May//June 2023 Rochester HOME Magazine

Flooring Center.

“As always, the service, product and workmanship were excellent. Whenever we need floor work completed, we call Christie Carpets. The team is always a pleasure to have in our home.” - Joyce M.

on the cover

6 • curated. by JUSTIN TERIORS

Refresh the spaces in your home with collected pieces, vintage and new features

9 • From the Artists’ Desk let’s go explore pg. 10

12 • Hit the Road

Leah Caraher from Five for the Road shares four weekend getaways and travel tips

26 • One World Goods

Putting people above products garden & blooms pg. 30

36 • At Home with Norah

Norah Pritchard talks about her love of gardening and writing visit canandaigua pg. 40 for the home pg. 49

58 • Journey on the Erie Canal

Mother-daughter duo Sara and Beth share their adventures on the canal

Cover Photography: Sarah Christ, Featured Media ™

CELEBRATING AN INCREDIBLE FIRST YEAR IN THE VILLAGE OF WEBSTER

Justin Brown, interior designer and owner of the home décor store, curated., in the Village of Webster, celebrates the shop’s first anniversary in May. curated. reflects Justin’s passion for mixing old and new décor that is simultaneously sophisticated and functional. As guests enter the shop, the warm and welcoming environment invites them to browse the wide array of merchandise.

Drawing from many years of professional experience as a visual merchandiser in New York City and then at Rochester’s Windsor Cottage, Justin brings enthusiasm and a careful creative eye to curated. In its first year, the shop has gained a following for its carefully selected and unique collection of goods for each room in your home. Merchandise includes décor pieces, furniture, kitchen & dining wares, lighting, and personal accessories.

Justin says that what he loves most about running the business is merchandising and creating product displays for customers to enjoy and feel inspired by.

When it comes to finding his own inspiration, he says there’s nothing better than when a client brings home a piece from the shop and then returns to tell him how much they enjoy it. “I only carry items that I love and would use in my own home, so

those moments create a real connection. It’s a common sense of joy.” Even better is when the customer shares pictures of how it looks in their space.

Through interactions such as these, Justin says getting to know individuals in the local community has been a great pleasure. “People open up when they shop local, because they don’t always feel that neighborly connection at big box retailers. Here, I get to learn names and hear about where customers are from. They’ll tell me about their house and where in their home they’re going to use pieces they’re purchasing. If they’re buying a gift, they’ll tell me who it’s for.”

This personal attention keeps customers coming back, and guests also want to see what great finds are available when they return to curated. Justin says, “We’re constantly introducing new products and rearranging displays to ensure things stay fresh. People can discover something new each time they come in—and we make sure they’re things they can’t find elsewhere.”

This one-of-a-kind boutique is something Rochester is fortunate to have. Stop into the shop to wish them a happy anniversary and find pieces to furnish or accessorize your own home!

DESIGN TIPS FROM CURATED.

SELECTING DÉCOR

Justin says the best thing to do is to simply focus on selecting pieces you love. With that as the guiding principle, keep these tips in mind:

Select items that are timeless and not appealing simply because they’re in style right now.

Keep things practical and your space functional–you shouldn’t feel like you’re living in a museum.

Mix old and new to create depth and tell your story

EMBRACING SEASON CHANGES

Justin relocated to Rochester from New York City in 2018, and he says one of the great things about this area is that we have true, distinct seasons. With that, “Homeowners get a chance to update their spaces and bring in seasonal pieces— their homes don’t need to feel the same 365 days a year,” Justin explains. To keep things bright during the short days of long Rochester winters, Justin has fun with lighting in his home, swapping and moving lamps around. “I will admit that I do have a lamp obsession,” he says, but the approach works for his psyche.

REFRESHING SPACES WITHIN YOUR HOME

One of the easiest ways to do this is by swapping out a rug or two; new throw pillows also make a big difference. Justin also says, “Don’t be afraid to move furniture from room to room. We often get stuck and think to ourselves that pieces must stay where you first put them.” Lastly, he adds that it’s a good idea to take stock in what you have every so often. Keep pieces and accents you truly love, resell what you don’t, and then use that money to invest in more of what brings you joy because that’s what your home should do, Justin says.

Justin’s passion for connecting shines through his developing social media presence, where customers can get a sneak a peek at the latest products and displays, as well as design and style tips.

