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2011 Family Favorites awards
The votes are in! Families all around the Rochester area again shared their favorite places to hang out, shop, and have a good time. We've tallied up the results and here are the winners of the 2011 Genesee Valley Parent Magazine Family Favorites Awards.
The next time you're out with the family, look for establishments that proudly display their Family Favorite Certificate, and you'll know that you've found a fantastic place to be!
FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD…
FAMILY RESTAURANT
Friendly’s, in various locations throughout Rochester. Winner 2 years in a row!
Again! This family restaurant has everything for breakfast, lunch, dinner and, of course, dessert! Check out their kid ‘friendly’ menu.
Special Mention: Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, 2 locations: Henrietta and Webster
PIZZA PLACE
Salvatore’s Old Fashioned Pizzeria, in various locations throughout Rochester. Winner 3 years in a row!
With of 30 Choice pizza toppings, wings, Fish & shrimp, Italian Dinner, BBQ Ribs, Subs & Wraps, and much more Salvatore’s has something for the whole family. Their Famous Full-Menu Delivery will bring it all right to your door. SALVATORE’S!
Special Mention: Pontillo’s Pizzeria, various locations throughout Rochester.
ICE CREAM SHOP
Abbott’s Frozen Custard, various locations throughout Rochester. Winner 5 years in a row!
Established in 1902 as one single location in Rochester NY, but is now in over 40 locations throughout the nation! Come and get a cone to go, have a pint to take home, or even get a Frozen Custard cake or Pie. Always fresh and delicious!
Special Mention: Bruster’s Real Ice Cream, located in Henrietta, Irondequoit & Webster
GROCERY STORE
Wegmans, various locations throughout Rochester. Winner 5 years in a row!
Find everything you need in one place from food, drinks, & dinner-to-go to picnic wear, books, magazines & gifts to medicine, hair & body care: Wegmans has it! Look for classes and events throughout the year and go online for recipe ideas.
OUT THE DOOR…
PLAYGROUND
Henrietta Town Park (Veteran's Memorial Park)
This playground is off of Calkins Rd in Henrietta, right down the road from the Henrietta Library. It has a large assortment of activities. Swing or slid or enjoy the ride. It’s great to be outdoors!
Special Mention: Pineway Ponds Park, Spencerport
PICNIC AREA
Mendon Ponds Park, Honeoye Falls, bordered by Clover Street on the west and Pittsford-Mendon Center Road on the east. Lots of sun or shade! You can fish or row a boat . With picnic areas, hiking trails, a sensory garden and chickadees that you can hand-feed. Special Mention: Charlotte Beach on Lake Ontario
PLACE TO VISIT THE DUCKS
Schoen Place and along the canal in Pittsford and Fairport. Winner 5 years in a row!
Along the Eric Canal it is the perfect place to find some friendly ducks! Get your little ducks in a row and head on down where you can also enjoy restaurants and rent canoes, kayaks, and bicycles.
Special Mention: Charlotte Beach on Lake Ontario.
PLACE TO HIKE WITH KIDS
Mendon Ponds Park, 95 Douglas Road in Honeoye Falls. Winner 2 years in a row!
The largest Monroe County Park has 2,500 acres of woodlands, ponds, wetlands and glacially created landforms. There are color coded hiking trails and details that can be printed out online to keep you on the right track.
http://www.monroecounty.gov/parks-mendonponds.php
TIME TO PARTY! PLACE TO HOLD A PARTY
Chuck E Cheese’s, 1000 Hylan Dr and 3130 Ridge Rd West.
Where a Kid Can Be A Kid! Throw a magical party without lifting a finger. Great place to let kids of any age run, jump, climb and enjoy rides and attractions. Get your tokens, start playing, and win tickets for great prizes. Special Mention: Bounce It Out, 3300 Monroe Ave
CHILDREN’S ENTERTAINER
Chris Wilkinson, The Magic Guy. Winner 5 years in a row!
The Magic Guy has been amusing & confusing citizens for the past 16 years. He does magic for any occasion: birthdays, weddings, school fun days, library events, corporate events, or even a back yard barbecue. Special Mention: Gary, The Happy Pirate.
PLACE TO BUY A BIRTHDAY CAKE
Wegmans, various locations throughout Rochester. Winner 5 years in a row!
When planning your birthday, you can count on Wegmans for a custom cake made just for you. Choose the size, flavor, and decoration. Need a cake at the last minute? Come in and pick up one already made and just ask for a quick customization. They’ll write your message on the cake right before your eyes.
