As soon as the thermometer hits about 60 degrees, Rochesterians tend to bust out the shorts and flips flops. It might only be April but let's be real... anything other than snow is basically summer. It’s time to roll the windows down and order your morning coffee over ice. Here in the flower city, summers are “short but sweet for certain,” just like lyrics of the DMB song “Two Step.” Here are some of the sweetest parts:
1. Local ice cream shops
It's not summer without ice cream, and luckily there are plenty of places to indulge in the Rochester area. Abbott’s, Lugia’s, and Hedonist are three of my favorites. Different shops have different specialties, so do some exploring and find your favorite. I get Abbott’s frozen custard at least once a week during the summer months. If you haven’t been to the original location on Lake Ave, be sure to check it out this summer.
2. The festivals
If you live in Rochester, you're probably obsessed with our festivals. I mark them all down on my calendar and make other plans around them, because they truly can't be missed. The Lilac Festival seems to represent the symbolic start of summer. It's ten days of gorgeous flowers, great food, great music (we can almost always count on a killer Rusted Root concert), and special events; what more could you ask for? Another favorite of mine is the Rochester International Jazz Fest.
If you haven't been to this one because you think you don't like jazz music, think again. I wasn't a huge fan of jazz but then I started attending the festival every year and now, I love jazz music. Every year at the end of June, the East End is transformed into a music lover's paradise. The vibes you get while strolling around and hearing music coming from every corner is life-affirming. Then, the Park Ave Fest comes along during the dog days of summer and brings good times (and good people watching) for all. The list goes on and I don't have time to mention every local festival sadly, but do some research and try to check out as many as you can.
3. The Food Truck Rodeos
If you haven’t heard of this Rochester gem, you're missing out. Picture the bustling Rochester Public Market that we all love. Now, picture the fruits and vegetables that are usually for sale have been replaced by a seemingly endless amount of food trucks, all lined up in a convenient row for your eating pleasure. There will be NINE of these this summer (more than ever before), each with over 30 food vendors serving up some of the most unique and delicious food options I’ve ever encountered. My personal recommendation would be the Cheesed and Confused truck. In addition to great food, you can count on hearing some great music as well because each rodeo features a talented band. The Food Truck Rodeos usually take place on the last Wednesday of every month starting in April, but they’ve added some extra dates this year so check the schedule and make a trip to one (or all) of them; your taste buds will thank you.
4. Sunsets at Lake Ontario
This one is pretty straightforward. Lake Ontario might not be the prettiest body of water out there, but the sunsets sure make it look beautiful. I love taking a drive to Durand Eastman Beach or another spot on the shore, putting my phone down (after taking a few pictures to post later), and saying goodnight to the sun.
5. Seabreeze Amusement Park
As a kid growing up in Rochester, this place was the equivalent of Disney, if not better because it’s in your backyard. One of its major attractions, the Jack Rabbit, was the first “real” roller coaster I ever braved. 10 years later and I still have a blast when I ride it. Quick history lesson: the Jack Rabbit was built in 1920 and is the oldest continuously operating roller coaster in America! Seabreeze is always a fun way to spend a summer day without having to drive very far. The amusement park has attractions for all ages and all levels of thrill seekers. If you want to go but don’t feel like spending a whole day there, check out the discount options they have for night passes.
6. Walking or biking along the Erie Canal
To enjoy this summer activity, you have to venture outside a bit outside of the city and into one of the many canal towns. Most of the time, we drive over the Erie Canal during daily commutes and don't give it a second glance. However, when I ditch my car and enjoy a walk on the Erie Canalway Trail, this man-made waterway becomes one of my favorite things about summer. I love walking along the canal because I always encounter friendly people and get to pet lots of cute dogs. Growing up in the town of Brockport, I met many boaters who were docked for the night and wanted to spend time exchanging stories with the locals. Another beautiful part of the canal can be found along Schoen Place in Pittsford. Don't forget to bring some bread to feed the ducks!
7. Outdoor dining
Our restaurant scene is rather amazing year-round, but things get even better when our favorite eateries put tables outside. Whether it’s Jines on Park Ave, the Gate House in Village Gate, TRATA's rooftop deck, or any of the other stellar options, Rochesterians live for the few short months during which we have the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful whether while simultaneously enjoying our favorite meals.
