Explore Rochester

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

is one of my favorite places to go in Rochester—not just because of the yummy food, but also because of how they make y...
09/03/2026

is one of my favorite places to go in Rochester—not just because of the yummy food, but also because of how they make you feel when you walk through the door.

Owned by Drew Nye (featured in the pic), Marie Nye, and Moe, they also own ROAM Cafe. I’ve known Drew for over two decades, and most of you reading this have probably had the pleasure of meeting and knowing this big-hearted and generous human. Their generosity spills over to employees and patrons alike.

On one of my many visits to The Classic about two years ago, I was chatting with Marie, and she gave me the verbal push and support I needed to start my own business, Flower City Backdrops LLC. At the time, Park Ave Stroll was coming up, and she suggested I feature my backdrop at The Classic during the stroll.

I, of course, said yes—and my first pop-up was born! 🌺

Not only does The Classic have great food and great cocktails, but the owners truly care about everyone who walks through their doors, and it shows. I’ve made some amazing connections there, Stacey Steinmiller being one of many.

If you haven’t ventured into The Classic yet, I highly suggest doing so. Support your local businesses, enjoy some great food and drinks, and make sure to tip your bartenders and servers at least 20%. ❤️

Places like The Classic are what make Rochester feel like a community. // Carolyn Hall 3/8

I am someone who enjoys and craves deep conversation, and Ana is a person full of depth, soul, artistry, and empathy. no...
09/02/2026

I am someone who enjoys and craves deep conversation, and Ana is a person full of depth, soul, artistry, and empathy. nothing.rider has a way of consistently making poetic analogies about even the most mundane topics. I could listen to her talk all day, and I was instantly drawn to her.

Ana opened her store, ANAMANA SHOP, on her birthday this year, July 21. Located on Park Ave, right next to Dorje Adornments Fine Jewelry & Body Piercing, the shop is a beautiful reflection of Ana’s creativity & vision. Featured in this photo are designs by nothing.rider.

Ana was born in São Paulo, Brazil, and is known for her pattern-making & design. Her inspiration is the feeling of freedom. She holds a degree in multimedia, graphic design, & illustration, and it shows throughout both her work & her space.

But ANAMANA SHOP is more than just a storefront. Ana also has a studio upstairs, w/ a vision of turning it into a space to host small events & workshops rooted in creativity & community. She is already thinking about other creatives who are looking for an opportunity to share, connect, & showcase their artistic skills.

The shop also features the work of other local artists, including Linda Vinciguerra, Jeannine Vella Alford, and Maria Da Graça Carvalho, who happens to be her mom. ❤️ Her mom has always been an integral part of Ana’s creative journey.

The store was envisioned as a creative outlet that honors her origins while providing support & a path toward financial freedom. nothing.rider believes that by connecting the wisdom of different generations, she can nurture lasting relationships & empower others through art & creativity.

Do yourself a favor & follow nothing.rider and ANAMANA SHOP. Ana has workshops coming up each month for the duration of the year, so there are plenty of opportunities to connect & experience what she’s creating.

You can also show your support by stopping into her store. There are some beautiful pieces waiting to find the right person—and if you don’t see exactly what you’re looking for, Ana can even create something custom just for you.

Go check her out and support this beautiful, creative addition to Rochester’s community! ❤️ // Carolyn Hall 2/8

Although the world may not look the way we would like, there is beauty and art everywhere—especially in Rochester.This m...
09/02/2026

Although the world may not look the way we would like, there is beauty and art everywhere—especially in Rochester.

This mural, titled Stories of Strength, by the talented Sarah C. Rutherford, is one of several exceptional pieces she has created in downtown Rochester. Her pieces always evoke such emotion in my mind, body, and spirit. I feel all the things when I’m in the presence of anything she has created.

A few years ago, I had the opportunity to attend her art exhibit, What We Hold. It was intense and powerful, to say the least. As soon as I walked through the doors of RIT City Art Space to see the exhibition, I was flooded with emotion. I could feel the pain and the strength in her pieces, which, if you know me, brought me to tears.

Storytelling through art is so profound and impactful, and she does it brilliantly.

I highly recommend visiting her exhibitions and/or taking a stroll or drive around Rochester to find her murals.

If you’re reading this and not having the best of days today, just remember, like the words on the mural in this post say:

You are strong.
You are enough.
You are worthy.
You are not alone. ❤️ // Carolyn Hall 1/8

Introducing our week 609 (Yr. 12 Wk. 36) contributor: Carolyn Hall⠀Hellooooo, Rochester! 👋🏽✨My name is Carolyn, and I’m ...
09/01/2026

Introducing our week 609 (Yr. 12 Wk. 36) contributor: Carolyn Hall
⠀
Hellooooo, Rochester! 👋🏽✨

My name is Carolyn, and I’m an actor, voice actor, model, blackjack dealer, bartender, and server—and the owner of a small business called Flower City Backdrops LLC.

I love all things creative and artistic, and I’ve gotta tell you… there are some extraordinarily talented and creative souls in Rochester who are deeply rooted in community. I wish I could highlight all of you! ❤️

This week, I’d love to share some of my favorite things, people, and places around Rochester—from the creatives who inspire me to the local spots and hidden gems that make this city so special.

Come explore Rochester with me! 🎨💜

📸 Photo cred Noelani Kyrene
 ⠀

As my takeover comes to an end, it feels fitting to share one of my favorite ways to end the day: with a sunset view.In ...
08/30/2026

As my takeover comes to an end, it feels fitting to share one of my favorite ways to end the day: with a sunset view.

