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Rochester and Suburbs

In the northeast corner of New York's scenic Finger Lakes region, you'll find the city of Rochester and its suburbs. Rochester is a mid-sized city—the state's third-largest—with big-city culture and small-town charm. It's the primary entry point for the entire Finger Lakes region, as well as parts of the Niagara Frontier to the west. As such, it makes a great place to start your explorations of either region.

Rochester has museums, beaches, professional sports, plenty of summer festivals, world-class performing arts, and three majestic waterfalls. It's a destination well suited for travelers looking for family-friendly urban attractions and amenities. And while suburbanites will proudly identify Rochester as their hometown when speaking with distant visitors, each of the suburban towns and villages has its own character.

With Lake Ontario to the north, the Erie Canal passing through quaint 19th-century villages, and the Genesee River cascading through the city, Rochester and its suburbs have plenty of outdoor activities to complement their many indoor attractions. There's more than enough to do in the immediate area to keep you busy for days, without ever venturing to the vineyards of the Finger Lakes.

Cities

 * — the Monroe County seat is at the middle of it all, with everything you need in a big city
 * — an historic but youthful college town on the Canal
 * —
 * — Rochester's Little Italy
 * — the village every canalside town wants to be
 * — best known for its beaches along Lake Ontario
 * — home to the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)
 * — small-town New York, away from the Canal
 * — picturesque cascades in an historic village
 * — eclectic shopping and dining along the Canal
 * — the most unassuming of the Canal villages
 * — a crossroads between Rochester and the rest of the Finger Lakes region, with both a mega-mall shopping center and a quaint downtown village
 * — Rochester's fastest-growing suburb
 * — Rochester's fastest-growing suburb

Other destinations

 * — camping on the Lake Ontario shoreline

Understand
The region primarily comprises Monroe County, one of the most populous of New York's 62 counties (#9 overall, #2 upstate). The town and village of Victor are in Ontario County but nonetheless constitute Rochester's southeasternmost suburb. Likewise, Caledonia to the southwest is in Livingston County but maintains close ties with the Monroe County hamlet of Mumford. Both are included here.

Rochester is a dominating influence on the entire region, all of which lies within the Rochester Metropolitan Area, or "Greater Rochester". Rochester serves as the primary entry point to the Finger Lakes region, so there is a strong association between the two, even though the nearest of the lakes is to the south. Strong association or no, most Rochesterians (a term that applies just as much to suburbanites as to city-dwellers) will place their city as part of the entire Western New York region, and not specifically as part of the Finger Lakes.

Despite that dominance, however, and the natural affinity locals feel for their central city, the initial development of the suburbs was not a matter of the city's influence overflowing its boundaries. Rochester was formed around the same time as many other settlements in the area, and it took many years for one to rise above the others in prominence. The catalyst for that was the Erie Canal, which was routed (after not a little bit of persuasion by the city fathers) through the tiny village of Rochesterville in 1823. With a major transportation route running right through the middle of town, Rochester's flour mills (powered by the great falls of the Genesee) had ready access to markets both east and west. The village boomed into a city.

New villages popped up along the Canal, with names like Brockport, Spencerport, and Fairport. The other settlements grew too, but Rochester's centrality and natural resources made it the big winner.

Today, Rochester continues to dominate, but even city residents make a point to get out to the suburbs for festivals, boating, restaurants, etc.

By plane
, 1200 Brooks Ave (I-390 to Exit 18B or I-490 to Exit 6; follow signs), is located just southwest of the city proper, southwest of downtown. It's a very nice medium-sized airport, newly remodeled in 2018, with three runways and two concourses. Southwest and Delta see the most passengers, but American, United, and JetBlue also have multiple daily scheduled flights, mostly to their hub airports. Low-cost airlines Spirit, Allegiant, and Avelo also fly from Rochester to vacation destinations in the South.

From the airport, you'll probably use either a taxi ($3/mile; $10 minimum; $2.50/add'l passenger) or a rental car to take you to your destination. Most of the common car rental agencies have a presence here, and this is the only place in the city you can reliably find a taxi to hire. Bus service on RTS is available, but not particularly convenient— Route 23 serves the airport on a half-hourly to hourly basis, and will get you downtown in 25 to 30 minutes. Some hotels in and near the city have free shuttle service to and from the airport, but you won't find many in the outer suburbs.

By car
New York's major cross-state route, the New York State Thruway (Interstate 90), passes through the southern suburbs. The tolls aren't cheap, but it provides the quickest and most popular route into the area from the east and west. From the east, Exit 45 is in Victor; from there, I-490 arcs northwest for about 15 miles (24 km) to the center of Rochester, passing through other suburbs on the way. From the west, Exit 47 is just beyond the county's borders in Le Roy; I-490 travels about 22 miles (35 km) northeast from there into the city.

Exit 46, between them, is for I-390, the primary route into the area from points south. I-390's south end is at I-86, and it also connects with U.S. Route 15 out of Pennsylvania.

From the northeast, if you don't want to head south to the Thruway, most drivers will take State Route 104, a former federal route that constitutes the main rural drag through the northern part of Western New York. 104 also works if you're coming from the northwest—the northern part of the Niagara Frontier—but an alternative is the Lake Ontario State Parkway, which starts northwest of downtown and follows the lake shore to the Rochester harbor.

By train
Rochester's Amtrak station has daily scheduled service on three lines, with connections to the other upstate cities, plus Chicago, Toronto, Boston, and New York City. The station is not in the "best" part of town, so don't try to walk there at night. The station itself, and its parking lot, are well lit and quite safe, though. Be prepared for delays—this is Amtrak after all—and be aware there's really nothing to do to kill time in or around the station.

A few taxis will often be waiting at the station around the scheduled arrival times, or you may want to arrange for a rental agency to pick you up.

By bus

 * Greyhound and Trailways share a bus station just across the street from the train station, at 186 Cumberland St. It is some distance north of the RTS hub, although several routes stop nearby.
 * Megabus offers service to Rochester from Syracuse and New York City. The bus stop is located at gate 8 of Broad Street Station, an outdoor RTS bus hub on Broad Street east of Chestnut Street. Closed top double decker buses. Free Wi-fi, and power outlets. Wheelchair accessible. Fares from $1 when reserved far in advance.

By boat
With the Erie Canal, Genesee River, Lake Ontario, and Irondequoit Bay, waterways are a rare but not unheard-of method of getting to Rochester or its suburbs. Your best bets for mooring are at the mouth of the Genesee (the Rochester harbor) and in Irondequoit Bay, but those only work if you're coming from Lake Ontario. If you're on the Erie Canal coming from points east or west, you can often moor in one of the villages, including Pittsford, Fairport, and Brockport. You could also take the canal to the river, then north almost to downtown, mooring at Brooks Landing or Corn Hill Landing.

Get around
If you're straying anywhere outside of downtown Rochester, you'll almost certainly want a car. The municipal bus system traverses the entire county, but is not very efficient at traveling between suburbs.

Rush hours in the area are approximately 7AM–8:30AM and 4:30PM–6PM on weekdays.

By car
Six major rental agencies have desks at the Greater Rochester International Airport: Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, and National. Most also have locations scattered throughout the county, and they will usually come pick you up if you're coming in from, say, the Amtrak station. Contact your preferred agency for details and locations.

Those who balk at needing a car to get anywhere in the Rochester area can at least take heart that it is a very drivable city. A common local maxim is that the travel time between any two points in or around the city is twenty minutes. The expressway system was designed in the 1950s, when Rochester's population was booming; this growth slowed to a stop soon afterward, leaving a network of high-capacity roads that rarely see congestion. You'll encounter some mild rush-hour slowdowns, especially on Interstates 390, 490, and 590, but visitors from more populous areas will scoff at what Rochesterians call "traffic".

Construction and severe winter weather can disrupt Rochester's normally placid roads, however. In winter, pay close attention to traffic advisories, and if they say "no unnecessary travel"—they mean it. Most of the time, though, drive slowly and carefully and you'll be fine. It takes locals a snowfall or two to remember this every November, so be extra-cautious early in the season.

Expressways
The highway system is designed as two loops, the unofficial "Outer Loop" and the official "Inner Loop", with feeders coming in from the west, east, and south. (North is Lake Ontario—no highways there!) The Inner Loop is an urban expressway that once circumscribed downtown Rochester, but its days are numbered, with the east leg already converted back to surface streets and the northern segment slated for similar treatment. Visitors should probably stick to the surface streets and not worry about the Inner Loop, which is primarily for commuters.

I-490 runs east-west right through the middle of the city and forms the bottom portion of the Inner Loop. I-490 is the feeder expressway that connects the Outer and Inner Loops on both the east and west sides of the city, eventually connecting up with Interstate 90, the New York State Thruway, on both ends.

The Outer Loop runs very close to the official city limits. I-390 comes up from the south (where it connects with the Thruway), then turns sharply west at a junction with I-590, which heads east. The two spurs curve out and up to the north to form the bottom part of the loop, until they each reach I-490 on either side of the city. Their Interstate designations end there, but the highways each continue north as State Routes 390 and 590. 390 passes State Route 104 and continues north as an expressway to the Lake Ontario State Parkway, just west of the Rochester harbor. 590 also passes Route 104, but soon becomes a surface road for the rest of its run to the lake, at Seabreeze near Irondequoit Bay.

New York State Route 104 is a major east-west route and forms the northern part of the Outer Loop, although it's only an expressway on one side, from the river east. It's also the main feeder route from the northeast and northwest. New York State Route 531 is an expressway that feeds into I-490 on the west side of the county, south of 104.

Surface roads
The expressways will get you close to your destination, but navigating the surface streets is necessary as well. The only place it's really tricky to drive is downtown Rochester; outside of that, you shouldn't have any problem navigating the surface streets. The region's state routes are well marked and well maintained.

By bus
The area bus system is the Regional Transit Service (RTS), run by the Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority (RGRTA). While the buses are clean, efficient, comfortable, and cheap, the service has often been criticized as inconvenient.

The bus routes are designed as a hub-spoke system, optimized for travelers headed to and from downtown Rochester. The hub is downtown, so travelers trying to get from one suburb to another often have to ride one bus all the way into the city, then another all the way back out. The system works great for getting to the center of downtown, but the typical rider will be faced with a walk or another bus ride to get the rest of the way to his or her destination.

