Our favorite places by the water
We like to go to this restaurant to watch the sunset in their outdoor area. You can sit back, relax and enjoy the view from an adirondack chair while sipping a refreshing beverage. During the summer months, there are typically waitresses to serve you while you relax. If you find that no one comes to serve you, you can go right into the bar and request someone come out to take your order. This restaurant is not open Sunday - Tuesday. It's best to get there by 6 or earlier on the weekend, if you want to be sure to get a seat!
9 locals recommend
Hedges Nine Mile Point Restaurant
1290 Lake RdWe like to go to this restaurant to watch the sunset in their outdoor area. You can sit back, relax and enjoy the view from an adirondack chair while sipping a refreshing beverage. During the summer months, there are typically waitresses to serve you while you relax. If you find that no one comes to serve you, you can go right into the bar and request someone come out to take your order. This restaurant is not open Sunday - Tuesday. It's best to get there by 6 or earlier on the weekend, if you want to be sure to get a seat!
The lodge is sweet and they hold private events. We are recommending a little spot next to it where we often go and have a picnic dinner while enjoying a wonderful view of the lake.
Lakefront Lodge
The lodge is sweet and they hold private events. We are recommending a little spot next to it where we often go and have a picnic dinner while enjoying a wonderful view of the lake.
A little tip - when you call to reserve your kayak, paddle board or canoe, let them know you want to be shuttled into Ellison Park for your starting point. This makes it a great 2 hour adventure downstream back to their dock. They allow pups to go in the boats (oh, and in the shuttle, if you choose to do so) or you can start from their dock and paddle upstream a bit and then back down - it is a lot of fun and peaceful, too! You may even get lucky and see the swans and their babies! They provide your life jackets and all the equipment for a relaxing bit in your chosen vessel.
20 locals recommend
BayCreek Paddling Center, Inc.
1099 Empire BlvdA little tip - when you call to reserve your kayak, paddle board or canoe, let them know you want to be shuttled into Ellison Park for your starting point. This makes it a great 2 hour adventure downstream back to their dock. They allow pups to go in the boats (oh, and in the shuttle, if you choose to do so) or you can start from their dock and paddle upstream a bit and then back down - it is a lot of fun and peaceful, too! You may even get lucky and see the swans and their babies! They provide your life jackets and all the equipment for a relaxing bit in your chosen vessel.
Sit out on the canal and enjoy a cocktail or dinner on the patio (weather permitting). Super inside, too!
Richardson’s Canal House was originally a tavern built in 1818, and served as a public house for over 100 years. Today, Richardson’s Canal House maintains the quaint historical charm and impeccable service of yesteryear, but with a modern flair to the cuisine.
Set on the scenic banks of the Erie Canal in Pittsford NY, Richardson’s Canal House combines gourmet cuisine with casual dining to deliver an experience you won’t soon forget.
Whether it’s a radiant lunch on the patio grill in the summertime, or dining cozily in front of a crackling fireplace during winter, the food and the service will take center stage along with you.
Richardson's Canal House
1474 Marsh RoadSit out on the canal and enjoy a cocktail or dinner on the patio (weather permitting). Super inside, too!
Richardson’s Canal House was originally a tavern built in 1818, and served as a public house for over 100 years. Today, Richardson’s Canal House maintains the quaint historical charm and impeccable service of yesteryear, but with a modern flair to the cuisine.
Set on the scenic banks of the Erie Canal in Pittsford NY, Richardson’s Canal House combines gourmet cuisine with casual dining to deliver an experience you won’t soon forget.
Whether it’s a radiant lunch on the patio grill in the summertime, or dining cozily in front of a crackling fireplace during winter, the food and the service will take center stage along with you.
