Explore Rochester

Explore Rochester A new perspective of Rochester, every week. Building community through and .

One thing that Rochester does not lack is coffee shops. As an avid coffee lover and illustrator (), I decided a couple o...
06/18/2026

One thing that Rochester does not lack is coffee shops. As an avid coffee lover and illustrator (), I decided a couple of years ago to create a “Coffee Shops of Rochester” map. It’s become a piece that locals will frequently reach out to me for when I’ve made the updated map with the ever-changing list of coffee shops.

My top regular spots *for coffee drinks only* are between , where Josiah makes THEE BEST Cortado imo, and with their Gibraltar (these are technically the same drinks, I know!). For shops with both good coffee and food, I gotta go with and .kitchen.

What I do appreciate about the coffee culture here is that if you’re a night owl like me, there’s been a growing trend for late-night coffee shops - being the OG, and being a more recent addition. I used to think I might be the only one needing a cup of coffee at 10 pm, but having these shops open late and filled with people has made me feel otherwise ☕️ // 3/8

Even being a small city, Rochester’s dance community is full of variety and is ever-growing. From ballroom dancing class...
06/18/2026

Even being a small city, Rochester’s dance community is full of variety and is ever-growing. From ballroom dancing classes with , to Sunset Tango at Cobbs Hill Reservoir and Swing Dancing with , I’ve definitely been dancing around Rochester quite a bit over the years now.

In 2022, a friend had invited me out to a Latin Dance night hosted by . They always offer a lesson at their socials for beginners, in which I quickly became humbled, but it was an instant love. Paired with the yearning to connect more with my own Puerto Rican heritage and follow in the footsteps of my grandparents who were avid Latin dancers back in the day, I wanted more. I started taking salsa and bachata lessons with and Frances Hare, and began to realize that beyond dance, what I had really been needing was community.

I’ve since formed lifelong friendships, and learned that dance will always be there for me when I need it. Connection, community, diversity - it’s all there 💃 // 2/8

Growing up in Virginia Beach, I was constantly surrounded by skateboard culture - Avril Lavigne’s Sk8er Boi song hit har...
06/17/2026

Growing up in Virginia Beach, I was constantly surrounded by skateboard culture - Avril Lavigne’s Sk8er Boi song hit hard at 10 years old. I had always wanted to get on a board, but never got the chance. Fast forward to last year when my boyfriend (who skateboards) suggested we pop by and browse. The guys there were so cool, and I ended up getting my first board 🛹

Since finding my footing, I’ve been cruising around Rochester any chance I can. The Memorial Art Gallery (MAG) is essentially my backyard, so I frequently ride around there in the evenings, as well as my favorite breakfast spots like Jim’s on Main or . It’s such a freeing experience, and a unique way to experience the city. I thought being in my 30s might stop me from feeling like I can pick up new hobbies, but I think it’s done the exact opposite.

Side note: I also got to design their website, and that was really cool. Thank you, Crumpets ❤️ // 1/8

Introducing our week 598 (Yr. 12 Wk. 25) contributor: ⠀Hola, Roc! I’m Mina - a local creative of all sorts () 💖 I notice...
06/16/2026

Introducing our week 598 (Yr. 12 Wk. 25) contributor:
⠀
Hola, Roc! I’m Mina - a local creative of all sorts () 💖 I noticed the last couple of contributors here are Rochester transplants, so I’ll keep continuing the chain. Originally from Virginia Beach, I eventually made my way up the coast 15 years ago (dang) to attend college at Nazareth, and I’ve been Roc’n here ever since.

I’ve moved around Rochester over the years; Pittsford, Park Ave, Cobbs Hill, North Winton Village, and now my favorite, Neighborhood of the Arts (NOTA). It’s walkable, it’s colorful, it’s energetic, and it gives me everything I need in a neighborhood…even in the grey winter months. One day, I will own a house here (manifesting) 🏡.

I usually have a hard time writing about myself (I almost asked my boyfriend to write this for me), but I don’t have a problem telling people about Rochester. Some friends have called me “Mayor Mina” because of the connections I’ve made in this city, but I honestly wouldn’t have it any other way. Rochester is a small city, but it’s always been city enough for me, and I’m constantly finding something new. If you’re bored in Rochester, follow along with anyone on this account, and I promise you won’t be afterwards. 

Let’s go! ✨

Photo cred:
 ⠀

Saying goodbye by celebrating one of my favorite things about Rochester — we are a town that loves any excuse to dress u...
06/14/2026

Saying goodbye by celebrating one of my favorite things about Rochester — we are a town that loves any excuse to dress up and go out! Regardless of age, Rochestarians are committed to style at work, church, school - even the grocery store - but when we go out-out, we go all out! I will absolutely, 100% go to an event just for the opportunity to wear a good outfit - and to see what others are wearing, of course!

In its heyday Rochester had a thriving fashion and garment manufacturing industry that was a significant driver of our economy and reputation as an arts hub. There is a great documentary about it called “Tailor Made.” If you’re lucky enough to come across true Rochester vintage treasures today, you’ll see evidence of this incredible craftsmanship and style.

I absolutely love clothes. As a kid I spent many hours pouring over Vogue in the Walmart magazine aisle while my mom shopped, but my love of vintage came from my grandmother, who passed a lot of her beautiful garments down to me. I am always on the lookout for pieces from the mid-60s and mid-90s. My go-to for restoration and care is . Owners Fatima and Tufan are not only chic and fabulous themselves, but true experts.