If the bus routes are convenient for you, though, RTS service is hard to beat, especially when the roads get slushy in winter. Every RTS bus has a bicycle rack on front, which can provide some flexibility if you're willing to bike to a bus stop. Fares are $1 per ride, or $3.00 for an all-day pass. $14 gets you a 5-day pass and $56 allows you to ride freely for a full month. Discounted fares are available for children and seniors (although you'll need a Medicare or RTS low-fare card for the senior discount). The $1 fare is valid for an hour so you can change buses without paying again; however, you won't normally be given a ticket unless you ask for one, so let the driver know you plan to change.

Bus schedules are available online and throughout the county, especially at transit hubs and information centers.

By bicycle
The Genesee Riverway Trail is fully accessible for bicycles, and they're a common sight all over the area in the summer, especially on the Erie Canal towpath. The low traffic in the area is a boon for cyclists, allowing brave ones to take to the highways (but stay off the expressways!) Also, as noted above, all RTS buses have bike racks mounted on the front, which can be a great convenience.

By taxi
You can hire a taxi, but you'll need to call ahead to have one pick you up unless you're at the airport or the Amtrak station. Prices are set by the city at $0.50 per, plus $2.00 per additional passenger. $10.00 minimum to and from the airport. Local limousine companies can provide more luxurious transportation for a somewhat higher fee.

Uber and Lyft provide service throughout the region, though drivers are hard to find between 2AM and dawn, especially in the outer suburbs.

By boat
Most boating in Rochester is exclusively recreational in nature, but you may find it a convenient way to travel between destinations.

The Genesee River is not navigable through most of the city, but away from downtown it's workable. You can travel south (upstream) from Lake Ontario as far as the Lower Falls. On the south side, coming from the canal, the farthest downstream you can go is the I-490 bridge near Corn Hill Landing. Upstream from the canal, as you enter the southern suburbs, the river valley widens out and the river takes a gently meandering course with no significant obstacles until you hit Mount Morris, a stretch of about.

The Erie Canal, on the other hand, is designed for boat navigation. A cruise from Fairport in the east to Brockport in the west (which will take about 3–6 hours) can be very pleasurable, and you'll only have a couple of locks and lift bridges to deal with. Note that the Erie Canal is drained every November and not refilled until the end of April.

Itineraries

 * Erie Canal — New York's famous waterway runs right through the middle of the county, and was primarily responsible for Rochester's dominance of the region

Buy
There are five major suburban retail areas and countless smaller ones scattered throughout the county. The most popular:
 * Greece, along State Route 104 (Ridge Rd) from Mt Read Blvd west to Manitou Rd. The Mall at Greece Ridge is the third-largest mall in the state, formed in 1994 from the physical joining of the Greece Towne and Long Ridge malls, which both date to the late 1960s. There are also four major strip malls along this section of the Ridge: Elmridge Center, Ridgemont Plaza, Stone Ridge Plaza, and the Lowe's Plaza.
 * Webster, along State Route 404 west and southwest of the village. The Ridge Road section, closer to the village, is newer, while the section along Empire Boulevard (which extends into Penfield) is more well established. They're separated by a sparser stretch of residential and light commercial.
 * Pittsford, along State Route 31 (Monroe Ave) from I-590 southeast to French Rd. Pittsford Plaza is the largest development on this strip, with a large Barnes & Noble bookstore and the flagship Wegmans grocery.
 * Henrietta, along State Route 252 (Jefferson Rd) from John St east to Winton Rd. The Marketplace is the smallest of the regional malls, and it's only barely hanging on, but the rest of Jefferson Road is still thriving. Henrietta's shopping district has perhaps the greatest variety of restaurants of the five districts on this list, including the flagship DiBella's sub shop.
 * Victor, along State Route 96 from State Route 250 southeast towards the village. This is the smallest of the five districts in total length, but it's also the fastest growing. Although Eastview Mall, the area's most upscale shopping center, has been around since 1971, it's grown a lot since the turn of the century, and the surrounding area has absolutely exploded in popularity.

Other smaller strips can be found along Ridge Rd in Irondequoit, Monroe Avenue in Brighton, Chili Avenue in Chili, Route 31 at Route 250 in Perinton (Fairport), and Route 31 at Route 19 in Brockport.

There are twenty farmers markets in this region, covering every day of the week except Monday.

title: Rochester and Suburbs


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Rochester Hills

Rochester Hills is a suburban city in Oakland County, Michigan.

Get in
Rochester Hills is in the east central portion of Oakland County.

By car
There are many interstate highways leading in and through the county. Michigan state roads 150 (north-south) and 59 (east-west) run through Rochester Hills. U.S. highway 75 runs by the west side of Rochester Hills.

By plane
If you're coming in from farther away, the regional airports include the following:
 * Charter plane service is provided by Oakland County International Airport
 * Commercial services are provided by Detroit Metropolitan Airport in Wayne County and Bishop International Airport in Genesee County.

By bus
Bus service is also available from Detroit.

Get around
Public transportation is not very good in this area of Michigan. Bringing or renting a car is probably best. There are taxi and ride-share services. For older residents, there is a program run by the OPC (Older Persons' Commission).

Do
Rochester Hills offers a variety of events, parks, libraries, museums, & stores.

Events

 * The Festival of The Hills: 1400 E. Hamlin Road. The Festival of The Hills is an annual festival of fireworks which takes place on June 27th each year at Borden Park. This festival is known to be Rochester Hills' major event of the year attracting thousands of visitors each year. The event usually begins at 6PM starting with family games and live entertainment. This family friendly event is Michigan's 2nd largest fireworks show beginning usually around 10PM each year. A few tips before attending this event: arrive early in order to avoid traffic & bring an umbrella. Rain or shine this tradition will occur each year. For more information please contact the festival hotline at +1 248 841-BOOM.

Eat
Rochester Hills provides several hundred chain restaurants. Some of the city's famous restaurants include:

Telephone
The U.S. country code is 1. The area codes for Rochester Hills are 248 and 947. (These codes cover other parts of southeast Michigan as well, not just this city.)

Post Office
The Rochester Hills post office is at 2632 S Rochester Rd. There is also an annex at 1936 Rochester Industrial Ln for carriers and packages, and the Rochester post office is at 511 Olde Towne Rd. Private mail services are also available.

Go next
Rochester Hills fits around Rochester, Michigan on three sides. Rochester has a lovely downtown. The two cities share many resources.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Rochester Hills


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Rockaway (New Jersey)

Rockaway is a city in New Jersey. It is the common name for the area made up of Rockaway Township and Rockaway Boro. It's in the northern central part of the state and part of Morris County. Rockaway is home to close to 30,000 residents. The area is largely suburban and residential, and has a lot of rural land as well. Rockaway Townsquare Mall, in the Township section, is home to one of New Jersey's largest shopping centers.

Get in
Route 80 cuts directly through the town of Rockaway. You can get off on exit 37, 35A or 35B. Route 46 runs through the town as well. Rockaway is within reach of many major highways. RT-10, RT-287, RT-24, RT-78, I-95 are all within a 20-minute drive. If you are a looking to fly in, the best place would be Newark International Airport (one of the busiest in the U.S.), which is only 25 minutes away. Rockaway lies only 35 minutes from the George Washington Bridge and the Delaware Water Gap, in each direction.

Get around
Other than NJ Transit's bus service to other areas of Morris County, and the rest of New Jersey, public transit isn't very big in Rockaway. Lakeland Bus provides commuter bus service to and from New York City. NJ Transit runs trains from stations in Dover and Denville (both bordering cities). But if you're looking to get around the town, realistically, you're going to need a car. It's a typical suburban New Jersey town, meaning that everything is pretty much exclusively accessible by automobile.

See

 * Green Pond (Johnson Ave. off Green Pond Rd.) -- At the most northwest point of Rockaway Township lies the self-proclaimed 'cleanest lake in New Jersey.' A mostly private, but beautiful community with two beaches, multiple swimming lanes, a playground and a pretty nice Yacht Club. Great for fishing. A prime destination in the summer. Easy to access without a beach pass.
 * Split Rock Reservoir Split Rock Rd. 625 acres of untouched wilderness. Go down the long winding Split Rock Rd. and you'll see many large lakes connected by small islands.
 * Split Rock Reservoir Split Rock Rd. 625 acres of untouched wilderness. Go down the long winding Split Rock Rd. and you'll see many large lakes connected by small islands.

Ford Faesch House- Built in 1768, the house was said to be frequented by George Washington during the Revolutionary War. The house is owned by the town and is now a historical site.

Do

 * Downtown Rockaway Boro (Main Street) -- Has a very small town feel with lots of independent shops and small restaurants. A good place to take a stroll and spend an afternoon.
 * Park Lake (Academy St.) -- A small lake with a large walking path surrounding it. Great place to take a serious run, or just a walk with your dog. Offers a large playground for the kids. Beach is open in the summer with lifeguards. The Park Lake Gazebo at the end of the lake also has a free concert series during July and August that is quite popular with the senior community.
 * White Meadow Lake Festival Day (White Meadow Rd./Hibernia Ave.) -- Every year in late July, the community of White Meadow Lake in Rockaway holds Festival Day, which is one of the better carnival atmospheres in the area. People from all around town gather for games, rides, and an extensive selection of food and drink. A major fireworks display takes place at the conclusion on Sunday night.
 * White Meadow Lake Festival Day (White Meadow Rd./Hibernia Ave.) -- Every year in late July, the community of White Meadow Lake in Rockaway holds Festival Day, which is one of the better carnival atmospheres in the area. People from all around town gather for games, rides, and an extensive selection of food and drink. A major fireworks display takes place at the conclusion on Sunday night.
 * White Meadow Lake Festival Day (White Meadow Rd./Hibernia Ave.) -- Every year in late July, the community of White Meadow Lake in Rockaway holds Festival Day, which is one of the better carnival atmospheres in the area. People from all around town gather for games, rides, and an extensive selection of food and drink. A major fireworks display takes place at the conclusion on Sunday night.

Rockaway River- The river is a great spot for fishing or to just enjoy the scenery.

The Exchange- The Exchange is a restaurant bar located on Main Street that has an old fashioned feel. The bar hosts live bands and different themed nights throughout the week. Also there is outdoor seating for summer nights.

Eat

The Olive Garden- The extremely successful dinner chain has its second busiest restaurant located in Rockaway. Cheap, but good Italian food, you know the deal.

Muldoons- Located inside Macy's at the Rockaway Mall, it is a great steakhouse our just a place to grab a drink or appetizer.

Fatburger- A famous burger chain with fantastic burgers, fries and milkshakes.

