They Said It: Rochester's own Wegman's Food Markets, recently cited in the "Wall Street Journal" for its innovative in-store restaurant Tastings, was named Number One Family Friendly Supermarket in the United States by "Child" magazine. "Child" also listed Rochester one of "America's 10 Best Cities for Families;" "Essence" magazine ranked it among the "Top 10 Cities for Black Families," noting its strong African-American heritage. Rochester was twice named one of America's Friendliest Cities by "American Demographics" magazine, based on residents' helpfulness to strangers. It has been named an All-America City, and "Men's Health" magazine cited Rochester as one of the "Healthiest Cities for Men," because of its air quality, short commutes and abundant leisure time activities.

Bloomin' Facts: In 1789 Ebenezer "Indian" Allen built the area's first gristmill and the "Flour City" was born. With the advent of the Erie Canal to transport milled grain and lumber, Rochester became America's first "Boom Town." Rochester's moniker changed to the "Flower City" when horticulturists George Ellwanger and Patrick Barry gained international attention for their nursery business. Their legacy can be seen each May when over 500 varieties of lilacs bloom in Highland Park.

Early Innovators: From bloomers to the fountain pen and the very first gold tooth, Rochester has had its share of firsts. Marshmallows were first commercially produced in Rochester, and it was here in 1904 that the first prepared mustard was manufactured by the R.T. French Company. The city inspired a young George Eastman to invent the flexible-film camera, making photography available to the masses.

Business Connections: When John Jacob Bausch and Henry Lomb opened a small optical shop in Rochester in 1853, it was the start of the optical and health care company known as Baush & Lomb. George Eastman's efforts to make photography portable in 1888, became the business we know today as the Eastman Kodak Company. A small business that took up residence in a loft above a Rochester shoe factory in 1906, evolved into what today is known as The Xerox Corporation. This legacy of small business success continues with Paychex, Inc., a payroll processing company, and a number of biotech, optics and imaging businesses.

Womens' Rights: If it were not for one of Rochester's best-remembered citizens, women would not have the freedoms taken for granted today. Susan B. Anothony was arrested in 1872 for voting in a presidential election. She spent the rest of her life fighting for the basic rights of women to vote, own property, obtain advanced education and be paid an equal wage. Visitors still tour her Madison Street home, and often travel to nearby Seneca Falls to visit the National Women's Hall of Fame and Women's Rights National Historical Park.

Cultural Riches: Rochester is made culturally rich by the renowned George Eastman House International Museum of Photography and Film; Strong Museum, the Rochester Museum & Science Center and The Memorial Art Gallery. It's beautiful and varied architecture includes the Art Deco splendor of the winged Times Square Building, and the spectacular mansions of East Avenue.

Music Central: With the internationally recognized Eastman School of Music and Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, it's no wonder Rochester has ties to Grammy Award wining musicians like Chuck Mangione, Renee Fleming, Jeff Tyzik and Mitch Miller. Late musical greats include William Warfield best known for his rendition of "Old Man River" in the musical Porgy & Bess, and Cab Calloway of "Minnie the Moocher" fame.