Student Guide 2010

Page 1


INSIDE ACTIVITIES ������������������������������� 4 OFFBEAT CLUB SPORTS AT YOUR SCHOOL

LIVING ������������������������������������ 10 PROS AND CONS OF OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING

TRANSPORTATION ������������������ 14 PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION GUIDE

MAPS ������������������������ 20, 22, 26 EAST END, MONROE AVE, AND CITY

ENTERTAINMENT �������������������� 28 GUIDE TO MAJOR LOCAL MUSIC VENUES

around town ���������������������� 38 WHERE TO TAKE YOUR VISITING MOM & DAD

advertiser index ��������������� 46 “WORD ON THE STREET” INTERVIEWS COMPILED BY JESSE HANUS

COVER PHOTO ILLUSTRATION: Matt DeTurck PUBLISHERS: William and Mary Anna Towler ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHERS: Matt Walsh EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT: (themail@rochester-citynews.com) EDITOR: Eric Rezsnyak CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Willie Clark, Jesse Hanus, Nick Statt Study Tips provided by tutors Kristina Knowles (senior music theory major at Nazareth), Yayi Zhang (senior in financial economics and mathematics at University of Rochester), and Stephen Kean (grad student with a B.S. in mechanical engineering technology and a Masters in MMSI). Compiled by Jesse Hanus.

ART DEPARTMENT: (artdept@rochester-citynews.com) PRODUCTION MANAGER: Max Seifert Designers: Aubrey Berardini, Matt DeTurck Contributing Photographer: Jesse Hanus ADVERTISING: (ads@rochester-citynews.com) Advertising manager: Betsy Matthews Sales: Tom Decker, Annalisa Iannone, Christine Kubarycz, Bill Towler, Robine Wolak STUDENT SURVIVAL GUIDE is published by WMT Publications, Inc. Copyright by WMT Publications Inc., 2010 - all rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, photocopying, recording or by any information storage retrieval system without permission of the copyright owner.

STUDENT SURVIVAL GUIDE IS PRODUCED BY CITY NEWSPAPER. 250 North Goodman Street, Rochester, New York 14607-1199 info@rochester-citynews.com, phone (585) 244-3329 fax (585) 244-1126, rochestercitynewspaper.com

CITY • STUDENT SURVIVAL GUIDE 2010


ROCKETING TOWARD THE FUTURE [ INTRODUCTION ] BY ERIC REZSNYAK

For new students, college can seem like the final frontier. You’ve spent your whole life doing what teachers and parents tell you to do, living under someone else’s rules, following a more or less prescribed path. That’s all gone now. You’ve got a whole universe of options, and you can plot your own course into that undiscovered country. City Newspaper’s Student Survival Guide is aimed at providing you with some helpful hints from people who have already embarked upon that fantastic voyage known as the college career. The guide is written for college students exclusively by college students —juniors and seniors who have already encountered some of those standard college dilemmas, and have some knowledge to share with the new class. In this issue you’ll find articles on the pros and cons of off-campus housing, a list of local hotspots where you can take your family when they come for a visit, a publictransportation guide, suggestions from local students about where to go, what to do, and how to approach college life, as well as maps of some of Rochester’s most collegefriendly entertainment districts. We hope you’ll use them, because while your campus is a great place to live and study, you’ve got a pretty amazing city right at your fingertips — a whole new world ready for you to explore. That campus bubble can be hard to escape, but Rochester is worth checking out. Make it your four-year (or more) mission to explore strange new neighborhoods, seek out new nightlife, and boldly go where you’ve never gone before. And if you need more info on what to do and where to go in Rochester, pick up City Newspaper FREE every Wednesday (find a list of campus drop points on page 47), or check out the online edition at rochestercitynewspaper.com. ROCHESTERCITYNEWSPAPER.COM


GET PHYSICALLY — AND SOCIALLY — ACTIVE BY JOINING A CLUB SPORT [ACTIVITIES] BY NICK STATT

Joining a sports team is one of the best ways to keep active, meet new people, and really become a part of your campus community. The problem is, traditional competitive sports teams can be too serious for the average student looking more for a good time and less for the strenuous lifestyle of a college athlete. Intramurals can also be infused with enough competition and time commitments to push away the casual player. But there is hope, because almost every area college has club sports — just-for-fun activities that are often a highly rewarding way to try an activity (including some you never knew existed), and an opportunity to make some long-lasting friends in the process. Below you’ll find a selection of some of the more interesting club sports at various local schools, but these are only the tip of the iceberg. If you’re interested in getting involved with one of the clubs at your local school, check out your school’s athletic department, office of recreation, or campus life centers; any one of the three could handle the school’s club-sports program. The University of Rochester is home to

more club sports than you could join in CITY • STUDENT SURVIVAL GUIDE 2010

your whole undergraduate career. But one stands out among the rest, because the sport didn’t even exist until author J.K. Rowling decided to reinvent the broomstick in the 1990’s. Quidditch, the fictional sport revered by characters of the Harry Potter universe, actually exists as a collegiate activity, started by Middlebury College in 2005. Daniel Panzarella, president of UR’s Quidditch Team, says that it’s not as strange as it sounds. “The sport is so much fun. You’re tackling, playing dodge ball, and slam dunking all in the same sport,” he says. The sport incorporates recognizable elements from rugby, soccer, and American football, but with the added catch of having to keep one hand at waist-level to hold the broomstick between your legs. The most intriguing, and comical, aspect of real-life Quidditch is the Golden Snitch. In the books it’s a small winged ball that has a mind of its own as it zips around the playing field. In collegiate Quidditch, the fastest member of the team dresses completely in yellow and is chased around the field, making him or her more of a source of humor than a serious part of the competition.

Considering the sport’s roots in Vermont, Panzarella and his squad mostly play teams around the northeast, but schools nationwide are picking up on the offbeat craze. The IQA, or International Quidditch Association, hosts the annual World Cup at Middlebury, which Panzarella says is quite a big deal. He even mentions that the occasional “dementor” roams the field to pay homage to all the intricate plot elements of the series. It’s not all about Rowling’s iconic series, though. “We’ve been trying to diversify ourselves from Harry Potter and make it a sport of its own merit,” says Panzarella, who started a Quidditch team in Buffalo before founding UR’s. “One of my best players from Buffalo, one of my best keepers, never read the books,” he says. Panzarella also stressed that he has athletes from a variety of other sports, from football to soccer. For more information on UR’s Quidditch team, find its page at UR’s Campus Club Connection at sa.rochester.edu/clubs/URQC. More information on any of the other 35-plus club sports at UR can also be found at the Campus Club Connection at sa.rochester.edu/clubs. continues on page 6


