Mercury Print Productions

Blooming treasures abound at the Ellwanger Gardens in Rochester. Discover a historic landscape that was originally the private garden of 19th century horticulturist George Ellwanger. The garden is a symphony of purples, pinks, yellows, reds, and blues surrounded by majestic trees and endless walk ways. Plan ahead for this treasure, it's open during the city's much anticipated Lilac Festival.

The Lilac Festival is one blooming festival. Martha Stewart has been to this 10-day extravaganza held at Highland Park in Rochester, the only one of its kind in North America. Green thumbed festival growers are awe inspired by the magnificent collection of more than 500 varieties of lilacs blooming on over 1,200 bushes.

Knightly gardens bloom at the Rochester Civic Garden Center. Warner Castle is home to Rochester's Sunken Gardens, a landscape of the city's architectural treasures. Each year 15,000 visitors journey to explore a 20th century castle, stroll along its magnificent and breathtaking expansive garden grounds, and take educational classes in horticulture, floral design, and arts and crafts. Nature is the main attraction at this destination.

Dinner and drinks at Tapas177 is a great way to get the night started. Discover a creative dining menu that fuses the familiar with exotic flavors from around the world "tapas style," coupled with excellent wines and the best martinis in town. Your fun on the city's nightlife scene starts here with dinner and drinks at the bar.