On the shores of Lake Ontario, you'll found the town of Rochester, New York state's third largest city whose metro area is home to over a million people. Rochester is a city rich in industry, culture, and history.

One of America's first boom-towns, Rochester's economy grew quickly after initial settlement. Flour mills and manufacturing made up most of the early economy. Numerous recognizable brands began in this lakeside city, including Kodak, French's, Xerox, and Ragu. The town is also a center of education with schools like the Rochester Institute of Technology and University of Rochester.

Upstate New York is known for its unique regional cuisine, and Rochester is no exception. Here you'll find the famous Garbage Plate, a dish of meat sauce, cheese, and sometimes sausage served over a bed of macaroni salad, fried potatoes, and baked beans. You can catch this local favorite at restaurants like the legendary Nick Tahou Hots, established in 1918.

Rochester has much to offer the curious urban explorer. The Strong Museum of Play is an entire museum dedicated to children's toys and games. It features a vast collection of dolls and interactive exhibits for guests of all ages.

The Seneca Park Zoo is dedicated to connecting the community with wildlife and conservation. This zoo includes over over 90 species of animals, including amphibians, birds, fish, reptiles, and mammals. Visitors remark on the family friendly atmosphere and well-cared for creatures.

Finally, the Seabreeze Amusement Park can delight the whole family. This amusement park features roller coasters, kiddie rides, a water park, and live entertainment. Reviewers highlight the variety of rides for small children and the affordable dining options.

The land that became Rochester was originally inhabited by the Seneca people until a 1797 treaty forced them off the land. Shortly after the American Revolution, the area was settled by New Englanders descended from the English Puritans. As the city's economy grew, it took on the nicknames the Young Lion of the West, and Flour City on account of all the flour mills. Rochester was the home of Frederick Douglas' abolitionist newspaper, The North Star. Susan B. Anthony also called the town home, and her house is now a museum.

After the Civil War, Rochester experienced an expansion of new industries, including camera film and vision care. The city became a hub of the clothing business and gained a reputation for men's fashion in particular. This industrial growth led to a wave of African American migration. After a period of heated racial tension, the city has grown into a diverse and thriving community.

With so much to see and do in Rochester, the last thing you want to spend your weekends on is yardwork. Fortunately, you don't have to. LawnStarter makes landscaping easy. Their mobile app and website allows you to simply enter your ZIP code and find an army of certified landscaping professionals. They can take care of your grass or install the yard of your dreams with hardscaping, landscape design, and gardening. Take back your time with LawnStarter.