A few years ago, when I started to hunt landmarks to shoot and mount on a historic landmark…read morewebsite, I came upon a farmhouse in southern Wisconsin that was built of cobblestones. I had never seen anything like that before and just shrugged it off as something unique. And then I found a few more, A cobblestone stage stop in East Troy, an office in Port Washington, a subdivision in Waukesha with several cobblestone houses including the sales office, a three story home in the middle of Green Lake County and a spectacular home in Eau Claire. With each find, I became even more intrigued by the construction method. The Wisconsin Historical Society says the methodology came out of New England, but the owner of a Wisconsin cobblestone structure told me the masons who crafted these structures were from New York. In 2020, I found myself in Western New York for an extended stay. When I went out to hunt landmarks, I kept finding cobblestone houses that were on the National Register of Historic Places plus plenty more cobblestone sheds, barns, schools, churches and houses. Some were on the NRHP and many weren't. Coincidentally, many of these structures are in the proximity of the Erie Canal and Lake Ontario. An owner told me that the majority of cobblestone structures in America are within a 75 mile radius of Rochester. Another owner of a large cobblestone farmhouse told me I should go to the cobblestone museum in Albion - and here we are. The museum is on Ridge Road, itself a historic thoroughfare that runs the length of four counties in Western New York. There are several structures located on the museum campus, not all are cobblestone but of interest to the history of the community. The cobblestone structures (a church, a house, and a school) are great examples of how the craftsmen that built these structures refined their methods over the years when this method of construction remainded popular. (The popularity of cobblestone construction essentially ended with the Civil War.) When you visit the museum, the docents explain all this in great detail, along with what life was like in Western New York in the first half of the 19th Century. You start your tour in basement of the church, where you'll see examples of other cobblestone structures in New York. You'll learn how the stones were selected, sorted for size and color, and how the selection process was refined over the years. In visiting the church, you'll see a unique heating system and learn more about 19th Century life. In the schoolhouse, you'll experience what life was like for kids in a one room school, and other buildings preserve rural New York life in the past. There are probably 1,000 or more cobblestone structures around Rochester, New York while there may be two dozen in Wisconsin. Relatively few are on the National Register of Historic Places although there are many listed for one reason or another. Beside those, there are many cobblestone schoolhouses, outbuildings, barn foundations, and many small cobblestone houses in Western New York. Many have been expanded and modernized, which excludes those structures from the NRHP. The Cobblestone Museum is an educational stop for anyone interested in the history of Western New York, life in the 19th Century and, of course, cobblestone construction. I highly recommend it!

We recently stumbled on the Cobblestone Society & Museum while randomly driving by; the "Book Shop…read moreOpen in Rear" sign on the side of the road caught our eye. On a whim we pulled a U'ey, and pulled into the museum's lot. On that day the museum was closed, but we still walked the grounds to explore what we could. There is some information outside that indicates cobblestone architecture originated in the Rochester NY area, with the oldest structures remaining in the Albion area. There are two cobblestone structures here on the museum site, one being the oldest cobblestone church still standing in North America. We definitely want to return to go into the museum itself on a day it is open--but OH BOY were we happy we stopped for the book shop! This family of bibliophiles was elated to find such a sweet little shop in the country. The bookshop building has a historic marker that it was originally used as a polling station in the early 1800s. But now it is a quaint used bookstore. Used books are fifty cents for paperback and a dollar for hardcover, with on-your-honor cash payments only. There are about a half dozen well-organized short aisles with a surprisingly good assortment for such a small space. There were sections for popular authors, classics, nonfiction, cookbooks, fantasy and sci-fi, how-to, biographies, large-print, childrens, new arrivals, and more. There are bins outside to leave book donations. We each left with a few finds, me with a couple short story collections to leave at our nearby camp, and a couple older novels. I look forward to coming back to peruse the bookshop again, as well as catch the museum at an open time--a great local history gem here!

We absolutely love it here! I think this is the best library in Monroe County for children. From…read morethe fairy tree, to the grocery store area, my son can spend hours here! We also love the craft nights!