ROCHESTERCITYNEWSPAPER.COM


HEY THERE, SPORT continued from page 4

At the Rochester Institute of Technology,

students can move on from the same boring jog or game of catch in the quad with something a little different, like, say, an exhilarating climb up a towering rock wall. Thanks to the Interactive Adventures Red Barn, RIT’s very own rock-climbing facility, that’s a possibility for students every single day. Sean McArdle, operations manager of the RIT Red Barn, says the facility is unique because it was started by students back in the 1980’s, before it became an official climbing site. “Initially [the barn] didn’t have any use. It just kind of sat on the west side of campus,” he says. “Eventually, some students in the early 80’s decided to update it and try and clean it out and make it a functioning building.” McArdle joined the facility six years ago, with previous experience as a manager at Niagara Climbing Center in Buffalo, and helped climbing on campus grow exponentially. “We expanded the hours, opened it up to the greater Rochester community. I started maintaining what you would find in a commercial climbing gym,” he says. Transforming an abandoned building to a full-scale climbing gym was no easy feat, but it’s paid off in the end. The Red Barn now features more than 5,000 square feet of climbing surface, as well as three climbing caves, a top-out boulder, and a rope wall. Lindsay Reardon, the current president of the RIT Climbing Club, fell in love with the Red Barn in her first year at the school, and teamed up with Brennah Rosenthal, a freshman at the time, eager to start an official competitive team. The prospects for a legitimate climbing club started to rise. Now one year later, the RIT Climbing Club competes in the collegiate climbing series, and has even taken home first-place awards in events like the climbing series regional while competing against schools like West Point. It’s not all about competition, though, and Reardon and Rosenthal couldn’t stress that enough. The club has a competitive squad of about 15, but a recreational group of around 60 people. With CITY • STUDENT SURVIVAL GUIDE 2010


Discover the tools of the rock-climbing trade with the RIT Climbing Club. FILE PHOTO

absolutely no barriers to join, both the Red Barn and the climbing club are eager to continue to grow their ranks. “I just absolutely love it. It’s fun, you don’t really realize that you’re working out. It can be social, or it can be meditative,” says Reardon. Rosenthal, whose decision to come to RIT as a photography major was heavily influenced by the presence of the Red Barn, says that other schools had climbing gyms, but none as family-based as RIT’s. “The Red Barn — you’re friends with everyone there,” she says. The RIT climbers also stress that climbing is a multi-faceted sport that many people don’t fully understand until they try it. “It’s such a different sport mentally than soccer or baseball or basketball. You’re working as a team, but it’s also an individual thing,” Rosenthal says. Reardon adds, “Every single time you finish a climb, it’s a personal triumph.” For more information on the Red Barn or the RIT Climbing Club, email climbRIT@ gmail.com. For more information on club sports at RIT, visit the Center for Campus Life web site at campuslife.rit.edu. When Melissa Hartog got to SUNY

Brockport, she noticed one distinct feature of continues on page 8 ROCHESTERCITYNEWSPAPER.COM


HEY THERE, SPORT continued from page 7

the school’s club-sports environment: almost all of them were team-based, competitive sports. Wanting something a little different and unsure of how to incorporate her love of outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, snowboarding, and rock climbing, Hartog decided to create Outdoor Adventures before she finished her junior year. With a name as ambiguous as Outdoor Adventures, it’s hard to discern what the club actually focuses on. But Hartog boils it down to simple terms by explaining that it’s just about having fun outside. “It’s so you can get familiar with an outdoor activity enough to teach it,” Hartog says. She doesn’t mean becoming an instructor, just that you get the opportunity to try something you’ve never done before and get acquainted enough to want to take your friends and help expose them to the activity as well. “I do love team sports, but I like that you can build relationships with people a bit more with unique sports. You have time to build those relationships, and it’s more self-fulfilling,” Hartog says. “Brockport is very team based, Brockport had nothing like it. It’s my passion, so it was easy to start,” she says. The club has already made trips to snowboard at Bristol and rock climb at RIT’s Red Barn, among other outings. But Hartog is looking to branch out as far as possible, hoping that the club can some day incorporate a number of activities on a frequent basis. Although Hartog will graduate before Outdoor Adventures is fully funded by Brockport, she would like to see the spirit of the club carry on because she thinks it can help to enrich students’ lives. Instead of just helping someone grow physically and bond with a team through just one sport, Hartog stresses how unique sports can bring people together in new ways and help better round out the campus as a result. For more information on Outdoor Adventures, check Brockport’s Club Sports page at brockport.edu/recservices. More information on other SUNY Brockport sport clubs can also be found there. CITY • STUDENT SURVIVAL GUIDE 2010

SUNY Geneseo is a somewhat secluded

school, and any student there will tell you that you need to get out and keep active if you want to fend off the middle-ofnowhere feel that can permeate a rural campus. Geneseo has a number of club sports, but one in particular is unique because it’s a sport generally reserved for seriously experienced athletes. Geneseo’s Women’s Ice Hockey Club was officially recognized in 2006, and stands out because it’s open to all, not just off-season field hockey players or veterans of the rink. Any prospective players, even those who don’t have a good handle on skating or using a hockey stick, can join. Club President Elyse McNamara came to Geneseo three years ago on early decision because she had heard on a campus tour that the club was starting the following year. After getting involved her first week on campus, McNamara became a dedicated member, and now, heading into her senior year, heads the club. While not officially funded by the school, the club still plays other schools in scrimmages to keep the sport alive, and hopefully garner enough support to gain club status and funding. McNamara says that club sports at Geneseo, while high in numbers, are not very well supported. “The co-ed club soccer, that is really big on campus. I don’t really see a lot of advertising for many of the other club sorts. I know there are probably many, but I can’t tell you their names. I think it’s something they need to put more money into,” she says. As to why ice hockey is a good alternative to your everyday intramural or gym sport, McNamara says, “It’s so much more fun. It’s a winter sport and it gets you out.” McNamara’s final words echo that of many others heavily involved in a club sport: “You can go to classes, but until you join something, it’s hard to get to know different people out of your dorm and major…. It’s just a way to kind of go out and have fun.” For more information on the Geneseo Women’s Ice Hockey Club, visit geneseo. edu/intramurals/club_sports. For information on sports clubs at Geneseo, visit geneseo.edu/athletics.


ROCHESTERCITYNEWSPAPER.COM


THE PROS AND CONS OF OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING [ LIVING ] BY NICK STATT

Before Adrienne Hdolwerski finished her sophomore year at the University of Rochester, she chose not to lay down her room deposit to ensure her on-campus housing for the following semester. With the freedom of living on her own, and the thousands of dollars in savings that wouldn’t be put toward UR’s high-end housing, Hdolwerksi made what any optimistic college student would consider a step toward a promising junior year. But after two semesters and a number of tumultuous housing transitions, Hdolweski is moving back on campus for her senior year. It wasn’t that Hdolweski wasn’t ready to live off campus. Rather, she just didn’t think the trade-off was worthwhile. “I definitely felt I had to do things to stay in touch with people who live on campus. I had to go out of my way to make sure I stayed a part of the campus community,” she says. Despite saving the money, the true “college experience” was too valuable and fleeting for her to pass up. If you’re entering your freshman year of college, you’re going to hear the phrase, “College is what you make it,” enough times to recount it in your sleep. But it’s oft repeated for a reason: things that once seemed insignificant can make or break your

STUDY TIP:

Many areas of the city, including East and Park avenues (pictured), have ample off-campus housing options for local students. PHOTO BY JESSE HANUS

next four (or more) years. What you should be eating, or how your living situation will affect your schoolwork, social life, or bank account, are decisions that now rest completely in your hands. Housing is one of the most influential aspects of the college experience because it can play a serious factor in your enjoyment of anything from a semester to your entire undergraduate career. Rochester is unique, because while it’s not a major city, it’s large enough to offer

housing options that can be surprisingly affordable when compared to some of the room and board figures of local colleges and universities. However, the decision to move off-campus means forfeiting a closeknit social environment, a comfortable meal plan, and the proximity to campus buildings for the freedom of living on your own and potentially saving quite a bit of money. continues on page 12

STUDY IN GROUPS FOR TESTS. OTHER PEOPLE MAY REMEMBER THINGS YOU DON’T, OR HAVE A DIFFERENT WAY OF MEMORIZING MATERIAL. ALSO, YOU CAN QUIZ EACH OTHER.