St. Ann’s Community has been proud to be part of the Rochester community since 1873. And while a lot has changed over the years, one thing never will — our commitment to providing seniors with the finest care possible.

- from the artists’ desk -

April showers bring May flowers – and the onset of Summer! It’s time to throw open the windows, welcome the breeze, break out our gardening gloves, and get back outside! With blooms abounding and an endless list of sights to see, at Home we’re getting ready to make the most of what the Western New York region has to offer.

Rich in sights, sounds, and history, the Canandaigua area has a number of fun activities to offer, perfect for all ages and interests. Just a half hour from Rochester, spend a day soaking up the sun! Local author Norah Pritchard is here to share gardening tips, fresh recipes, and her love of farmers markets. Be sure to keep an eye out for a few of her favorite local spots.

A refresh is the perfect chance to shake up your home décor, whether that’s swapping a wall hanging out for a summer piece or adding in color, and curated. by Justin has exactly what you’re looking for. With each piece carefully selected, embrace the change of the seasons and craft a vacation-like space in your own home!

Start up the car, roll down the windows, and crank up your favorite tunes: it’s time for road trips! Five for the Road with Leah Caraher highlights four of her favorite weekend getaways, all within a few hours of the Rochester area! From places to see and things to do, she also includes tips for traveling as a family! Looking for a fun adventure? Two Gals on the Canal takes us on a kayak journey with their Canalway Challenge, sharing their inspiration for achieving goals.

Whether you’re getting your hands dirty as you show off your green thumb or lacing up your sneakers for local hikes, there is always something new and exciting going on in Rochester. Catch a few rays and enjoy the beautiful blooms – summer is here!

mark your calendars for our summer bash at Farmer’s creekside!

- scan for more details-

LAURIE ABBOTT | KIRSTI JACKSON | CARMEN CAMPBELL | CHRISTINE WHITE | DAN MULVANEY | DARIA REITKNECHT | DOMINIC PEZZIMENTI MANUEL KARAM | COLLEEN MANN | CRISTIE LEONE

SARAH CHRIST | KARA IVISON | SUZIE WELLS | KAITLIN DONNAN CONTRIBUTING AUTHORS: SUZIE WELLS, TRISH PINO, CANDACE ALNAJI, HELANA SHUMWAY

Schuyler C. Townson Terrace Garden at George Eastman’s Estate

EASTMAN ENTERTAINS

ON VIEW MAY 9–28

Creatively styled scenes, table settings, and floral arrangements inspired by popular motion pictures

Organized by the Landscape Committee. Generously supported by Daryl Dear Cubitt and sponsored by Wegmans.

ON SCREEN

See Mary Poppins (1988) a film that inspired one of this year’s tablescapes, on screen at the Dryden Theatre on May 12 at 7:30 p.m.

with Leah Caraher

Leah Caraher has been documenting travel tips since 2016 on her blog, Five for the Road. Originally from Buffalo, Leah grew up taking day trips with her family and now continues that tradition with her husband and three children.

Sharing her love for travel and family, Five for the Road is a way to document her family’s adventures while inspiring others to get out and explore with their own families. Especially as her kids get older, Leah cherishes time spent connecting, making memories, and experiencing new places together, whether it’s an extended vacation, a short weekend getaway or a quick day trip.

Written by

OUT FOR THE DAY

A favorite weekend getaway for any family is NYC. Whether you fly, drive, or take the train to the city, there is so much to do and see.

“Just walking through and experiencing these places is an adventure in itself."

NEW YORK CITY

Leah's

TRAVEL TIPS

• Tailor the experience to your family: “Be realistic and flexible. Your kids aren’t going to be different people when traveling, so when planning make choices that consider each person’s needs, interests, and personalities to be sure everyone has a good time.”

• Incorporate surprises along the way: “Pick a destination and then research surrounding areas to find fun/unique stops and places to eat. Whenever I plan day trips, I put the location into Google Maps and zoom in to find different stops along the way. No one likes being in the car for a long time (especially young children), so we look for mystery stops to incorporate.”

• Plan the trip together: “I always include my

For more tips and guides about these trips and others, visit fivefortheroad.com or follow along on her journeys @fivefortheroadblog

kids in the planning, even when they were small. We used to go to the library and get books about where we were visiting and have them be a part of the plan we make. Some kids don’t like surprises, so we build the excitement and let them choose parts of what we do so everyone feels invested in it and has something to look forward to.”

