The OptOutside movement, started by REI, encourages spending time outdoors on Black Friday—the Friday immediately following Thanksgiving—especially for their employees.
Since 2015, we’ve closed our doors on the busiest shopping day of the year to #OptOutside. We hope you join us.
#OptOutside: We made it official – REI
Here are some ideas to help you opt outside on Black Friday or any time of the year.
Join a Guided Walk
There are guided walks available throughout the year. But on Friday, November 24, 2023, at 1:00 p.m., you can join a free guided walk through Highland Park with Rochester Ecology Partners. Meet in the Anna Murray Douglass Academy Parking Lot. After the walk, you will gather for snacks and drinks at the fireplace on the former Colgate Divinity School Campus grounds. Get all the details and RSVP on REP’s website.
Consider exploring one of Genesee Land Trust‘s protected areas on Black Friday. According to their website, The Cornwall Preserve in Pultneyville is a beautiful place that offers spectacular views from the bluffs of Lake Ontario. You can start your journey with the storybook “Over and Under the Snow,” which begins at the parking lot and takes you through the grassy meadow. However, keep in mind that the weather can be colder and windier along the lake, so dress appropriately. You will find a few scenic spots with benches, and there is off-street parking available. The trail through the meadow is wide and mostly flat, making it easy for everyone to navigate. Please note that there are no bathroom facilities at the site. For more about Cornwall Preserve, including a map, visit Cornwall Preserve — Genesee Land Trust.
Hit the Trail
Enjoy a quiet day exploring nature centers and our city, town, county, and state parks.
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50 New York State Parks Within a Two-Hour Drive of Rochester
Venture into one of these New York State Parks within a two-hour drive of Rochester and discover what makes them unique.
Monroe County parks are free and offer 12,000 acres of natural, zoological, horticultural, historical, and geological experiences.
Nature Centers and Preserves Around Rochester
The various nature centers, preserves, and management areas all work to protect and maintain natural spaces for the benefit of all.
Beyond the gorge trails, nature centers, and gardens, these exceptional parks offer unique experiences and amenities worthy of exploration.
Paved, Boardwalk, and Gravel Pathways for Easy Strolls
These paved pathways and boardwalks are ideal for folks using strollers, walkers, wheelchairs, or managing other mobility challenges.
“Hit the Trail Passport” for the Rochester Area
Pick up your “Hit the Trail Passport” booklet at Wegmans, or print your own! You’ll have everything you need to start your hiking adventure.
80+ Hiking Trails Around Rochester
Less traveled than in our parks, these hiking trails around Rochester offer a secluded and rustic area to immerse yourself in nature.
Our Favorite 5 Town Parks to Explore
Among my top five favorite town parks are those with distinctive wooded areas, diverse wildlife, and captivating water features.
Many of our City of Rochester parks have beginnings embedded in Rochester’s youth. Some were even designed by notable landscape architects.
26 Easy Winter Walks Around Rochester
Each destination offers a unique perspective of the Rochester area’s natural beauty, from snow-covered parks to picturesque waterfronts.
22 Fabulous Fall Hikes in Monroe County
My favorite fall hikes offer a variety of landscapes and scenic views, including rivers, forests, and peaceful surroundings.
Wander Near Water
Frozen water creates a unique experience that can only be enjoyed in wintertime.
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H2O Heritage: Exploring Rochester’s Freshwater Resources
Rochesterians are fortunate to be surrounded by abundant freshwater resources that present us with unique stewardship opportunities.
Not all waterfalls are hidden in dark ravines. Many of the region’s most stunning waterfalls can be viewed from the road or a short walk.
Letchworth has something for everyone, from hiking one of the park’s 29 trails and picnicking beside a waterfall to taking a scenic drive.
39 Other Great Lakes Near Rochester
Rochester is well-known for its 11 Finger Lakes and two beautiful Great Lakes. But there are even more freshwater lakes to enjoy.
