Experiences. That’s what people really want for the holidays and luckily Rochester NY is full of opportunities to explore, learn, and enjoy life to the fullest. Here are some of our favorite ideas to help you last-minute shop and support local businesses at the same time!
Local Eats
Skip the wall of chain restaurant gift cards at Wegmans this year and support local businesses. The restaurant industry got hit hard by COVID so your gift cards go a long way as they continue to make a comeback. If you’re in need of some recommendations some of our favorites here in the office include Donuts Delite, Marty's Meats, Radio Social, The Original Charbroil House, and BTB Wood Fired Pizza. For more check out this EPIC list of ROC foodie recommendations that Visit Rochester put together.
Empire Pass
Fresh air, green trees, and plenty of social distancing! The Empire Pass is a wallet-size card that can be shared within a household and allows whoever is holding it unlimited day-use vehicle entry to most New York State Parks. Forests, beaches, trails… what more could the nature lover in your life ask for? If you want to truly make it an epic gift, you can also get a Lifetime Empire Pass with no expiration date.
Genesee Country Village Museum
Perfect for the history buff on your shopping list! The GCV&M has 600 acres dedicated to preserving the Genesee Valley region’s history. There are interactive programs, fascinating exhibits, and special events year-round for your loved one to see, smell, taste, touch, explore, and experience Rochester like our first settlers did.
New York Kitchen
This nonprofit organization offers the perfect spot for your favorite foodie to learn about New York’s remarkable agriculture, craft beverage, and culinary arts. They’re also partnered with local farmers, wineries, breweries, distilleries, producers, and entrepreneurs, so you’re really getting a great local bang for your buck with this gift card.
Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra
Are you really a music lover if you’ve never checked out the RPO? Help your family and friends check this local staple off their bucket list with some tickets to see this nationally recognized orchestra play either the classics or something more modern. For example, they might not be into Mozart but who isn’t into Jurassic Park or Harry Potter? The orchestra will be playing the music from both of those films this year!
Rochester Museum and Science Center
The RMSC Museum, the Strasenburgh Planetarium, and the Cumming Nature Center are places that every Rochesterian should check out. It’s a perfect gift for the families on your list and also the big-brained adults you’re shopping for thanks to the RMSC After Dark events featuring cash bars and plenty of fun.
Strong National Museum Of Play
Did you know that we have one of the largest history museums in the United States right in our backyard? Fun for the whole family is waiting to be had at The Strong! Between the interactive exhibits and programs, the Butterfly Garden, National Toy Hall of Fame, and World Video Game Hall of Fame, a gift card to The Strong is sure to please!
Western NY Sports
You could get your favorite Bills Mafia member another box of Josh’s Jaqs or a new folding table… but why not grab them a few tickets to the Buffalo Bills remaining home games this January? You could also go the more local route and grab tickets to see the Amerks, Red Wings, Knighthawks, or the newly reformed RNY FC. If they’re more of a "doing-type" than a "watching-type" consider sending them on a Rock Climbing outing to Red Barn, Central Rock Gym, or RocVentures.
Rochester Brainery
Give the gift of knowledge with a Rochester Brainery gift card! They can learn how to make pasta, kombucha, soap, art, or even how to get a divorce all under the same roof. The Brainery also offers plenty of online options for added safety and comfort.
Boat Tours
If you have someone on your shopping list that isn’t prone to seasickness, lakesickness, or canalsickness, you should really consider giving them a ticket to ride on one of the many tour boats around town. There is Sam Patch in Fairport, Colonial Belle in Pittsford, Harbor Town Belle in Charlotte and over in Irondequoit they could get even closer to the water with a kayak tour with Baycreek Paddling Center
