I have compiled a list of my favorite books about Rochester, Buffalo, Syracuse, and the surrounding regions, including the Genesee Valley, Finger Lakes, Western New York, Central New York, and the Southern Tier.
The authors of these books cover various topics, such as Rochester’s geological and human history, and provide great inspiration for places to visit. I refer to this list year after year for knowledge and enjoyment.
I update this list occasionally, so please bookmark this guide and come back to it for inspiration. I’ve provided links to borrow the books from a Monroe County Library (MCLS) or to purchase them online via Amazon or Bookshop. When you buy a book from Bookshop, a portion of the sale goes to support local booksellers. In case you can’t find the book on the shelf of your local bookstore, you can always place an order for it there.
And the best place to look for used books is your local bookstore.
This page contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Waterfalls
Off the Beaten Path
New York Off the Beaten Path®
by Randi Minetor
Unknown Museums of Upstate New York: A Guide to 50 Treasures
by Chuck D’Imperio
Secret Places: A Guide to 25 Little Known Scenic Treasures of New York’s Niagara-Allegheny Region, Including the Beautiful, the Bizarre, the Special, and the Sublime
by Bruce Kershner
Secret Buffalo: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure
by Elizabeth Licata
General Guidebooks
Day Trips Around Rochester, New York
by Debi Bower
100 Things to Do in Rochester Before You Die
by Robin L. Flanigan
100 Things to Do in Buffalo Before You Die
by Elizabeth Licata
100 Things to Do in Syracuse Before You Die
by Linda Lowen
The Getaway Guy: Road Trip Getaways with Mike O’Brian (50 Fun-Filled Getaways in and around New York State!)
by Mike O’Brian
365 Things to Do in Ithaca, New York: Complete Insider’s Guide to All Things Ithaca
by Laurel Guy
A Taste of Upstate New York – The People and the Stories Behind 40 Food Favorites
by Chuck D’Imperio
Open House: 35 Historic Upstate New York Homes
by Chuck D’Imperio
Scenic Drives
Scenic Driving New York: Including the Adirondacks, the Catskills, and the Finger Lakes
by Randi and Nic Minetor
Hiking
Best Easy Day Hikes Rochester
by Randi Minetor
Best Easy Day Hikes Buffalo
by Randi Minetor
Best Easy Day Hikes Syracuse
by Randi Minetor
Take a Hike: Family Walks in the Rochester Area
by Rich and Sue Freeman
Cycling
Take Your Bike: Family Rides in the Rochester (NY) Area
by Rich and Sue Freeman
Take Your Bike: Family Rides in New York’s Finger Lakes Region
by Rich and Sue Freeman
Paddling
History & Storytelling
While these books will inspire your travel planning, they primarily focus on historical events, architecture, and landforms.
Mendon Ponds Park : Fairchild’s dream
by Jack Butler and Diane Ham
Library
also available at many local shops
Durand Eastman Park : yesterday and today
by Jack Butler
Library
also available at many local shops
Any of Arch Merrill’s books
by Arch Merrill
Graves of Upstate New York: A Guide to 100 Notable Resting Places, Second Edition
by Chuck D’Imperio
Resting Among Us: Authors’ Gravesites in Upstate New York
by Steven Huff
Letchworth
Explore More
New & Used Bookstores Around Rochester
Books take us on a journey through time and space. If you’re looking for a new adventure, check out these bookstores around Rochester.
A free library card allows you to access 31 Monroe County libraries, including Central Library and Libby, the digital library.
Unplugged and Offline: Take This Guidebook on the Road
The second edition of Day Trips Around Rochester, New York encourages offline serendipity and getting lost in the right direction.
Rochester’s Fun Facts: Oldest, Original, Only, & More!
For years, I’ve been collecting fun facts about Rochester from books, websites, historical markers, and casual conversations.
Rochester evolved from the Flower City to the Image City when Eastman invented a way for the masses to capture everyday moments on film.
The Flower City: Exploring Rochester’s Extraordinary Flowers and Trees
Rochester became a global center for flower and tree nurseries in the mid-1800s, fostering our identity as The Flower City.
H2O Heritage: Exploring Rochester’s Freshwater Resources
Rochesterians are fortunate to be surrounded by abundant freshwater resources that present us with unique stewardship opportunities.
What are your favorite books about the Rochester area?
I’d love to hear from you—please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
Help Support My Work
People often ask if I get free access to the places I visit. The answer is no—unless I’m invited to a special preview or offered behind-the-scenes access through my media role. Most of the time, I don’t even mention Day Trips Around Rochester, New York when I visit a place. I want to have the same experience you would.
I create and share this content because it brings me joy—and I hope it adds value to your adventures, too.
If my work has helped you explore and appreciate the Rochester area, please consider becoming a paid subscriber on Substack. You’ll receive an email whenever I publish new content and have the chance to connect with a growing community of local explorers.
Thank you for supporting my efforts to keep producing meaningful and helpful content.
Thank you!
Debi
Enjoy the Journey Together!
