With a wonderfully walkable Main Street and a picture-perfect setting along the Erie Canal, Fairport is a classic canal village where you can easily spend an entire day exploring. The village blends historical charm, scenic recreation, and vibrant community spirit. Whether you’re cruising aboard the Colonial Belle, cycling the canal, shopping local boutiques, or enjoying live music, Fairport offers something unique in every season.
Breakfast
Start your day at FairPour Coffee Roasters, Junction361, or Clementine for a delicious cup of coffee and a light bite. For hearty, classic fare in a casual setting to fuel your morning stroll, head to Durf’s Family Restaurant or Rikki’s Family Restaurant.
Morning
Begin with a walk along the Erie Canalway Trail to check out the activity at the Perinton Skate Park or connect with the Thomas Creek Wetland Walk, where you’ll find a peaceful nature boardwalk and a unique sundial made from stones of the original Erie Canal. Explore the shops along Main Street, Church Street, Liftbridge Lane, and at Fairport Village Landing, where you’ll find handcrafted goods, home décor, and local favorites like What’s Good, Main Street Mercantile, Bayberry, Cloth-n-Mortar, Red Bird Market, The Corner Bookstore, Another Chapter Bookstore, Lift Bridge Yarn, and Affaire De Chocolat.
Lunch
Enjoy canal-side dining at Rustic Taco, known for its inventive menu and great views, or stop in at TK’s Pizza or Mac’s Philly Steaks for a casual bite. Fairport’s beloved Irish pubs—Donnelly’s Public House, McArdle’s, and Mulconry’s Irish Pub and Restaurant—serve up satisfying fare with warm hospitality and a pint if you’re so inclined.
Afternoon
Make your way to the docks for a relaxing and educational cruise aboard the Colonial Belle, a three-hour lock tour with narration about the canal’s history and significance. Or rent a kayak or adaptive cycle from Erie Canal Boat Company and explore at your own pace. Don’t miss the Perinton Historical Society and Fairport Museum to glimpse the village’s canal-era past.
Dinner
Cap off your day with a satisfying dinner at Compané Trattoria for Italian comfort food, Fairport Village Inn for local classics, LULU Taqueria + Mezcal for bold Mexican flavors and creative cocktails in a stylish, lively setting (in the same space as Clementine), or Porterhouse for steaks and seafood in an upscale setting.
Evening
Fairport comes alive in the evening, and there are plenty of ways to unwind. Sample small-batch spirits at Iron Smoke Distillery, belly up to the bar at Tin Cup Social, or kick back with a brew at Fairport Brewing Co., Faircraft Brauhaus, or Preservation Brewery. On warm nights, stroll along the canal with a sweet treat from Moonlight Creamery, Lift Bridge Ice Cream, or Royal Cafe Gelato in hand and catch live music in Kennelley Park or at local establishments. Trains roll by at Fairport Junction, where 40 trains daily add to the village’s timeless charm.
Signature Events
Fairport Farmers Market, Saturdays, May–November. Shop fresh local produce, flowers, and baked goods right in the heart of the village. village.fairport.ny.us
Fairport Canal Days, June. One of the most beloved arts festivals in the Northeast, featuring over 200 vendors, live music, family activities, and an electric atmosphere along the canal. fairportcanaldays.com
Perinton Summer Concert Series. Held at the Perinton Center Park Amphitheater, this free series brings music lovers together for memorable evenings under the stars. perinton.org
Fairport Music & Food Festival, August. A multi-stage music event packed with performances, food trucks, and vendors—all for a good cause, supporting Golisano Children’s Hospital. fairportmusicfestival.com
Barktoberfest, September. Hosted by Lollypop Farm, this fall fundraiser is full of pet-friendly fun, costume contests, and community spirit. lollypop.org
The 2025 Erie Canal Bicentennial presents a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience the canal that transformed America and to commemorate its influence on New York and the nation. This will be a year full of incredible celebrations, thought-provoking presentations, musical performances, and momentous journeys.
Learn more: Erie Canal National Heritage Corridor
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What are your favorite things to do in Fairport?
I’d love to hear from you—please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
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