Rochester This Week – 7/14/26
Waterfalls, ice cream, and a weekend of summer festivals—plan this week’s day trips around Rochester.
Debi’s Field Notes
This week I’m headed to Seneca Falls and Waterloo to explore a few places that have been on my list, including a ride aboard the Cayuga Limited with Finger Lakes Rail Experience. The 90-minute excursion follows the shoreline of Cayuga Lake aboard a restored mid-century passenger car, offering a different perspective on this corner of the Finger Lakes.
I’ll also be spending time at Women’s Rights National Historical Park, which is especially fitting since Convention Days takes place July 17–19. The annual event commemorates the 1848 Women’s Rights Convention with living history programs, ranger talks, family activities, and special guest speakers. This year’s theme, Unfinished Resolutions, reflects both the nation’s 250th anniversary and the ongoing work inspired by the Declaration of Sentiments.
As always, I’ll be taking photos, gathering notes, and looking for new places to share with you. If you have a favorite stop in Seneca Falls or Waterloo that I shouldn’t miss, I’d love to hear about it.
Explore the City of Ithaca
Waterfalls, independent shops, great restaurants, scenic parks, and an Ivy League campus all fit into one memorable day trip. Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, Ithaca always offers something new to discover.
Build your perfect Ithaca itinerary →
The sweetest stop of summer
Whether you crave homemade ice cream, frozen custard, gelato, or a classic Perry’s cone, I’ve curated a list of 92 ice cream shops around Rochester to make it easy to plan your next sweet stop.
Find the scoop worth the drive →
If you’re an Abbott’s fan, Friday, July 17, is an especially sweet day to visit. The original Lake Avenue stand in Charlotte is celebrating its 100th season with a Centennial Celebration from 5:30–7:30 p.m., marking a century of serving frozen custard just steps from Ontario Beach Park.
Abbott’s Centennial Celebration →
Refreshing places to beat the heat
From waterfalls and lakes to gentle creeks perfect for wading, these refreshing spots offer plenty of ways to escape the summer heat. Always check conditions before you go and swim only where permitted.
Featured Event
Rochester Pride Parade & Festival
Sat | Jul 18
Celebrate Rochester’s LGBTQ+ community with the annual Pride Parade and Festival in Highland Park. The day includes the parade, live entertainment, food vendors, community organizations, shopping, and performances throughout the park.
Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance
Thu–Sun | Jul 16–19
One of the Finger Lakes’ signature summer festivals returns to Trumansburg with four days of live music, dancing, workshops, family activities, local food, artisan vendors, and camping.
Looking for even more ideas?
Browse the full events guide →
See you out there,
Debi