• Explore reciprocal memberships:

“Before you go, be sure to check out local memberships to see if there is a reciprocal for the city you will visit. Many zoos and museums have reciprocals in other cities, so paying for an annual membership here not only gives you benefits to use at home, but can save money when you travel as well.”

NATIONAL SOARING MUSEUM

Soaring Capital of America

Featuring one of the largest collections of Gliders and Sailplanes in the world.

Located at Harris Hill, overlooking the Elmira Regional Airport, off Route 17 & 86, Exits 48 or 51A

BOOK A STAY AT OUR LUXURY INN ON MARKET STREET IN CORNING!

Lodging at the Ga�fer Inn is a 4-room boutique hotel located on historic Market Street in the heart of the Ga�fer District in the city of Corning, NY. It is conveniently located within walking distance to many shops and restaurants (directly above Burgers & Beer of Corning) and to the Corning Museum of Glass.

Reservations can be made at: WWW.GAFFERINN.COM

LOOKING FOR A LITTLE REST AND RELAXATION ON KEUKA LAKE?

Book a getaway to MoonSwept, a cozy 5-bedroom home located on the west side the lake, which can accomodate a max. of 11 guests (pet-friendly too!). Across the road from the house is a private dock located on 47 feet of waterfront. �e house is located on cli�f property, so there are 117 steps to the dock, but once you are there you can stay all day! �e dock has a gazebo with furniture, a mini fridge, and even an “outhouse” with a composting toilet!

Reservations can be made at: WWW.MOONSWEPTKEUKA.COM

Rose

Live History, a theatrical scavenger hunt, June 10 Rose Hill Concert Series June 18, July 16 & August 20

Family Day, August 12

Guided Mansion Tours

Rose Hill is open Tuesday-Sunday, May 2-October 31. The Geneva History Museum is open year-round. Call for admission and hours.

Historic Geneva • 315-789-5151 • historicgeneva.org

STAY, SHOP, EXPLORE & PRACTICE YOGA

AT LAZY ACRE ALPACAS 100-ACRE FARM WITH UNIQUE LANDSCAPES, BEAUTIFUL GARDENS AND 66 HEALTHY, HAPPY ALPACAS!

Located just 30 minutes outside Rochester, Lazy Acre Alpacas is a family-run farm in Bloomfield, with 100 acres of rolling lush pastures perfect for raising healthy, happy alpacas. 66 alpacas currently call Lazy Acre Alpacas home, and they and their human owners/caretakers would love to meet you. Stop by for a tour or class today and see for yourself why Lazy Acre is fun for all ages! Come see how much the new babies (crias) Olympus and Danny Boy have grown.

Mark and Sharon Gilbride take pride in their 23-yearold family-run farm, caring for and teaching about the friendly animals. Mark says his favorite part of owning and running Lazy Acre is interacting with everyone, educating visitors about alpacas, and getting to work with his wife every day.

Lazy Acre offers farm tours, in which visitors learn about the different types of alpacas and how Lazy Acre takes care of them throughout the year. While they close the farm to visitors on shearing day, each tour includes the shearing barn, where visitors view videos showcasing the shearing process at the farm as well as how a mill processes the fleece fiber to make useable yarn for the clothing and gift items available in the two-floor gift shop on-site. “Everyone loves warm and cozy alpaca socks,” Mark notes.

After the comfortable walking tour through the barns, learning about the farm’s history and alpaca care, tour-goers get to visit with and feed the alpacas. The Gilbrides say they can modify farm tours to accommodate any age range or group size.

Lazy Acre offers alpaca yoga twice a week, combining the restorative practice with a little alpaca love as the animals meander around the humans, who then feed alpacas mid-session if they’re so inclined. Begun the year before COVID, alpaca yoga bloomed because it was an outside activity with space for people to spread out when all other yoga studios had closed. Lazy Acre continues to offer the popular practice twice a week (evenings every other Tuesday and Saturday mornings), beginning in April.

Lazy Acre also hosts private events at the farm. Check them out for birthdays, bachelorette parties, scout outings, and any other group event needs. Lazy Acre Alpacas plans to host cider and wine tastings later this year, and there is often something new going on at the farm. Check out their website or follow them on Facebook or Instagram.

