Life + Culture

Rochester Love Stories

Four Couples, Four Journeys Article by Katrina M. Randall | Photography by Submitted Every love story is different—whether it began across the world or in your own backyard. Four Rochester-area residents share the moments and memories that shaped their journeys of falling in love. Stephen Cataldi: Near & Far For Webster native Stephen Cataldi, a second chance at love began when he met Carol Coleman on a Facebook speed-dating app. She was living in New York City; he was in Rochester, and a...

Food + Beverage

Flower City Pickers

Turning Food Waste Into Community Nourishment Article by Marie Gillette | Photography by Submitted On any given Saturday at the Rochester Public Market, thousands of pounds of fresh produce change hands in a matter of hours. What most shoppers never see is what happens after the crowds disperse, when crates of unsold fruits and vegetables, otherwise destined for landfills, become a lifeline for people facing food insecurity across the region. For a decade now, that transformation has been the...

Life + Culture

Building Lives Together

When Partnership Becomes Practice Article by Marie Gillette | Photography by Submitted For some entrepreneurs, business and personal life intertwine intentionally, as couples build together, navigating the rewards and challenges of working side by side, showing how trust, communication, and mutual respect can transform collaboration into both a livelihood and a way of life. Elevate Events: Building a Business and a Life Together For Elyse Jurutka and Darin Price, co-owners of Elevate...

Sports + Recreation

Embracing the Freeze

Four Locals Who Thrive in Winter Weather Article by By Sarah Keeler | Photography by Submitted When winter arrives in Rochester, the cold doesn’t send everyone indoors. As temperatures dip, some locals embrace the season as an invitation to move, connect with nature, and enjoy the winter sports they love. From early mornings on frozen trails to snowy Saturdays on the slopes, winter sports become a lifeline for physical and mental health during the darkest times of the year. Meet four...

Food + Beverage

Rochester’s Chocolate Scene

Craft, Tradition, and Flavor from Flower City Confectioners Article by Marie Gillette | Photography by Mylee Dondiz; Submitted Rochester’s chocolate scene spans century-old candy traditions and a new generation of artisan chocolatiers pushing flavor boundaries while remaining rooted in local ingredients and community values. Whether you seek the city’s best sponge candy or handcrafted truffles and vegan bark, Rochester offers a distinctly sweet experience shaped by its culinary heritage and...

Life + Culture

More Than Roses

Rochester Events That Go Beyond the Dinner Date Article by Colleen Farrell | Photography by Submitted Love it or loathe it, Valentine’s Day is coming. And these days, it’s about more than romance. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s, Galentine’s, or simply looking for something different to do, Rochester has plenty to offer on and around Feb. 14. Galentine’s Day Sip & Shop  Janine Caschette, owner of Avvino restaurant in Brighton, smiles when she talks about the “big, festive party” she...

Life + Culture

Local Organizations Keeping Rochester Strong

How to Give Back All Year Long Article by ROC City Lifestyle Staff As a new year begins, we’re shining a light on local nonprofits that make a lasting difference in the lives of our community and as a reminder to give back all year long. From long-standing organizations that have supported Rochester for generations to newer groups quietly filling vital needs, each one represents the best of our community’s compassion and commitment. We wanted to share a mix of options for anyone looking to...

Food + Beverage

Rochester’s Landscape of Healthy Dining

Flavor, Mindfulness, and a Community Expanding What ‘Healthy’ Really Means Article by Marie Gillette | Photography by Submitted Across the Rochester region, health-forward dining has entered a new era, one rooted not in rigid rules but in nourishment, community, and choices that fit real life. Long known for indulgent staples, the area now embraces a movement that reshapes how people eat and drink. From plant-based cafés and vegan butcheries to clean-eating restaurants, acai bowls, zero-proof...

Wellness

Healing in Motion

Building Strength, Resilience, and Well-being Together Article by Katrina M. Randall | Photography by Paul Lossowski Before she ever lifted a barbell, Renae Campbell provided free counseling sessions in Ontario County. She was first inspired to help when she attended a forum on substance misuse and listened to a father speak about losing his son to drug use, a moment that stayed with her. Later, the man would ask her if she knew of any groups for parents like him—and it would be a question...

Fitness

Health Across Decades

Smart Takes on Healthy Aging Article by Sarah Keeler | Photography by Submitted Most of us want to stay healthy as we age. A new year offers an opportunity to reflect on your well-being and commit to healthier habits. The basics of healthy living stay the same from year to year—eat well, stay active, keep up with medical care—but the details shift as you age. Here’s what experts say about caring for your body, mind, and relationships through life’s stages.  Keep Moving  Like it or not...