10 CITY • STUDENT SURVIVAL GUIDE 2010


ROCHESTERCITYNEWSPAPER.COM 11


TO DORM OR NOT continued from page 10

While it’s true that private schools generally

offer better living arrangements, and subsequently entail more expensive living costs, the wide array of schools in the greater Rochester area run the full spectrum of housing costs. Roberts Wesleyan College comes in at the bottom end with an estimated room and board cost of $8,826 for the 2010-2011 academic year, whereas UR is the highest with an estimated yearly cost of $11,640, assuming you have a double room and the average meal plan. For Hdolwerski, finances were not the primary issue. Although UR has the highest per year housing cost of all the Rochester schools, it is outfitted with an expansive set of on-campus apartment complexes and alternative housing options. It is also the only Rochester school with an official Office of Off Campus Living, which monitors a community-styled database that allows tenants and landlords to create accounts and seek each other out, but does not inspect properties, according to Off Campus Coordinator Keisha Brookins. Hdolwerski admits that she initially moved off campus because she simply had the opportunity. At UR, you’re restricted to on-campus living your first two years. So when junior year rolled around, Hdolwerski left her comfortable housing in Crosby Hall, but ended up regretting the decision. “If I hadn’t moved off campus then, I probably never would have moved off at all,” she says. After moving twice and ending up as a tenant in an apartment building full of strangers, Hdolwerski recounts the missteps she took. “When I moved out of that apartment, I wish I could have moved on campus but, I couldn’t,” she says. With a full year off campus that involved commuting in the harsh Rochester winter and having to spend an extra hour every morning just to get class on time, Hdolwerski came out a more experienced student who had discovered her personal housing preferences. For Pat Prestemon, a SUNY Brockport

student entering his junior year, deciding to live off campus was less complicated. Brockport’s room and board totals just under $10,000 per year, and while Prestemon 12 CITY • STUDENT SURVIVAL GUIDE 2010

One pro of off-campus housing is the chance to have a room of your own. PHOTO BY JESSE HANUS

chose an apartment that was only slightly less expensive, he made it clear why his choice was better for him. “I’m getting more for the price, so it’s far less expensive if you think about it that way,” says Prestemon, who will start his first year off campus this fall. And he raises a good point: even if your off-campus housing option costs the same as your on-campus alternative, living on your own can be potentially more rewarding than dorm life. For one, you answer to no one but your landlord. And secondly, if you look hard enough, or just get plain lucky, you can land yourself your own bedroom. Prestemon saw off-campus living as an obvious transition from a cramped double room, watchful RAs, and strict housing contract rules to his very own room, in an apartment with roommates of his choice, and not a single living edict that he doesn’t set himself. Some students find themselves in more

binding situations that take luck and some determination to get out of. Katie Ernst, who will be a senior at Eastman School of Music this fall, found herself only two-thirds of the way through the school’s three-year housing contract when she received great news: she had been one of only a small percentage of juniors who won ESM’s housing lottery, and was freed from the school’s mandatory on-campus requirement. Although ESM gives each of its sophomores the option of a single, the threeyear housing contract can become a serious dilemma for seniors lacking in life experience. “It was ideal to get off campus when I did, because I feel like getting an apartment for the


first time as a senior in college, and realizing you have to pay bills, is bad,” Ernst says. “It’s better to get used to that early instead of being on your way out.” The other changes to Ernst’s life after moving off campus were no minor perks. “Whatever they said was for housing was what I figured was the cost of living in Rochester,” she says. “Then when I found out how much less it would be to live off campus…I went from a small room with a shared bathroom to a nice spacious two bedroom for about half the price.” Considering the low cost of housing near downtown Rochester, and the fact that Eastman sports a room and board cost almost identical to that of its mother school, UR, Ernst and many fellow students jump at the opportunity to nab their own downtown place. While different students have widely

varying opinions and experiences concerning residential life, most seem to agree on one thing: living on campus when you’re a freshman, and possibly even a sophomore, is a necessity if you can afford it. Not only will it help you figure out your own personal stance on residential living, but it will also provide the indispensable social benefits of a campus community that is nearly impossible to find elsewhere. “I don’t think that as a 17 or 18 year old kid you are ready to find a roommate and deal with all of those things. I think you’re too young for that,” Ernst says. “To get acquainted with the city and the people you are going to be around…it helps to be on campus.” Prestemon says he had a very average, yet still positive, experience living on campus that allowed him to make the friends he’ll be living with next year. “If you get overwhelmed by everything, you have more safety than if you’re living off campus. You have a little more support,” he says. “It’s imperative when you’re a freshman. You have to live on campus,” Hdolwerski says. “Even people who are from Rochester, that have the option of living home, I would definitely say live on campus. It’s part of the experience of being at college.”

ROCHESTERCITYNEWSPAPER.COM 13


YOUR GUIDE TO GETTING OFF-CAMPUS AND AROUND THE ROC [ TRANSPORTATION ] BY WILLIE CLARK

Friday night. Orientation’s done. It’s your first weekend in Rochester. No curfew. You’re ready to hit the town. One thing stands in your way: warp pipes don’t surround your school, and you have no idea how to get anywhere. You haven’t made friends with carowning upperclassmen yet (put that on your to-do list), so how are you supposed to get out of the bubble that is your campus? Fear not. That’s where City Newspaper’s Student Survival Guide comes in. We know where you want to go and how to get you there, and are willing to share our lovely transportation secrets. And as you continue along your college journey, remember to pick up City Newspaper, for free, every week for the inside scoop on all that is Rochester.

THE RIDES YOU ALREADY PAID FOR

Remember that big check that you (or your loving parents) wrote at the start of the summer? Most colleges have transportation programs that are completely free for you to use, so you get something for all that money

STUDY TIP:

you’re spending in addition to that whole “education” thing. Monroe Community College: Shuttle service available around campus, and starting in September, between the Brighton Campus and the Damon City Campus. (Departure point on the Brighton Campus is the Sports/Center Roads outside the Gilman Lounge, taking you to the Franklin Street Entrance to the Sibley Building at the Damon City Campus.) The new shuttle will run every half hour weekdays 7:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., and then hourly until 9 p.m. Won’t help you out on the weekends, however. Don’t forget your ID card if you want to ride for free. For more information visit monroecc.edu/depts/pstd/mccshuttle.htm. Nazareth College: Free intercampus shuttle runs 6 a.m.-9 p.m. (8 p.m. on Friday) on any day that classes are in session. For a map of the shuttle route you can check naz.edu/ dept/security_safety/parking.cfm. Roberts Wesleyan: No transportation offered by the school. However, for a few weekends at the start of the term, the Student Services Office runs shuttles to help you get integrated with the city and major shopping areas.

