Last week, I took a break from my 9–5 job and set out on several field trips around Rochester. Although many destinations were nearby, I dedicated a full day to exploring North Tonawanda and its surroundings.
My morning began at the Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village—similar to the Genesee Country Village, yet smaller, featuring just ten historic buildings. I picked up some orange chocolate at Platter’s, spent an hour immersed in the Herschell Carousel Factory Museum, sought out a historic Carnegie Library and a repurposed train depot, wandered down Webster Avenue to the Riviera Theatre, strolled along the Niagara River at Niawanda Park, and wrapped up the day with dinner at Dockside before heading home via Akron Falls.
Wishing you a week filled with memorable experiences.
Sunflower season is just beginning across Western New York. Find fields, festivals, and u-pick opportunities to start planning before peak bloom arrives.
Find the best sunflower fields →
August brings long, warm evenings and the Perseid meteor shower. The meteor activity peaks overnight on August 12–13, with up to 100 shooting stars per hour under ideal moonless, new-moon skies—and August 13 is a new moon! Pack a blanket and bug spray and discover where to watch the sky.
Find Rochester’s best stargazing spots →
Whether you prefer a narrated canal cruise, sailing on Lake Erie, or exploring the Finger Lakes by boat, August is one of the best months to get out on the water.
Jul 30–Aug 1
Parcel 5
The 56th annual Rochester Puerto Rican Festival takes place from Jul 30 to Aug 1 at Parcel 5 in downtown Rochester. As Western New York's longest-running ethnic festival, the multi-day event features live music performances from headliners like El Blachy, Tony Vega, Lennox, and Oscarito ¡Qué loco! Serrano, alongside traditional cuisine, cultural activities, and a downtown community parade on Saturday. Further details and ticketing information can be found on the official website.
Learn more about the festival →
Looking for even more ideas?
Browse the full events guide →
See you out there,
Debi
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