The Boyd Project The Rochester area is fortunate to have an active network of local history museums and historical societies, each offering residents the opportunity to explore the rich history of their community and even uncover the story behind their own historic homes. The often-underappreciated work of the dedicated volunteers behind these organizations is the …

My sister let out a scream so mighty that I could hear it over the sound of my own panic. We both sprinted away from a crowd of people, none of whom seemed bothered by the projectile that was headed right for them. I pivoted to the left while my sister headed to the right, …

The quiet of winter is one of the best times to visit the Finger Lakes. I recently had the opportunity to take part in a “Handcrafted Holiday” tour, an exclusive event at six local wineries. We tapped barrels and tried wine in various stages of fermentation. We ate grapes fresh off the vine and got …

Soft circular light fixtures hanging from an open industrial ceiling snag my attention as I sit in candy-apple-colored seats against matte black walls, wooden tables, and a stainless-steel bar counter. The four garage door windows bring in enough light to complement them. Admiring the New York flare, I watch Adam Bierton carry out a tray …

Mondays are sacred in the restaurant world.  But in the early days of The Owl House, which turns fifteen this year, chef Brian Van Etten remembers spending Mondays—typically a day off—darting all over the quirky, converted Victorian house in Wadsworth Square, getting prep work done.  One minute, he’d be upstairs, moving things around in the …

This article originally appeared in the January/February 2025 issue of (585).