You’ll just have to find your own way there the rest of the year. And for getting around campus you’ll have to rely on the world’s oldest transportation method: the shoeleather express. For information on the orientation shuttles visit roberts.edu/Admissions/ Undergraduate/CampusVisits/Orientation. Rochester Institute of Technology: With its own, free shuttle that runs around campus locations, and an off-campus busing system (including late-night shuttles) that takes you to Marketplace Mall and other Henrietta shopping destinations, RIT has your bases covered. All lines are free to RIT ID holders. Maps can be found online at http://facilities. rit.edu/pats/transportation/shuttle.html. St. John Fisher: There are three RTS bus stops on the Fisher campus, and passes are free to all students who live on campus (check the bookstore or the Campus Center Manager’s Desk). For information on the off-campus bus routes visit http://home.sjfc.edu/sga/ shuttle.asp. Fisher also has an on-campus shuttle that runs every 15 minutes 8 a.m.-6 p.m. on weekdays. You can find additional continues on page 16

ORGANIZE INFORMATION IN NEW WAYS. STUDYING FROM NOTES ISN’T ALWAYS THE BEST WAY. TRY MAKING A FLOW CHART OR WRITING A SONG USING MATERIAL YOU NEED TO MEMORIZE.

14 CITY • STUDENT SURVIVAL GUIDE 2010


ROCHESTERCITYNEWSPAPER.COM 15


Two local schools − University of Rochester and SUNY Geneseo − have Zipcar lots so that students can access the shared-car program. PHOTO BY JESSE HANUS

YOU WANT TO GO continued from page 14

information and pick-up locations at sjfc. edu/campus-services/safety/parking.dot. SUNY Brockport: Free with your Brockport ID, the Brockport Public Bus Service will get you around campus, the Brockport village proper, and to Walmart and Wegmans, but you’ll need to rely on the public busline to get any further. RTS line 20 runs from Midtown Plaza downtown to the Tower Fine Arts buiding on campus, but that line doesn’t run after 6 p.m., so plan accordingly. Also, starting in fall 2010, off-campus students will be able to utilize a school-run car rental program for short trips. For more information on the Brockport bus options visit http://bsgonline.org/ documents/OTS_Brockport_Schedule.pdf. SUNY Geneseo: Geneseo’s free-to-student bus service can get you to RIT, UR, Eastview, the airport, Little Theatre, and just about any place in between. Geneseo also has a late “knight” (the college’s pun, not mine) shuttle on Friday and Saturdays during the academic year that will help you out until 3 a.m., cycling through campus and into the village. A special shuttle also runs at the start and end of each semester (and around breaks) that goes between campus and the airport, Amtrak station, and bus terminal. For more information check geneseo.edu/ transportation/schedules. University of Rochester: Free buses and shuttles to card-carrying UR students. The live online bus tracker on the shuttle website lets 16 CITY • STUDENT SURVIVAL GUIDE 2010

you track buses in real time. Several different lines run frequently between the Eastman School of Music and various city attractions, including Marketplace Mall, the Public Market, and Wegmans. For more information, the bus tracker, and schedules check rochester. edu/parking/options/shuttle.html.

THE RIDES YOU MAKE YOUR FRIENDS PAY FOR:

Before you brave the city alone, take some friends. Why? Because there is safety — and cheaper prices — in numbers. Zipcars, a carsharing program, is a great option for day trips, grocery runs, or for joy rides through the scenic wine country of the Finger Lakes. UR has three Zipcar locations, one each at the River Campus and Eastman Campus, and one at the Medical Center (visit zipcar.com/rochester/), and Geneseo provides one (see zipcar.com/ geneseo/). For a $35 annual fee (which you can split between multiple people on one account) you can reserve vehicles starting at $7 per hour. That nets you the car, gas, and insurance coverage, and 180 free miles each rental period.

THE RIDES THAT YOU ACTUALLY HAVE TO PAY FOR (BUT NOT MUCH):

So you have no friends, don’t know how to drive, and you still want to go out and party? continues on page 18


ROCHESTERCITYNEWSPAPER.COM 17


YOU WANT TO GO continued from page 16

We won’t judge your priorities, but Rochester also has another, public transportation option: the Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority, which runs the Regional Transit Service (RTS for short) buses that you will see frequently around Rochester and your campuses. The RTS bus system, however, is anything but perfect. Most of the routes go through downtown Rochester, even if you don’t want to go there, or it is very, very out of your way. And depending on where you’re going, it could take a while. For instance, if you wanted to get from UR to Nazareth, it could take anywhere from one to three hours, depending on the time of day. You’ll often also have to transfer buses, sometimes walking from one stop to another mid-route. The flip side: rides are dirt cheap, with the adult fare starting at just $1. There are

Make sure to take advantage of the free shuttles provided by your college, like the UR shuttle (pictured) photo by willie clark

no college student-specific discounts, but discounted day passes are also available. Times of buses all depend on which line you are taking, so make sure to plan accordingly. You can find out all about RTS and its various schedules, routes and fares, by visiting rgrta.org. Depending on which college you’re attending, an RGRTA-run bus shuttle may be your only choice. Or it may be a choice sponsored by your college, such as RIT’s dedicated route, which makes it a more attractive option than the non-student specific routes that can be a pain to navigate. 18 CITY • STUDENT SURVIVAL GUIDE 2010


ROCHESTERCITYNEWSPAPER.COM 19


20 CITY • STUDENT SURVIVAL GUIDE 2010


NOTABLE ROCHESTER NEIGHBORHOODS 1

DOWNTOWN

In addition to being a daytime hub for local businesses, the center city also encapsulates smaller neighborhoods with their own unique character, like Grove Place, St. Paul Quarter, the East End, and the Cascade District. Landmarks: Water Street Music Hall, Montage Music Hall, Blue Cross Area, Eastman Theatre

2

CORN HILL

One of the most historic neighborhoods in the city, Corn Hill (and specifically its housing stock) is stunning year-round. Home to the annual Corn Hill Arts Festival every July, as well as riverside Corn Hill Landing. Landmarks: Corn Hill Landing, Clarissa Street

3

19TH WARD

Defined by its rallying cry, “Urban by Choice,” the 19th Ward is one of the largest communities in Rochester. Diversity is the strong point here, as well as its proximity to many Rochester locations. The neighborhood has seen substantial development in the last several years, including Brooks Landing. Landmarks: Aberdeen Square, Brooks Landing

SUSAN B. ANTHONY NEIGHBORHOOD

7

14621

Residential area named for the zip code that covers it. An ethnically diverse neighborhood that abuts Seneca Park, and the zoo that shares its name. Landmarks: Seneca Park Zoo, Genesee Gorge

8

HIGH FALLS

Rochester has its very own waterfall right inside of city limits, and this area sprouted up around it. High Falls is now transitioning into a business-slash-residential district. Landmarks: Frontier Field, Genesee Brewing Company, High Falls

9

MARKETVIEW HEIGHTS

Home to the century-old (and still going!) Rochester Public Market, where people flock to enjoy fresh, affordable produce from myriad vendors. Landmarks: Public Market, Station 55 lofts

10

NORTH WINTON VILLAGE

A working-class neighborhood. The nearby 80-acre Tryon Park is a hidden treasure: no signs mark the entrance to this sprawling and trail-ridden landmark. Landmarks: Tryon Park

BROWNCROFT

4

11

This small residential neighborhood, home to the Susan B. Anthony House, is a reminder of Rochester’s pioneering history. Landmarks: SBA House and Museum

Browncroft is a charming residential area. It is also quite a historical landmark to boot, as many of the houses within the district are on the National Register of Historic Places. Landmarks: Nearby Ellison Park

