12 THINGS TO DO IN GREATER ROC THAT’LL MAKE YOU SAY “WHY HAVEN’T I DONE THAT?"

Ditch the routine and you’ll discover something new.

Think you’ve done all there is to do in Greater ROC?

You haven’t. We don’t run out of things to do. We’re built by people who explore more, try more and make more of what’s here.

Those who don’t wait for something new to show up? They go out and find it. Or better yet, they create it.

So stop rotating through the same old plans. Branch out, mix it up—and do it all without going far.

Sunset at Durand Eastman

The beach might get all the love, but the trails in Durand Eastman Park are a whole other world. Explore the wooded paths and find unexpected pockets along the lakeshore, each one perfect for quiet sunset solitude.

Pro tip: Go early evening and wander until you find the perfect stretch of shoreline.

Kayaking the Erie Canal

Still water. Peaceful scenery. It’s a retreat just around the corner. Launch in Bushnell’s Basin and paddle around the tree-lined canal for an up-close glimpse of our iconic waterway.

Pro tip: Pop into Abbott’s for something sweet or visit Aurora Brewing Company to keep the vibes going.

Pottery class at Wheel & Slab

Nothing beats making something with your own two hands. Wheel & Slab gives you the full messy experience in the best way.

Pro tip: Leave perfectionism at the door.

Exploring Hamlin Beach

Pull into Hamlin Beach State Park. Then keep driving. The farther west you go, the more the park opens up and becomes the summertime haven it’s known to be. Swimming is only allowed when lifeguards are on duty, but there’s still plenty to do to soak in the season.

Pro tip: Pack light and take it easy. This isn’t a quick stop.

Indie bookstore crawl

Forget browsing Goodreads. Sometimes the best algorithm is no algorithm at all. At shops like Small World Books and Siren and the Sea, you can find something you weren’t looking for on curated shelves, handwritten recs and cozy corners you can disappear into for a while.

Pro tip: Ask for a recommendation. Trust the answer.

Workshop at Rochester Makerspace

Woodworking, 3D printing, metalwork—whatever you’re curious about, Rochester Makerspace is here to give you a chance to try it out. No experience required, just a willingness to start.

Pro tip: Sign up for a membership. They’re affordable and open the world to all kinds of classes.

Exploring the Keuka Lake Wine Trail

Finger Lakes > Napa.

Yeah, we said it. Now see it for yourself with a trip around Keuka Lake. The wineries are spread out, scenic and refreshingly unpretentious.

Pro tip: Pick a few stops, but don’t rush them.

Main Street Canandaigua at dusk

With a lake that gorgeous, it’s easy to overlook the strip that leads to it. Don’t. Walk the main drag, pop into the shops, grab a drink and see where the day takes you.

Pro tip: Go before the golden hour and head toward the lake for the sunset.

Concerts at Bug Jar

Loud and local, as it should be. Bug Jar is where you go for an up-close concert experience. Packed room, raw sound, unmistakable energy.

Pro tip: Why wait for an act you know? Show up for a band you’ve never heard of.

Improv class at The Focus Theater

Don’t overthink it. Improv is about showing up, saying yes and seeing what happens. The Focus Theater makes it easy to jump in, regardless of whether you’ve done it before.

Pro tip: Go with a friend—or go solo and meet new ones.

Stargazing in Mendon Ponds Park

Away from the city lights sits Mendon Ponds Park. It’s scenic during the day, but at night, the sky opens up for an unmatched view of the cosmos—a reminder of how much there really is to see.

Pro tip: Bring a blanket and be in the moment.

Record store crawl

Another crawl? Yeah, another crawl. This time, pop into the best music spots around. Shops like Record Archive, Bop Shop Records and Needle Drop Records each have their own personality and will make you not want to leave emptyhanded.

Pro tip: Ask for a recommendation. You won’t be sorry.

Greater ROC rewards the people who show up. You ready to get out there? Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.