Author + Creative Director for Day Trips Around Rochester, New York
Debi Bower
I am a web designer, photographer, and award-winning travel writer in Rochester, New York. After years of documenting day-trip ideas for my Girl Scout troop, I launched daytrippingroc.com in 2017 as a community resource, writing detailed guides highlighting the best places to visit in the city of Rochester, the Genesee Valley, and the Finger Lakes region, as well as several destinations in Central New York, Western New York, and the Southern Tier.
I published the first edition of Day Trips Around Rochester, New York: Your Guide to Exploring within Two Hours of Rochester and the Finger Lakes Region in 2023. This book’s first edition was awarded the Best of Rochester—Best Published Literary Work of 2023 on January 6, 2024. The second edition was released on March 25, 2025.
Subscribe to my newsletter, where I share what’s trending, new, and engaging. I’m always looking for new ideas and perspectives and happy to answer questions—reach out anytime through my website or your preferred social platform.
Upcoming Book Events
Harvest Fest
Saturday, October 4
11 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
20 Deep Winery, Honeoye Falls
Celebrate the season at 20 Deep Winery’s Harvest Fest. Enjoy wine, live music, local vendors, and fall festivities while browsing books and other artisan goods.
Skully’s Scholastic Adult Book Fair
Sunday, October 19
2–6:30 p.m.
Iron Smoke Distillery, Fairport
An adult spin on the classic Scholastic Book Fair—paired with whiskey and cocktails at Iron Smoke. Browse indie authors and bookish vendors in a fun, lively setting.
The Novel Affair
Sunday, November 2
12–4 p.m.
ARTISANworks, Rochester
Immerse yourself in a creative world of art and literature at ARTISANworks. The Novel Affair Book Fair brings together authors, artists, and readers for an inspiring day of discovery.
Book Signing
Saturday, November 22
11 a.m.–1 p.m.
The Bird House, Pittsford
I’ll be at The Bird House for a cozy signing event—perfect for holiday gift shopping and discovering nature-inspired treasures.
Winter Faire
Sunday, December 7
10 a.m.–4 p.m.
East Avenue, Rochester
Step into the holiday spirit across two neighboring venues:
- Christmas Present at the Strathallan’s City View Ballroom—a modern holiday market with contemporary vendors.
- Christmas Past at the historic Century Club—a mansion filled with indoor shops and outdoor tents leading to its grand entrance.
(More details to come!)
Subscribe to my newsletter to be among the first to know about new books and events. I’ll share reminders as each event approaches, but if you’re nearby, I’d love for you to stop in, say hello, and explore these incredible community gatherings.
go to daytrippingroc.com