5

MAPLEWOOD

Maplewood’s beauty and elegance speak to the great days of Rochester, with parks designed by the famous Frederick Law Olmsted and a wide array of interesting architecture. Landmarks: Maplewood Rose Garden, Lower Falls, Genesee Riverview Trail

6

CHARLOTTE

Charlotte (shar-lot, not shar-lette) is home to beaches, trails, and parks along the edge of Lake Ontario. Great place for warm-weather strolls. Landmarks: Ontario Beach Park, Genesee Lighthouse, Lake Ontario

12 NEIGHBORHOOD OF THE ARTS Home to the Memorial Art Gallery, Village Gate, the Auditorium Theatre, the city’s performingarts high school, and the outdoor art “museum” ArtWalk, this neighborhood is aptly named. Landmarks: Village Gate, Memorial Art Gallery, Main Street Armory, Auditorium Theatre, Blackfriars Theatre, ArtWalk

13

EAST AVENUE

Back in the 19th century East Avenue was the gateway to the city, and the must-have address for Rochester’s upper crust. Some of the mansions that lined the route still stand — many of them converted into multi-apartment housing — and it remains a monument to the city’s past, and a great walking-jogging area.

Landmarks: George Eastman House, Rochester Museum & Science Center, Wegmans

14

PARK AVENUE

College-friendly street lined with cafes, pubs, salons, shops, and restaurants. A popular offcampus housing location for local students. Comes especially alive during its annual summer festival each August. Landmarks: Pretty much every shop and restaurant from Culver to Alexander

15

COBBS HILL

A bastion of natural beauty within the city limits. Cobbs Hill Park offers outdoor basketball courts, hiking trails, tennis courts, and its reservoir affords one of the best views of the city. Landmarks: Cobbs Hill Park, Cobbs Hill Reservoir

16

MONROE AVENUE

The neighborhood is filled with bars, clubs, restaurants, and other fun exciting things to do on a night out on the town. One of the premier entertainment districts in Rochester. Landmarks: Bug Jar, many independent restaurants, shops, bars

17

SOUTH WEDGE

A hip, artsy district that is home to a very involved community. Many restaurants, bars, independent shops, and a few entertainment venues, and even its own bustling farmers market during the warmer months. Landmarks: A whole slew of locally owned bars, restaurants, and shops

18

MOUNT HOPE

This UR-adjacent area is packed with college and medical students. The Mount Hope Cemetery houses many famous Rochester residents, including the graves of Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass. Landmarks: Strong Memorial Hospital, Mount Hope Cemetery

19 HIGHLAND PARK NEIGHBORHOOD Highland Park is the defining characteristic of this primarily residential area. Its outdoor arboretum, featuring hundreds of amazing plant specimens, is a must-visit. Landmarks: Colgate Rochester Divinity School, Highland Hospital, Highland Park ROCHESTERCITYNEWSPAPER.COM 21


22 CITY • STUDENT SURVIVAL GUIDE 2010 ce

nT erra

sma

Cro

uth

tmo

Dar

St.

gers

Rut

St.

per

t.

.

St

Har

ld S

er

Wi lm

. Ave

ord

Oxf

St.

t.

S t. nS

ley

St.

ood ma

S. G

igs

.

Row

Me

ro eA ve

Fie

t.

. St

an S

rill Ave

ood m

on

St.

S. U nion S

der

Ale xan

M

S. G

ay

dw

t. oa

Br

ve. nA

nto

Cli

sS

S.

Me ig

Marshall St. Par kA ve.

Par kA ve.

St. Har

vard St.

ry Rd. Canterbu

M on ro eA ve .

t.


ROCHESTERCITYNEWSPAPER.COM 23


SouthWedgeDiner • www.southwedgediner.com • TASTE OUR DELICIOUS DAILY SPECIALS OPEN Mon.-Sat. 7am-9pm, Sun. 7am-3pm Serving Breakfast ‘till 3pm Everyday

271-3190

10% OFF Your Bill

880 S. Clinton Ave Minutes away from U of R, RIT and MCC

24 CITY • STUDENT SURVIVAL GUIDE 2010

Advertiser: South Wedge Diner Ad size: SW Block/3.4x2.3 Issue Date: Student Guide 10 Sales rep: Lee Ad description: ---

With your St

udent ID

ADVERTISING PROOF: PLEASE REVIEW IMMEDIATELY!

DON'T DELAY! If there are any necessary corrections, please call at once.

244-3329 OR FAX

244-1126

This ad will run as shown unless we are advised

EXCLUSIVE USE NOTICE: This ad is designed for EXCLUSIVE USE in the City Newspaper. Any illustrations, ROCHESTERCITYNEWSPAPER.COM photographs, copy writing, design elements or any other content is the SOLE PROPERTY of City Newspaper and may not be used in any other publication without the

25


SouthWedgeDiner • www.southwedgediner.com • TASTE OUR DELICIOUS DAILY SPECIALS OPEN Mon.-Sat. 7am-9pm, Sun. 7am-3pm Serving Breakfast ‘till 3pm Everyday

271-3190

10% OFF Your Bill

880 S. Clinton Ave Minutes away from U of R, RIT and MCC

24 CITY • STUDENT SURVIVAL GUIDE 2010

Advertiser: South Wedge Diner Ad size: SW Block/3.4x2.3 Issue Date: Student Guide 10 Sales rep: Lee Ad description: ---

With your St

udent ID

ADVERTISING PROOF: PLEASE REVIEW IMMEDIATELY!

DON'T DELAY! If there are any necessary corrections, please call at once.

244-3329 OR FAX

244-1126

This ad will run as shown unless we are advised

EXCLUSIVE USE NOTICE: This ad is designed for EXCLUSIVE USE in the City Newspaper. Any illustrations, ROCHESTERCITYNEWSPAPER.COM photographs, copy writing, design elements or any other content is the SOLE PROPERTY of City Newspaper and may not be used in any other publication without the

25


26 CITY • STUDENT SURVIVAL GUIDE 2010


ROCHESTERCITYNEWSPAPER.COM 27


VENUES WHERE YOU CAN HEAR — AND SEE — LIVE MUSIC IN ROCHESTER [ ENTERTAINMENT ] BY WILLIE CLARK

Music: the life blood that pumps through any college town, or any city for that matter. Rochester is no exception to the rule. Maybe you want your music loud (and the crowd louder), or perhaps you want some java with a side of programs and pamphlets while somebody plays soulful acoustic guitar. Either way, Rochester’s live music venues have you covered. We’ve got massive stages that have been home to myriad national acts, cool clubs sprinkled with local acts you haven’t learned to love just yet, and cozy coffeehouses for the crooner set. This guide is limited to some of the more prominent local venues that regularly host live music; check City Newspaper every Wednesday for a full list of that week’s concerts, or go online to rochestercitynewspaper.com to search the events calendar. In the meantime, sit back, keep your arms and legs inside the newspaper, and dive into the wonderful music venues that you should call home for the next four years (or five or more, if you’re going to be one of those fancy doctor types).

STUDY TIP:

ARENAS AUDITORIUM THEATRE 885 E Main St | 585-222-5000, rbtl.org

A home to Broadway spectacle and touring comedy and music acts, the Auditorium Theatre brings in something for everyone. Past musicals have included “The Phantom of the Opera,” “Disney’s The Lion King,” and “Wicked.” Musicians such as Kenny Rogers, B.B. King, Tom Jones, and Ani DiFranco have hit the stage recently, and big-time comics such as Bill Cosby have also packed the place. The future of the Auditorium is murky, however, as the Rochester Broadway Theatre League — the organization that books the Aud — is currently actively seeking a new venue in which to present its many touring shows.

