Looking for some things to do this fall season? There are tons of places to explore around the Rochester area:
1: Pumpkin picking and bumpy gourds!
Rochester is full of local businesses and farms where you can personally choose among a plethora of pumpkins and funky gourds to decorate your living space with. Some of these places include the Bauman’s Farm Market, Wickham farms, and Powers Farm Market.
2: Bask in the New York state foliage!
In Rochester, it is hard to go anywhere without noticing the flaming beauty of New York State’s fall foliage. Even in the city, the natural beauty of fall is everywhere! I recommend going on a brisk and scenic walk in Webster Park, or along the Pittsford Canal. If going to the canal, make sure to stop by Artisan Gelato and Espresso by for some delicious gelato!
3: Go apple picking!
It is no surprise that New York is called “The Big Apple.” Take a bite out of New York’s food scene while supporting our local farmers! Just a few of the many places to choose from are Green Acre Farms, Wickham Farms, and Sunscape Farms. Apple picking is a fantastic way to make lasting memories with your friends and family while being able to take some great pics for the gram!
4: Pumpkin fried cake doughnuts!
One of my very favorite parts of fall itself is the pumpkin fried cakes from Herman’s Farm Market! These tasty treats never cease to bring the cozy fall mood while delighting the palette of anyone who tastes them. You definitely need to try at least one (if you can control yourself around these goodies) with your favorite steamy beverages! This brings me to my next fall attraction…
5: Get some good cider!
I recommend buying yourself some quality cider or “spider juice” as some places call it, from a local farmer’s market or stand. This fall favorite can be found at Herman’s Farm Market and Bauman’s Farm Market in Webster. Whether cold, heated in the microwave, or warmed on the stove top with cinnamon spice and all the works, local cider is the perfect drink paired with a pumpkin fried cake.
6: Fringe Festival!
Downtown Rochester has a rich cultural art scene where the Fringe Festival occurs every September for twelve days with over twenty-five venues, and 575+ events to choose from! This festival is a fun opportunity to explore the city of Rochester while making long lasting memories with friends and family.
Fringe Festival: https://rochesterfringe.com
7: Sweater weather shopping!
One of my absolute favorite parts of fall is the aesthetic of cozy knit sweaters that both look and feel beautiful! Bring your friends with you to tour Rochester’s local shopping scene. They’re full of cute stores and trendy malls! Personally, I’ve found most of my luck with cute sweaters at T.J. Maxx in the Webster Plaza and Eastview Mall.
TJ Maxx: https://tjmaxx.tjx.com/store/index.jsp
Eastview Mall: https://www.eastviewmall.com
8: Get spooked!
Need more adrenaline in your life or looking for a good scare? Rochester has you covered! Our community offers a wide array of spooky experiences for you and your friends in the spirit of Halloween. Haunted Hayrides are available in Williamson, not to mention many local haunted houses which include Nightmare Manor and Dark Matter Scream Works.
Haunted Hayrides: https://hauntedhayridesrochester.radio.com
Nightmare Manor: http://www.nightmaremanorhauntedhouse.com
Dark Matter Scream Works: http://www.darkmatterscreamworks.com
9: Visit the Village Gate!
Another place where you and your besties can tour; the Village Gate offers an artsy environment situated in the middle of downtown. This attraction could function as a ‘fun-fill station’ in between the performances you choose to see during the Fringe Fest. The Village Gate has a tasty restaurant selection. Enjoy a delicious meal in the scenic outdoor courtyard enriched with the beauty of fall. Here, Mythic Treasures offers their tarot reading fairs every 2nd and 4th weekend of every month!
The Village Gate here: http://www.villagegatesquare.com
Mythic Treasures: https://www.mythictreasures.com
10: Taste the fall themed favorites of Pittsford Dairy!
Looking for a fun outing with your friends where you can capture an Instagram worthy fall aesthetic of both food and foliage? Make a special trip the Pittsford Dairy where they serve you a warm homestead environment! Here, you can enjoy a favorite chilly desert in the cozy abode of the red barn. Then, savor the fall specialty ice-cream flavors under a canopy of colorful leaves.
Pittsford Dairy: https://www.pittsfordfarmsdairy.com
Student Transportation:
Don’t have a mode of transportation? Nazareth has you covered! Campus Safety provides a free campus shuttle that operates Mondays through Thursdays 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. and Fridays from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. The shuttle doesn’t run on weekends, holidays, breaks, or days when there are no classes.
Campus Shuttle: https://www2.naz.edu/campus-safety/parking/