2010 Family Favorite Awards
The votes are in! Families all around the Rochester area 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 2010 Genesee Valley Parent Magazine Family Favorite 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!
GIMME THE GRUB…
FAMILY RESTAURANT
Friendly’s, in various locations throughout Rochester.
Where ice cream makes the meal! This family restaurant has everything for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and of course dessert! Check out the Create your own meal section of the menu, or just stop by and get an ice cream to go.
Special Mention: Applebee’s, various locations throughout Rochester
PIZZA PLACE
Salvatore’s Old Fashioned Pizzeria, in various locations throughout Rochester. Winner 2 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: Mark’s Pizzeria, various locations throughout Rochester
ICE CREAM SHOP
Abbott’s Frozen Custard, various locations throughout Rochester. Winner 4 years in a row!
Established in 1902 is one single location in Rochester NY and is now in over 40 locations throughout the nations! 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: Lickety Splits, 701 Lakes Road Monroe and 6 N Main St # 106 Fairport
GROCERY STORE
Wegmans, various locations throughout Rochester. Winner 4 years in a row!
Find everything you need in one place from food, drinks, dinner & picnic wear to books, magazines, & movies to medicine, hair & body care Wegmans has it. Look for classes and events throughout the year and go online for recipe ideas.
THE GREAT OUTDOORS…
PLAYGROUND
We have a tie! Henrietta Town Park and Greece Town Hall.
Get outside and play with the kids at these two great locations. Go down the slid or get some wings on the swings. Enjoy the outdoors!
PICNIC AREA
We have a tie! Charlotte Beach and HamlinBeach on Lake Ontario.
Both of these great beaches are right on Lake Ontario. With pavilions to keep you in the shade during your picnic and then a beautiful beach line to help you soak up the sun you can have a perfect afternoon.
PLACE TO FEED DUCKS
Schoen Place and along the canal in Pittsford and Fairport Winner 4 years in a row!
Along the Eric Canal it is the perfect place to find some lucky 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: Perinton Park, 99 O’Connor Rd Fairport
PLACE TO HIKE WITH KIDS
MendonPondsPark, 95 Douglas Road in Honeoye Falls.
The largest Monroe County park with 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.
LET’S PARTY!
PLACE TO HOLD A PARTY
We have a tie!
Bounce it out, 3300 Monroe Ave.
Their #1 rule is TO HAVE FUN! They have 10 HUGE inflatables and over 16,000 square feet it will keep the kids jumping, sliding and climbing for hours. With 4 private party rooms including the area’s only sky party suites, and a clean safe environment everyone’s happy.
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: Jump Club, 3450 Winton Place in Rochester
CHILDREN’S ENTERTAINER
Chris Wilkinson, The Magic Guy. Winner 4 years in a row!
The Magic Guy has been amusing & confusing citizens for the past 15 years. He does magic for any occasion, birthdays, wedding, school fun days, library events, corporate events, or even a back yard barbecue.
PLACE TO BUY A BIRTHDAY CAKE
Wegmans, various locations throughout Rochester. Winner 4 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 and they’ll write your message on the cake right before your eyes.
TIME TO SHOP…
TOY STORE
Toys “R” Us, various locations throughout Rochester. Winner 4 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
GoodWill, various locations throughout Rochester. Winner 2 years in a row!
A place where they treat all people with dignity and respect. The sales of your donations help fund job training programs, employment placement services and other community-based programs. When you shop at Goodwill not only do you get great items for less, but you are helping build and employ your community.
PLACE TO BUY ARTS & CRAFT SUPPLIES
Michael’s, various locations throughout Rochester. Winner 4 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 idea’s 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 2 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, 150 North Main Street in Fairport
Special Mention: Hairzoo, various locations throughout Rochester
ROCK-A-BUY BABY…
PLACE TO BUY MATERNITY CLOTHS
Motherhood Maternity, Eastview Mall in Victor. Winner 2 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 CLOTHS
Babies “R” Us, 2335 Market Place Drive in Henrietta.
The perfect place to register for you and your baby. Find clothing for boys, 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: 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 4 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. 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
Plenty to do for everyone. Adventure sports, boating, golfing, hunting and fishing will entertain you for your whole trip. Also enjoy attractions, lovely restaurants, and a beautiful view.
Special Mention: Niagara Falls
DAY TRIP LOCALE
LetchworthState Park, 1 Letchworth State Park Castile.
