Will you nominate my work for Best of Rochester 2026?

CITY’s Best of Rochester 2026 write-in nominations are now open. This year, I’m putting my work forward in three categories—and I would be grateful for your nominations.

For years, my work has centered on helping people experience the places around Rochester with greater curiosity and appreciation. Through Day Trips Around Rochester, my books, and the stories I share here, I hope to make it easier to notice what is close to home: our landscapes, history, neighborhoods, small businesses, and the people who care for these places.

If my work has helped you plan an outing, discover a place you hadn’t considered, or see a familiar place differently, please consider nominating me in one—or all—of the following categories.

Arts & Entertainment
Best Literary Work
For works published September 2025–September 2026

Hidden Places Around Rochester, New York brings together distinctive landscapes, historic sites, architectural details, public art, and other easily overlooked places throughout Rochester, the Finger Lakes, and Western New York.

Before you begin: CITY requires you to create or sign in to an account before submitting nominations. This measure helps prevent fraudulent ballot stuffing.

Hidden Places Around Rochester, New York is available in two paperback editions: a full-color photographic journey and a pocket-sized black-and-white microguide. Signed copies of the photo book are available through several local booksellers. The microguide is also available as an ebook and an AI-narrated audiobook.

• Explore the photographic edition

• Explore the pocket-sized guide, ebook, and audiobook

Social Media
Best Content Creator

My work extends beyond any one article, photograph, book, or social post. Together, these pieces help people notice and appreciate what is close to home—and support the places, organizations, and communities that make this region distinctive.

Social Media
Best Rochester-Focused Account

Day Trips Around Rochester is where I share places to explore throughout Rochester, the Finger Lakes, and Western New York. The website and social channels bring together destinations, seasonal ideas, local history, landscapes, public art, and practical details to help people experience more of the region.

Asking for nominations doesn’t come naturally to me, but reader support makes work like this possible. Every visit to the website, book purchase, shared story, thoughtful message, and recommendation helps more people experience and value the places around Rochester.

Thank you for reading, exploring, and supporting this work—and thank you for considering a nomination.

—Debi