SHOPPING…
TOY STORE
Toys “R” Us, various locations throughout the Rochester area. Winner 5 years in a row!
I don’t wanna grow up, I’m a Toys “R” Us kid! Find the toy you need for kids of all ages. They have all your favorite classics like Barbie and Lego’s, along with all the new video games. Toys for those rainy days, and toys to have fun in the sun.
CONSIGNMENT/SECOND-HAND SHOP
Once Upon a Child, 3333 W Henrietta Road, Rochester.
Buys and sells gently used clothes, toys, & equipment.
Special Mention: Goodwill, various locations throughout Rochester.
PLACE TO BUY ARTS & CRAFT SUPPLIES
Michael’s, various locations throughout Rochester. Winner 5 years in a row!
The perfect place to find all the items for your crafty needs. Want to make something but don’t know what to do? Head over to the kits section where there are plenty of box sets of things to do for all ages and genders. Great gift ideas and classes can be found throughout the year. You’ll never know what you’ll find!
PLACE TO GET A CHILD’S HAIRCUT
Supercuts, various locations throughout Rochester. Winner 3 years in a row!
Hairstyles and haircuts for every member of the family. With many locations, you’re sure to find one right near you.
Special Mention: Haircuts for Peanuts, 6720 Pittsford-Palmyra Road in the Perinton Square Mall.
ROCK-A-BUY BABY…
PLACE TO BUY MATERNITY CLOTHES
Motherhood Maternity, Eastview Mall in Victor. Winner 3 years in a row!
Helping you continue to have amazing style during those amazing 9 months. Everything you need: dresses, tops, bottoms and sleep, swim & active wear. Look for great gift ideas for moms and babies.
PLACE TO BUY BABY CLOTHES
Babies “R” Us, 2335 Market Place Drive in Henrietta. Winner 2 years in a row!
The perfect place to register for you and your baby. Find clothing for boys and girls, and neutral pieces if you’re waiting to be surprised. There are great themed gift sets, bibs and diapers. All you could ever need to dress your baby.
Special Mention: Target, various locations throughout Rochester.
Special Mention: Many readers shared that they find great bargains scouring local garage sales, Mom’s Clubs sales, and church sales.
PLACE TO BABY FURNITURE
Simon’s Baby Furniture, 3400 Monroe Avenue and 461 Ridge Road West. Winner 5 years in a row!
Check out the 15,000 sq. foot showroom in Pittsford and the Clearance Center in Greece for the largest selection of baby and big kids furniture. Whether you want cute combination beds and club houses or a more traditional bed or crib, this will give you that special touch for your child’s room.
Special Mention: Lots of readers shared that they find great bargains at local garage sales and online at sites like Craigslist.com
GET OUTTA’ TOWN…
NY STATE VACATION SPOT
Thousand Islands. Winner 2 years in a row!
Plenty to do for everyone! Adventure sports, boating, golfing, hunting and fishing will entertain you for your entire trip. Also enjoy attractions, lovely restaurants, and a beautiful view. http://www.visit1000islands.com/visitorinfo/
Special Mention: The Adirondacks; http://visitadirondacks.com/
DAY TRIP LOCALE
Letchworth State Park, 1 Letchworth State Park Castile. Winner 2 years in a row!
Renowned as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” the Genesee River roars through the gorge over three major waterfalls between cliffs as high as 600 feet. There are 66 miles of hiking trails and are also trails for horseback riding, biking, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing, making it a perfect trip all year around. http://nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/79/details.aspx
Special Mention: Corning Museum of Glass, 1 Museum Way, Corning.
Special Mention: The Buffalo Zoo.
IT’S THAT TIME OF THE YEAR…
SLEDDING SPOT
Mendon Ponds Park, 95 Douglas Road in Honeoye Falls.
There are two designated sledding hills. Many trails are groomed throughout the winter, which accommodate the more than 20 miles of marked cross country skiing and snowshoeing trails.
SPOT FOR OUTDOOR SUMMER FUN
Seabreeze Amusement Park, 4600 Culver Road. Winner 5 years in a row!
Jam packed with roller coasters, family rides, kid rides, and a water park, it’s easy to have some summer fun. There are plenty of fun games and arcades as well as gift shops to find the perfect souvenir from an amazing day.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY FESTIVAL
Lilac Festival, Highland Park. Winner 5 years in a row!
This 10-day festival is inspired by a magnificent lilac collection at Highland Park that plays host to over 500 varieties of lilacs on more than 1,200 bushes. There is free entertainment, a parade and fun daily events for all ages.