Book tours, events, and classes online at lazyacrealpacas.com/book-online

Mark and Sharon Gilbride

STAY AT THE FARM!

Lazy Acre also hosts two accommodations on the premises. Each stay at these facilities includes a free guided tour as well as a discount at Lazy Acre’s gift shop on all things alpaca fiber.

The Bungalow

This Vrbo across the road offers privacy with all the modern amenities for those wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle of life. The Bungalow is available for up to six guests.

Book Now!

Lazy Acre Homestead Farm

This Airbnb features a private bedroom and bathroom with morning coffee/tea available for up to two guests.

Book Now!

Tours

clothing & gifts

Store • Lodging Alpaca Yoga

PHOTO:

PHOTO: Chris Kalisiak

THE MOST LUXURIOUS STAY IN SKANEATELES

far from a hotel room, at 34 state the suites are beyond what you expect

Boutique lodging suites in the heart of the Village of Skaneateles, NY. At 34 State you will have the pleasure of experiencing a property that blurs the lines between a historic inn with the luxuries of a boutique hotel, yet it affords you the privacy of your own spacious suite. This combination allows you to have the feel of living like the locals do. 34 State has quickly become one of the most sought after places to stay because it is distinctly different in so many ways. Unique designer décor, handsome antiques along with exquisite beds and bedding will lure you in and the charming Village only steps away will make you never want to leave. 34 State is also pet-friendly!

One World Goods: PUTTING PEOPLE ABOVE PRODUCTS

Rochester is home to many unique local businesses, but few offer a global experience like One World Goods, Rochester’s only fair trade gift shop. Certified by the Fair Trade Federation, One World Goods has served as Rochester’s global marketplace and onestop shop for ethically sourced authentic international imports for over thirty-five years.

A LOCAL BUSINESS WITH A GLOBAL MISSION

According to assistant store manager Karin Marle� Choi, One World Goods (OWG) is dedicated to creating opportunities for artisans and farmers in the Global South and is commi�ed to serving international communities that live without opportunities available in other parts of the world.

Education is a large part of One World Goods’ mission, and part of that includes helping consumers understand the benefits of fair trade. The products at OWG are purchased from fair trade importers who acquire the products directly from farmers and artisans

BY CANDACE ALNAJI

around the world. These importers ensure that the creators of the goods are paid equitable wages and paid promptly.

Purchasing through fair trade ensures that native farmers and artisans receive fair payment for their labor and allows them to remain in their ancestral homes while they work. The fair trade process also provides equal employment opportunities for women and protects children from child labor.

For instance, all chocolate in the shop is grown by reputable farmers and sold by fair traders. For Divine Chocolate—a brand sold at OWG—the growers of the cocoa beans are even part owners of the chocolate company.

According to Marle� Choi, environmental stewardship is another important fair trade goal. Many of the shop’s products are made from recycled materials, including saris, bags, and even candy wrappers.

Education is a part of One World Goods’ consumers

from fair trade who the

ITEMS TO MAKE A TRIP FOR

One World Goods offers a wealth of warm weather favorites. OWG’s Guatemalan pine needle baskets are a popular product year-round and a unique option for baskets in the spring.

For those on the hunt for other culinary finds, OWG sells an assortment of fair trade coffee, tea, spices, and soup mixes. Their coffee is shade grown and bird friendly (being shade grown creates more places for birds to nest!), a delicious and environmentally responsible option for your morning brew.

The shop also has great wardrobe options for spring and summer, including tops and dresses sewn by Mexican and Indian artisans. For those in need of a li�le sparkle, the shop carries an exquisite line of jewelry from the Women’s Peace Collection out of Bali, Indonesia. And, if you are shopping for li�le ones, you’ll find an assortment of alpaca fur stuffed animals from Peru.

INSPIRING STORIES AT ONE WORLD GOODS

One of Marle� Choi’s favorite artisanal products at the shop is a stunning pine needle basket woven by indigenous Mayan women in Guatemala. Two to three decades ago, these artisans made t-shirts. After demand for the t-shirts shrunk, the artisan group rolled up their sleeves and learned how to create a new product—a beautiful Mayanized basket woven from massive eight-inch pine needles original to their land. Today, these baskets are not only gorgeous and sustainable, but are a top seller at the shop.

