In Rochester for the PGA Championship? Here’s your guide outside the course.
The PGA Championship is coming to Rochester, New York in just a few short weeks. As one of the biggest golf events of the year, the PGA Championship promises to be an unforgettable experience for sports fans. If you’re headed to our humble city, I encourage you to explore outside the green. Despite being a smaller city, Rochester is home to incredible restaurants, craft breweries, arts & culture, and so much more. And yes–there’s even a Whole Foods now.
You won’t find the best spots to walk around or where to find the best Manhattan on Google–so as a local, I’m here to help. Here’s a quick guide to some of my favorite areas just minutes away from Oak Hill Country Club (with a few golf course recommendations from my husband, too.)
Schoen Place, Pittsford
This little strip tucked away along the Erie Canal is just 5 minutes from Oak Hill and packed with charm. Park your car and walk along the canal to find local shopping, wine bars, craft beer, a variety of restaurants, TowPath Bike Shop, and the best ice cream you’ll ever have (truly). A few must-visits in Schoen Place:
Lock 32 Craft Brewery - Great local craft beer with ample outdoor seating along the canal with fire pits and plenty of nearby spots to grab a bite.
Copper Leaf Brewery - Keep the local beer tasting going with a quick walk to this little joint.
Label 7 - Casual upscale American restaurant with a great wine list and outdoor patio seating.
Chicke - Bring home something unique for the kids in this adorable baby & kids boutique that shares a space with Upstate Threads, another great local shop.
Pittsford Dairy Ice Cream - Just a few steps away from the main strip, you’ll find the best ice cream you’ll ever have from this local dairy farm. My go-to? Cookie Monster, every time.
Village of Fairport
A little further east, the Village of Fairport is just a 15 minute drive from the course and definitely worth a visit. Walkable and also along the canal, its Main Street is quaint and full of local spots to check out. It’s even Jimmy Fallon’s favorite place in New York. Park at the old industrial park-turned-nightlife spot and don’t miss these:
Iron Smoke Whiskey
Iron Smoke Distillery - Local, handcrafted straight bourbon distillery with a great cocktail menu, huge eclectic space, and lots of live music. Enjoy a drink or take a tour of the facilities
Smokin’ Hot Chicks BBQ - Right next store and perfect for bourbon is this locally owned BBQ joint.
Faircraft Brauhaus - Also in the same industrial park sits this traditional German style craft brewery with great beer, outdoor space, and local artists featured throughout.
Clementine Coffee - This cafe has great ambiance and unique seasonal drink offerings. A great spot to recharge, catch up on some work, or relax. Check out their Instagram to get inspired on what to order!
Clementine Coffee
Public Market District, Downtown
In the heart of the city, you’ll find the latest neighborhood on the rise around the Rochester Public Market. The Public Market has been an integral part of Rochester since 1905, occupying over 300 vendors offering local produce, meats and seafood, ethnic delicacies, prepared foods, and more. While the market itself is only open on Saturday mornings (and definitely worth checking out), there’s plenty of dinner and cocktail spots open late-night around its grounds. A few not to miss:
Velvet Belly
Velvet Belly - Newly opened in the market district, Velvet Belly has a Brooklyn-meets-tropical-locale vibe. It serves up some of the best cocktails in Rochester alongside a sushi and seafood-driven menu. I love this spot for its massive bar and great ambiance. It’s easy to find a seat for a drink, but if you’re looking to enjoy dinner, definitely make a reservation for this popular spot.
Cure - Another great cocktail spot just a few doors down from Velvet Belly–a little quieter, cozier, and French-inspired.
Rohrbach Brewing Co. - Rochester’s very first craft brewery, Rohrbach opened its doors in 1991. A city staple, this spot is more family-friendly and serves up some delicious wood-fired pizzas to pair with its brews.
Village Gate - Just across the street from the market district is another great cluster of spots, including Rochester staple Good Luck, Lento, Carnegie Cellars Wine Bar & Kitchen, and The Gate House.
Other Rochester Gems
Radio Social
Kettle Ridge Farm - You’ll taste KRF’s locally sourced maple syrup if you get the chance to enjoy the PGA catered lunch. Take a quick drive out to the source to enjoy pancake breakfasts, syrup tastings, retail shop, and more around the beautiful farm grounds.
Radio Social - A fun, vibrant bowling alley with fantastic cocktails and even better food. A bowling alley with arguably the best hummus, Radio Social features Indian food as well as elevated classic bowling alley fare.
Strong National Museum of Play - If heading to Rochester for the PGA is a family affair, you won’t want to miss this giant museum of play complete with a butterfly sanctuary, miniature Wegmans store, space exploration, trains that head back in time, and so much more.
Rocco - My favorite restaurant in Rochester, hands down. A hidden Italian gem that would make both Anthony Bourdain and Tony Soprano proud.
Highland Park/Lilac Festival - While Oak Hill is beautiful, don’t miss a walk through Highland Park during peak lilac season and the city’s first festival of the summer. Rochester is dubbed the ‘Flower City’ for its beautiful lilacs and other flowers in Highland Park. Stop at Lamberton Conservatory, as well!
Highland Park, photo by Day Trips Around Rochester
And lastly, the best public golf course from a local
If you have some time to get out on the course yourself, here’s where to head with your clubs:
The Links at Greystone
We’re honored to be hosting the PGA Championship again this year, and all the people that come to visit and see the greats play. While you’re here, I hope you’re able to take some time to explore our vibrant city and all that its local businesses have to offer! Signed, a proud Rochesterian.