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Things I love about Rochester, NY

09 Jul, 2024
Things I love about Rochester, NY

My Favorite Things in Rochester, NY & Announcing My Show at the Corn Hill Arts Festival

When I was 10 years old, my father moved us to Rochester, NY so he could attend the Eastman School of Music to get his PhD in Music Theory. The move was difficult at first, leaving my hometown of NYC, my amazing and fancy private school (my dad taught there, so I was about to get in at a major discount, I'm assuming...), as well as a professional career as a model and child actress. Yup! I've been working since I was like 5 years old, folks.

Our first summer in Rochester, I just rode my bike in circles around our neighborhood, staring at the other kids who lived there as I glided by. It was a sense of freedom that this city kid was excited for! Eventually, we moved into an actual house, and I remember thinking it was just absolutely insane that our cars had their own room (aka garage). I lived in Rochester from 1993 to 2003, going through 5th grade and two years of community college there, ultimately moving back to NYC as soon as I was able to. During my time in Rochester, I was devoted to ballet, piano, flute, acting, and singing. All of those pursuits still influence my work and interests to this day.

I've made a list of some beloved things and places in Rochester for those of you not local to Rochester (or those of you who are...). But before we get to it, as promised, here are some pictures of High School Elena.

Elena c. 2001 but this time moody

Things I love about Rochester, NY

But wait! There's more! Here are some links to some of the information and places above, in addition to MORE Rochester favorites!

    • The Birth of Spiritualism: A link to the religion’s official website, but for more history you can also read more here.
    • Eastman School of Music: A prestigious institution that brought my family to Rochester and continues to be a beacon of musical excellence. The theater is totally haunted, and probably lots of more places within the building too.
    • George Eastman Museum: A fascinating place for photography and film enthusiasts.I’ve visited many times and love the tour of the house and gardens. Also most likely haunted.
    • Highland Park: Beautiful gardens and the annual Lilac Festival, a must-visit during spring. Maybe one of these years I’ll be able to bring Folkloric to the Lilac Festival!
    • The Strong National Museum of Play: A fun and interactive museum for kids and adults alike. Obviously, a favorite for both me and my children.
    • Mount Hope Cemetery: It’s so beautiful. Be like the Victorians and go have a picnic here.
    • Haunted Rochester: A not-at-all-exhaustive list.
    • Rochester Public Market: A bustling market with fresh produce, local goods, and vintage.
    • Cobbs Hill Park: Perfect for hiking, picnicking, and enjoying panoramic views of the city. “Meet me at the back of Cobbs” was a known phrase amongst my friends as a youth.
    • Village Gate: An eclectic mix of shops, galleries, and eateries. I would love to have a studio & shop here!
    • Geva Theater: Harkening back to my theater kid days. The productions here are on par with Broadway. I attended their summer academy in my early teens. I was probably angsty. It was probably haunted. Aren’t all theaters??
    • Hochstein School of Music: I practically lived here. Not only did my mom teach here, but I studied ballet, voice, piano and flute in the halls of this marvelous institution. It’s probably haunted too.
    • Corn Hill Arts Festival: A vibrant annual event showcasing local art, music, and crafts. (Don't miss my show here, or maybe YOU will be haunted by the beautiful jewelry you didn’t get!)

Join Me at the Corn Hill Arts Festival

I'm thrilled to announce that I'll be showcasing my handcrafted jewelry at the Corn Hill Arts Festival. This festival is one of Rochester's most beloved events, featuring local artists, live music, a Fairy House tour, activities for kids and delicious food. It's a fantastic opportunity to explore the creative spirit of Rochester and support local artisans.

Details of My Show:

  • Date: Saturday July 13th 10am-6pm & Sunday July 14th 10am - 5pm
  • Location: You’ll find Folkloric on Atkinson St

Explore and Shop Folkloric Jewelry

If you're in Rochester, be sure to stop by my booth at the Corn Hill Arts Festival. You'll find a range of unique, handcrafted jewelry pieces, each with its own story and charm. Whether you're looking for a special gift or a treat for yourself, there's something for the historically inspired!

Stay Connected

For those who can't make it to the festival, you can still explore and shop my collections online. Follow me on social media and sign up for the Folkloric Friends newsletter to receive updates on new collections, exclusive discounts, and more.

Thanks!

Rochester, NY holds a special place in my heart, filled with memories and experiences that continue to shape my life and work. I can't wait to share my favorite things about this wonderful city and showcase my jewelry at the Corn Hill Arts Festival. See you there!