Also inspiring is the steel drum art made by Haitian artisans. These beautiful works of art are crafted from oil drums dumped on the country’s land and water by a large oil company. After many years of this practice, the Haitian artisans took action and began repurposing the drums, and today their steel drum art is a traditional art form born in Haiti and sold across the world—including right here in Rochester!

CAN’T MISS EVENTS

One World Goods is a year-round shopping destination. Every September, OWG holds a four-day rug event, prominently featuring heirloom rugs hand-kno�ed in Pakistan. The annual sale showcases 300 rugs, with various motifs represented in the rugs reflecting traditional designs unique to Pakistani villages.

And of course, when winter holiday season rolls around, the shop offers a wide— and popular—assortment of Christmas ornaments.

GET INVOLVED

As a not-for-profit organization, One World Goods relies on a dedicated staff of volunteers to share its beautiful works of artisan and agricultural producers from around the world. Anyone can apply for a volunteer position, including high school and college students.

To learn more about One World Goods, visit them online at oneworldgoods.org. Follow One World Goods on Facebook and Instagram @oneworldgoods.

Sequels features stylish and unusual furniture and home accessories from quality brands like Stickley, Ethan Allen, Arhaus, MacKenzie-Childsand more. Find quality consignment home décor and gifts at surprisingly reasonable prices. Or, consign with us and we’ll sell your gently used furnishings for you

Mike Weber GREENHOUSES

Growing quality plants for Western New York for more than 40 years!

Mike Weber’s Greenhouses began by growing more traditional plants in 1978 but has since expanded into a specialty grower, quickly becoming the leader in the area.

We are a niche greenhouse specializing in products beyond simple annual bedding plants, including Gardener’s Own, accent liners, herbs, and beyond. With 14 growing greenhouses, our product list continues to expand as we sell to both retail and wholesale customers and have the ability to ship to the rest of the United States.

- Come visit us today! -

42 French Rd, West Seneca • 716.822.8887

webergreenhouses.com

Open April - August • M-F: 8am-6pm, Sat: 8am-4pm, Sun: 9am-4pm

A family-owned & operated business, Sara’s Garden & Nursery began as a small farm wagon offering homegrown vegetables and flowers. Today at their family-run nursery, there is nearly 20,000 sq.ft. of greenhouse space where they grow all of the annuals, vegetable plants and hanging baskets that are offered.

- inspiring gardeners for over 40 years -

at home with norah pritchard.

BY HELANA SHUMWAY

Onany given day, you can find Norah Pritchard teaching English as an adjunct professor at Nazareth College, picking herbs from her garden for the night’s meal, or putting the finishing touches on her upcoming novel, The Other Side of Forever, set to release this summer. Originally from Henrietta, Norah is a creative soul, a mother of three, and married to her high school sweetheart. She has a busy schedule, but that doesn’t slow her down. With kindness, a love of connection, and a positive outlook on life, Norah is an inspiration. If one thing is certain, she is just getting started.

“The time you invest in eating dinner together around a table each night lasts a lifetime.”

- norah

photo by honest to goodness photography

an author at heart.

Norah started writing very early in life, often scribbling story ideas and character sketches on index cards. She always knew she wanted to write a book, but little did she know, her first publication would be a cookbook. Dinnertime: Fast and Fresh Family Meals for Every Night of the Week features an incredible variety of recipes that are – as the title suggests – low-maintenance and incorporate the season’s freshest flavors.

Up next, Norah is publishing her first novel, The Other Side of Forever, set to release this summer on Amazon. The first book in a series, Norah describes The Other Side of Forever as a heartwarming story about healing and learning to embrace yourself as you are, with a good dose of “swoony happily ever after.” The book is set in a fictional close-knit small town based on Pittsford, New York, where she lives now. You can expect to see some familiar places!

photo by kristen koppers photography

farmers markets and home gardening.

Most Saturdays, Norah and her family arrive early at the Fairport Farmers Market to pick up the freshest produce in the area. They visit their favorite vendors and brainstorm ways to use the produce for that evening’s dinner. Between busy work schedules, school, and after-school activities, Norah loves to prepare a healthy, hearty dinner as a meal the whole family will enjoy.

After picking up goods from the market, Norah goes directly into her garden to finish “shopping” for the night’s meal. Her love of cooking naturally progressed into growing a home garden, and for years now, Norah has grown a variety of fruits and vegetables in her own backyard.

pizza party from the garden.

