Fall is upon us! While some may be mourning the end of the summer season in Rochester and beginning to dread the winter in the distance, I, for one, am attempting to revel in the fall season. I think it’s just one of the advantages we have going to school in the Northeast, and Western New York is in no short supply of fall activities for you to enjoy.
Cozy/Relaxed/Chill
Start the day by running to a local bakery and getting yourself a fun coffee/drink and a baked good. Layali Coffeehouse, conveniently located on Jefferson Ave near campus, offers excellent food/coffee choices with fun, seasonal flavors. If you’re looking to go farther into downtown, Hydra Coffeehouse or Cafe Sasso also have great options. While you’re out, pick up a new book or fun candle from Target/Walmart. Bring it all home and settle in to read that book, or rent a new movie/watch your favorite show. In the afternoon, take a relaxed walk and breathe in the fresh fall air. Bonus points if you can do it somewhere with good foliage. Genesee Valley Park is a great option, located just 5 minutes from campus. If walking isn’t your thing, find a fun pumpkin or apple recipe to bake and invite some friends over to help out!
Outdoorsy/Hiking/Active
One of the great things about being in Rochester is that you have endless options when it comes to parks and trails. Some of my favorites are Mendon Ponds Park, the Erie Canal Trail in Pittsford, and, of course, Letchworth. I’d pick one of those to walk for a couple of hours, bringing a friend or a good podcast/audiobook. Bring a lunch and a blanket, and enjoy some food while being under the trees outside. Spend as long as you want walking those trails, or try a few! And on your way back home, pick up your favorite dinner, and once you’re back, treat yourself to a relaxing shower for a night of pampering after hiking/walking all day.
Somewhere in Between
If you don’t want to spend the whole day relaxing, but you’re not sure an entire hike or trail is for you, I would recommend apple picking! Wickham Farms and Schutt’s Apple Mill are great options, and both have fantastic drinks and donuts. It’s always more fun with some people, so definitely try to get a friend or a small group together. Pick up some pumpkins while you’re there and bring them home to carve later while watching a movie, preferably something spooky or fall-themed (think: It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown). Another option would be to catch the campus bus on Saturdays to the Rochester Public Market downtown and walk through the aisles, grabbing a bag of pre-picked apples and some empanadas from Juan and Maria’s.
Whatever your vibe, there is definitely something to do in and around Rochester, and most of these activities can be tailored to your liking. Pick a vibe or try them all!
About the author
Hi everyone! I'm Katrina, a 5th year in the Physician Assistant BS/MS program. I am originally from Dover, New Hampshire, just an hour outside Boston. I’ve been involved in many different clubs and organizations at RIT, including the Student Government and the Honors Program. I love finding fun coffee shops and walking local trails, and often make content that shows off what Rochester has to offer!