Go next
Neighboring town of Dover is a nice small town to spend an afternoon in. Mostly Hispanic, there are many excellent ethnic restaurants. The NJ Transit station in Dover provides for easy access to New York City, but be careful using the station's parking lot, as many spaces are permit only.

title: Rockaway (New Jersey)


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Rockaway Beach

There is more than one place called Rockaway Beach:

United States of America

 * Rockaway Beach (Missouri) - a town in the state of Missouri.
 * Rockaway Beach (Oregon) - a town in the state of Oregon.
 * Rockaway Beach (New York) - a neighborhood in the borough of Queens in New York City.

title: Rockaway Beach


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Rockaway Beach (Missouri)

Rockaway Beach is a quaint historic waterfront town located in Southwest Missouri. Otherwise known as the Missouri Ozarks. Only 10 minutes from Branson, yet out of the traffic. Enjoy the tranquil serenity of the Ozarks. It's fun to go and search for historic artifacts within the town.

Get in

 * From Branson, take US 65 north and then State Road "F" to State Hwy 176 east.
 * From Springfield, take US 65 south and then US 160 east to State Hwy 176 east.

Get around
This small town is great for walking along the shoreline of Lake Taneycomo and Fishing Island. You can also get around by renting a boat from one of the many marinas. Rollerblading up and down Main Street is a lot of fun too!

See

 * Lake Fog, Lake Taneycomo is a cold lake with water coming from the bottom of Table Rock lake, the temperature is around 55 degrees. Over night and early in the morning this causes a fog to develop over the lake creating an eerie scene.

Do
You don't even have to bring a pole or boat. They are available for rent. Some of the places listed in "Sleep" have rentals available. Or you can fish from one of the public docks or along the shore. The state record for brown trout was caught in Bull Shoals Lake, just below Lake Taneycomo's Powersite Dam in 1997 and weighed 26 pounds, 13 ounces. It is known for sure that there are larger trout in Lake Taneycomo. The Missouri Department of Conservation fisheries biologists during a sampling expedition, captured and quickly released a male brown trout that weighed about 37 pounds.
 * Fishing You are located on the beach of Lake Taneycomo with some of the best trout fishing you will find anywhere. Catch Bass and Rainbow Trout from the town's very own Fishing Island. This complimentary island is walking distance over the bridge from the town's Main Street. On the island there is a covered pavilion with picnic tables and cleaning stations for the fish that you catch.
 * Visit during the yearly hydroplane boat show.
 * Plan another visit during the yearly antique car show.
 * Plenty of marinas and fantastic food right in the downtown area.

Eat

 * Beach House Cafe, Main Street, +1 417 561-5410. The best catfish. Very mild and not fishy at all.  Their pies and cobblers are delicious.  This place is located on the shore of lake Taneycomo.  You can enjoy the views of the lake while you dine. It's a nice scenic windy drive into town that you'll really enjoy.
 * La Pizza Cellar, Main Street, +1 417 561-4709 Just around the bend and up the hill from the boat launch ramp and fishing island. "The Cellar" as the locals call it, is exactly what it is... a real underground cellar. Just off the side of the road, and easy to miss there is an old door that opens up to a flight of stairs leading down to the bar/pizza restaurant. It's always dark, and usually full of smoke (especially at night), but the pizza makes it all worthwhile. It's also a good place to get a cold beer.

Drink
Upper Deck Saloon, a filming location for the famous Winter's Bone movie.

Sleep

 * Eden Roc Resort, +1 417 561-4163 Located on Main Street right in downtown Rockaway Beach. Coffee makers along with microwaves & mini refrigerators are in all guest rooms.  Fantastic swimming pool with stone wall background.  Less than 5 minutes away from the Rainbow Haven Resort & Marina.  Also, less than 5 minutes away from the town's Fishing Island!
 * Rainbow Haven Resort & Marina, +1 888 561-4179 Located at 103 Beach Blvd., This resort has 1 and 2 bedroom units with kitchenettes / full kitchens. Full Service marina with tackle store and boat rental.  Swimming Pool.  Pet Friendly
 * Rainbow Haven Resort & Marina, +1 888 561-4179 Located at 103 Beach Blvd., This resort has 1 and 2 bedroom units with kitchenettes / full kitchens. Full Service marina with tackle store and boat rental.  Swimming Pool.  Pet Friendly

Go next

 * Branson is only 10 minutes away.

title: Rockaway Beach (Missouri)


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Rockaway Beach (Oregon)

Rockaway Beach is a city on the Northern Oregon Coast.

Get in
It is along scenic US Hwy 101 that runs North-South on the Oregon coast.

title: Rockaway Beach (Oregon)


text:
Rock climbing

Rock climbing can be a fun way to push oneself to one's physical and mental limits. Climbing also presents an excellent incentive to seek out some of the most beautiful places in the world in search of some fresh rock. By non-climbers it is often considered to be a reckless, dangerous, "thrill-seeking" sport.

This article tries to give some advice for those new to rock climbing, info on climbing destinations and pointers to relevant material. Beginners should not try the sport on their own, but rather take a course and join groups with more experienced climbers.

Understand
Rock climbing is different from mountaineering, as the rock climber chooses individual rocks or slopes, and can rest comfortably between the climbs. Partly the same climbing techniques and equipment are used in mountaineering as well as in caving at sections where climbing is needed.

The British Mountaineering Council (BMC) is Britain's representative body that exists to protect the freedoms and promote the interests of climbers, hill walkers and mountaineers, including ski-mountaineers. The BMC recognises that climbing, hill walking and mountaineering are activities with a danger of personal injury or death. Participants in these activities should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions.

Basics
There are many different forms of climbing that are segmented mostly by the type of equipment used when climbing. The two main categories are aid climbing and free climbing.

 * Aid climbing is a style in which equipment, such as pitons, cams, nuts and/or screws, are placed allowing the climber to pull on them and haul himself upward.
 * Free climbing, the style typically referred to by the general term "rock climbing," is a style in which the climber moves forward and upward solely by gripping, squeezing, smearing, pinching—with whatever natural strength he can muster—the available natural features of the rock. Ropes and other equipment are used solely for protection in the case of an accidental fall, not to aid in the ascent. Free climbing is further categorized by the type of protection used.

Based on safety arrangements, there are other categories:
 * Sport climbing involves the use of pre-set protection, often metal rings (known as bolts) drilled into the rock, while climbing upward. These fixtures are permanent and used when the climber runs his rope through one end of a quickdraw and attaches the other end to the bolt. This method requires less equipment than trad climbing, but requires protection devices already to be set into the route.
 * Trad climbing (short for "traditional") involves the placement of temporary protection such as cams, nuts, and hexes, into the rock's natural features while ascending. This method is appropriate for nearly every type of rock, but requires a significant amount of safety equipment.
 * Top roping involves climbing using a rope that is anchored at the top of the route as protection. This method uses the least equipment, but requires the area to have access to the top of the face (for instance, many cliffs have walkable paths to the top) or for a climber to first ascend using some other method, then to set the anchor and lower the rope.  This method frees the climber of the need to set protection while climbing, making it the safest and easiest method for beginner and intermediate climbers (provided someone experienced is present to set a proper anchor).
 * Free soloing is the act of climbing without any rope or protective equipment. Without a rope, the climber has no need of a partner to "belay" (the act of a partner maintaining the proper tension on the rope to keep the climber safe in the case of a fall).  The name can be misleading, however; any of the above climbing methods can be done without a partner with some additional equipment and techniques (simply called "soloing").  (Free soloing is a very high-risk activity and should not be performed except by very experienced climbers.)
 * Bouldering is centered around climbing shorter and more difficult routes, known as problems, that are not high enough to require a rope. Bouldering does not use any protection either aside from foam pads known as crash pads, which are usually placed at the bottom to protect against rough landings.

Courses
The availability of rock climbing courses depends on your location. Indoor climbing gyms invariably offer courses. If your area includes any natural formations appealing to rock climbers, chances are good there is also a nearby climbing or mountaineering organization that will offer (or know of) opportunities to learn more.

Gear

 * Rock climbing shoes are made to fit extremely tight. They have rubbery soles which help grip the rock walls and are often curved.
 * A harness wraps around the waist and upper thighs of a climber and protects the climber in the event of a fall—assuming he's tied into a properly protected rope. Harnesses usually have several hooks to carry other pieces of gear. Bouldering does not require a harness.
 * A helmet is recommended both for climbers and belayers. It is not uncommon for a person climbing to flip or swing during a fall, potentially hitting his/her head on nearby rock. Nor is it impossible for rocks, cams, carabiners, or other objects to be knocked loose from the wall or dropped while climbing, posing a danger to unprotected climbers and belayers below.
 * Ropes vary in thickness, length, weight, impact force and elongation. A thinner or shorter rope would generally be used when it is necessary to carry less of a load. An example would be multi-pitch climbs where a climber is always bearing the weight of the rope, making it more difficult. The elongation of a rope determines how much it stretches if at all. During a fall, a rope that stretches will absorb much of the impact force caused by the fall. A rope that does not stretch will cause the climber to absorb the fall. This makes the rope weigh less but increases the chances of back injuries
 * Webbing and Cords are used in slings, runners, harnesses, anchor extensions and quickdraws.
 * Slings are used to set up top ropes and to prevent rope abrasion.
 * Carabiners are metal loops with spring-loaded gates (openings), used as connectors to provide protection in many different ways
 * Quickdraws are used to attach ropes to bolted anchors for protection
 * Cams are devices used for protection when placed in cracks. It acts in a way similar to a bolt and quickdraw using a crack.

Costs
The cost of climbing in many cases is free. Some locations charge day rates that are generally associated with the entrance fee and not for the sport of climbing.

The cost of gear vary widely based on quality, brand, purpose and weight:
 * Shoes – $40 to $150 pair
 * Harness – $50 to $150 each (depending on quality, comfort and technical need)
 * Helmets – $40 to $100 each
 * Ropes – $160 to $350 each
 * Webbing and cords – $5 to $40 (or ca 32 cents per foot for custom items)
 * Slings – $5 to $40 each
 * Carabiners – $10 to $30 each
 * Quickdraws – $14 to $25 each
 * Cams – $70 to $120 each

Destinations
Great rock climbing can be found worldwide; not surprisingly, you'll often find great places to climb in some of the most beautiful and scenic places on Earth.