PICK-YOUR-OWN FRUIT FARM
Brown’s Berry Patch, 14264 Route 18 in Waterport. Winner 2 years in a row!
Whether you’re picking your own fruit on the farm, tempting your taste buds with a Fresh Fruit Sundae, browsing their Lake Country Marketplace and Gift Shop, enjoying a bite to eat at the Farm Grill, or having fun with the kids in the Barnyard Adventure, Brown’s Berry Patch has something for everyone!
HAUNTED HOUSE OR HAYRIDE
Power’s Farm Market, 161 Marsh Road in Pittsford.
A fun evening for the family. Don’t forget to visit the world’s largest Teepees and the petting zoo!
Special Mention: Gro-more Farms, 2811 East Henrietta Road in Henrietta
PUMPKIN PATCH
Power’s Farm Market, 161 Marsh Road in Pittsford. Winner 2 years in a row!
Although Fall makes it cold outside, picking out pumpkins is always a heartwarming experience. Bring out the family to pick pumpkins from the hundreds right in front of the market. While you’re there, take a break to visit the animals, walk through the Teepees, and see the carved jack-o-lanterns and decorations that will amaze you.
Special Mention: Stoke Farms, 656 South Road in Scottsville.
Special Mention: Gro-more Farms, 2811 East Henrietta Road in Henrietta.
Special Mention: Brown’s Berry Patch, 14264 Route 18 in Waterport.
FUN IN ROCHESTER…
LOCAL MUSEUM
The Strong - National Museum of Play, 1 Manhattan Square Drive in Rochester. Winner 5 years in a row for local Museum
Let’s Go! Let’s Play! We can stay here ALL DAY! There is so much to see and do. Come see the National Toy Hall of Fame, the International Center for the History of Electronic Games, and the world’s largest collection of toys, dolls, games, and other items that celebrate play. Check out the hands-on exhibits and learn while you play.
Special Mention: Rochester Museum & Science Center, 657 East Ave Rochester
PLACE TO SPEND A RAINY DAY
The Strong - National Museum of Play, 1 Manhattan Square Drive in Rochester. Winner 2 years in a row for place to spend a rainy day!
No surprise here. Rain, snow or shine the Strong Musuem has tons of stuff for kids and parents alike.
Special Mention: Monroe County Libraries.
LIVE THEATRE/STAGE FOR KIDS
Rochester Children’s Theatre, Nazareth College Arts Center, 4245 East Avenue in Pittsford. Winner 3 Years in a row!
Their mission is to offer high-quality, cultural experiences that entertain while fostering enrichment, communication, positive values and an awareness of literature to as broad an audience as possible. This makes it the perfect experience for the whole family, as they perform many of your children’s favorite shows.
Special Mention: TYKES Theatre, School of the Arts, 45 Prince Street in Rochester.
PLACE FOR FREE ENTERTAINMENT
Monroe Public Libraries, Various locations throughout Rochester. Winner 2 Years in a row!
Explore a library and you’ll never know where you will go. Check out the many fun programs your local library has to offer: story times, contests, and activities. Check out schedules for special performances: http://www3.libraryweb.org/kids2.aspx
Special Mention: Some readers shared that they also love to spend the afternoon at local beaches and parks throughout the Rochester area.
MOVIE THEATER
CineMark Movies 10, 2609 West Henrietta Rd, Rochester.
Reel Family Time on Mondays, Discount Tuesdays, Student (& Senior) Discounts. They have gift cards and special celebrations for birthdays, holidays, and school events.
Special Mention: Regal Theaters, various locations throughout Rochester.
FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM
Rochester Red Wings Baseball, Frontier Field, 1 Morrie Silver Way Rochester. Winner 5 years in a row!
Come see all the action at the next home game. Meet some of the players and the mascots Spike and Mittsy before the game. There is plenty of food, fun, and fly balls to keep you busy the whole game.
Special Mention: Rochester Rhinos Soccer,Sahlen's Stadium, 460 Oak Street, Rochester.
FAMILY ACTIVIY CENTER
Clubhouse Fun Center, 70 Jay Scutti Blvd., Rochester.
Bring your friends, or the whole family! The Clubhouse Fun Center has 36 holes of spectacular miniature golf, an awesome arcade, delicious food and an amazing go-kart track! For the best family fun in Rochester, come on down to the Clubhouse.
Special Mention: Bowling at various local Bowling Centers
Special Mention: Adventure Landing, 3340 Ridge Road West Rochester.
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