Your family is coming for Meliora Weekend. Sure, you can take them to the speakers and the events, but what are you going to do with them in between Stewart and Rushdie?Well, there are plenty of options. Keep in mind that they’ll probably pay.Here are a few ideas for what you can do with all those extra family members.
Pomodoro’s Grill1290 University Ave.585.271.5000Looking for a nice place to go eat with the family? With entres ranging from $12-25 this is a classy establishment that won’t break the wallet completely. Located at the end of a gravel drive next to railroad tracks, it takes an old building and an industrial location and makes them into a charming and comfortable atmosphere. The food leans towards the Italian end of things, but is relatively diverse in application.
The Little Theatre240 East Ave.585.232.3906One of Rochester’s main independent movie houses, it specializes in foreign and art films. Currently playing host to the Image Out Film Festival ? the local gay and lesbian film fest?? and showing One Hour Photo among others, this is the place to go for the films that the chains don’t show. Sundays offer a student discount to $4.50 and they always have the most inexpensive concessions we’ve ever seen at a theater.
Wegmans3195 Monroe Ave585.586.6680You’ve heard about it, you might’ve thought it was some odd New York clothing store, now is the time to experience it at its best. Go to Mecca-Wegs in Pittsford and be awed by the acreage of grocery store. Open 24 hours at all locations except our own Ghetto-Wegs on Mt. Hope Avenue and another fabled one that no UR student has ever seen, this is a Rochester institution ? when there is no place else to go at 3 a.m. there is always Wegman’s. This one even includes truffles in a locked box and a newly-opened gourmet restaurant.
Improv ShowDrama House (on the Fraternity Quad)Call Chris for info: 585.274.4239In Between the Lines, the UR improv troupe, is presenting their “Meliora Show” on Saturday night at 9 p.m. And don’t worry about having to shield your parents’ ears ? it’s going to be a “clean” show for just that reason.
SPoT Coffee200 East Ave.585.232.7768SPoT Coffee is a popular hang-out for the college and young professional crowd. Both family friendly and welcoming, it serves as an ideal place for a cup of coffee, or a quick snack. Make it a must-visit if you’re looking for the Rochester experience ? even if there are 3 others in Buffalo. The only thing to avoid is the food beyond snacks and desserts. While they’re tasty and always fresh, they’re also very expensive, with the specialty pasta of the day running at around $8.
Jillian’s61 Commercial Street585.454.6530Jillian’s is a restaurant and bar with an arcade upstairs. Your siblings and your dad will be psyched about the arcade and the pool tables. Meanwhile, your mom can relax outside at a table overlooking the river and the fireworks.
Galyan’s305 Miracle Mile Drive (Marketplace Mall)585.697.7400We don’t mean that you should have a family shopping expedition for cleats ? Galyan’s has an awesome rock-climbing wall. The best part is that it’s free, although they do request a $1.00 donation. The wall is open during the week until 9 p.m. On Saturday, it will be open from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. and on Sunday it will be open from 12 a.m.-6 p.m.
Dryden Theatre900 East Ave.585.271.4090Part of the George Eastman House, this theater was originally the carriage house but was converted by George Eastman to a movie house. This theater specializes in older films, and shows them in themed sets. For Mother’s Day they show the favorite'”Mommy Dearest” and have an upcoming series of worse-than-B movies. This weekend’s theme is “The Horror! The Horror!” and present””Mysterious Mose” and”‘The Haunting.”
Kelly’s Fruit FarmHilton, NY585.392.8102If your family includes little kids, they’re probably getting excited for Halloween already. Indulge them by letting them pick their own pumpkins. Apple picking is available as well. The farm is open from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. on the weekends, barring unfortunate weather.
