Nestled along the southern shore of Lake Ontario in scenic New York State, the pretty city of Rochester blends small-town charm with metropolitan sophistication. Known as the "Flower City" for its vibrant horticultural history and creative green-fingered businesses, the nickname dates back to the 19th century when the city became renowned for its lush gardens, thriving floral industries, and dedication to cultivating a variety of plants. The city's fertile soil, coupled with the expertise of its gardeners, allowed Rochester to develop into a center for the flower and seed trade. One of the most notable contributions to the city's horticultural legacy was the establishment of the city's vast nurseries and greenhouses. In the 1800s, Rochester became a hub for flower and plant cultivation, especially roses, lilies, and other ornamental plants. This surge in floriculture led to the creation of the Rochester Floral Society, which helped elevate the city’s status as a leader in horticulture and floral innovation. In the 20th century, the city created stunning landmark parks like Highland Park, known for its spectacular lilac collection. The park hosts the annual Lilac Festival, celebrating the city's floral history and offering visitors a stunning array of blossoms and greenery each spring. The festival, now a beloved tradition, draws thousands of visitors each year, further cementing Rochester’s reputation as a horticultural gem. The city has a number of showcase community gardens, flower-growing education programs, and a thriving local gardening culture that keeps the flower city blooming with life. As the home of world-renowned institutions like the George Eastman Museum, the oldest photography museum in the world, and the Strong National Museum of Play, where the joy of toys and games is celebrated on an epic scale.

Whether you’re exploring scenic parks, savouring culinary delights at farm-to-table restaurants, or marvelling at the city’s waterfalls, there’s always something new to discover here. Flying into Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) is a breeze, with direct connections to major cities like New York City, Boston, Chicago, and Toronto, as well as seasonal flights from international destinations like London. The airport serves as the entry point to this thriving Upstate New York city. Situated just 6.5 kilometres (4 miles) southwest of downtown Rochester, it provides easy access to attractions like the Finger Lakes, Lake Ontario, and other notable destinations in Western New York. With nearly 2 million passengers annually, it is served by leading airlines such as American Airlines, Delta, United, JetBlue, and Southwest. Though primarily a domestic hub, travelers can connect to larger international airports like John F. Kennedy International (JFK) in New York City, about 640 kilometres (400 miles) away, or Newark Liberty International (EWR), approximately 595 kilometres away (370 miles). These major airports connect passengers to an array of destinations worldwide, including the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, Canada, France, Mexico, Brazil, India, Italy, China, Spain, Switzerland, the Dominican Republic, Israel, Argentina, and the United Arab Emirates. Greater Rochester International Airport’s car rental counters are conveniently located near baggage claim, with major rental agencies like Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, and Budget offering a variety of vehicles. With easy access to key highways like I-390 and I-490, renting a car is the ideal way to explore Rochester and the scenic beauty of New York State.