Rochester This Week - 7/15/25
Explore lakes, longhouses, lighthouses, and lilies—your week of day trips starts here.
H2O Heritage: Exploring Rochester’s Freshwater Resources
Rochester is surrounded by some of nature’s most valuable freshwater sources—ranging from the vast Lake Ontario and the famous Finger Lakes to an extensive network of rivers, creeks, streams, bays, wetlands, and groundwater. This stunning collection of water-based resources adds great value to our lives and reminds us to protect what makes this region so special.
Whether you're planning a day trip or looking to deepen your connection with nature, Rochester’s freshwater resources provide endless opportunities for discovery, learning, and enjoyment.
Ganondagan
Perched atop Boughton Hill in Victor, Ganondagan is the only New York State Historic Site devoted to Native American heritage. In the 1600s, more than 150 bark longhouses sheltered some 4,500 Haudenosaunee residents, forming a diplomatic and agricultural hub until French forces destroyed it during the 1687 Beaver Wars. Today, the Seneca Art & Culture Center anchors the 569-acre landscape with immersive exhibits, films, and a replica longhouse.
Insider Tip: Visit July 26 & 27 during the Indigenous Music and Arts Festival, when the site comes alive with storytelling, drumming, dancing, traditional food, and celebration.
Explore Watkins Glen
The village of Watkins Glen, about one and a half hours southeast of Rochester at the southern tip of Seneca Lake, is an ideal day-trip destination. Watkins Glen State Park’s 1.5-mile-long gorge at the heart of the village is a breathtaking and awe-inspiring showcase of nature’s beauty. While not an easy stroll, the journey is rewarding for those prepared for the climb. The path through the glen encompasses a 520-foot elevation change navigable by 800 stone steps, bridges, tunnels, and straightaways, often wet with spray from 19 waterfalls.
Ontario Beach Park
At the northernmost tip of the city, the Genesee River borders the park to the east. With its sandy beach, spray park, boardwalk, and pier, Ontario Beach Park offers a classic summer day out. Enjoy the original 1902 Abbott’s Frozen Custard, ride the 1905 Dentzel Carousel, and tour the 1822 Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse. Find a dozen bars and restaurants, some with waterfront seating, the Port of Rochester marina, ample lot and street parking, and the best summer sunset views.
New York State & County Fairs
Originating from the early 1800s, state and county fairs offer a mix of 4-H competitions, agriculture, amusement, and entertainment that showcase the bountiful harvest and proudly display locally crafted goods. For over 150 years, communities have eagerly looked forward to gathering in late summer to enjoy the festivities, including lively parades and shows, unique exhibits, exciting competitions, and live music.
Mark your calendar and plan a visit to one or more fairs. They typically happen around the same time each year.
In Date Order:
July
Yates County Fair - July 8–12, Penn Yan
Livingston County Fair - July 15–19, Hemlock
Seneca County Fair - July 16–19, Waterloo
Genesee County Fair - July 19–26, Batavia
Orleans County Fair - July 21–26, Albion
Ontario County Fair - July 22–26, Canandaigua
August
Niagara County Fair - July 30–August 3, Lockport
Erie County Fair - August 6–17, Hamburg
Wyoming County Fair - August 9–16, Pike
Wayne County Fair - August 4–10, Palmyra
Steuben County Fair - August 11–17, Bath
The Great New York State Fair - Aug 20–Sep 1, Syracuse
A note regarding the Monroe County Fair: Monroe County has not hosted a county fair since 2019. It was last held in Rush, NY. The fair was first established in 1823 by the Monroe County Fair and Recreation Association.
Cornell Botanic Gardens
Cornell Botanic Gardens in Ithaca is a beautiful and vast 4,000-acre area that is open for free exploration. It offers ample opportunities to learn about different plant species and environmental conservation. The area includes 12 specialty gardens located around the Nevin Welcome Center, the 100-acre F.R. Newman Arboretum, and surrounding natural areas.
Webster Arboretum
The 32-acre Webster Arboretum is nestled within Kent Park, a larger community space that features ballfields and open recreation areas. In contrast, the arboretum offers a peaceful retreat of curated gardens, walking paths, and shaded corners—lovingly maintained by volunteers and quietly cherished by those who visit. Themed areas include a conifer collection, antique rose garden, daylily and dahlia beds, and a thoughtfully arranged herb garden. Flat, gravel paths wind through the grounds, leading to a reflective pond, wooden bridges, gazebos, and benches perfect for lingering.