South Africa
Eastern Cape
 * Morgan's Bay – Over 400 routes on sea cliffs approx 60 metres high.
 * Morgan's Bay – Over 400 routes on sea cliffs approx 60 metres high.
 * Morgan's Bay – Over 400 routes on sea cliffs approx 60 metres high.
 * Morgan's Bay – Over 400 routes on sea cliffs approx 60 metres high.

Western Cape
 * Cederberg
 * Montagu
 * Oudtshoorn

Gauteng and Mpumalanga
 * Waterval Boven

Bhutan

 * This Himalayan kingdom offers numerous sites suitable for rock climbing, but a popular site place near the capital, Thimphu is called 'the Nose'.

China

 * Yangshuo, and more generally the Guilin area, in Guangxi Province, China has extensive karst limestone formations and an active climbing scene. Equipment rental and guides are readily available.

There is also climbing in Tibet and regions bordering it such as Northern Yunnan and Western Sichuan. Much of it is mountain climbing, rather than just rock climbing. See Three parallel rivers for one such area; it has several peaks which have never been climbed.

An extreme possibility — definitely only for experts with topnotch equipment and professional guides — would be to climb the North Face of Mount Everest from Qomolangma in Tibet.

India

 * Badami has several sport climbing routes on amazing sandstone.
 * Bangalore has several areas around the city for bouldering, sport climbing and trad. Also has a few artificial climbing walls in the city. A fantastic local community of climbers welcomes resident and visiting climbers all year round to climb with them.
 * Hampi has world-class bouldering and attracts several climbers from all over the world.

Laos

 * Luang Prabang
 * Nong Khiaw is the latest, but not least beautiful place to climb. Stunning mountain walls are waiting for pioneers now coming.
 * Thakhek
 * Vang Vieng

Malaysia

 * Mt Kinabalu on Borneo, the second-highest mountain in South East Asia, offers pristine rock climbing in unspoilt beauty
 * Batu Caves in Koala Lumput, Selangor — Rai Leh's little brother to the south, Batu Cave features over two hundred bolted limestone routes on powerful overhanging rock that features stalactites and caves.

Pakistan
Pakistan has thousands of beautiful and extreme routes & rocks but unfortunately they are unexplored. A few location are given below.
 * Trango Towers - This is considered to be the most difficult and dangerous Rock climb in the world there are thousands of routes just in this huge rock mountain. Location: Baltistan, Pakistan.
 * Naran & Kaghan- Huge rocky Mountains with a lot of new unexplored beauty.
 * Chillas After crossing Rai Qote Bridge (the rocky track to fairy meadows) one can see an ocean of Boulders from small to really huge and even over hanging rocks.
 * Khanpur Near Khanpur Dam one will find the most beautiful rocks from easy of extreme level. The rocks are cool and are opposite to the sun which makes in very pleasant in all seasons.

Thailand

 * Rai Leh and neighbouring Ton Sai - Krabi province — the preeminent location for rock climbing in Asia and possibly the world. Easy access to superb limestone climbing, beautiful scenery and ground level activities are good reasons why this area is so popular. Climbing is possible all year but November - April is the driest and least humid. Koh Tao in the Gulf of Thailand has an up-and-coming climbing scene with huge granite boulders dotting the island.
 * Those looking for cooler temperatures, a different backdrop, or just another destination for superb, steep, limestone climbing are increasingly heading north to Crazy Horse Buttress, located just 35 kilometers east of downtown Chiang Mai. Boasting more than 130 bolted routes between (French system) 5 and 8a, with some up to three pitches high, Crazy Horse is the perfect destination for experienced and novice climbers alike.

Croatia

 * Rovinj - has a huge climbing area nearby and is a great starting point for journeys to other climbing areas in the region.
 * Paklenica - a national park with bolted routes up to 350 m high at Croatian coast.
 * Split -There are over 400 bolted routes in and around Split

France

 * Ceuse, SE France
 * Buoux, SE France
 * Fontainebleau - Fontainebleau is a world famous bouldering spot. Boulder problems are linked by 'circuits' making the problems continuous from boulder to boulder.
 * Verdon Gorge, SE France
 * Chamonix, SE France - A lifetime of multi-pitch sport, limestone and endless alpine Granite for trad work.

Germany

 * Franconian Switzerland is one of Europe's most famous climbing destinations outside the alps
 * Saxon Switzerland along the Elbe river is another famous climbing destination

Greece

 * Kalymnos — the scene of frenetic climbing activity over the past five years. Kalymnos is a popular climbing destination not just because of its island location but because of the walls and walls of featured limestone that feature over one thousand bolted routes.  Everything from slabby technical routes to overhanging tuff and stalactite routes can be found within walking distance of your ocean front accommodation. Climbing is possible year round but the best times to visit are spring (March–May) and fall (September–November)

Italy

 * Arco (Northern Italy) - One of the most popular climbing spots in Europe.
 * Sardinia — offers a splendid variety of climbing: from limestone to granite, sport to trad, beach-side to inland, bouldering to long multipitch; Sardinia has something to offer the beginner to the expert climbing and everyone in between. Check out Cala Gonone, Isili and Dumosnovas among the hundred areas to climb on the island.
 * Liguria:
 * Castelbianco - A new and developing area with hundreds of graded routes in the beautiful maritime Alps
 * Finale Ligure - famous climbing area with over 2000 routes in a small area, most with stunning views of the Mediterranean.

Norway

 * Romsdalen - Famous for the Trollveggen (aid climbing). You can find all types of climbing here.
 * Lofoten - Straght from the water, spectacular view! Granite.
 * Hell - Near Trondheim. Conglomerate, not very tall (10–20 m), but will give anyone a real challenge.
 * Innerdalen - Norway's most beautiful valley. Mostly trad ~10 pitch. May-Oct.

Portugal

 * Poios, Redinha , Buracas - near Coimbra maybe the best place in Portugal and for sure the biggest, all kind of routes and a beautiful place

Serbia

 * Jelasnica - a gorge located near Nis,it is one of the most popular climbing places in Serbia
 * Grdoba - (Valjevo) Really nice rock in forest with beautiful nature. About 80 routes, small holds , overhanging and kind of difficult routes. If you are climbing between 7b and 8b you will enjoy it a lot.

Slovenia

 * Bled - Kupljenik, located only 200m away from Dolinar-Krainer, best climbing rocks, excellent for training, grades 6-8

Spain

 * El Chorro - Southern Spain, near Malaga
 * Siurana - Northern Spain, near Barcelona
 * Montserrat - Situated 35 km north west of Barcelona, Montserrat quite simply offers some of the best multi-pitch sports climbing in Spain
 * Batzola - Northern Spain
 * Costa Blanca - A region on the East coast of Spain with many fine limestone cliffs.
 * Costa Dorada - Northern Spain
 * Los Mallos
 * Albarracin - Situated to the east of Madrid. Great bouldering.
 * Mallorca - famous for deep water soloing.

Sweden

 * Kjugekull - Kjugekull is a beautiful nature reserve offering hundreds of very good boulder problems.
 * Kullen - A wonderful small peninsula with seacliffs all over. Mostly trad climbing. Also good for diving!
 * Göteborg Loads of good climbing only a short drive from the city center.

Switzerland

 * Sanetsch - famous spot between Bern and Valais.
 * Grimsel - 450 m high granite slabs above a green mountain lake.
 * Ponte Brolla - fun sport climbing in a beautiful area near Locarno.
 * Basel Jura - loads of single pitch sports climbs on good quality limestone.

Turkey

 * Ballıkayalar, near Tavşanlı east of Gebze — a beautiful canyon popular with rock climbers from nearby Istanbul

Canada

 * Squamish, BC - Multipitch traditional (gear) climbing on bullet-proof granite cracks, flakes and slab. May through October is a fine time for climbing. July through early October are your best chances for superb dry and warm days.
 * Whistler, BC - Predominantly single pitch sport routes on solid featured rock that is mostly vertical or slightly overhanging. Late May through early October is your best bet for good weather. Access to the local crags is by car and the approaches are usually short and easy (2 – 20 minutes).
 * Skaha - Penticton, BC - Primarily single pitch climbing on gneiss stone featuring small edges and crimps. The routes are divided almost evenly between traditional and sport climbing on everything from overhanging jug-fests to vertical cracks to delicate less-than-vertical routes.  Climbing is possible during a good portion of the year (April - October) though the summer months (July & August) can become uncomfortably hot requiring you to climb in the available shade.
 * Kamloops, BC - Kamloops has enough climbing to keep you busy for a weekend. As the area can become extremely hot in the summer, spring and fall are the best times to visit to check out the vertical climbing on solid featured rock.
 * Canmore, Alberta - Canmore offers a wide range of limestone sport routes and is considered by some to be the best sport climbing area in Canada. Some of Canada's most difficult routes are located here, and most of the climbing is within 10 minutes of downtown. Canmore features lots of single pitch climbing, and a few long multipitch climbs; including Sisyphus Summits on the North face of Ha Ling peak which at 25 pitches is Canada's longest sport route. Climb between May and September.
 * Val David, Quebec - More than 500 routes within the Dufresne Regional Park, near Saint-Basile-le-Grand, have been listed and rated. Great climbing challenges are close at hand for all comers, from beginners to experts.

Southwest

 * California, Los Angeles, Chatsworth (California) - Stony Point
 * Joshua Tree National Park, California
 * Garden of the Gods - Colorado Springs, Colorado
 * Rifle, Colorado
 * Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado - A steep, narrow gorge for only the most experienced climbers.
 * Boulder Canyon and Flatirons Boulder, Colorado
 * Yosemite National Park - Yosemite, California
 * Mount Lemmon - Tucson, Arizona — the massive variation in elevation makes this area climbable all year around. Scorching summer temperatures in the city valley can be escaped by moving out of the cactus and into the forest.
 * Red Rock Canyon - Las Vegas, Nevada - Practically limitless climbs. Great for climbers looking to explore sandstone cliffs. A great variety of sport and trad climbs of all levels including bouldering and multi-pitch (and multi-day) climbs.
 * Red Rock Open Space - Colorado Springs, Colorado
 * Mission Gorge and Mount Woodson San Diego, California
 * Maple Canyon - Central Utah — sport climbing heaven on cobble stone routes. Ideal climbing conditions are late spring through early fall. When the summer heat consumes Utah, the canyon remains cool and the routes steep and pumpy.
 * Logan - Northern Utah
 * Austin, Texas - This city has tons of limestone sport climbing routes in and around, including deepwater soloing at a nearby lake, as well as limestone bouldering and pink granite at Enchanted Rock two hours to the west.
 * Enchanted Rock (E-Rock) - Fredericksberg, Texas - Two giant domes with various rock climbing area around. Great for beginners looking for rock climbing lessons. Rock material is granite.
 * Hueco Tanks - El Paso, Texas - Great bouldering, with hundreds of bouldering problems of all levels.