The following was sent to the Supervisor and director of librarys:…read moreMr. Reilich, Mr. Morris, At 9:02am (not 9am) today 9/4/2025, the doors to the Greece Public were opened to those of us waiting outside. This is after being closed for 3 days over the Labor Day weekend. The first staff member I encountered was a hefty woman of about 350 or more pounds, with long brown hair. I explained that I had a final technical interview at 10am and my apartment was a construction site, and that I wanted to know if I could use a private room for my interview. She escorted me to what was essentially an open cubicle area. I explained that I was interested in a private room. She made it clear that even though the private rooms were empty I could not use one, unless it was an open community meeting or something like that... I said, I would just use the Quiet Study area, and I expressed my dismay that this library did not have any private rooms available. (Even Livonia Public Library has private rooms available.) Later, the same hefty woman came into the Quiet Study room to offer me a comment card, which I took and thanked her for. To recap: to spite telling the woman that I had a final technical interview, she interrupted me in the Quiet Study room to provide an unrequested comment card. Then things got worse. Shortly after being interrupted by the hefty woman, two other women came into the Quiet Study room and accosted me. One of these women had a large-print name badge stating her name as Cathy Henderson. She did not say good morning, made zero attempts at professional common courtesy and attacked me verbally. The women aggressively approached me and informed me that the Quiet Study was not a place for a meeting. By this point, I got very upset that two more library employees thought it was appropriate to come into the Quiet Study area to do nothing more than to harass me. They were not there to help, or to offer assistance. They were there to provoke, bully and instigate. Is that how librarians are supposed to behave towards patrons? The excuse given by Cathy, who was petty, stupid and childish -- as opposed to professional and mature -- was to hand me a sheet with the Code of Conduct. I had had zero interactions with her or her partner! In fact, I had not talked to these women at all. I was the only person present. Why were they sent to bother me in the Quiet Study area, if not to start trouble? And did the rotund brown-haired woman send them over for that purpose? Seems like that is exactly what happened here. These women sought me out, to harass me. I explained to Cathy with a "C", that I would postpone my meeting. She absolutely was intent on arguing and provoking because instead of leaving the Quiet Study area after handing me the Code of Conduct, she proceeded to verbally harass me with threats on what would happen "if she saw me using the Quiet Study area for a meeting" -- are you kidding me?? Not only was I the only person in the area, I had already explained that I was going to request my interview be postponed, yet Cathy continued to repeat everything she had just said! I was astonished and said Do you mind? Do you mind if I get on with my work? Both Cathy and the other woman (Claire?) continued to stand there threatening me! At a public library! I have never been treated with such unprofessional hostility by someone claiming to be a librarian in a public library. These women belong in retail, or any place where petty, small-minded argumentative people thrive. Will I visit this library ever again? Not a chance. Your staff are barely veiled vulgar trash who do not deserve the title or position of librarian. AND THIS IN A NUTSHELL IS THE PROBLEM WITH ROCHESTER -- AND AMERICA -- DIM-WITTED, UNEDUCATED, VULGAR PEOPLE RUNNING THINGS THAT SHOULD NOT BE SEEN OR HEARD. Boycott this vulgar library. Side point: if you have trouble finding a title by it's library index number, it is not you. It is the brain-dead petty staff.

Of the libraries in Monroe county, this one is up there for me. The staff is super friendly, they…read moreconsistently have events and they have no late fees! It's not the best if you're looking for a work space or somewhere to study etc. (they do have a few study rooms and tables throughout, just not extensively) but they have an extensive DVD collection and really make you feel welcome.

What a great library on Elmgrove Rd. Came here for some children activities. Walking in there's a…read morelot of up to date information. Near the circulation desk, there's new books, large print, kids section and community updates/activities. Very spacious with some tables and chairs to check out books and work. Computers are on hand as well. A few employees were walking around asking if you needed any assistance. Really liked the staff picks section too. Children activities were amazing, they definitely plan these out and take a lot of pride in these! Great opportunity for the community.

I was intrigued by this attraction, but was unfortunately a bit underwhelmed…read more You start the tour with a bit of a walking tour learning about the area and its history, then you take a boat ride into the "cave" The cave is really more like a tunnel than an actual cave and is completely man made. The tour guides, however, are wonderful and informative. They have a lot of great information and are personable and engaging. It is worth a visit to learn some interesting facts and try something new and unique, but don't come expecting a cool cave experience. As long as you set your expectations, you won't be disappointed and have a more enjoyable experience.