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.
Special Mention: Corning Museum of Glass, 1 Museum Way, Corning
Special Mention: Stony Brook Park, Dansville off of NY-36
IT’S THAT TIME OF THE YEAR…
SLEDDING SPOT
Cobb’s Hill, Culver Road and Norris Drive in Rochester. Winner 3 years in a row!
What does a beautiful park on a hill great for all types of sporting and outdoor activities look like in the winter? A GIANT SLIDE! Bundle up and head out for an afternoon of sledding.
SPOT FOR OUTDOOR SUMMER FUN
SeabreezeAmusement Park, 4600 Culver Road. Winner 4 years in a row!
Jam packed with Roller coasters, Family rides, kids rides, and a water park its easy to have some summer fun. There is 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 4 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 that 1,200 bushes. There is free entertainment, a parade and fun daily events.
PICK-YOUR-OWN FRUIT FARM
Brown’s Berry Patch, 14264 Route 18 in Waterport.
Whether you’re picking your own fruit on the farm, tempting your taste buds with a Fresh Fruit Sundae, browsing our 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
Haunted Hayrides of Greater Rochester, 3329 Eddy Road in Williamson.
The longest operating Halloween hayride attraction in the Greater Rochester area will allow you to experience a 35 minute hay wagon ride through the woods of the De Fisher Frit Farms with over 40 actors that will thrill and frighten you along the way.
Special Mention: Power’s Farm Market, 161 Marsh Road in Pittsford
Special Mention: Gro-more Farms, 2811 East Henrietta Road in Henrietta
PUMPKIN PATCH
Power’s Farm Market, 161 Marsh Road in Pittsford.
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, see the carved jack-o-lanterns and decorations that will amaze you.
Special Mention: Gro-more Farms, 2811 East Henrietta Road in Henrietta
Special Mention: Stoke Farms, 656 south Road in Scottsville
Special Mention: Brown’s Berry Patch, 14264 Route 18 in Waterport
FUN IN ROCHESTER…
LOCAL MUSEUM & PLACE TO SPEND A RAINY DAY
StrongNationalMuseum of Play, 1 Manhattan Square Drive in Rochester. Winner 4 years in a row for local Museum and 2 years in a row for place to spend a rainy day!
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.
Local Museum Special Mention: Rochester Museum & Science Center, 657 East Ave Rochester
Place to spend a Rainy Day Special Mention: Monroe County Libraries
Place to spend a Rainy Day Special Mention: Jump Club, 3450 Winton Place Rochester
LIVE THEATRE/STAGE FOR KIDS
Rochester Children’s Theatre, Nazareth College Arts Center, 4245 East Avenue in Pittsford Winner 2 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.
Explore a library and you’ll never know where you will go. Check out he many fun programs you’re local library has to offer, story times, contest, and activities. Check out your libraries schedule for special performances and lots of fun.
Special Mention: Some readers shared that they also love to spend the afternoon at local beaches and parks throughout the Rochester area.
MOVIE THEATER
Regal Theaters, various locations throughout Rochester Winner 2 years in a row!
Regal Theaters offer many titles in one theater. They have multiple show times which makes it easy to plan a visit. They have gift cards and special celebrations for birthdays, holidays, and school events. Frequent visitors can get a super saver tickets where they get rewards and great deals. Find your nearest Regal Theater online.
Special Mention: Some readers commented that they enjoy going to the Little Theatre at 240 East Ave in Rochester for their “Little Buddies” program.
Special Mention: Many readers shared they loved Movies 10 at 2609 West Henrietta Rd in Rochester because of their $2.50 movie deals every night.
FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM
Rochester Red Wings Baseball, Frontier Field 1 Morrie Silver Way Rochester. Winner 4 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, Marina Auto Stadium 460 Oak Street Rochester
FAMILY ACTIVIY CENTER
Adventure Landing, 3340 Ridge Road West Rochester.
It’s easy to find an adventure here for every member of the family. Play inside at the arcade, The WOW! Factory that has over 9,000 foam balls with cannons & geysers to keep you moving, or the Teddy Bear Factory. When the weather is nice head out to the bounce houses, check out the batting cages, or the 18-hole miniature golf courses.
Special Mention: Jump Club, 3450 Winton Place in Rochester
Special Mention: Strong National Museum of Play, 1 Manhattan Square Drive in Rochester
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