This dress, a 90s vintage silk and wool plaid column, is one of my absolute favorites! It’s so unique and fun without being over the top or costumey. Thanks for having me this week Explore Rochester! If you see me out and about - I’m always ready for a good fashion chat! // 8/8

Working in state government has been the most fun and eye-opening experience of my life. I’ve traveled to so many corner...
06/12/2026

Working in state government has been the most fun and eye-opening experience of my life. I’ve traveled to so many corners of the county and state, meet amazing people, and am always learning something new. In my role as a Communications Director, I write speeches, plan events, and meet with people, agencies, organizations. I also help to raise awareness about NYS programs and policies that help to support families, businesses, neighborhoods and more.

Government works best when people participate. Especially at the local and state level because this is where people have the most impact. Your participation is how we learn what people need and want and I am so honored to have the opportunity to serve the public through my work. This week we hosted a press conference at , which has been supporting Rochester’s Northeast neighborhoods since 1901 and is preparing for the next 100+ years so they can continue being a foundation for Rochester families. It;s about working for and with the people, helping to bolster those safety nets and opportunities that lift people up. // 6/8

So it really is true that the best thing about Rochester aren’t the places you go, but the people you know! A few years ...
06/12/2026

So it really is true that the best thing about Rochester aren’t the places you go, but the people you know! A few years ago, my friends and I started what we affectionately call, “The Mother’s Book Club” - even though we’re not all moms and we only spend about 20 minutes actually discussing the book! Some of us finish reading it, but if you hate it or life is chaos, just bail but show up to bookclub anyway. The only expectation is that you really cannot expect us to be serious about the book - whether it’s a Pulitzer prize winner or total s**t. We all love to read, but still - the book is just not the point.

People come and go, they invite friends and their friends sometimes show up or invite friends too. Sometimes bookclub becomes a clothing swap, or ‘my parents are downsizing so who wants these random scarves…’ or a recipe tasting club. Sometimes it’s also a birthday party, a venting session or a press-on nail convention. Babies are welcome. Husbands are not. There is always food - even if it’s just candy and hummus, but always definitely wine (and popcorn). Some of us hang out outside of bookclub, some of us don’t. But these are my people, because they get it - the book is a lighthouse: it shows you where to go, but otherwise...

If you really want to explore Rochester, grab a group of people, keep your expectations modest, and pretend it’s 1985 when people hung out in each other’s houses, chatting and snacking. No tagging, no social, just back to basics! // 5/8

One of my favorite things about living in Rochester is the history that is literally found in every nook and cranny. The...
06/11/2026

One of my favorite things about living in Rochester is the history that is literally found in every nook and cranny. These beautiful old buildings and homes are our shared history and are portals to

There is nothing more exciting than walking into a building or home, and randomly happening upon an original (working) 1930s toilet or the most ornate, original grates. I especially love doorknobs. These chrome beauties were spotted in a 1920’s arts and craft house on Seneca Parkway in Maplewood which had the most incredible, fully restored and operational original bathroom. A true and utter dream. // 4/8

This is a WV x NY cross-over and something of an origin story. The first time I heard about zoning was in my hometown of...
06/10/2026

This is a WV x NY cross-over and something of an origin story. The first time I heard about zoning was in my hometown of Shenandoah Jct, WV. A few years ago there was a huge fight about whether or not a high-polluting insulation factory could be placed on historic farmland in the county where I grew up. The local planning commission overruled many, many residents to approve the project - and the loophole used: ZONING. You can find out more info by googling “Rockwool WV”

Zoning is about the most boring sounding thing imaginable but it has enormous implications for every community - from where houses and businesses can go (and what kind), the width of streets, to billboards, greenspace, libraries - even data centers. It has a lot of positives, but it can also do incredible harm (redlining, insulation factories…). Community-members have the right to weigh in on zoning cases in their area, but most people don’t know what zoning is or what it means....

Right now, Rochester is updating their zoning plan, called the Zoning Alignment Project (or ZAP). Last year, and I hosted a workshop about zoning to a standing room only crowd, and Zoning Is for Everyone () was born! City Council and City Planning commission are currently reviewing the ZAP proposal, but there’s still time for residents to share feedback. If you’d like more information - send me a message! Knowledge really, really is power in this case. // 3/8

You know what they say about being the change… About 2 years ago I got involved in my neighborhood association because I...
06/10/2026

You know what they say about being the change… About 2 years ago I got involved in my neighborhood association because I love where I live and wanted to be part of shaping the future of the neighborhood. Neighborhood associations get a bad rap for being all NIMBYism and old people (and there is definitely a lot of this!) but it’s time for a glow up!

Every year, hosts an annual flower sale. This year, we moved the event, partnered with on a special drink and brought in a fresh variety of plants. It was the kick-off to a whole vibe shift! If you find yourself scrolling or strolling by, pause and consider going to an event or reaching out to a neighbor. Neighborhood and business associations throughout the city are doing so many fun and beneficial things that uplift our immediate communities. You will make friends of all ages, learn a lot, have impact with the city and see the results every day! And I promise, one or two new voices can make the difference between the crotchety, status quo and a party in the park. // 2/8

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