If you are looking to enjoy summer’s best flavors, try one of Norah’s homemade pizzas! With a great recipe for the dough found in Dinnertime and on her blog, you can top your pizzas with fresh ingredients from your garden or the local farmers market.

sausage and pepper pizza

Layer tomato sauce, grated, fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced red onions, red and orange peppers, and banana pepper rings over the cheese. Add ground Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled into bite-sized pieces, on top. Bake at 500ºF for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and the crust is golden brown. Top with fresh oregano or basil.

mediterranean pizza

Place a layer of fresh basil pesto sauce and fresh mozzarella over your favorite crust. Sprinkle with chopped artichoke hearts and kalamata olives. Bake at 500ºF for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and the crust is golden brown. Top with fresh basil leaves.

chicken bacon ranch

Spread Alfredo sauce evenly over the pizza crust, top evenly with mozzarella, cooked chicken, and bacon. Bake at 500ºF for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and the crust is golden brown. Top with fresh lettuce and tomatoes, and drizzle with ranch dressing.

a few of norah’s local favorites.

The Pittsford Dairy & Schoen Place

Especially on summer evenings, Norah and her family love to grab an ice cream at the Dairy and then go for a nice walk on the canal near Schoen Place. Talk about picturesque!

East

Avon Flea Market

There’s nothing like enjoying a sweet lemonade and a bag of kettle corn on a nice summer’s day while perusing the stalls of antiques and trinkets at the market.

The Rochester Red Wings at Innovative Field

Because who doesn’t love a baseball game with some peanuts and cracker jack?

a few gardening tips.

Plant produce that you know you will cook with and enjoy eating. . . .

To get kids involved, plant veggies and fruits they can pick and eat right off the plant.

Start with planting produce that is easy to grow, like tomatoes, zucchinis, and peas. . . .

Make zones in your garden, or small squares of the garden with a theme. Norah says two great zones are “pie” and “salsa” gardens. In each zone, you will grow produce you might need to make a pie (strawberries, rhubarb, and herbs like basil or lavender) or salsa (tomatoes, cilantro, and jalapeños).

SOAK UP THE SIGHTS IN THE “CHOSEN SPOT”

cherry blossoms at the lake

photo: @buffalogrl716

Canandaigua’s Native American moniker is apt: residents and visitors alike find the city and town hugging the northern end of Canandaigua Lake to be a ‘chosen spot’ any time of year. True, many fairweather visitors flock to the beaches and watersports that make the pier and lakefront widely known across the Finger Lakes region and beyond, but that’s not all that makes Canandaigua an incredible place to live and visit.

Canandaigua was at one time a Seneca village whose inhabitants fled nearby Ganondagan when the French destroyed it in 1687. European settlers started moving into the region in the late 1780s following the Phelps & Gorham Purchase. Canandaigua is home to the Ontario County Courthouse, the seat of the county that also holds the history of Susan B. Anthony’s trial herein 1873 for voting in the 1872 presidential elections in Rochester.

Here, you’ll find unique restaurants, quaint shops, and recreation of all sorts. With a population of over 10,000 within the city limits and another 10,000 in the surrounding town, residents treasure the

gently rolling hills, the parks, the festivals, the farm markets, and the festive traditions year-round that bring together the community and visitors from far and wide. And check out the Art & Music Festival in July, Treaty Day in November, the Festival of Trees and Christkindl Market in November/December.

The city of Canandaigua is best known for its tourism and agriculture, its thriving downtown business district, and its beautiful residential neighborhoods as well as lakeside cottages and summer homes. Drive down Main Street any day or night and you’ll see what makes the city a wonderful place to visit or call home!

Canandaigua’s bustling Main Street and surrounding town is filled with one-ofa-kind boutiques where you can find everything from toys to yarn to Finger Lakes wines. Shop convenient plazas on the

outskirts for big box and discount stores. Canandaigua draws music fans to concerts on the pier, in the city parks, and at the performing arts center.

Designated a Tree City USA since 1988, Canandaigua is truly a “chosen spot” for its natural beauty and city and town parks. 182 acres of parkland include Onanda Park on the western shores of the lake with its cabins, outdoor sports, and slew of hiking trails, Kershaw Park on the north end of the lake with its beach, playground, gazebo, and walking path, Baker Park on Buffalo Rd. with its incredible playground and walking paths, and the West Lake School House Park on County Rd. 16, off the beaten path with great swimming without the hype or crowds (though without a sandy beach either, so bring your water shoes).

