Explore Rochester

Introducing our week 600 (Yr. 12 Wk. 27) contributor:
⠀
Hi, Rochester! I’m so excited to share my favorite parts of the city with you this week! 

I’m AnnMarie, and I grew up just outside of the “greater Rochester area” in Macedon. My family really only ever ventured into the city for a festival or a baseball game here and there. Ten years ago, after graduating college and living back home in Macedon, I chose to move into city limits in and haven’t left since. (Shout out to my cat Tobey, who will have also lived in city limits with me for 10 years come September!) My friends from college now always joke about how much I outwardly LOVE Rochester because I champion this city whenever I get the chance.

There’s something truly anchoring about Rochester. I always tell people “it’s a small city that feels like a big town”. You’ll find connections everywhere; it’s rare for me to go out and not see someone I know. Rochester’s special like that. You can strike up a conversation with anyone and you’re bound to find a person or experience you share. 

And if that hasn’t been your experience? Rochester is teeming with communities for almost any interest. If you’re bored or lonely living in Rochester, I beg you to look into your favorite thing to do, or something you’d love to try, and get out there! 

I often get told that I look familiar and my response usually is “I’m around!”, which is especially true this time of year here when there are things to do everyday of every week! I’m going to spend this week gushing about my favorite spots and communities I’ve had the pleasure to be a part of these last ten years. Thanks for coming along and say hi if you see me out and around! 
 ⠀

If you follow me personally, you’ve probably seen me post about this place many times, but I cannot say enough good things about .and.disgrace and the man, the myth, the legend behind it: Ralph.

My first time having the Grace and Disgrace experience was 3 years ago for a date night, and I was already intrigued because it’s such a cozy little spot and reservation only. Without giving every detail from start to finish, all I have to say is that this is a place you have to experience for yourself. It’s a place for everyone. The hospitality and attention to people is next level. THE ICE ART is chef’s kiss. I’ve brought countless friends here from all walks of life, and beyond the amazing food and drinks, it’s a place where everyone can feel welcome.

No but seriously, there’s a drink for everyone (alcoholic or n/a), and if you’re ordering food, get the lamb pops, the grilled cheese and tomato soup, or the dumplings…or one of everything. I’m always looking forward to the next time 🍸 // 7/8

Around this time last year, my friend Gizem and I had started promoting our first community event together called THE PICNIC at Cobbs Hill Park. Both of us are big on community and bringing people together who are looking to make connections, so we thought inviting our fellow Rochestarians to form one BIG picnic blanket at a park would be a pretty cool idea. Gizem () provided the beats, I helped with creative content, and collectively we brought the vision to life. IT WAS A HIT.

After the success of this, we thought we might try hosting a Coffee Day Party at a local coffee shop for those that wanna party, but that maybe don’t want to drink and also have a bedtime. ANOTHER SUCCESS. Fast forward to this year, and we’ve grown this coffee day party into a whole event hosted at , where we collab with DJs, projection artists, coffee OBVIOUSLY, and amazing local creatives.

Since our first event in March of this year, this small coffee series has grown so much, and we’ve been able to connect with people all over Roc. This is just the beginning of something bigger, but for now we feel really grateful of what we’ve built so far. Next Coffee Party is today 6/20, so don’t miss it! 🪩 // 4/8