Northwest

 * City of Rocks National Reserve - Southern Idaho — Gear and sport climbing on massive piles of granite scattered about a scenic valley. Climbing is best in the late spring through early fall.
 * Smith Rock - Bend, Oregon — the birthplace of American sport climbing. Best climbed in the spring and fall.
 * Frenchman Coulee - Central Washington — features row after row of 30 m basalt columns hosting over 400 sport and gear routes. Ideal climbing conditions are in the spring (March - May) and fall (September - November) as summers tend to be hot and windy.
 * Sinks Canyon - Lander, Wyoming - hundreds if not thousands of incredible limestone, sandstone, and granite sport climbs for every ability; all within a ~3-5 mile canyon. Incredible boulder band offering easy to the most challenging boulder moves, especially at the sandstone buttress. Great weather pattern makes climbing available throughout most of the year. There can be snow on one side of the half mile wide canyon and be 20 degrees warmer on the other side. A necessary destination for every climber.

Northeast

 * Shawangunks - New Paltz, New York - the best trad climbing on the East Coast. 1.5 hours north of New York City. Hundreds of long multi pitch routes including many roofs, horizontal crack lines and bouldering areas.
 * Seneca Rocks- Monongahela National Forest - great trad climbing in the Northeast US. Routes range from 5.2 to 5.13.
 * New River Gorge - West Virginia - months of climbs, nice variety of grades, excellent views of the gorge! Lots of new routes are being developed.
 * Acadia - Bar Harbor, Maine
 * Rumney New Hampshire (sport climbing)

Southeast

 * Red River Gorge - Kentucky - many well-traveled North American climbers state that the Red is the best crag on the continent. A nice mix of traditional cracks, and power endurance relentlessly overhanging sport routes on bullet-proof sandstone.  Can be very humid in the summer months.

Mexico

 * Chontacoatlan – Taxco, Guerrero
 * Potrero Chico – Monterrey, Nuevo León
 * Cañón de la Huasteca – Monterrey, Nuevo León
 * El Salto – Monterrey, Nuevo León
 * Jilotepec – Mexico State
 * Aculco – Mexico State

Australia

 * Tasmania is a lovely island with lots of coastal climbs. Because it's so far south, it stays a lot cooler than the mainland.
 * Mt Arapiles in Victoria is one of the best crags in the world for traditional climbing. 3–4 hours drive from Melbourne
 * Grampians National Park in Victoria is very popular
 * Blue Mountains mostly sports climbing in NSW near Sydney
 * Nowra sports climbing in NSW
 * Moonarie in South Australia
 * Frog Buttress in Queensland
 * Kangaroo Point Everyone knows of this climbing area in Brisbane next to the river, right in the middle of the city.

New Zealand

 * Mount Eden Quarry
 * Wharepapa South
 * Mangaokewa
 * Waipapa
 * Blowhard Bush
 * Kawakawa Bay
 * Kinloch crags
 * Whanganui Bay
 * Whakapapa
 * Turakirae Head
 * Payne's Ford
 * Castle Hill
 * Charleston
 * Port Hills
 * Wye Creek
 * Wanaka
 * Mount Somers
 * The Darrans
 * Lover's Leap

Brazil

 * Belo Horizonte area, Minas Gerais - Brazil's capital for limestone sport climbing, with more than 800 routes within from the city.
 * Pedra da Riscada - São José do Divino, Minas Gerais - One of the tallest granite monoliths in the world along with El Capitan and the Trango Tower. Home of the hardest big wall free climb in Brazil, the route "A Place of Happiness".
 * Rio de Janeiro - There are hundreds of multi-pitch routes spread across the city in mountains like Pão de Açúcar, Corcovado, Cantagalo, Morro da Urca.

Chile

 * Cochamó Valley - Chile's premier climbing destination, known as the Yosemite of South America, with a variety of granite big walls and crags. Summits include breath-taking views from peaks. Climbers from all parts of the world are continually establishing new routes amongst its endless potential of walls.
 * Las Chilcas - sport climbing on conglomerate
 * Socaire - (sport climbing, few cracks)

Argentina

 * Piedra parada, Chubut - This spot hosted a Petzl roctrip on 2012 and saw a huge development with more than 200 bolted sport routes of all grades. Since then has become one of the top destinations for the most adventurous climbers.
 * Valle encantado, Rio Negro - Has two main sectors, one crossing the Limay River (need a boat for this) and one on the same side as the road. If you decide not to cross the river there are more than 80 sport routes available year round. If you decide to cross the climbing area happens to be on private property, whose owner allows climbers from March to December. It has more than 170 sport routes on all grades.
 * Frey and Catedral, Rio Negro - Located near the famous touristic city of Bariloche this areas offer more than 200 routes of all grades, both for trad and sport climbing. Best to visit between November and March.
 * Arenales Valley, Mendoza - One of the biggest and most developed climbing areas of the country, this valley has more than 450 routes of both sport and trad climbing, on exceptional quality granite. Close to the Aconcagua mountain (highest mountain of America) for those who also enjoy other type of mountain adventure.

Stay healthy

 * Any kind of climbing using ropes is a common exclusion from travel insurance policies. Read your policy; if you would like to be insured for medical treatment or other costs associated with rock climbing injuries while traveling internationally, you may need to take out a second insurance policy (or rider) from a company specializing in adventure or sporting insurance.

 * When climbing several kilometres above the sea level, altitude sickness, cold weather and UV radiation will likely pose additional challenges.

title: Rock climbing


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Rock Creek Lake

Rock Creek Lake is in the Sierra Nevada region of California.

Understand
Rock Creek Lake is a very pretty lake just below the tree line.

Get in
The road to the lake is said to be the highest paved road in California. From the east side of the Sierra Nevada mountains, it is up a curvy and steep good mountain road. Not difficult unless you don't like curves or your car has cooling problems. From the San Francisco Bay Area, the shortest route is over Tioga Pass which is a similar road. From Southern California, one goes through spectacular deserts.

See
.

Do
The primary attraction in the area is the Little Lakes Valley hike from the. It is one of the best day-hikes anywhere. There are many lakes along the way, with a few particularly noteworthy viewpoints. Heart Lake has creeks running into it from three sides. A great spot is just left of the bridge as you approach the lake. The trail then passes an overlook of, which is a great stopping spot. Long Lake is also very pretty, and a good lunch spot is toward the far end. If you want to go further, is fairly pretty. At out, Gem Lakes are reached via an unmarked right turn off the main trail. The largest of the three is scenic, but a bit less so than some of the earlier lakes.

is also scenic, reached with about 1,000 feet (300 m) of gain. The walk around Rock Creek Lake is pleasant, though at times on the paved road. The Tamarack Lakes trail from the east side of the lake is not at all appealing, and is skippable.

Buy
The small store at the lake offers showers, paid by token.

Camping
There is camping at the lake, as well as cabins. The cabins are somewhat rustic.

Backcountry
This is an ideal rout to get up high quickly (if you don't get altitude sickness easily). You can climb from a trailhead directly over the main crest of the Sierra.

title: Rock Creek Lake


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Rockford

Rockford is a city in the Rock River Valley in Northern Illinois. With a population of over 145,000 (2019), it is the third largest city in the state.

By plane

Chicago O'Hare International Airport is the nearest full-service airport and is directly connected to Rockford by Interstate 90.

Dane County Regional Airport in Madison, Wisconsin, is about an hour and 20 minutes north of Rockford in Interstate 39/90 and is served by six airlines.

By car
Rockford is located at the intersection of US Route 20 and Interstates 90 and 39, just 95 miles east of Dubuque, Iowa, 20 miles south of the Wisconsin border, 60 miles west of Chicago O'Hare International Airport, and 130 miles north of Bloomington.

By bus

 * Coach USA/Van Galder runs a bus service from Rockford to O'Hare International Airport, Midway Airport, and Union Station in Chicago on a regular basis.
 * Greyhound Bus Lines has a stop at the transit center at 725 N Lynford Rd near Route 20 and I-39. There is a bus that leaves Chicago at 6:15AM and it arrives at 8:15AM in Rockford.  A bus leaves Freeport at 5:25PM and arrives at 6PM.  Take the #11 local bus from the Greyhound stop to downtown Rockford.\

By train
Rockford is not served by passenger trains, with the railway lines in the city only served by freight trains. However, Amtrak's throughway bus service provides a connection to Chicago Union Station for rail passengers. A new passenger route from Chicago is expected to open in 2026.

By car
Rockford is relatively easy to navigate by car and has little traffic congestion compared to other larger cities. Taxicab services are also available.

The 4 most important roads in Rockford are State Street, which runs from east to west as part of US Highway 20; Main Street, which runs south from downtown to the airport as part of Illinois State Route 2; Second Street, which runs north from downtown to the Wisconsin border as part of Illinois State Route 251; and Riverside Boulevard, which bends into to Harrison Avenue and Springfield Avenue, and can be an easy way to get around the entirety of the city.

By transit
The Rockford Mass Transit District offers bus service in Rockford, Loves Park and Machesney Park.

See

When traveling in the Rockford Region, you will see the rolling hills of Northern Illinois, the Rock River and many trees and forests (Rockford is known as "the Forest City"). Although Rockford has the population of a larger city, it has a small-town feel.

There are many original restaurants, sites, attractions and events that can only be found in Rockford.

The Riverfront Museum Park houses three museums:

 * the Discovery Center Children's Museum, ranked fourth in the nation by Child magazine
 * Rockford Art Museum, the largest art museum in Illinois outside of Chicago.
 * Rockford Art Museum, the largest art museum in Illinois outside of Chicago.

Other museums in the area include:
 * Midway Village and Museum Center
 * Tinker Swiss Cottage
 * Historic Auto Attractions
 * Erlander Home Museum and Ethnic Heritage Museum.

Arts and culture

 * The BMO Center, Rockford's downtown 10,000-seat arena, is home to music, athletic and exposition events.
 * In the summer months, Starlight Theatre on the campus of Rock Valley College features classical and contemporary musical productions. The theatre has a unique mechanical roof that opens out like a blooming flower on clear nights.
 * In the summer months, Starlight Theatre on the campus of Rock Valley College features classical and contemporary musical productions. The theatre has a unique mechanical roof that opens out like a blooming flower on clear nights.

