Basics: Be sure to bring along water, since some parks do not sell food or drinks inside.

 

When traveling with children, make a restroom stop before starting a hike. Restrooms can be few and far between in state and national parks.

 

Check the visitor center before heading out on any trails:
a) to see if there are family-friendly activities such as scavenger hunts or badge programs for children, and
b) to confirm current trail conditions. (Chimney Bluffs in particular can be hazardous during or right after severe weather.)

 

Cell phone service can be very spotty in and around some parks, so it’s wise to download maps or directions before setting out. (Though we found the service reliable in the parks we visited on this trip.)

 

Minyan: There is no minyan in Sodus Point (where we stayed). However, both Rochester and Syracuse are good options nearby. Rochester offers more daily minyanim, and staying there also allows you to add Letchworth State Park to your itinerary.

Syracuse offers fewer minyan options, but two of the parks are located right in Syracuse.

 

Kosher Food: Both Syracuse and Rochester have kosher options, including Chabad takeout. Additionally, many grocery stores in the region carry basics with an OU hechsher.

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Rochester has a kosher supermarket—Lipman’s Kosher Market, along with multiple stores carrying kosher products, such as Wegmans, Tops, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe’s.

Additionally, Chabad operates Gavi’s Pizza, open on Thursday nights. Other kosher food establishments include:

• Loaded Latke at R.I.T.

• Kosher Station @ Douglass Dining Center at the University of Rochester

• Malek’s Kosher Bakery

For Shabbos takeout, orders can be placed at Lipman’s Market.

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Kosher food is available at many grocery stores in Syracuse:

• Wegmans on East Genesee St.

• Trader Joes

• Price Chopper

There is Kosher prepared food available at Menorah Park at the Bistro and at the Oaks, under the supervision of the local Vaad. Call 315-446-9111 for more information. (Temporarily Closed)

 

Shabbos: Shabbos can be spent in either Syracuse or Rochester. Rochester has a vibrant Jewish community with multiple minyanim, while Syracuse has one.

For food, we ordered from Greenfeld’s Shabbos on the Go. We placed our order on Wednesday morning and received it fresh on Thursday afternoon. The packaging was excellent, and the food was delicious.

 

Weather: The weather in this area is generally cooler than in NYC. We went at the end of August and needed sweatshirts on some days. Evenings and early mornings are often much cooler than downstate, so pack accordingly.

 

Hotels & Attractions: There are multiple hotels in both Syracuse and Rochester. If you prefer a smaller town (as we did), you may find more options on Airbnb or Vrbo.

The region has many state and county parks, plus plenty of local attractions—especially at the end of summer and into fall. We found that most activities did not require prior booking, and the parks never felt overcrowded.

One tip: on a summer Sunday or holiday weekend, reserve your boat rental at Green Lakes as soon as you arrive. You can then enjoy other activities while waiting for the boat to become available. (Bookings cannot be made in advance.)