- emerald78
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- 5 out of 5
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Lilac Festival: Enjoying the Common Scent
- August 30, 2007
- Rated 4 of 5 by
dimmzy from Rochester, New York
If Washington's Cherry Blossom Festival is too mobbed or Amsterdam's Tulip Festival too far away, then consider visiting Rochester's Lilac Festival.
This annual week-long festival celebrates Rochester's legendary lilac bushes, those hardy blossoms that bloom each May (weather permitting). Each year, thousands visit to see more than 500 different varieties of lilacs planted on 22 acres of Highland Park, the beautiful urban park designed by noted landscaper Frederick Law Olmstead. This year, even Martha Stewart herself visited the park and naturally, it turned out to be the most perfect day of the week.
The festival itself is not overly commercialized; in fact, admission is still free and local community groups still run many of the concession stands. Highlights include weekend arts and craft shows, daily concerts (most are free), and children's carnival rides. You also can purchase your own lilac bushes and trust me, there are varieties here that you won't find anywhere else. In addition to the outdoor attractions, be sure to visit the Lamberton Conservatory on the grounds. In addition to exotic plants, the building has some of the few indoor restrooms and water fountains in the park. But if you can't make it to those restrooms, be sure to look for the unique port-a-johns: where else will you find lilac purple bathrooms!
Given that weather in Rochester in May can be extreme, be sure to check out the official website at www.lilacfestival.com. The site will tell you the "state of the blooms" so you can arrive at the optimal time of the festival. And don't worry about finding it: just follow your nose and inhale!
From journal Rochester: A Gem That Is Finally Sparkling...
Lilac Festival
- January 17, 2006
- Rated 5 of 5 by
globetrekr from Buffalo, New York
The Lilac Festival is the highlight of the (short) summer season in Rochester. The bushes that line the park are absolutely stunning! There are also plenty of other beautiful plants, including magnolia trees, azaleas, hyacinths, and more! It is fun to go during the official festival week, with its vendors, big crowds, and musical performances, but I'm never disappointed when the bushes aren't at peak bloom during the festival. We can just go during the week when they are in bloom and enjoy the plants in quiet. Either way is great, because it is hard to take away from those awesome bushes! It is free to get in, which makes it ideal for anyone on a budget. One tip if you are going with a group of friends: car pool, because parking is limited. I would also try to avoid the weekends if possible.
From journal Weekends in Rochester, NY
Editor Pick
Lilac Festival
- December 2, 2005
- Rated 5 of 5 by
emerald78 from N, New York
I've lived near Rochester all my life. This is my favorite festival all year round. I love the flowers, trails, and food.
The festival runs for two weeks in May. This year the dates are May 12-21, 2006. You can view dates up to May 2010 here: http://www.lilacfestival.com/. Highland park is about 155 acres 20 acres of this are covered with flowering trees. This park was landscaped with lilacs & other spring flowering trees in mind. There are 500 varieties of lilacs to view and sniff. The smell of the park is amazing. There is also a large landscaped pansy bed, flowering plants disbursed around the park.
One section of the park is filled with other sensory treats FOOD! There are about 30 food vendors, covering most ethnic choices with wonderful food to choose from. If you are from out of town you MUST try a Nick Tahoe's Garbage Plate, trust me. There are fun games for kids around the park, and plenty of hand outs for grownups. There is also a wide variety of free entertainment in two sections of the park. In recent years arts and craft vendor also are located in the basin area of the park.
There is parking for a fee near the grounds of the park. There is also street parking, and free parking in different areas. The festival can get very very busy on a sunny weekend. Come during the week to beat the crowds. There is still usually entertainment, and just as much food. Make sure to bring your walking shoes, and a camera.
From journal The Flower City, Rochester NY