Rockford also has a symphony orchestra, dance company and several theatre companies.

Outdoor fun

 * Rock Cut State Park is one of the largest state parks in Illinois and features camping, hiking, biking, birding, fishing, horseback riding and kayaking.
 * Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden has over 500 different species of trees, shrubs and vines.
 * Established in 2011, the Nicholas Conservatory is home to many exotic plants and ecosystems. Check their website for monthly free days and other events. You may be lucky enough to get licked by a butterfly on butterfly month.
 * Rockford has a large variety of low-cost public and private golf courses.
 * In the fall and winter, locals and visitors enjoy many apple orchards and Christmas tree farms.
 * During the summer, Hurricane Harbor, offers families a fun way to cool down in the summer heat.

Spectator Sports
The Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League offer an excellent family entertainment option.

Events
During March, the Midway Village & Museum Center hosts the Sock Monkey Madness Festival featuring vendors, crafts, make-your-own-monkeys, activities, and information on sock monkey history.

Relatively new to the area, the Screw City Beer Festival occurs every September. Come and eat food, hangout, hug a stranger, and most importantly try some delicious craft beer.

The Rockford City Market is an outdoor market held every Friday evening from May to September. Food, local craft beer, drinks, live music, locally produced artisanal products, and farm vendors are featured at this weekly event.

Stay safe
In the past Rockford used to be one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. Crime has decreased and Rockford is mostly safe but some parts should be avoided especially at night.

title: Rockford


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Rockhampton

Rockhampton is a city that lies on the tropic of Capricorn near the Queensland coast, south of Mackay and north of Bundaberg. Rockhampton is an industrial and agricultural centre of the north, and is the regional centre of Central Queensland. Rockhampton is also a large tourist destination known for its history and culture supporting such institutions as the Rockhampton Art Gallery, one of the most extensive regional galleries in Australia, the Rockhampton Heritage Village, and Dreamtime Cultural Centre.

Understand
Rockhampton was established in 1855 and is one of Queensland's oldest cities. It was named by Queensland's first Land Commissioner, Mr W. Wiseman, who was supposedly inspired by the rocks in the river flowing through the town.

In the late 1800s, several nearby gold discoveries ensured continued economic growth of the region and of Rockhampton. Subsequently, as mining, grazing, farming and meat processing industries developed in Central Queensland, Rockhampton thrived as a regional service centre.

Rockhampton was incorporated as a city in 1902, and has continued to grow slowly but steadily ever since. It has a population of 79,000 people (2018). The Rockhampton area is surprisingly busy, with considerable traffic on the roads, and a substantial suburban area. It has a feel much more of a developed city than of an outback town.

Rockhampton is almost universally called Rocky. Just about every business has some variation of Rocky in their name or their promotion.

It is also famous as the hometown of Rod Laver – one of the best tennis players in history.

By car
Rockhampton is accessible by sealed road, most notably the Bruce Highway which travels north from Brisbane, through Rockhampton and on to Cairns. It is 7-8 hours driving time along the highway from Brisbane.

Road access from Sydney, Melbourne and other areas further south and inland is shorter via an inland route. Rockhampton is the terminus of the Leichhardt Highway. Driving time from Sydney is around 16 hours (non-stop).

By train
The Tilt Train runs to Rockhampton from Brisbane once daily, six days a week, and takes 7½ hours. The Spirit of the Outback ends its journey up the coast from Brisbane here, and turns inland towards Emerald and Longreach. The Spirit of Queensland continues from Brisbane up the coast to Cairns.

By bus
Greyhound have daily services from both Brisbane and Cairns.

By car
The towns and areas around Rockhampton are all accessible by sealed roads. Most major car rental companies offer car hire in Rockhampton, either at offices in the city or at Rockhampton airport. Roads are typically uncrowded, making driving in the area enjoyable, though drivers are advised to be cautious of the many large trucks on the Bruce Highway. When travelling on back roads watch out for straying livestock.

There is actually a bit of peak hour in Rockhampton, especially on a Friday afternoon travelling over the bridges towards Yeppoon. Expect up to around 10 minutes of delay due to traffic.

By taxi
Taxis are useful for those wishing to travel to places of interest within the city, or to and from the airport. Travel time from the airport to the city centre is only 15 minutes. Rocky Cabs can be reached on the national taxi number,. The taxis also service Yeppoon although a fare there is expensive, and a bus or hire car may be a better option.

By bicycle
Rockhampton's CBD is fairly flat, and most roads are uncrowded, which is good for those wishing to cycle around the city. However, access to areas such as the hospitals requires strenuous uphill riding and so is not recommended for those of poor fitness. Those wanting to venture further a field should be warned that the combination of rural drivers, and large trucks and cars with Roo bars is not particularly bicycle-friendly. Be cautious!

By foot
Rockhampton’s flat topography and compact size mean many attractions can be visited on foot, especially those in and around the city centre.

See
Many of the attractions in Rockhampton are operated by the local council, which has a focus on tourism promotion.

Do

Eat
Rockhampton is regarded as the beef capital of Australia, so be sure to go to a steakhouse when you are here.

Drink
Rockhampton has 4 nightclubs located at the Quay Street end of William Street, and many bars scattered throughout the city. The Criterion Hotel situated at 150 Quay Street has a lively atmosphere and the bar and club is open till 3AM Friday and Saturday. The "Cri" as it's locally known is a great place for food and a few drinks in the afternoon as well. Locally known to have a ghost as well.

Sleep
There are many motels in Rockhampton, mostly on the roads into and out of town. Many offer standby rates. There is also a choice of accommodation in nearby Yeppoon, tending to have a nicer aspect, and still within easy reach of downtown Rockhampton.

Stay safe
Rockhampton is about as far south as the habitat of the salt water crocodile extends. These animals are dangerous to humans. If you are travelling north along the east coast of Australia, Rockhampton is where you have to start being aware of crocodiles. Crocodiles are seen in the Fitzroy River.

Go next
Gladstone and 1770 are both possible day trips.

Trips to the Great Barrier Reef and the Keppel Islands are available from Yeppoon, just 30 minutes drive away.

Rockhampton is a great base if you are travelling Central Queensland to the Gem Fields, Great Barrier Reef and Islands, Gladstone, The Coast, Gracemere, Mount Morgan

title: Rockhampton


text:
Rockingham

There is more than one place called Rockingham:

Australia

 * Rockingham (Australia) - A town in Western Australia.

United States of America

 * Rockingham (North Carolina) - A town in North Carolina
 * Rockingham (Vermont) - A town in Vermont

title: Rockingham


text:
Rockingham (North Carolina)

Rockingham is a city in North Carolina.

See
Nearby Hamlet was once known as the "Hub of the Seaboard", a main interchange for the Seaboard Air Line Railroad that was something of a predecessor to today's Amtrak. There are some attractions related to that in this city:

Do

 * Attend the annual Seaboard Festival in Hamlet, usually in mid-October.
 * Attend the annual Seaboard Festival in Hamlet, usually in mid-October.

title: Rockingham (North Carolina)


text:
Rockingham (Western Australia)

Rockingham is a local government area in the Perth metropolitan area, about 50 km south of central Perth and 20 kilometres north of Mandurah. An unsung hero of the metro area, it is often left off tourist radars, but it is well worth a visit for its stunning beaches and laid back coastal lifestyle. On the surface, it looks like a suburban dystopia, but scratch below the surface, and you will find some beautiful hidden gems.

Understand
The City of Rockingham covers 257 km² and is home to over 133,000 residents (2018). It has grown incredibly rapidly: a mere 12,000 people lived here in 1971, and 70,000 in 2001. But its history begins over 45,000 years ago, when Binjareb Noongar people settled in the area.

European arrivals started in the late 1847, but there was little interest in the area until the timber jetty and railway were established in 1872. The port continued to operate until 1908, when it was closed due to competition from port in better locations with better rail connections.

Rockingham did not undergo its first major expansion until the 1930s, when a Road Board - now the City of Rockingham - was established to oversee the area. The Road Board building is now a museum. The next big boom did not come until after World War II, when it became a popular seaside destination. Growth continued until the 1970s, when the area gained enough residents to be aware official city status.

The next big boom started in the 2000s, when new housing developments began to spring up all over the city, and high rises first appeared at the foreshore. The demand for new homes continues.

Districts
Like many cities in Australia, Rockingham is split into suburbs. Some of these suburbs, in turn, have distinct neighbourhoods within them. Some are worth exploring, while others have very little for visitors to see.

City Centre

The beating, economic heart of Rockingham is a densely populated mecca for shoppers. This is where you will find the main shopping centre, council officers, and the courthouse. It is the most densely populated part of the city, so expect traffic at most times.

Eastern Suburbs

This area features the suburbs of Hillman and Coloongup, which border the Lake Cooloongup Regional Park, featuring a large salt lake surrounded by bushland. Lake Coolongup is a perfect spot for hikers and nature lovers, and the lake can be explored on foot when dry.

Old Rockingham

If anything is going to happen in the city, it's going to happen here. Historic buildings clash with low-rise apartments, while locals come to enjoy the beach and the many festivities that make the area come alive multiple times a year. Foodies will find some great restaurants to try, and families can take advantage of the many facilities for kids and kids at heart. Nature lovers should head to Point Person to explore the massive hill and its hidden secrets.

Shoalwater and Safety Bay

Love the ocean, but hate crowds? Come to this part of the city to enjoy the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, home to the iconic and much loved Penguin Island and a seal colony, right on the edge of laid back, beachside neighbourhoods.

South Central

Warnbro and Waikiki are mostly residential, with good parks and excellent beaches to try out. Kids and kids at heart can find dinosaurs (fake ones, anyway) in Fantasy Park, while Waikiki Beach can kick up waves that are great for body boarders.

Southern Suburbs

Secret Harbour, Golden Bay, and Singleton offer - you guessed it - more beaches! But there are also opportunities for nature lovers, if you know where to look. Head up to the look-out on Mandurah Hill for the best views in the city, with vistas stretching all the way to the Darling Scarp - a perfect place for Instagram fans.

Baldivis

The fastest growing area of the city serves as a gateway to the Darling Scarp and dozens of bush walking opportunities hemmed in by fast growing neighbourhoods and small scale farms. hikers and equestrians will have a great time in the rural parts of Baldivis. Everyone else will enjoy lush public parks.