BLUE CROSS ARENA 1 War Memorial Sq | 585-758-5300, bluecrossarena.com

The bigger they are, the louder the hall. Or something like that. The Blue Cross Arena, the venue with the largest seating capacity in Rochester, is the place to go for the biggest touring acts that come through the Flower City. Bringing in names such as Bruce

The Foo Fighters playing Blue Cross Arena. photo by frank de blase

Springsteen, Rush, Aerosmith, Fleetwood Mac, Carrie Underwood, and even the duplicitous Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus duo (just a tip: don’t wear the t-shirt from that show to class the next day), the Blue Cross only hosts a few shows a semester. But with names like that, who can complain?

GORDON FIELD HOUSE 1 Lomb Memorial Drive, RIT | 585-475-4121, rit.edu/fa/fieldhouse

While you won’t find many women at RIT (while the male-to-female ratio isn’t quite continues on page 30

KEEP UP WITH YOUR STUDIES ON A DAILY BASIS. FOR EXAMPLE, GO OVER YOUR NOTES RIGHT AFTER A LECTURE. IT WILL HELP YOU AVOID CRAMMING.

28 CITY • STUDENT SURVIVAL GUIDE 2010


ROCHESTERCITYNEWSPAPER.COM 29


Monotonix typifies the awesome indie bands that take the Bug Jar stage. PHOTO BY FRANK DE BLASE

EYE TUNES

continued from page 28

99:1, it might seem that way sometimes), you can still find good concerts. Gordon Field House brings in its fair share of touring acts, and students get discounts at most shows, which is always a plus. Recent acts at the Field House include Snoop Dog, Maroon 5, Panic! at the Disco, Kanye West, Sum 41, and even 50 Cent. RIT also brings in big-name comedians as well throughout the year, rounding out the venue’s appeal.

MAIN STREET ARMORY 900 E Main St | 585-232-3221, rochestermainstreetarmory.com

Yes, you are in the right place, and yes, it looks like a giant castle. And you’ll be spending many nights here enjoying the big names that the Armory brings. Reopened as a music venue and sporting arena in 2006, the Armory has again set itself on the Marauder’s Map that is Rochester’s music scene. The venue continues to bring in big names, with the likes of Modest Mouse, Breaking Benjamin, Disturbed, Busta Rhymes, Shinedown, and the locally connected Flogging Molly all having laid siege to the mighty Armory over the past few years.

CLUBS ABILENE BAR AND LOUNGE 153 Liberty Pole Way | 585-232-3230, abilenebarandlounge.com

Relatively new to the club scene in 30 CITY • STUDENT SURVIVAL GUIDE 2010

Rochester, Abilene has made a name for itself with its combination of live music, atmosphere, and drinks that it brings together under one roof. Embracing styles such as country, rockabilly, and reggae, Abilene also hosted the Americana/Roots stage for this year’s Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival, a testament to its growing place in the local music scene. Abilene also keeps prices low, with many shows being completely free. And with open jam sessions every Wednesday, Abilene invites you (yes, even you) to join the musical camaraderie.

BUG JAR 219 Monroe Ave | 585-454-2966, bugjar.com

Nothing buggy about this venue and bar rolled together, as the Bug Jar brings in just about as many shows every year as there are days on the calendar. You can almost always count on a band playing every night, and if you do the math, that’s a lot of shows that you can’t keep making excuses to miss. Shows are usually cheap (and the drinks cheaper), and with names like The Arcade Fire, The White Stripes, Ninja Academy, and Vampire Weekend to its credit, the Bug Jar is a great place to catch smaller acts on the brink of the big time. If you continues on page 32


ROCHESTERCITYNEWSPAPER.COM 31


EYE TUNES

continued from page 32

are just too damned hip for your own good, you’ll fit right in.

CALIFORNIA BREW HAUS 402 W Ridge Road | 585-621-1480, myspace.com/californiabrewhaus

Although it’s not an actual brewery, Calafornia Brew Haus does offer a braggingly high 250 different types of beer. And what better place to go for live music than a brew house? Offering bands almost every weekend, it is open every day of the year, including holidays, giving you no excuse not to check it out at least once. You’ll have to navigate the venue’s MySpace or Facebook to find shows, but with the prevalence of music, taking a shot in the dark to enjoy the food, drink, and music is a guten way to experience Rochester firsthand.

The Phenomenauts at the California Brew Haus. PHOTO BY FRANK DE BLASE

DINOSAUR BAR-B-QUE 99 Court St | 585-325-7090, dinosaurbarbque.com

This regional chain started in Syracuse before bringing its unique twist on barmeets-restaurant-meets-music-venue to Rochester more than a decade ago. Featuring rootsy acts that are as good as the food, Dinosaur has hosted Redline Zydeco, The Buddahood, Les Dudek, and many other blues, jazz, or like-minded acts, and continues on page 34

32 CITY • STUDENT SURVIVAL GUIDE 2010


ROCHESTERCITYNEWSPAPER.COM 33


EYE TUNES

continued from page 32

almost all the shows are free. So grab some ribs (or the Devil’s Duel wings) and be sure to check it out. Just don’t drive your stolen cop car through the doors on your way out.

THE DUB LAND UNDERGROUND 315 Alexander St | 585-232-7550, dublandunderground.wordpress.com

Another two-for-one venue, the Dub Land Underground hosts a full bar on its first level, while the “under” level holds the music hall, and why yes, a second bar. With a name like Dub Land, the venue brings in more than its fair share of DJs, as well as other electric acts that are sure to hit that specific musical need of yours. Names that might ring some bells include Slick Rick, DJ Nu-Mark of Jurassic 5, and The Brown Bag All Stars.

THE GERMAN HOUSE 315 Gregory St | 585-442-6880, thegermanhouse.com

A 100-year-old theater, the German House, much like the Armory, is a reminder of Rochester’s great history. Bands such as Reverend Horton Heat, Enter the Haggis, and Great Big Sea have all played at this historic venue. Fitting roughly 400 people at its larger theater stage, the German House also holds the aptly named The Keg (a.k.a. Downstairs at the German House), a smaller area for more intimate shows, meetings, or performances. Find the upcoming concert schedule at upallnightpresents.com.

MONTAGE MUSIC HALL 50 Chestnut St | 585-232-1520, myspace.com/themontagemusichall

The Montage Music Hall fills in the gaps between places like Water Street and the smaller clubs on the list. Montage tends to gravitate toward the more hardcore and metal ends of the musical spectrum, but also

STUDY TIP: 34 CITY • STUDENT SURVIVAL GUIDE 2010

Buckcherry performing at Water Street Music Hall. PHOTO BY FRANK DE BLASE

hosts shows for the massive local jazz festival as well. Bands like Clutch, Stemm, and Otep have all graced the Montage stage. If you’re looking for shows you’ll have to navigate the venue’s MySpace (that thing you used to use in high school), but the club-like atmosphere of the venue is perfectly suited for the college-aged and older crowds.

