Rochester? It may surprise you

Leaves descend in showers of crimson and gold. The harvest is in full swing. Time to enjoy the best autumn offerings in the Rochester, New York area. From the time-honored tradition of selecting the perfect pumpkin, to sipping hot, spiced cider at a farmer's market, special  autumn activities abound.

Fall is a wonderful time to visit High Falls Historic District and learn about  Rochester's past as the "Flour City." Check out the wonderful art gallery  located there. The museum offers information on Rochester's history as a mill  town as well as exhibits explaining the technical operations of water-powered  grain mills. (585) 325-2030. www.centerathighfalls.org .

Hop on a train at the New York Museum of Transportation (weekends through Oct. 28) and take a one-hour train ride to visit a restored country train  station at the neighboring Rochester and Genesee Valley Railroad Museum. The National Railway Historical Society (585) 533-1113. www.nymtmuseum.org .

Our Body: The Universe Within is an eye-opening, educational exhibition that exposes the inner workings of human anatomy with 12 actual human  specimens and 75 additional anatomical displays through Jan. 1, 2008 at the Rochester Museum & Science Center, (585) 217-4320. www.rmsc.org .

George Eastman House presents a series of   exhibitions dealing with extreme depictions of gender in photography and film now to Jan.  27.

In addition Tnearly 600 images and  memorabilia from Buffalo's Palace Theatre, are on loan from the collection of  Robert and Nina Freudenheim. One of the last burlesque houses, the Palace reigned from 1920 to 1977. George Eastman House. (585) 271- 3361. www.eastmanhouse.org .

For more autumn day activities be sure to check www.visitrochester.com or  phone the events hotline at (585) 546-6810 for the latest information on events  and things to do.