Karnup and Stake Hill

There are still rural parts of Rockingham to explore, and you might even get to see some endangered species if you look carefully.

Climate
Rockingham's climate is mostly the same as the rest of Perth's, but with a few differences. Summers are long and hot, with the temperature easily reaching 37 °C or more. Expect warm nights during this time of year. Long stretches of humid days often end in thunderstorms. Autumn is pleasant, with a mix of hot and cold days, but mostly clear skies that will give you plenty of opportunities to explore. Winter is cold. Although it does rain much in winter, rain is usually concentrated to several days of heavy downpours followed by cold, clear days. It does not snow in Rockingham, but hail can occur, and not just in winter. Spring is similar to Autumn, but with the transition taking place in reverse. Spring is also flower time, so stock up on anti-histamines if you have hay fever.

Storms in Rockingham can occur at any time of year, but mostly occur during late summer and winter. Due to the city's geography, storms can occur without warning and are more intense than in other parts of the metro area. Damaging winds always occur during these storms. If a storm is forecast, or you can hear thunder, stay indoors.

For the latest weather forecast, check the BOM website

If a property you are staying at is damaged by severe weather, call the State Emergency Service on

By car
Several major highway pass through the city. National Route 1, which circles Australia, passes through the city. The route follows Patterson Road, Ennis Avenue, and Mandurah Road. It is often busy, but provides good connections to Mandurah and Fremantle. Mundijong Road connects the city to the Darling Scarp via Kulija Road. The Kwinana Freeway runs north to south through the rural sections of Rockingham, but provides direct access to the city from Perth, the Peel Region, and the southwest via the Forrest Highway. Local businesses often claim that you can drive from Perth to the city centre in just 45 minutes, but that only applies when traffic on the Freeway is very light. Most of the time, the trip takes an hour, but can take even longer during peak periods, or in the periods before or after major holidays like Easter and Christmas, when a mass exodus of travellers heading south, or coming home, turn even a short trip into a nightmare. Driving into Rockingham has its benefits, but if you are coming and going by the freeway, be prepared.

By train
The Mandurah Line serves the city, running 72 km from Perth to Mandurah. Rockingham station, located on Ennis Avenue, is the closest station to the city centre. A journey from Perth takes about 35 minutes, with trains running every 10-15 weekdays and every 15 minutes on weekends. Service is less frequent after dark. Warnbro station, off Safety Bay Road, is better for travellers heading to Baldivis or southern areas of the city. A trip to Perth is 38 minutes. Warnbro has the same frequency as Rockingham station. A trip to Mandurah is 14 minutes from Rockingham and 11 from Warnbro. Both stations have bus connections to surrounding areas.

By bus
Rockingham used to have direct bus connections to Perth, but those services were withdrawn when the train line opened. Today, there are three direct bus connections to Rockingham, two heading to Fremantle and one heading to Mandurah.

Route 548 operates every two hours on weekdays and Saturdays, running to Fremantle via Cockburn Road and Coogee. There is no Sunday or holiday service. The trip takes about 50 minutes. Route 549 also runs to Fremantle, but takes a longer, winding route through the suburbs of Kwinana, Phoenix Park, and Hamilton Hill, and takes about two hours. It does have a higher service frequency than the 548 though, which departures ever 20-30 minutes most days. Be aware that some late afternoon trips end in Kwinana, not Rockingham, so check the timetable carefully.

For passengers heading to Mandurah, route 558 is the only choice. It takes about 90 minutes, and the route is not direct.

Get around
Before arriving, you need to decide how to get around. Rockingham might not be dense or highly populated by global standards, but it is huge in terms of size. For comparison, the city's total land mass is two and half times bigger than San Francisco, California, with thousands of kilometres of roads to navigate. A good GPS or mapping service is highly recommended regardless of how you get around.

Deciding what transport mode to use is a game of trade-offs. A car will give you the convenience to go where you want, when you want, but it also means you'll be dealing with the city's chronic parking shortage, depending on where you go, and the high cost of fuel if you don't have access to an electric vehicle. Public transit avoids the parking problem, but buses don't go everywhere and operate at low frequencies, requiring careful planning. Ride shares give you the best of both above option, but the expense can add up. Cycling is possible, but bike paths are non-existent in many areas and some landmarks are too far apart for cycling or walking.

For these reasons, you should have a plan of what you want to see and do before you arrive, which will help you figure out how to get around. Don't forget you can always ask locals for help, but don't assume they will be helpful in all cases.

By car
There are advantages to driving in Rockingham. The biggest of these is the ability to go where you want, when you want. While roads can and do get busy during school hours and peak time, a car journey is very easy and even relaxing at most times of the day or night.

The biggest problem is parking. Car parks at Rockingham Centre, the Waterfront Village, and the train stations fill up very quickly regardless of the time of year, but during major events or sales, things can get even worse. Road rage is not unheard of at Rockingham Centre during the lead up to Christmas, though it is still rare.

You should also be aware of time limits. Some limits are very generous, such as the all day parking next to Contest Parade, while others could see you being forced to move your car every 30 minutes or face a fine. Limits are stricter around the foreshore, where parking is limited. There are, of course, parking areas with no limits, and these are easy to find. Be aware that council rangers, who hand out parking fines, are becoming more aggressive when it comes to enforcement. Fines are $120.

Also, don't park at certain business or shopping centre car parks unless you plan to do business there. There are dozens of places through the city where building owners or managers will be more than happy to tow your car if they realise you are not one of their customers. Impound fees can be high, so check signage before you leave your vehicle.

Parking is free throughout the city except at the train stations, where the daily fee is $2.

By bus
Rockingham has an extensive bus network that serves most areas of the city. With proper planning, it is possible to explore the city by bus, which will help you avoid the city's chronic parking problems. However, much like the situation in Los Angeles county, the transit system leaves something to be desired.

All routes are focused on either Rockingham or Warnbro train stations, thanks to most public transit users travelling during the peaks. As a result, there are no cross town routes, so if you aren't travelling to or from one of these stations, you will need to make a transfer. The best place to transfer for most routes in on Kitson Street, at the stop outside Bradbury Villas. All but four of Rockingham station's routes stop here, and the stop is relatively quiet. If you are heading to Baldivis, you will need to transfer at Wanbro station.

Most buses run hourly throughout the day, although some routes run more frequently while others have very limited service. The 555 bus runs every 15-30 minutes, while the 550 only runs six times a day on weekdays. Some routes, like the 550 and 554, only run on weekdays. Many routes offer enhanced service during peak hours, but not all do. In addition, there are many landmarks and areas of the city, mostly small suburban shopping centres and new suburbs, that do no not have any bus service

Beware of travelling between 14:30 and 16:00 on school days: that is when high school students pile onto buses in order to get home or go shopping. They are noisy and lack basic manners, and can make a bus trip very unpleasant. This is not true for all high school kids, but beware of this if you planning to ride the bus on school days. Also, some bus trips run special trips for school students, sometimes going well away from their normal route and adding ten minutes or more to journey times. These trips are always clearly shown on timetables so you can avoid them.

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By taxi
Rockingham has many taxis, although fares can be high. Expect a base fare of at least $3.50 during the day and even high base fares at night. Fares increase for every minute, not by distance. You will also be charged more for luggage or for advance bookings, although the latter fee will be waived if your driver arrives late. If you are happy to pay, taxis offer the convenience of car travel without the parking problems, and are the best option for car free travellers who need to go somewhere the buses don't.

Some taxis are area-restricted, which means they can only travel in certain regions. These restrictions won't affect you if you are traveling within the city, but could impact your journey if you are travelling to neighbouring areas or regions. If you are taking a taxi to a destination outside the city, call ahead and make a booking to be sure you don't get caught out.

By ride share
If none of the above is to your liking, you can always try ride share. The entire city is now covered by Uber, which is often, though not always, cheaper than taxis. Beware demand pricing: this can kick in at any time, and can sometimes double the price of your trip. And don't forget to tip your driver. One advantage of Uber is the lack of area restriction, so you can go anywhere they operate.

Another ride share operator, Shofer, popped up in Perth a few years ago, but it's nowhere near as popular.

By boat
There are two destinations in Rockingham that can only be accessed by boat. Private boats are banned from landing at Penguin Island, but there is a regular ferry service departing from the jetty at Safety Bay. A trip costs $32 for adults, $29 for concession card holders, $25 for a child, and $16 for carers. Rockingham Wildlife Encounters].

Parts of Garden Island can be accessed by boat between sunrise and sunset, but because the island is an active Naval base, there are restrictions  on where you can go and what you can do. Follow your charts and avoid restricted areas.

Do not go boating near the grain terminal dock. It is an active shipping dock and going anywhere near the large ships that use it to load grain is dangerous. There is an exclusion zone in place in this area, and the terminal's owners take trespassing seriously.

By bike/scooter
Cycling is not hugely popular in the city, but it is a growing means of getting around. The city has several shared paths for use by both pedestrians and cyclists, though that distinction has been lessoned by legal changes that now allow bikes on any footpath. When it comes to cycling on roads, you should always stay on the left, make yourself as visible as possible to cars, and stay close to the gutter if possible. Cars are supposed to give each cyclist one meter of space when passing, but this is not possible on many suburban roads, which are too narrow for drivers to this safely. Helmets are mandatory! Bike hire is almost unheard of here, so be prepared to bring your own.

In an attempt to revive the city's economy post-COVID, the city has introduced e-scooters. This purple scooters can be taken anywhere, are unlocked via a mobile app, and charge you for every thirty seconds of use. Unlike bikes, there are more legal restrictions on e-scooters which make them useless for reaching some places: you can't use them on footpaths or roads where the speed limit is above 50 km/h. Like bikes, helmets are mandatory. There have been several fatal accidents involving e-scooters since July 2022. Please be safe, and don't become a fatality - or cause one. And remember, not everyone appreciates this new mode of transportation, so be respectful.

By foot
Walking within an area of the city can be a great way of exploring, especially around Old Rockingham. Due to the city's size, walking between areas is not recommended, though it can be done. The walk from Rocking Centre to the waterfront village will take about twenty minutes, for example. Some of the city's parks are only accessible by foot. Wear sturdy shoes and drink plenty of fluids if you do decide to walk, but beware: public toilets can be few and far between. Many suburban roads lack footpaths, though the situation is improving. If you do have to walk on a street with no path, walk on the verge, not the road.