Recent day trip to Lockport from Rochester to check this out, an hour each way, and 2 hours in…read moreLockport so easy day trip. Tour is 1 1/2 hours, first an outdoor walking tour of the lock and the history, then a 1/2 hour walking in the tunnel/cave and then a 1/2 hour boat ride. Wear sneaks cause you're on your feet most of the time. Priced fair, tour guide was great, definitely a fun way to spend a morning or afternoon if you're in Western New York, If you've been to Howe Cavern's this is the same thing, only mini or light version, lol

This whole area is an incredible "third space". Free to explore, bring the family including pets,…read moreeat an ice cream cone, train for a race, cycle the path, and learn as much as you'd ever want to know about the historic Erie Canal. There is an amazing installation of bronze castings of life sized lock tenders that you can actually sit with. The travel stories app gives detailed information for history buffs. During the season it's incredible to see the boats go through the huge barge canal locks 34 and 35 right next to the historic flight of five locks which are being restored. Fitness enthusiasts can practice their hill runs and stair workouts. Lake effect ice cream, steamworks coffee, the lock tender brew pub and stooges stuffed burger bar are right there. And I think there may still be Pokémon go that pop up! The best part is that it's free to explore in so many ways. A perfect "3rd space."

Amazing food. Owners r great and the bartender is beautiful. O and friendly. Drinks r cheap. Great…read moreatmosphere. Highly recommend it.

Reviewing towns and cities seems a little weird. Making suggestions for where to go and what to do…read moreseems less weird, so here's my recommendations for locals and visitors alike. You can enjoy good food year round. Mark's and Wilson's Pizza serve great pizza and wings. China King has better takeout than similar places, including those in other states. Cafora's serves Italian food and local wines. Bill's is a solid diner. I recommend the fish fry when it's in season. Sweet Source Bakeshop has amazing baked goods, especially cinnamon rolls. Gordy's has tasty fresh bread. You can also head north to Olcott for seafood at Mariner's Landing, or pub food at the Lighthouse Grill. The best time to visit Olcott is from Memorial Day through Labor Day. There's a charming little carousel park with 25 cent rides. The beach conditions are as variable as any other in WNY. Krull Park has a great playground and splash pad. The Lakeview Village Shoppes has a variety of shops selling everything from gifts and candy to crystals and antiques. They host a lot of events, including trick-or-treating before the season ends in the fall. Bye's Popcorn is a mainstay. The newly renovated Ye Olde Cabin is a great venue for visiting Santa in the winter, but it's only a one day event so you'll want to watch for announcements and plan accordingly. Newfane and Olcott are right in the middle of the Niagara Wine Trail. Chateau Niagara and Black Willow Winery are excellent. Schultz is nearby, as well, albeit in a different town. It's a small town but worth visiting, especially in the summer.

A true find in this area! The hostess was a powerhouse of en"light"ened information and truly…read morepassionate about the history and love of this lighthouse Airbnb. We came, fell in love and didn't want to leave. Find out for yourself!

The Lighthouse was sold a few years ago and is NO LONGER a Bed & Breakfast. From the roadway or…read moresmall nearby park you can see the beautiful view. A private owner owns the Lighthouse and no tours are give.

let me just say the facility is very nice but half there are so many times where the whole center…read moreis closed. I'm sorry but you shouldn't be closing the entire community center for, it's supposed to be open to the publi. The worst thing if you're looking to shoot some hoops, we'll forget about that it's closed almost every day for pickleball or some other stuff. again I'm sorry but the whole court should not be closed off to people just wanting to shoot hope everyday. I came from Irondequoit where there gym was open almost everyday, even when they had events they don't close an ENTIRE, huge double gym, they just say "hey stick to the far right corner hoop" "sure no problem" this is absurd, I pay taxes and can't even do something I love because it's closed 99.9999% of the time. Like I said you don't need to close off the entire gym just tell people to keep it to one particular hoop, I don't need the whole gym, I understand there are events and such but you do not need to close an entire gym for those. Regretting moving here but my lease is up in the summer and hopefully I'll be moving elsewhere and checking with the community center first. Irondequoit was far better I could go there everyday and shoot, sure sometimes they would say "hey come back at 7:00" or most of the time "just stick to whatever hoop they're not using" and I would always ask with the people playing if it was okay. The worst part is there isn't even any other courts near hear. Hopefully the director sees this and can change some things.

Beautiful new community center. Super large gym with high ceilings, an indoor walking track, rooms…read moreavailable for meetings, fitness classes and programing. The library is on the first floor, also completely new space and there's a senior center. All programming and events can be found on the website. The space is beautiful and the staff have been very friendly. Only things missing from this beautiful space is there is no excercise equipment like treadmills or weights for lifting and the gym is so unbelievably hot. They claim there's air conditioning but it feels like it's got to get into the 80s, possibly higher. Everyone despite fitness level is pretty much dripping. It's gross. I hope this do something about the temperature soon. It's open to residents and non residents until labor day with no restrictions, after labor day sounds like for non residents it's $25 for the year to use the facility and for residents it will remain free.