WATER STREET MUSIC HALL/ THE CLUB AT WATER STREET 204 N Water St | 585-325-5600, waterstreetmusic.com

A double threat, Water Street houses both a large-stage music hall and an intimate club stage for smaller acts and acoustic sets. Giving you the best of both worlds, Water Street is able to cater to a wide range of acts. Chances are you’ll find at least one show on the venue’s sprawling schedule that will suit your musical tastes. Bands such as Taking Back Sunday, Ben Folds, The Derek Trucks Band, AFI, and hometown favorites Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad are among the many continues on page 36

UTILIZE TUTORING SERVICES. YOUR PROFESSOR HAS LIMITED HOURS BUT TUTORS ARE PROBABLY AVAILABLE FOR YOU AT MOST TIMES. ANOTHER OPTION IS TO ASK A DIFFERENT PROFESSOR WHO TEACHES THE SAME SUBJECT.


ROCHESTERCITYNEWSPAPER.COM 35


EYE TUNES

continued from page 34

groups to have called Water Street their Rochester music home.

COFFEE HOUSES BOULDER COFFEE COMPANY 100 Alexander St, 585-454-7140; 955 Genesee St, 585-287-5210 | bouldercoffeeco.com

College and coffee seem to have been fused together like Sauron and his ring, so much so that many can barely think of one even existing without the other. Now with three locations (a third operates with limited hours at the Rochester Public Market), locally grown chain Boulder Coffee Co. offers you that college coffee-shop. With open mic comedy, jam nights, and plenty of indie, folk, acoustic, and even piano-based acts, Boulder gives you a great chance to pick up some coffee (or something coffeeadjacent) while checking out local or national singers and songwriters. Serving both the Brooks Landing developments and the South Wedge, Boulder has become a part of both neighborhoods’ distinct flavor and atmosphere.

LOVIN’ CUP 300 Park Point Drive | 585-292-9940, lovincup.com

It seems that just about everything you could possibly want is located within the Park Point college town at RIT, and Lovin’ Cup is no exception. Music, food, and the café experience are all combined with a unique attitude and flair. With food selections such as “I’m Hot for Teacher,” “Baby, Now that’s I’ve Fondue,” and “Rage Against the Green,” Lovin’ Cup is a unique and musically obsessed venue that you won’t want to miss. Live music and open-mic nights abound, and make sure to check out the art and the fanciful wine rack and other surroundings. It all adds to the creative atmosphere at Lovin’ Cup.

36 CITY • STUDENT SURVIVAL GUIDE 2010


ROCHESTERCITYNEWSPAPER.COM 37


ROCHESTER LANDMARKS TO TAKE VISITING MOMS AND DADS [ ENTERTAINMENT ] BY JESSE HANUS

There will probably be at least one weekend during your college life when you set aside regular responsibilities, work, parties, and really any chance of spending time you’re your friends, because your parents are coming to visit. The goal for the weekend is to show your loving family around the city without taking them any place where they could potentially embarrass you — or you embarrass them. Instead of leaving you hopelessly searching the internet for “parentfriendly” places in Rochester, we’ve compiled a list of locales where you and your progenitors might actually have fun together. For more specific ideas, check the extensive calendar section of City Newspaper every Wednesday, or head to the searchable events section at rochestercitynewspaper.com.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Whether your parents are art aficionados or film buffs, there are plenty of galleries, museums, and theaters in Rochester that will keep them — and you — entertained for an evening, or an entire weekend.

STUDY TIP:

Take the folks to see fine art at the Memorial Art Gallery, one of Rochester’s main art museums. photo provided

For an artful experience, check out the Memorial Art Gallery (500 University Ave., 276-8900, mag.rochester.edu) for events, workshops, exhibitions, or the museum’s permanent collection of nearly 11,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and artifacts. Another great stop for art is the Rochester Contemporary Art Center (137 East Ave., 461-2222, rochestercontemporary. org), which features more daring work

by both renowned and emerging artists from around the region and country. The unique exhibits and special events are the perfect excuse to head downtown, especially during one of the monthly First Friday (firstfridayrochester.org) gallery nights, which Rochester Contemporary organizes. The George Eastman House (900 East Ave., 271-3361, eastmanhouse.org) is the continues on page 40

ASK YOUR TEACHER FOR EXTRA HOMEWORK PROBLEMS OR DO THE UNASSIGNED PROBLEMS FROM THE TEXTBOOK. TEACHERS OFTEN USE THESE PROBLEMS ON TESTS.

38 CITY • STUDENT SURVIVAL GUIDE 2010


ROCHESTERCITYNEWSPAPER.COM 39


PARENTAL ADVISORY continued from page 38

place to learn about photography and motion pictures. George Eastman was the founder of Eastman Kodak Company, the company that defined film and photo in the 20th century. Visitors have the opportunity to tour his 35,000-square-foot colonial revival mansion and 8.5-acre gardens, as well as rotating and permanent exhibitions that showcase the history and the future of photography. While there, stop by the Dryden Theatre, which screens archival prints from the museum’s extensive film collection, as well as foreign, classic, and independent films you won’t see anywhere else in town. For a schedule of Dryden films visit dryden.eastmanhouse.org. Another place to see movies that your friends may not have heard of (but that you can tell them about, smartypants) is The Little Theatre (240 East Ave., 2580400, thelittle.org), Rochester’s art-house theater. The Little specializes in foreign and independent films, plus also has art exhibits and live music in the attached cafe. Many of Rochester’s numerous annual film festivals are also hosted at the Little. For live theater, Geva Theatre Center (75 Woodbury Blvd., 232-4382,

Rochester is a big improv comedy town; Geva Theatre has its own troupe (pictured). file PHOTo

40 CITY • STUDENT SURVIVAL GUIDE 2010


The Little Theatre is Rochester’s home for independent and foreign films. PHOTo by jesse hanus

gevatheatre.org) is the city’s professional stage. With options ranging from the classics and musicals that your parents remember, to more modern pieces and the theater’s own improv comedy troupe, you’re sure to find something that you can all agree on. If you’d like to check out some Broadway shows without actually driving the six hours to New York City, look no further than the Rochester Broadway Theatre League (Auditorium Theatre, 875 E. Main St, 222-5000, rbtl.org). RBTL presents a half-dozen touring Broadway shows per season, as well as other shows including concerts and comedians. If you’re looking for more local, community-based productions check out TheatreROCS (theatrerocs.homestead. com), an alliance of nearly 20 local theater groups. Whether you want to have a good belly laugh at comedy improv performances or catch a local production of a classic show, you’ll find a group that’s right for you. If you want to hear a night of music performed by a world-class orchestra, you can stay within the city limits, because we’ve got the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra (usually continues on page 42 ROCHESTERCITYNEWSPAPER.COM 41


PARENTAL ADVISORY continued from page 41

performs in the Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre, 26 Gibbs St, 454-2100, rpo. org). Although the orchestra focuses on classical music, its Pops series features a variety of specially themed concerts, ranging from Broadway to jazz.