Food scene
jojo Bistro & Wine Bar - Webster
42 East Main StreetGreat food a minute up the road.
restaurantjojo.com
Historic renovation of an old cobblestone building, prevalent in the Rochester area. Fresh food and lovely bar. They don't take reservations, but call ahead and they will try to accommodate as best they can!
cobblestoneonmain.com
The Cobblestone on Main
109 West Main StreetHistoric renovation of an old cobblestone building, prevalent in the Rochester area. Fresh food and lovely bar. They don't take reservations, but call ahead and they will try to accommodate as best they can!
cobblestoneonmain.com
Comfort food and friendly service. All kinds of good home town cooking.
mamalorscafe.com
Mama Lor's Cafe
1891 Ridge RoadComfort food and friendly service. All kinds of good home town cooking.
mamalorscafe.com
Billy's Homestead
1778 Empire BlvdA super fast place for good home cooked breakfast!
billyshomestead.com
Nearest grocery store and the one that people buzz about! They are on almost every corner and you should be able to find anything you need and then some!
wegmans.com
10 locals recommend
Wegmans
900 Holt RdNearest grocery store and the one that people buzz about! They are on almost every corner and you should be able to find anything you need and then some!
wegmans.com
An historical frozen custard tradition in Rochester and surrounding areas!
abbottscustard.com
6 locals recommend
Abbott's Frozen Custard
733 Park AveAn historical frozen custard tradition in Rochester and surrounding areas!
abbottscustard.com
Golden Boys Family Restaurant
36 West Main StreetSuper place for breakfast - right in town.
goldenboysny.com
Monte Alban
2245 Empire BlvdFabulous, fun, authentic Mexican food.
montealbangrill.com
A modern Italian American dining establishment with a full service bar located in the newly renovated Cannery in the historic Village of Fairport.
Great outdoor seating, as well!
Compane Trattoria
25 Parce AvenueA modern Italian American dining establishment with a full service bar located in the newly renovated Cannery in the historic Village of Fairport.
Great outdoor seating, as well!
Fun, casual, great food for Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Outside dining in good weather. Friendly people and staff. Specialty cocktails and craft beer.
Mama Lor's Lake Road
Fun, casual, great food for Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Outside dining in good weather. Friendly people and staff. Specialty cocktails and craft beer.
Neighborhoods
Webster Park
Webster ParkAll sorts of areas to hike, picnic, and relax
www.monroecounty.gov/parks-webster
The Finger Lakes provide an abundance of activities for entertainment. Whether you want to hike, bike, shop, meander, taste wine, or just sit and enjoy the beauty, there is something for everyone.
www.fingerlakes.org/things-to-do/wineries
16 locals recommend
Finger Lakes
The Finger Lakes provide an abundance of activities for entertainment. Whether you want to hike, bike, shop, meander, taste wine, or just sit and enjoy the beauty, there is something for everyone.
www.fingerlakes.org/things-to-do/wineries
Sightseeing
Great tour of the life, history and legacy of the Kodak founder.
eastman.org
163 locals recommend
George Eastman Museum
900 East AveGreat tour of the life, history and legacy of the Kodak founder.
eastman.org
Schutts is a 100-year old cider and apple farm a couple miles away. Famous for apples, cider, donuts and gifts.
schuttsapplemill.com
7 locals recommend
Schutt's Apple Mill
1063 Plank RdSchutts is a 100-year old cider and apple farm a couple miles away. Famous for apples, cider, donuts and gifts.
schuttsapplemill.com
A super spot for hiking, picnicking, camping, wildlife, and relaxation.
letchworthpark.com
256 locals recommend
Letchworth State Park
1 Letchworth State ParkA super spot for hiking, picnicking, camping, wildlife, and relaxation.
letchworthpark.com
Susan B. Anthony House
17 Madison StHistory of the women's rights icon.
susanb.org
The Erie Canal in New York is part of the east–west, cross-state route of the New York State Canal System. It was built to create a navigable water route from New York City and the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes, originally stretching for 363 miles from the Hudson River in Albany to Lake Erie in Buffalo. Completed in 1825, it was the second-longest canal in the world and greatly enhanced the development and economy of the cities of New York, including Albany, Syracuse, Rochester, Buffalo, and New York City, as well as the United States. This was in part due to the new ease of transport of salt and other goods, and industries that developed around those. Experience the history of the Erie canal as you walk or bike along the banks and view the locks, small boats, etc. You may rent kayaks or canoes if you would like to get on to the canal, or even a houseboat for a few days!
