Yonkers to Rochester train

Yonkers is the third-largest city in New York, although it’s technically considered a suburb of New York City. Located just north of the Bronx on the Hudson River, Yonkers has its own unique appeal and its own central plaza, Getty Square, with plenty of shopping without the crowds. The Hudson River Museum is a unique mix of art, history, and science. Permanent displays include American art galleries, tours of the historic Glenview home, and the only public planetarium in the county.

For more science (and more Hudson River), visit the Science Barge, a floating urban farm and environmental education center. The Barge grows a delicious variety of crops through hydroponics and green energy, and offers tours, field trips, and samples. After an eco-friendly appetizer, stick to the river for Xaviars on the Hudson or the Dolphin Restaurant for delicious seafood. Zuppa, Francey Brady’s, and La Pinata Bakery are only a few blocks off the riverfront, and the fresh food is definitely worth the walk.

Yonkers has multiple Metro North Railroad stations for easy public transportation, and JFK International Airport in NYC is easily accessible. Amtrak offers multiple alternatives to flying, with the Amtrak Empire Service, Amtrak Maple Leaf, and Amtrak Ethan Allen Express. These lines cover routes from Yonkers to Boston, Utica, Philadelphia, Niagara Falls, and more.

Perched on the shore on Lake Ontario, Rochester is an idyllic city with a small-town vibe, making it the perfect destination for those looking for some family-friendly fun. Rochester’s pride is Highland Park, which is one of the oldest arboretums in the U.S. Designed by the famous landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, the park features idyllic paths cutting through treelines and fragrant lilac bushes. If you wish to marvel at the beauty of the Genesee River’s Gorge, go on a hiking trip on the Genesee Riverway Trail. For more cultural activities, George Eastman Museum, the world’s oldest photography museum, would be a great choice.

Rochester’s food scene features many quirky dishes, including the famous local garbage plate, which features your choice of meat along with decadent sides. For the best garbage plates, you might want to check out Nick Tahou Hots.

The city’s busiest bus station is the Trailways Terminal downtown. The station serves several bus carriers, including New York Trailways, Greyhound and OurBus, among others. The principal Amtrak train station is Louis M. Slaughter Station, which is located just across the street from the bus station. Rochester is served by Amtrak’s Empire Service, Lake Shore Limited and Maple Leaf lines. The city’s commercial air services are served by the Greater Rochester International Airport, located 3 miles southwest of downtown.