NATURAL SPACES

For outdoorsy families, Rochester has a wide selection of parks, beaches, and general strolling areas to keep everyone happy and taking in some fresh air. Home of the annual Lilac Festival, Highland Park (accessible from Highland Avenue, 753-7275, monroecounty.gov) is open year-round and was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, who also designed Central Park in NYC. Today, it houses more than 500 species of lilacs along with thousands of other gorgeous and unique plants. It’s also home to the Highland Bowl Amphitheater, which is used to host summertime concerts, shows, and movies, as well as a conservatory, sunken garden, and yes, a castle. For something a little more alternative, learn about local history and famous Rochesterians with a walk through Mt. Hope Cemetery (1133 Mount Hope Ave., 461-3494, fomh. org). Although you can stroll unaided through the hilly graveyard and its stunning statuary during the day, consider taking part in one of the many tours led by the Friends of Mt. Hope. While it may seem creepy at first thought, these tours are actually interesting and entertaining. Tour types include general, twilight, and special themes, like fall foliage and a torchlit nighttime trek right around Halloween. If you want to add water to the mix, take a short drive to Charlotte Beach (4650 Lake Ave, 753-7275, monroecounty.gov) on the shore of Lake Ontario near the Irondequoit border. Get your toes wet and sandy, walk out on the pier and try to catch a glimpse

STUDY TIP: 42 CITY • STUDENT SURVIVAL GUIDE 2010

Rochester is a minor-league sports mecca, with teams like the Red Wings (pictured), Amerks, and even a roller-derby squad. PHOTo provided

of Toronto, or sample frozen custard, a local specialty. If you’re feeling really sentimental, you could even ride the park’s historic carousel or build a sandcastle with the folks. If your parents are looking for a quaint afternoon stroll, Pittsford Village (586-4332, villageofpittsford.org) should do the trick. Take a walk along the canal before stopping by the unique retail stores and restaurants. Eat crepes, buy some wine, or feed the ducks. Just like the good old days, but more sophisticated. For a different take on outdoor activities, head to Mendon Ponds Park (95 Douglas Road, 753-7275, monroecounty. gov) in Honeoye Falls. A boat launch, sensory garden, and fishing are just a few of the attractions. There are also several trails for hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing during the winter months. A place for season-appropriate activities is Bristol Mountain (5662 State Route 64, 374-6000, bristolmountain. com) in Canandaigua. Home of the continues on page 44

GET TO KNOW YOUR TEACHERS. IF THEY LIKE YOU, THEY ARE MORE LIKELY TO GIVE YOU SOLUTIONS AND OVERALL BETTER HELP.


ROCHESTERCITYNEWSPAPER.COM 43


PARENTAL ADVISORY continued from page 42

Roseland Water Park during the summer months, the mountain is also a great place to go when the snow has taken over the city. Embrace the cold by convincing your parents to try out skiing, snowboarding, or tubing.

SPORTS

Although Rochester is a mid-sized city, it is home to a large number of sports teams. No matter what season your parents are visiting, there’s almost certainly some kind of home game to attend. For baseball, the Rochester Red Wings (redwingsbaseball.com) will keep you entertained at Frontier Field in the High Falls district from April through September. The minor-league team is a Triple-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. If the ‘rents are more into soccer, check out the Rochester Rhinos (rhinossoccer. com). The team — or teams, rather, as there are men’s and women’s squads — plays from April through September at Marina Auto Stadium off Oak Street. There is also plenty going on during the cooler months, like our hockey team, the Rochester Amerks (amerks.com). The Amerks are in the North Division of the AHL, and from late September through April you’ll find them at the Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial. Or, check out the Rochester Knighthawks (knighthawks.net) for “lacrosse with an attitude,” the Rochester Raiders (rochesterraiders. com) for our indoor football league, or our 2008 and 2009 Premier Basketball League champions the Rochester RazorSharks (razorsharks.com). If you’re tired of the more typical sports, don’t fret; Rochester is home to the Roc City Roller Derby (rocderby.com). Three all-female teams gear up in padding, helmets, and of course, roller skates, to battle visiting teams. Things can get rough, but the ladies always have a good time at this family-friendly outing.

44 CITY • STUDENT SURVIVAL GUIDE 2010


ROCHESTERCITYNEWSPAPER.COM 45


ADVERTISER INDEX A

Aaron’s Alley....................................... 44 Abundance Cooperative Market.......... 6 Archimage ............................................ 29 Art Stop................................................. 27

B

Bartenders Training Institute......... 17 Bernunzio Uptown Music................... 15 Bethany Christian Services............... 12 Birthright of Rochester Inc............. 44 Bowl-A-Roll Lanes............................... 41

C

CMAC Concerts..................................... 43 Chocolate and Vines............................ 36 City Newspaper E-EDITION.................... 39 City Newspaper DINING GUIDE.............. 35 City Newspaper CIRCULATION............... 47 Continuing Developmental Services........ 23 Craft Antique Co-op............................ 36

D

Dan Smalls Presents.com Concerts. ....... 17

DePaul’s T-Shirt Factory..................... 32 Dermatology Assoc. of Rochester...... 13,37 Dicky’s Restaurant.............................. 37 Dinosaur Bar-B-Que............................... 3 Dog Town Hots..................................... 29 Dragonfly Tavern.................................. 7

E

Eastside Medical Urgent Care.......... 36 Eastview Mall....................................... 33 ELAB....................................................... 16 Exotic Piercing..................................... 40

F

Film 360 | 365 Film Festival & Shorts...........43

G

Genesee Co-Op Federal Credit Union.......... 9

Golden Tans.......................................... 33

46 CITY • STUDENT SURVIVAL GUIDE 2010

Goodwill Stores.................................. 19 Greater Rochester Visitors Association, Inc...................................... 5

H

Hogan’s Hideaway Restaurant........... 16

I

India House Restaurant..................... 23

J

Jackson & Hines Skincare and Boutique.......................................... 7 Jines Restaurant................................. 12

L

R

RentRochester.com.............................. 8 RIT College of Liberal Arts................. 1 ROC Boxing & Fitness........................... 19 Rochester Clinical Research............ 40 Rochester Victory Alliance............... 43

S

Sleep Cheap Henrietta........................ 45 Sol Burrito............................................ 2 Sound Source......................................... 8 South Wedge Merchants.................... 24 Sticky Lips Pit BBQ................................. 9 Subway..................................................... 3 Summit Federal Credit Union............ 48

Landmark Society................................ 32 Lemoncello Euro Style Café & Lounge....... 2 Little Theatre...................................... 23 Lori’s Natural Foods........................... 17 Lovin’cup Café & Bistro........................ 2 Lux Lounge............................................ 24

T

M

U

Mac-Ave Computer Sales & Service.... 32 Mercury Posters................................. 34 Monroe Diner....................................... 15

N

Tandoor of India Restaurant............ 18 Tap & Mallet Pub.................................. 25 Tapas 177 Lounge................................. 33 Tattoo Kamikaze................................... 24 Temple Tattoo....................................... 40 Unleashed Improv................................. 6 The UPS Store on Park Ave................. 19 Upstate Furniture Outlet.................. 31 URMC Center for Community Health...........44

Napa Wood Fired Pizza......................... 24 Naughty & Nice..................................... 44

V

O

W

Old Toad Pub......................................... 30 Ontario Video and News...................... 34 Outlandish Videos & Gifts.................. 18 Oxford Trading Post........................... 16

P

Park Avenue Dance Company.............. 45 Physical Graffiti Tattoo Studio........ 30 Planned Parenthood............................. 9 Project Rachel.................................... 27

Van Bortel Subaru.............................. 29 Water Street Music Hall.................... 27 Wok with You Restaurant.................. 41 Women’s Care Center.......................... 45

X

Xpress Care Medical Urgent Care.... 15


ROCHESTERCITYNEWSPAPER.COM 47


48 CITY • STUDENT SURVIVAL GUIDE 2010


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.