In 2022, the town of Canandaigua partnered with Dream Big! Inclusion in Motion to create the Motion Junction Playground at Outhouse Park West A fully inclusive play experience, this playground is completely accessible and inclusive regardless of ability or mobility level.

SET SAIL ON THE CANANDAIGUA LADY

When you’re at Kershaw or the Pier, check out the small island at the northwestern portion of the lake. Skenoh Island Wildlife Management Area is one of only two islands in the entire Finger Lakes and is the smallest NY State Park. Known as Squaw Island until Fall 2021, this 1/5-acre island has shrunk from its picnic destination two-acre size due to erosion by years of waves.

Staple Stops Around Town

When visiting the Finger Lakes area, be sure to schedule a ride on The Canandaigua Lady , a 19th century double-decker paddle wheel steamboat replica docked at the lake’s northern end. They offer Lunch, Dinner, and Excursion Cruises during the May through October season. There are tasting and themed cruises such as Murder Mystery Dinner Cruises, Wine Tasting Cruises with Dr. Frank, Taste the Finger Lakes Pairing Cruises, a Princess & Prince Ice Cream Social, and more. Take a cruise and learn about the Steamboat Era, Canandaigua Lake, the Seneca Indian Nation and much more!

Rebranded in 2018, New York Kitchen on Lakeshore Drive offers guests an incredible journey “celebrating the incredible agriculture, culinary bounty, and craft beverages produced in New York State.” NYK is a nonprofit organization helping locals and visitors discover all the Empire State has to offer through meaningful experiences including hands-on cooking classes in their state-of-the-art teaching kitchen, craft beverage education and pairing classes in their Wine Spectator Theater, hospitality industry education

the Sounds of Nature this

May 22nd-26th

We have partnered with our hearing aid manufacturers with the highest level of prescription hearing aid technology available. This has enabled us to be able to let our patients who are candidates for hearing aids try this technology at home for a full week with absolutely no obligation. Our doctors of audiology will ensure the hearing aids are programmed specifically to your needs and you will be able to see for yourself the beauty of hearing your world again.

Dr. Megan Nowacki Dr. of Audiology

Dr. Emily Haines Dr. of Audiology

Ashley Helfer, HIS Hearing Instrument Specialist

Dr. Paige Helfer Owner and Dr. of Audiology

We are proud to be able to offer a very special hearing event!

Must-visits around Canandaigua

We love being down by the lake. Kershaw Park has everything from swimming to running/walking trails, a playground and boat launches for kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes. In the warmer months you can find yoga lessons in the park or on the water, festivals, the Canandaigua Lady, and several great spots for food and drink. We also love to walk the City Pier It’s honestly the perfect spot to catch a sunrise or sunset and fireworks during the summer. It’s also one of the most photogenic spots in the city not only for the sunrise and sunsets, but the beautifully unique boat houses that line the pier.

Go-to spots around Canandaigua

It may not be much of a secret anymore, but Working Class Coffee has become my go-to spot for not only coffee, but lunch and dinner as well. During the summer, they have pop up pizza dinners with Alfonso’s Pizza. In the winter, they have weekly ramen from Slurp Shop. They’ve even started doing a dinner pairing series with local chefs.

Ontario Pathways and Onanda Park

Trails are a great way to get out and explore all year-round. They offer some of the best viewing for fall foliage and a great option for cross country skiing in the winter.

If you love dining al fresco, Nick’s Chophouse and Kix on Main both have rooftop additions to their restaurants to grab a drink or bite to eat all while getting an eagle eye view of the city. Our go-to brewery has always been Frequentem Great vibes and great beers: that’s all they do.

Favorite events around town

The city does a great job with the 4th of July Celebration. There is usually a big parade midday down on Main St followed by fireworks in the evening down by the lake.

In the winter, the Fire and Ice Festival is a really good time and gets a good amount of participating restaurants and vendors around town to get people out in winter.

During the summer months, the weekly Canandaigua Farmers Market is one of our family’s favorites to attend week after week. There are a ton of vendors, live entertainment and it really gives you a first-hand look at how incredible the produce is in this area. It’s also one of the best ways to support local and shop small.

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with Two Gals on the Canal

BY SUZIE WELLS

Who are the Two Gals on the Canal?