See
The biggest reason most people live in and visit Rockingham it for its beaches. The entire northern and western edges of the city form one long stretch of sand facing the Indian Ocean. While parking is difficult at the foreshore, most other beaches have ample parking, and some are served by bus. Swimming and snorkelling opportunities are available almost everywhere, but the best snorkelling spot is the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, although there are some access restrictions in this area.

Bush walkers and hikers will find Rockingham a paradise. There are many bush walks and nature trails, both official and unofficial, within the city. The most notable natural attractions are Point Peron, Lake Cooloongup, and Lake Richmond (Naragebup). Rural areas of the city offer many chances to spot animals such as kangaroos, and Paganoni Swamp in Karnup is home to the endangered Quenda, a bandicoot species under threat from foxes.

History enthusiasts should pay a visit to the Rockingham Museum on Flinders Lane.

Rockingham has two cinemas, United and Ace, both in the city centre. For people who prefer a live show, the local theatre company operates out of The Castle in East Rockingham.

Wildlife can be found all over Rockingham. Bird spotting is easy, with native birds often found in parks and front yards, sometimes in very large flocks. Kangaroos and marsupials can be found in bushland areas, alongside lizards and snakes - be cautious when it comes to the latter, as most snakes in the area are venomous. Penguins can be found in the marine park, and you can get a closer look at Penguin Island. Cockburn Sound is also home to a pod of dolphins.

Do
Festivals: Rockingham is home to several small but growing festivals each year. The biggest and most popular take place at the Waterfront Village, including the International Food Festival and Cast Aways sculpture display. Other events, such as the Baldivis Fair, are scattered around the city.

Sports: Like the rest of the country, Rockingham residents love their sort. The biggest drawcard is the annual Beach Cup, a charity horse race run on the sand at Rockingham Beach. Local football, soccer, and rugby teams can be found all over the city, and horse riding schools can be found in Baldivis, and the beach near the grain terminal is open to horses. There are several skate parks found throughout the city. Bushwalking trails and beaches offer opportunities for jogging and running.

Swimming, fishing, and water sports: Most beaches offer opportunities for water sports. Water sports are banned in the marine park, and there may be some restrictions in other areas. Every beach except those in the marine park also offer fishing opportunities, with plenty of local species out in the deep waters. You can also try your hand at crabbing.

Buy
There are several opportunities to buy surfwear in the city, either from independent stores or chain stores found in shopping centres. There are also several places to buy scuba and snorkelling equipment.

Various retailers can be found in the city, selling anything from hand-made crafts to fast fashion. Rockingham Centre and Warnbro Centre are the major shopping malls, but don't expect to find luxury outlets in either of them. For unique items, try the many Sunday Markets that take over local car parks most weekends, but be aware of knock-offs and pirated goods. These do show up on market stalls on occasion.

If you are looking for genuine Indigenous art, head online. If you find Indigenous art in a store, there is a chance that it could be fake. If the seller cannot tell you where the artist comes from and only gives vague answers about the artist's culture, then don't buy it. Finding a gallery or artist online is the best way to find real Noongar art in the city.

Any one who sells you anything in the city, whether it's a second-hand car on eBay or a high-end TV from a big box store, must abide by the Australian Consumer Law, which sets out your rights as the buyer. If you believe you have been ripped off or your rights violated, contact Consumer Protection online or.

Eat
Not surprisingly, seafood, especially fish and chips, can be found almost everywhere. Some can be bought at suburban delis for next to nothing, while seafood sold from restaurants will cost a lot more, especially if that restaurant serves tourists. A higher price does not always mean higher quality. In most cases, the best fish and chips can be found at delis.

Thanks to its English heritage, staples such as roast meats, pies, sausage rolls, and sandwiches can be found everywhere, also at different prices. The Chiko roll - mashed vegetables deep fried in a pastry shell - is an Australian invention that can be found in various locations.

Thanks to immigration from around the world, Chinese, Middle-Eastern, and Indian foods are widely available. You can also find Mexican in Safety Bay.

Vegetarians will have a hard time finding food they can eat, although Indian and Chinese places offer better selections. If you are vegan, or follow a religious diet, you'll have an even harder time finding suitable meals. Rockingham has not yet caught on to veganism, Kosher, or Halal, although there are a limited number of Halal-certified places, mainly serving Middle Eastern fare, if you know where to look.

Drink
Coffee is everywhere, but it's also expensive. Both coffee chains and independent cafes sell coffee and tea, but don't forget about Maccas, which also sells surprisingly good coffee.

The city is also full of bars and pubs catering to those who like to drink something a little stronger.

Sleep
There are a few hotels and serviced apartments in the city, but they are mostly concentrated near the city centre or the waterfront. A number of Bed and Breakfast businesses have appeared in the last decade, usually near the beach. Do your research and you'll find something to suit your taste and budget.

Crime
Rockingham has a very low crime rate, the lowest in the entire metro. Violent crime is almost unheard of, and the chances of you falling victim are next to zero. But low crime does not mean no crime. Just like in any city, visitors should take precautions regarding vehicles and valuables.

Some isolated beach carparks are targeted by thieves looking to steal from unattended vehicles. The best way to avoid having your car broken into is to do what the locals do and "Look, Lock, Leave": Look and see if you can spot any valuables from outside the car. If you can, thieves can too. Lock your car, and double check it is locked before you go. Don't leave until completing both these steps.

Like many other places in Australia, the city is not immune to the ills of methamphetamine. However, this is not something tourists will, or even the majority of locals, will ever need to worry about, unless you are actively seeking out drugs. The penalties for drug possession are already steep in WA. Get caught with meth, and you'll get hit with even harsher penalties.

Racism, homophobia, ect. are extremely rare in the city, and you are unlikely to encounter these issues. Racism is actually illegal in Australia, so if you do encounter any, you can report it to the police.

Hillman, a neighbourhood on the eastern edge of the city, has a reputation for crime, though the crime rate is only slightly higher than the rest of the city and is mostly centred on drug and property crime. There is nothing for tourists or visitors to see there anyway, so you won't experience any of it.

Woman should exercise caution at night, especially in Hillman and Cooloongup.

Wildlife
The city's bushland is full of wildlife, which can pose a risk to humans, though most of those stories you've heard about deadly wildlife are made up to scare tourists. Snakes and kangaroos, which you can encounter in the bush, can be dangerous when provoked, though if you follow common sense and don't approach or startle them, you won't need to worry. Kangaroos are naturally fearful of dogs and have attacked and killed dogs in the past, so reconsider your need to bring your pet with you if you go bush walking.

The blue-ringed octopus, which is venomous, sometimes appears at Point Person. Stay out of the rock pools and you'll never have to worry about them. Stonefish have been seen in local waters on rare occasions.

Magpies can be aggressive during spring and summer, and are found in parks all over the city. Different people will give you different methods of protecting yourself, but the best protection is avoidance.

Weather
Thunderstorms can be dangerous if they break out in Rockingham. Don't go bushwalking on days when storms are forecast, and go inside if you lightning or hear thunder. Make sure you tie down loose objects like trampolines or deck chairs: winds generated by these storms can be powerful enough to toss these into the air.

Don't try to walk across to Penguin Island. The sandbar is always shifting and the sea breeze will kick up dangerous currents. There have been two fatal drownings as a result of people trying to cross on foot. The ferry might be expensive, but please don't use its cost as an excuse to risk your life.

Stay healthy
Sunburn is common, but can be avoided if you use sunscreen or wear clothes that cover as much of your skin as possible. Heatstroke is also a risk on hot days, so pace yourself and drink plenty of water.

There are many medical centres, pharmacies, and health care providers in the city. Nearly all pharmacies are open seven days, and some are open until midnight. Most medical centres close on weekends or at night, but some operate seven days and well into the night.

Rockingham General Hospital: Elanora Drive, Cooloongup. .

Cope
If you are planning on staying for a long period of time, you should visit the City of Rockingham website. It provides information on what services they provide and how to submit requests or complaints.

Go next

 * Kwinana and Cockburn: Industrial cities to the north.
 * Mandurah and the Peel Region to the south.
 * Serpentine-Jarradale to the east.

title: Rockingham (Western Australia)


text:
Rockland

There is more than one place called Rockland:

Canada

 * Rockland (Ontario) - A town in Ontario.

United States of America

 * Rockland (Idaho) - A town in Idaho.
 * Rockland (Maine) - A town in Maine.
 * Rockland (Massachusetts) - A town in Massachusetts.
 * Rockland (New York) - A town in New York (state).
 * Rockland County (New York) - A county in New York (state).
 * Rockland (Wisconsin) - A town in Wisconsin.
 * Rockland Township (Michigan) - A township in Michigan.
 * Rockland Township (Pennsylvania) - A township in Pennsylvania.

title: Rockland


text:
Rockland (Maine)

Rockland is a city in Maine that has witnessed a resurgence. Once boarded up shops are now colorfully decorated and the Farnsworth Art Museum and Wyeth Center offer a diverse Maine artisan collection. Rockland plays host to many festivals, including the Maine Lobster Festival and the North Atlantic Blues Festival.

By car
Besides walking or using a rental car, the best mode of transportation in town is a taxi.

Remember to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks! This is a state law in many other places, but it is strictly enforced in Rockland, particularly along Main Street. You will be ticketed if you fail to yield to pedestrians who are in a crosswalk.

Driving to Rockland from the south along Route 1 can be extremely stressful during the summer months (especially in July and August) as the two-lane road is clogged with traffic (especially in the town of Wiscasset). Many prefer to take I-295 (formerly I-95) north to Augusta, and then take State Route 17 east to Rockland. While longer in distance, the drive is far less stressful and often quicker, despite the longer distance. If you are in no hurry and wish to see many of the wonderful sights to be had along Route 1 between Bath and Rockland, then Coastal Route 1 is the way to go.

Do
There are many galleries, shops, and restaurants downtown. The ferry from Rockland will take you to one of many beautiful working islands, including Vinalhaven, North Haven or Matinicus.

Eat

 * Any of the areas many fantastic lobster pounds, for fresh-off-the-boat seafood. Ask a local.
 * Any of the areas many fantastic lobster pounds, for fresh-off-the-boat seafood. Ask a local.
 * Any of the areas many fantastic lobster pounds, for fresh-off-the-boat seafood. Ask a local.
 * Any of the areas many fantastic lobster pounds, for fresh-off-the-boat seafood. Ask a local.

Go next
Daytrips include Camden, Belfast or around the beautiful Saint George Peninsula.

title: Rockland (Maine)