empiretrail.ny.gov/rochester-syracuse/fairport-palmyra
19 locals recommend
Erie Canal
Erie Canal Heritage TrailThe Erie Canal in New York is part of the east–west, cross-state route of the New York State Canal System. It was built to create a navigable water route from New York City and the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes, originally stretching for 363 miles from the Hudson River in Albany to Lake Erie in Buffalo. Completed in 1825, it was the second-longest canal in the world and greatly enhanced the development and economy of the cities of New York, including Albany, Syracuse, Rochester, Buffalo, and New York City, as well as the United States. This was in part due to the new ease of transport of salt and other goods, and industries that developed around those. Experience the history of the Erie canal as you walk or bike along the banks and view the locks, small boats, etc. You may rent kayaks or canoes if you would like to get on to the canal, or even a houseboat for a few days!
empiretrail.ny.gov/rochester-syracuse/fairport-palmyra
A fun place to grab some coffee, buy some flowers or just browse the many vendors on a Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday morning!
www.cityofrochester.gov/publicmarke
64 locals recommend
Rochester Public Market
Rochester Public MarketA fun place to grab some coffee, buy some flowers or just browse the many vendors on a Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday morning!
www.cityofrochester.gov/publicmarke
Chimney Bluffs State Park is a 597-acre state park in the town of Huron in Wayne County, New York. The park is situated on the southern shore of Lake Ontario, east of Sodus Bay. From the park's hiking trails, visitors can view the large clay formations at the water's edge for which the park is named.
parks.ny.gov/parks/43
56 locals recommend
Chimney Bluffs State Park
7700 Garner RdChimney Bluffs State Park is a 597-acre state park in the town of Huron in Wayne County, New York. The park is situated on the southern shore of Lake Ontario, east of Sodus Bay. From the park's hiking trails, visitors can view the large clay formations at the water's edge for which the park is named.
parks.ny.gov/parks/43
Breweries
Make their own craft beers and a super spot to sit outside or inside, whichever you prefer. They've started creating their own hard seltzer, as well, with some amazing seasonal flavors. The chef is phenomenal and you will find the food outstanding.
Knucklehead Craft Brewing
426 Ridge RdMake their own craft beers and a super spot to sit outside or inside, whichever you prefer. They've started creating their own hard seltzer, as well, with some amazing seasonal flavors. The chef is phenomenal and you will find the food outstanding.
Fantastic brewery, crafting up all sorts of goodies. Large outdoor seating as well as indoor, if you prefer. They serve great pub food, as well!
9 locals recommend
K2 Brothers Brewing
1221 Empire BlvdFantastic brewery, crafting up all sorts of goodies. Large outdoor seating as well as indoor, if you prefer. They serve great pub food, as well!
Fun place to hang outside on their patio and enjoy craft beer, bands on the weekends, and dogs allowed!
17 locals recommend
Fairport Brewing Company
99 S Main StFun place to hang outside on their patio and enjoy craft beer, bands on the weekends, and dogs allowed!
Distilleries and such
It all started back in 2011, in the backyard over some whiskey and a loaded smoker when the founder and chief trailblazer – musician Tommy Brunett, came up with the concept of combining two great American past times: great bourbon/whiskey making with an added subtle hint of Applewood BBQ’s smoked goodness.
Internationally acclaimed NYS farm distillery in Fairport, NY is where the magic happens.
7 locals recommend
Iron Smoke Distillery
111 Parce AveIt all started back in 2011, in the backyard over some whiskey and a loaded smoker when the founder and chief trailblazer – musician Tommy Brunett, came up with the concept of combining two great American past times: great bourbon/whiskey making with an added subtle hint of Applewood BBQ’s smoked goodness.
Internationally acclaimed NYS farm distillery in Fairport, NY is where the magic happens.