Mother-daughter duo Sara Catalano and Beth Walker started paddling the Erie Canal together in 2018 with the goal of finishing the entire canal from end to end. When not on the water, Sara works as a Palliative Care social worker and Beth is a math professor and small business owner of Math Explorations.

What inspired you to paddle the canal?

The canal is part of New York history. Growing up in the Syracuse and Rochester areas, we constantly cross bridges over the canal. It is a safe place to canoe or kayak because the water is relatively calm and the abundance of launch sites make for easy day trips. We decided to try kayaking the whole canal instead of the same portion over and over again. Time on the canal is a chance to recreate, exercise, and explore beautiful NYS all at the same time. With 500 miles of navigable waterways in the Canalway system, there is always another adventure waiting.

How do you pass the time as you kayak or bike the canal?

When we paddle or walk together, we often talk the entire time! We also sometimes sing or listen to the sounds of nature around us – the birds, animals rustling along the shore, and the trickle of little waterfalls. Our favorite surprise was paddling quietly through a wooded section and suddenly realizing we were within five feet of a beaver who watched us go by!

Where are your favorite spots?

Beth and her husband regularly walk portions of the canal towpath near Palmyra and Newark with their big yellow lab, Yankee, stopping for coffee or lunch, or at Palmyra’s Chill and Grill for their famously generous ice cream cones. Sara enjoys walking and biking the Pittsford to Fairport section, especially on the weekends with stops in Schoen Place for a cup of hot chocolate or tea.

There are many easy-to-paddle day trips that pass through the Canalway’s hidden gem towns. We loved paddling through Lockport’s flight of locks that transport you from a beautiful gorge into a more pastoral setting. The canal takes an intriguing 90-degree turn in Medina where docks are available to get out and explore the town and several small waterfalls. Fairport just added an awesome adaptive kayak and boat launch and offers restaurants, coffee, gelato, an Erie Canal gift shop, and a historic lift bridge, all within walking distance from the launch.

How are the Canalway Challenges?

Our first Canalway Challenge was a big one! We were already a year into our goal of paddling the entire canal when the Challenge first started in 2019, and we jumped on board to complete our 360 End-to-End challenge by kayak in 2020. We shared our journey on Instagram and were quickly inspired by many followers who cheered us on and shared their own canal goals.

Since then, Sara has continued to log miles walking and cycling and has participated in each year’s annual February 15 challenge. She set a goal to complete her second End-to-End challenge by the close of 2023, this time by bicycle!

What motivates you within the challenges?

Each aspect of completing a challenge comes with its own motivation. Setting and working towards an achievable and inspiring goal gave us a feeling of great pride and accomplishment. When paddling or walking as a team, we found motivation in the beauty of the canal and spending quality time together in the quiet of nature. The Canal Water Trail experience is different from the water than from land, and we found we couldn’t wait to explore the magic and mystery of each new section. Getting to the next landmark kept us going when we were tired, and even then, the beauty around every curve of the waterway kept us moving.

What do you do as a canal steward?

Why do you choose to be stewards?

Erie Canal Waterway Volunteer Stewards adopt a section of the Canalway approximately 10 miles long from May 1-October 31. We clear garbage from the waterway and launch sites in our section, chat with boaters, and get to know our section’s lock operators. It has been a wonderful way to give back to our community and help keep the canal clean and accessible for all to enjoy.

We love talking about the Erie Canal and are happy to share our stories! Follow us on Instagram at @two_gals_on_the_canal and send us a DM if you’d like to connect!

Canal Travel Tips

Keep emergency supplies on hand (whistle, airhorn, lock phone numbers, cell phone solar or battery charger, life jackets, and maps)

Be aware of the weather for the entire day.

Check out the ramp or launch you are headed to and verify its location!

Don’t overestimate how far you can paddle so you’re not caught between launches as the sun sets.

Locks usually shut down between 5-7pm, so plan accordingly.

There are stretches where you cannot exit the water because the banks are too steep and there may not be any place to get out and use facilities between launches, so plan ahead. . . .

Let someone know where you are going.

Turn into oncoming wakes caused by motorboats. Stay to one side of the canal to let others pass.

Enjoy the experience. We see bikers fly by on the towpath and wonder if they are aware of the wildlife, flowers, smells, and sounds of this natural treasure.

Don’t let your destination rule the trip!

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