Freshwater Creeks Around Rochester
These beautiful creeks around Rochester impact us in such subtle ways they sometimes disappear into the background of our lives.
Meander Down Main Street
Spend the day exploring a new village, enjoying small eateries, cafes, galleries, and community. And if you feel the urge to shop, know that you are supporting a local family, and that’s cool, too.
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The Village of Skaneateles is the perfect place to get away and enjoy the pace of lake life, surrounded by unique boutiques and restaurants.
From Vidler’s to the Aurora Theatre to the Roycroft Arts & Crafts movement, the early 1900s are alive and well on Main Street in East Aurora.
Corning’s Gaffer District features nearly one hundred boutiques, specialty and antique shops, art galleries, glass studios, and restaurants.
OptOut Inside
Is it too cold to spend quality time outside? Check out a local gallery or museum, or warm up inside the Lamberton Conservatory or Strong National Museum of Play’s butterfly garden! Then, try out a new restaurant.
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Rochester is home to world-renowned museums and thought-provoking galleries. You can spend weeks exploring our rich cultural heritage.
I’ve heard ARTISANworks described as a walk-through kaleidoscope, a bombardment on the senses, and a 360° canvas that defies all boundaries.
The Lamberton Conservatory, located in Highland Park, is a serene and colorful tropical glasshouse displaying a diverse collection of plants.
Escape Winter: 5 Warm & Cozy Places
With tropical temperatures or cozy environments, these Rochester-area destinations offer pleasant snowy-day getaways—at least for a few hours.
600+ Highly Recommended Restaurants Around Rochester
Some food destinations are well-established, while others are quickly becoming favorites as Rochester’s culinary scene explodes.
Fun, Family-Friendly Restaurants, Cafes, and Breweries
I asked our day-trip community: “Do you know of any Rochester-area restaurants that are great for date night and kid-friendly but not kid-centric?” Here’s what you said!
more ways to support local businesses
Shared Rochester Experiences that Make Great Gifts
Giving the gift of shared Rochester experiences offers rewards that go well beyond mere personal joy—where less is genuinely more.
Brewing Excellence: A Guide to Rochester’s Finest Coffee Roasters and Cafes
Rochester is well known for its robust coffee culture, with unique roasts and inviting cafes known for their sense of community.
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.
200+ Places to Shop Locally Around Rochester, New York
Shopping locally is about discovering something uniquely Rochester while directly impacting the lives of our families, friends, and neighbors.
🌲 20 Christmas Tree Farms Around Rochester
As December nears, it’s time to start thinking about one of the most beloved family traditions—selecting and decorating the Christmas tree.
Give the Gift of Rochester! 5 City Shops that Celebrate Regional Novelties
These Rochester gifts are more than mere objects; they are nostalgic expressions of the city’s soul, making them a joy to give and receive.
20 Rochester-Area Chocolatiers
Many of our fine Rochester-area chocolatiers are 3rd- and 4th-generation descendants using traditional family recipes with modern twists.
31 Craft Breweries and Cideries in Rochester and Monroe County
Considering all the breweries that call the Greater Rochester area home can be overwhelming. Let’s focus on the ones here in Monroe County.
December Events: A Heartwarming Guide to Rochester’s Festivities and Traditions
It’s December, and Rochester is a picturesque winter wonderland filled with joyful melodies, glistening lights, and festive jubilations.
Your Rochester Date Guide for Spending Quality Time Together, Day or Night
Whether it’s your first date or 50th anniversary, trying various activities with your partner is a great way to shake up your routine.
Where are your favorite places to OptOutside?
Your insights and experiences are valuable. Please share them in the comments.
People often ask me if I get free access to places while exploring. The answer is no unless I’m invited to previews or granted behind-the-scenes access as part of my media role. Generally, I don’t mention my project, Day Trips Around Rochester, NY, because I want the same experience you would have. I create and share content simply because it brings me joy. I would appreciate your support—a cup of coffee or two to help fuel future field trips—if you have found valuable information here that has helped you explore the Rochester area.
