Roc City Rocks- Day Four

Click here to read Roc City Rocks Day 3

Outside of Roc City (Rochester) in Fairport, New York, Woodcliff Hotel and Spa is impressive inside and out. The hotel perches on a hillside with ample self or valet parking. The walkway is lined with pretty perennials and a practice green at the entrance plus a nine-hole course to the side. The swimming pool extends from inside to outside for all weather fun with a lifeguard doubling as the bartender. Rooms are comfy with views and many other golf courses are but a scenic drive away.

Shadow Lake Golf & Racquet Club is named for the lake that must be carried from the signature ninth tee to green par 3, right by the clubhouse. It was formed from a previously working rock quarry. The shadows on the course are mighty big oaks, evergreens, red maples, walnut and little apple trees. The oldest golf member was playing in a group behind us as he has for 40 years. He shared that an Irish company owned the club for a few years before the Odenbach family bought it back along with their Links at Greystone. He shared that another Irishman, Rory McIlroy is an honorary member. Rory’s wife grew up in Irondequoit, 3 miles away so he pops in now and then. Deer think they are members too, fed well by fallen apples. The executive course is a bonus for walkers. Views along each course are picture perfect.

George Eastman Museum

Pictures of old were attributable in great part to Rochester’s Eastman Kodak Company. It was a major employer in the state making cameras for a hundred years. Selfie and groupie opportunities were once termed “kodak moments.” Though times have changed with the digital age, the company still thrives producing camera related products. The George Eastman Museum features a tour of Eastman’s home, a history of camera equipment, over 400,000 photographs, a Warner Brother series and a lovely garden. Eastman founded many institutions and donated his estate to the University of Rochester.

While on Mackinaw Island recently, we chatted with parents and their high school senior son who were making the national circuit touring colleges and communities. We asked which one he likes the best and he replied, “Rochester, hands down.” The vibrant Roc City surrounded by all types of water with museums, art galleries, wineries, breweries and golf really does, rock for all ages.