Where Brave Women Summer
Warm breezes and sunny skies make the perfect combination to enjoy a different kind of brave woman, mother nature. Experience entertaining and educational destinations that remind us of what we can accomplish ourselves – all while celebrating the achievements of others.
Day One
Yoga at TRU Yoga – Rochester, NY
Start your day with a yoga session at TRU Yoga. This woman-owned studio offers classes that have no prerequisites for athleticism, flexibility, or spirituality – just arrive! It’s all about you and making the moment yours.
Rochester Museum & Science Center (RMSC) – Rochester, NY
Pick your path at the RMSC, where you’ll find the Science Museum and the Strasenburgh Planetarium. View the Museum’s exhibits dedicated to the courageous fights for women’s suffrage and civil rights. Be inspired to transform the future by The Changemakers – captivating stories of Rochester women who changed the world. The full physical exhibit is closed but a smaller portion is up in the Pat Hale gallery (also available as a virtual exhibit).
Lunch and Shopping on Park Avenue – Rochester, NY
Take in the summer sun as you walk along Park Avenue. Grab a bite to eat from any of the delicious cafes and restaurants and then flex your shopping muscles at the numerous local and women-owned boutiques and shops in this iconic Rochester community.
Visit Highland Park – Rochester, NY
Stop and smell the lilacs at this beautiful 150-acre park, well-known as the home of the annual Lilac Festival which takes place in May. Along with the incredible number of lilacs, you’ll see 35 varieties of magnolias, azaleas, rhododendrons and more! There are also several historic treasures here including the Frederick Douglass Monument, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Workers’ Memorial, and the Victims’ Rights Memorial.
Outdoor Dining – Greater Rochester, NY
Pick your dinner location at one of Rochester’s wonderful outdoor dining establishments. Not only will you find women-owned businesses, but also a variety of restaurants offering delicious dishes to enjoy while dining in or outside.
Ellwanger Estate B&B – Rochester, NY
Spend the evening in a beautifully restored estate in Rochester. Owner Rosemary Janofsky, a United States Air Force veteran, envisioned the beauty that this historic home could have once again and spent years bringing it back to life. Now the Ellwanger Estate Bed & Breakfast has 4 spacious guest rooms, each with their own theme. On summer nights, guests can soak in the beautiful weather on the wrap-around veranda surrounded by acres of gardens and greenhouses.
Day Two
Breakfast at 1872 Cafe – Rochester, NY
Start your morning with breakfast at this family-owned establishment that celebrates the people and history of the community. Along with coffees, breakfast pizzas and pastries, 1872 Cafe features dishes honoring local legacies, including the Suzy B Steak Breakfast Sandwich or Freddie D Veggie Breakfast Sandwich. While you’re here, you’ll want to check out the restaurant’s namesake – the actual ballot box where Susan B. Anthony placed her famous vote back in 1872.
The National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House – Rochester, NY
Continue your exploration with a visit to The National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House, home of one of the world’s greatest revolutionaries. The building itself is steeped in history, as it was the site of Susan B. Anthony’s famous arrest for voting in 1872 and would become the headquarters of the National American Women Suffrage Association when she was its president. Tour the property and delve further into Susan B. Anthony’s story and life’s work for reforms including suffrage, temperance, and abolition.
Visit “Let’s Have Tea” Statue – Rochester, NY
A quick drive around the corner will bring you to the statue of Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass engaging in conversation over tea. As you look at the statue, think about their important discussions and how they helped bring awareness to women’s rights and human equality.
Her Voice Carries Mural – Rochester, NY
Visit the mural at 548 West Main Street that’s dedicated to Trelawney McCoy – a strong mother committed to the belief that every child deserves love, and who has dedicated her life to this mission, both within her own home and her work. The mural is part of Her Voice Carries, a public art project featuring women who are lifting up the voices of others.
Mount Hope Cemetery – Rochester, NY
Explore Mount Hope Cemetery, home to historic headstones and the final resting place of iconic American heroes, such as Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass. Many visitors come to Mount Hope each year to visit the graves of notable individuals interred here, attend events, participate in guided tours conducted by the Friends of Mount Hope Cemetery, take photographs of the grounds, bird watch, or simply enjoy the natural landscape and relax.
Schoen Place – Pittsford, NY
Stop for lunch and take in the beautiful fall foliage along the Erie Canal. Schoen Place is a canal landing and shopping area located on a portion of the historic Erie Canal. It is home to several restaurants, a variety of retail stores, and other local businesses. You will love the seasonal menu at the woman-owned restaurant Simply Crêpes, or pick from several other options nearby. Grab a pint of beer or a glass of wine at Lock 32 Brewing Company.
Sam Patch – Pittsford, NY
After lunch, get on the water aboard The Sam Patch. This replica canal packet boat will give you a signature canal experience – navigating the Erie Canal, one of America’s most famous historic routes. Learn thrilling facts and anecdotes that illustrate the importance of this Eighth Wonder of the World. Travel through a century-old canal lock and take in the captivating beauty of the canal and the breathtaking colors of the season.
