Mind, Body and Spirit

Healthy living and happy living go hand in hand. Rochesterians are fortunate to reside in a city that offers plenty of opportunity for mental, physical and spiritual well-being.

Getting Fit and Staying Active

Besides the city’s recreation centers and public pools, Rochester is host to a variety of privately owned gyms and YMCA locations.  In addition to these resources, Rochesterians have access to stunning trails, parks and waterways that are perfect for hiking, running, cycling and walking.

Rochester city parks also boast basketball  and tennis courts, baseball diamonds and disc-golf courses that are available for public use – usually free of charge. 

When it’s cold, and it gets delightfully chilly in the winter, Rochester is within driving distance of some exquisite ski resorts such as Bristol Mountain and Swain.

Eat Healthy in the City

Rochester’s public market provides a great venue for residents to not only buy locally and support area farmers and vendors, but also serves as a source of fresh vegetables, fruits, cheeses and meats for those who truly believe the old mantra, “You are what you eat.”

The city's original public market was established in 1827 when the village of Rochester only had approximately 5,000 residents. The original market sat at the west end of the Main Street bridge.

The public market opened at its current site in 1905 and boasts 300 indoor and outdoor selling stalls. The market provides a convenient venue for owner-operated businesses, and family owned enterprises and farms.  Bushels of strawberries and apples, bunches of grapes and baskets of onions, potatoes and Brussel sprouts attract hundreds of shoppers each day while offering the public healthy, farm-fresh produce, meats and cheeses.

The Public Market is situated in the northeastern quadrant of Rochester, at 280 North Union Street, 3 blocks north of East Main Street. View a map. The market is open:

• Tuesdays and Thursdays: 6 a.m. - 1 p.m.
• Saturdays: 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. year-round
• Additional around holidays and on special occasions

Spiritual and Mental Health

Rochester is home to churches and temples of nearly every denomination and belief. In addition to traditional houses of worship, city dwellers can enjoy spiritual healing and relaxation at local spas and yoga centers.

Food for the Mind: Rochester's Libraries

Situated on the banks of the Genesee River at 115 South Avenue, the Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County serves as the capstone of Rochester's extensive library system. The headquarters of both the Rochester Public Library and the Monroe County Library Systems the Central Library is the perfect union of past and present.

The Rundel Memorial Library Building, built in 1932, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. The newer Bausch & Lomb Public Library Building across the street, with its spacious layout and modern edifice compliments the older Rundel structure, symbolizing the traditions and foundations that have allowed Rochester to become a leader in modern technology.

For more information on Rochester libraries, click here.