WE LOVE NY! See Frederick Douglass’ Home City And Learn What To Do In Rochester – WATCH!

By Delaina Dixon | June 28, 2023 | Travel

The DivaGals call New York City our home base, but there are so many other wonderful cities, towns and villages in our beloved state. So we’re out to discover more about New York!

Join us all summer as we traverse the Empire State to bring you the scoop on the best places to see, dine, sleep and experience. We start in Rochester, New York!

New York’s third most-populous city, Rochester, is in Monroe County, in the western part of the state. It is situated on the southern shore of Lake Ontario. Rochester has a rich, diverse history that celebrates abolitionist Frederick Douglass, who called the city his home.

Rochester has a diverse and vibrant arts and culture scene. The city hosts up to 140 festivals, including its recent Juneteenth Festival at Martin Luther King Park.

Here’s how to spend a few days in Rochester. Watch our exclusive video to learn more about all the wonderful spots below!

Visit Frederick Douglass Monument and Memorial Plaza (Robinson Dr &, South Ave.), sculpted by Sidney W. Edwards and installed in 1899 after being commissioned by African American activist John W. Thompson. 

Also see the Let’s Have Tea Sculpture (31 Madison St.), featuring Douglass and Susan B. Anthony, the Rochester native who spearheaded voting rights equality for women in our nation.

Shop at Women of Color New York Boutique (539 South Ave.), which features products from 10 Black women entrepreneurs.

Watch youth become empowered at Avenue Blackbox Theater with executive directorReenah Golden.

Support small Black businesses, like Roots of Longevity by Stephanie, an organic haircare line, at Rochester Public Market (280 North Union St).

Visit Memorial AME Zion Church (549 Clarissa St.) which Douglass attended and hear church historians Shirley Strothers and Eunice White perform as great African American leaders of the past.

Dig into dessert at Shayla J‘s (539 South Ave.), run by Shayla Johnson with her sisters.

Stay at the Strathallan Rochester Hotel & Spa (550 East Ave.) for a comfortable stay.

Enjoy breakfast at Granny’s Kitchen (581 East Main St.), a Black-owned family establishment.

Get yer play on at The Strong National Museum of Play (1 Manhattan Square Dr.), which houses the world’s largest collection of toys, dolls, and games.