In the summer, when it’s hot and humid, I head to the water for a little reprieve. Luckily for me, Durand Beach is practically in my backyard.

I like to walk the beach trail down and back, listening to the waves as I walk barefoot in the sand. Sometimes I bring a book and picnic to enjoy while the sun sets around me. It’s enough to feel like a getaway any night of the week, because why wait for the weekend to have a little adventure?

Rochester has SO much to offer if you’re willing to get out of your routine and explore a little. There are so many amazing people, places, and things to discover that it was quite challenging to narrow it down to just eight.

I hope these photos inspire you to try something new, revisit an old favorite, or maybe just look at your neighborhood differently. You might just fall in love with Rochester for the first time — or all over again. // Lauren Nicole Henry 8/8

Sorry for the jump scare — I know the sight of snow is triggering for some Rochesterians.I’ve walked the trails at Chann...
08/29/2026

Sorry for the jump scare — I know the sight of snow is triggering for some Rochesterians.

I’ve walked the trails at Channing Philbrick Park in every season, but winter is especially beautiful. I can easily lose a couple of hours wandering the trails along Irondequoit Creek. When everything is covered in snow, the woods get incredibly quiet except for the sound of the rapids, making it the perfect place to clear my head.

I love exploring places tucked away among the highways and city buildings. You don’t have to drive hours away and leave town to find a little bit of nature and a change of scenery.

Sometimes, the best destinations are hiding in plain sight. // Lauren Nicole Henry 7/8

If it’s free, it’s for me!I started my IG page, If It’s Free, It’s For Me, in June 2024 after noticing the increasing co...
08/29/2026

If it’s free, it’s for me!

I started my IG page, If It’s Free, It’s For Me, in June 2024 after noticing the increasing cost of…well, everything. I wasn’t willing to limit my social calendar just because having a life was getting expensive. Instead, I challenged myself to see just how much fun I could have for the low, low price of $free.99.

Since then, I’ve discovered new places, events, activities, and experiences I might never have tried otherwise — all without spending a dime. Fitness classes, live music and performances, parades, arts & crafts, food, festivals, museums, animal encounters, holiday displays…you name it, I’ve done it!

I’ve always been a fan of “balling on a budget,” but this page has taken it to a whole new level.

Want to join me? Follow along at If It’s Free, It’s For Me or DM me when you find some free fun in Rochester that I can share. // Lauren Nicole Henry 6/8

A friend once asked me if I wanted to help him uncover the best pizza in Rochester. My answer: “Sure, but I already know...
08/28/2026

A friend once asked me if I wanted to help him uncover the best pizza in Rochester. My answer: “Sure, but I already know where to find it.”

I discovered Peels on Wheels (PEELS ON WHEELS LLC) in 2020 through Rochester Brainery. Luis (Luis Perez 🇵🇷) supplied the dough and toppings and taught us how to make our own pizza. Let’s just say, some things are better left to the professionals. Thankfully, Luis eventually opened the Pizza Garage so I could get my favorite pizza from the expert himself.

That same year, I won an online giveaway for two Dough Boys (DoughboyzROC) pizzas. Back then, Jim (Jim Zobel) was slinging pies out of a home garage in Fairport. Since then, I’ve enjoyed their pizza at events, during their stint at The Richmond, and most recently at their current home, Sager-Stoneyard Pub (Sager-Stoneyard-Pub).

Both Luis and Jim have raised the bar for pizza in Rochester, using only the best, mostly locally sourced ingredients, offering a variety of styles and unique toppings, and, most importantly, genuinely rooting for each other and collaborating rather than competing.

Rochester has a LOT of pizza, but if you ask me where to go, I’m sending you to Peels on Wheels or Dough Boys. // Lauren Nicole Henry 5/8

Festival season in Rochester keeps my social calendar full May through September.Whether it’s Lilac Fest, Jazz Fest, Fri...
08/28/2026

Festival season in Rochester keeps my social calendar full May through September.

Whether it’s Lilac Fest, Jazz Fest, Fringe Fest, Flour City Brew Fest, or the NOTA Summer Social (shameless plug) — I love discovering a new artist or band, browsing trinkets, carb-loading on festival food, or finding my new favorite sour beer.

But what I enjoy most is meeting the people behind it all — the artists, musicians, foodies, brewers, and makers who proudly share their passions with the crowd. As an event planner myself, I have a huge appreciation for everything that happens behind the scenes and the people who bring these events to life.

There are still plenty of festivals left to enjoy this season, so if you haven’t made it to one yet, there’s still time! // Lauren Nicole Henry 4/8

Last year, I challenged myself to reduce the amount of trash I was creating.Since then, I’ve been slowly replacing my ev...
08/26/2026

Last year, I challenged myself to reduce the amount of trash I was creating.

Since then, I’ve been slowly replacing my everyday staples with locally made items from my favorite plastic-free shop, Marilla’s Mindful Supplies. I can refill everything from pantry staples and cleaning supplies to skincare and even fresh-ground peanut butter! And I never leave without stopping by the candy salad bar for a bag of sour sweet treats.

I shop there often enough that the staff knows what I like, suggests new products to try, and lets me know when something I’ve been waiting for is back in stock. And because Marilla’s focuses on products from small businesses, shopping small is multiplied.

If you’ve never tried a refill store, consider this your sign to give it a shot. You don’t have to overhaul your entire shopping routine — grab a jar and start with one small swap. // Lauren Nicole Henry 3/8

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