Rochester Association of Paraprofessionals’ Natalie Vazzana and Sam Keomuongchanh, 2005 SRP of the year, in front of the landmark Strong Museum.
Named one of Money magazine's 10 "best places to travel," Rochester has plenty to offer for those few moments when you're not busy at the RA. It's a fun city for families, couples, hip singles and history buffs alike.
For the local take on the Lilac City, as well as touring ideas, chat up members of the Rochester Teachers Association and the Monroe County Federation of Teachers. Find them at the info table in the Galleria area of the Convention Center.
At the Susan B. Anthony House, see where the pioneer women's rights leader lived and worked. This year marks the 100th anniversary of Susan B. Anthony's death. The Susan B. Anthony house, 17 Madison St., is holding a year-long reflection on her life and work and is planning a room-by-room restoration of the home. Admission is $6 for adults; $5 for seniors; and $3 for children 12 and under.
Though it's currently undergoing a $33 million expansion, the Strong Museum, located five blocks away at 1 Manhattan Square, is a fun place for kids of all ages. Visit the Sesame Street exhibit where you'll find a reproduction of the famous set. Feel like traveling back in time? Check out the "One History Place" and "TimeLab" exhibits. Admission is $7 for adults; $6 for seniors; and $5 for chlldren ages 2 to 17.
Early birds might want to head to the Rochester Public Market, 280 N. Union St. Open Saturday, 5 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Tuesday and Thursday, 6 a.m. to 1 p.m., the market combines fresh seasonal produce from area farmers, crafts, dry goods and more with fresh dairy items and ethnic home-baked foods. More than 260 vendor stalls, wholesale houses, a gourmet's market and a flea market are located at the site.
If the art scene is your thing, check out www.artsrochester.org for a complete listing of events during the RA weekend. For $2 you can take an Irish square dancing workshop at McGinnity's, 534 W. Ridge Road, 7:30 to 9:30 Wednesday evening. Also visit the Memorial Art Gallery of the University of Rochester, 500 University Ave.
The George Eastman House, 900 East Ave., has several featured exhibits including "Seeing Ourselves: American Faces" and "Picturing Eden" on gardening. Admission is $8 for adults; $6 for seniors; $5 for students and $4 for children ages 5-12.