Explore Rochester

Growing up in Virginia Beach, I was constantly surrounded by skateboard culture - Avril Lavigne’s Sk8er Boi song hit hard at 10 years old. I had always wanted to get on a board, but never got the chance. Fast forward to last year when my boyfriend (who skateboards) suggested we pop by and browse. The guys there were so cool, and I ended up getting my first board 🛹

Since finding my footing, I’ve been cruising around Rochester any chance I can. The Memorial Art Gallery (MAG) is essentially my backyard, so I frequently ride around there in the evenings, as well as my favorite breakfast spots like Jim’s on Main or . It’s such a freeing experience, and a unique way to experience the city. I thought being in my 30s might stop me from feeling like I can pick up new hobbies, but I think it’s done the exact opposite.

Side note: I also got to design their website, and that was really cool. Thank you, Crumpets ❤️ // 1/8

Saying goodbye by celebrating one of my favorite things about Rochester — we are a town that loves any excuse to dress up and go out! Regardless of age, Rochestarians are committed to style at work, church, school - even the grocery store - but when we go out-out, we go all out! I will absolutely, 100% go to an event just for the opportunity to wear a good outfit - and to see what others are wearing, of course!

In its heyday Rochester had a thriving fashion and garment manufacturing industry that was a significant driver of our economy and reputation as an arts hub. There is a great documentary about it called “Tailor Made.” If you’re lucky enough to come across true Rochester vintage treasures today, you’ll see evidence of this incredible craftsmanship and style.

I absolutely love clothes. As a kid I spent many hours pouring over Vogue in the Walmart magazine aisle while my mom shopped, but my love of vintage came from my grandmother, who passed a lot of her beautiful garments down to me. I am always on the lookout for pieces from the mid-60s and mid-90s. My go-to for restoration and care is . Owners Fatima and Tufan are not only chic and fabulous themselves, but true experts.

This dress, a 90s vintage silk and wool plaid column, is one of my absolute favorites! It’s so unique and fun without being over the top or costumey. Thanks for having me this week Explore Rochester! If you see me out and about - I’m always ready for a good fashion chat! // 8/8

So it really is true that the best thing about Rochester aren’t the places you go, but the people you know! A few years ago, my friends and I started what we affectionately call, “The Mother’s Book Club” - even though we’re not all moms and we only spend about 20 minutes actually discussing the book! Some of us finish reading it, but if you hate it or life is chaos, just bail but show up to bookclub anyway. The only expectation is that you really cannot expect us to be serious about the book - whether it’s a Pulitzer prize winner or total s**t. We all love to read, but still - the book is just not the point.

People come and go, they invite friends and their friends sometimes show up or invite friends too. Sometimes bookclub becomes a clothing swap, or ‘my parents are downsizing so who wants these random scarves…’ or a recipe tasting club. Sometimes it’s also a birthday party, a venting session or a press-on nail convention. Babies are welcome. Husbands are not. There is always food - even if it’s just candy and hummus, but always definitely wine (and popcorn). Some of us hang out outside of bookclub, some of us don’t. But these are my people, because they get it - the book is a lighthouse: it shows you where to go, but otherwise...

If you really want to explore Rochester, grab a group of people, keep your expectations modest, and pretend it’s 1985 when people hung out in each other’s houses, chatting and snacking. No tagging, no social, just back to basics! // 5/8

This is a WV x NY cross-over and something of an origin story. The first time I heard about zoning was in my hometown of Shenandoah Jct, WV. A few years ago there was a huge fight about whether or not a high-polluting insulation factory could be placed on historic farmland in the county where I grew up. The local planning commission overruled many, many residents to approve the project - and the loophole used: ZONING. You can find out more info by googling “Rockwool WV”

Zoning is about the most boring sounding thing imaginable but it has enormous implications for every community - from where houses and businesses can go (and what kind), the width of streets, to billboards, greenspace, libraries - even data centers. It has a lot of positives, but it can also do incredible harm (redlining, insulation factories…). Community-members have the right to weigh in on zoning cases in their area, but most people don’t know what zoning is or what it means....

Right now, Rochester is updating their zoning plan, called the Zoning Alignment Project (or ZAP). Last year, and I hosted a workshop about zoning to a standing room only crowd, and Zoning Is for Everyone () was born! City Council and City Planning commission are currently reviewing the ZAP proposal, but there’s still time for residents to share feedback. If you’d like more information - send me a message! Knowledge really, really is power in this case. // 3/8

You know what they say about being the change… About 2 years ago I got involved in my neighborhood association because I love where I live and wanted to be part of shaping the future of the neighborhood. Neighborhood associations get a bad rap for being all NIMBYism and old people (and there is definitely a lot of this!) but it’s time for a glow up!

Every year, hosts an annual flower sale. This year, we moved the event, partnered with on a special drink and brought in a fresh variety of plants. It was the kick-off to a whole vibe shift! If you find yourself scrolling or strolling by, pause and consider going to an event or reaching out to a neighbor. Neighborhood and business associations throughout the city are doing so many fun and beneficial things that uplift our immediate communities. You will make friends of all ages, learn a lot, have impact with the city and see the results every day! And I promise, one or two new voices can make the difference between the crotchety, status quo and a party in the park. // 2/8