is perfect. You can pack in activities without feeling super stressed about it. You have time for spa treatments, leisurely meals, and those spontaneous moments that make the best travel memories. You never feel like you're checking boxes just to say you've been there and done that.

I keep harping on this, but the historical sites were so inspiring to me. And just that feel of history and the big changes that still affect our lives today occurred in Rochester. That's so important at our age and really at any age. We appreciate stories of people who persevered, who fought for what they believed in, who didn't give up, even when the odds were against them.

People like Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass weren't just historical figures. They were revolutionaries who changed the world we live in today. There's something very empowering about walking where they walked, seeing where they lived and worked, and learning about the impact they had on history. It makes me think about my own legacy, my own impact. What change do I want to be and see in the world? It's the kind of travel that stays with you long after you get home.

The food and drink scene rivals much bigger cities, but without the pretension or the impossible-to-get reservations. A few more restaurants that deserve special mentions were Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, a regional chain and local favorite. In the former Lehigh railroad station overlooking the Genesee River, the food is phenomenal and the portions are huge.

And that says a lot coming from Oklahoma, Texas area where we're known for our barbecue. What's funny is the guy that's been cutting my hair for over 23 years recommended it to me when I said I was going to Rochester. He's like, that's the one place you go. And he definitely knows his barbecue.

The nearby Flight Wine Bar is another local favorite, just around the corner from Dinosaur. It serves great options as far as wine, and they host live jazz on certain nights of the week.

[00:28:56] One of my favorite places was the Highland Park Diner. So it's in this 1940s era boxcar. You're literally eating in a train car and it's got your typical diner food; huge breakfasts, but also burgers, desserts, sandwiches. It's definitely a local favorite because it is crowded all the time. Well, being a boxcar, it's a little tight squeeze, but so good.

And then Trata is an upscale contemporary restaurant with a pour-your-own beer wall, which Heide, I know you love. The taps are automated, so you just go push the button and pour yourself a pint.

 Also incredible craft cocktails and gourmet meals in Rochester without breaking the bank or dealing with all the hassles of a major tourist destination. Service is friendly and quite professional. The size of the city works in your favor too.

 Everything is close enough that you're not spending half your time in traffic or trying to figure out public transportation. I heard locals say everywhere in Rochester is about a 20-minute drive. Yeah.

[00:29:58] So it is very true and there's something to be said for visiting a place that's not overrun with tourists. You get to experience the real city, interact with locals, feel like you're discovering something special rather than just following the crowd.

Let's give our listeners some practical advice for planning their own Rochester girls trip. Let's definitely do that.

I would say stay at least three nights. We did four and that was perfect. Just enough time to get settled in and explore without feeling rushed. You should book your spa treatments at the Woodcliff in advance, especially for the weekends.

Having a rental car is ideal. The city center is very walkable for many of the attractions. Best of all, parking is free in most areas. Yeah. So that's fantastic. And the car does give you flexibility to explore places like Fairport, where some of the outlying attractions are, plus parking's never a problem. And it's such a relief after dealing with bigger cities we've been to.

So what time of year did you visit and how do you think that affected your experience? Well, I went in late June 'cause I just got back. So it was peak summer and it was absolutely beautiful. It was a little warm, but it was still cooler than here in Oklahoma.

The weather was perfect for a river cruise and walking around the city with a little handheld fan. I visited Rochester in the fall and it was fantastic, especially with all the trees around places like Mount Hope Cemetery and the George Eastman Gardens. I will have to say it got a little rainy.

So if you're going in the fall, prepare with possible rain and different layers. It was hot during the day, but it would get pretty chilly at night. With most places, check the weather before you go and throw in an umbrella just in case.

And I'm told that winters can be interesting in Rochester, but there's tons of indoor cultural attractions and world-class museums, great restaurants, spa treatments, so you'll have a wonderful winter getaway. Spring would be lovely too, especially for the gardens and outdoor markets when everything's blooming.

I think Rochester's definitely a four-season destination. Each time of year would offer something different, but equally appealing. You know, what I keep coming back to about Rochester is how it represents everything we're trying to encourage with this podcast: meaningful travel that goes beyond just checking destinations off a list.

This wasn't just a fun weekend away, though it absolutely was. It was also inspiring, educational, and emotionally rewarding. For women our age, there's real value in travel experiences that make you think, challenge you, and connect you to something bigger than yourself, and Rochester delivers that in spades. You learn about the people who literally changed the course of history. You experience a city that's both proud of its heritage and excited about its future. And you do it all in this really comfortable, manageable way.

 It's the kind of destination that makes you feel good about how you spent your time and money, and I think it makes you want to be a better person, to think about the kind of legacy you want to have. That's powerful stuff for a weekend getaway.

 Rochester also surprised me. I went expecting a nice enough weekend, but I left feeling genuinely inspired by the people who lived there and the legacy they created.

For women in our age group, there's something really powerful about walking where Susan B. Anthony walked, seeing where Frederick Douglass gave his famous speeches, understanding that the rights we take for granted were fought for by people who never gave up.

 And that's a really fun girls trip destination: great food, interesting activities, beautiful hotels, manageable size, and just a lot of fun.

[00:33:45] If you're looking for a destination that's a little different, that'll give you some great stories to tell and maybe inspire you to think about your own legacy, definitely put Rochester on your list. Thanks again for joining us on this Rochester adventure.

We were both just thrilled with the destination. That area of New York is so beautiful. When you say New York, I think everybody thinks of New York City and there's a whole other state to explore, and Rochester is a great hub to do that from. If you're curious about how far it is from New York City, it's about a five-hour drive. There you go.

So if there is a woman in your life that inspires you, share this podcast with them. Or if you're thinking about taking a girls' trip, share it. Plan your trip and explore the city on your own. Until next time, stay untethered and wander wise.