By Katie Oechsle
While there are plenty of fun places on campus to check out, like grabbing lunch in the Cab or playing a game of pickleball at the GTC, it is nice to get off campus and explore the Town of Pittsford. Luckily, Naz is a quick walk away from the action. You’ll notice that most of these locations involve coffee, which should be pretty telling as to the person I am.
Finger Lakes Coffee Roasters
Finger Lakes is a mainstay of Pittsford and the Western N.Y. coffee community. With seven locations throughout the region, they have strongly established their homegrown flavor and comfortable atmosphere. Located in Pittsford Plaza shopping center, Finger Lakes is a great choice to grab a coffee while grocery shopping or to sit and enjoy with a friend.
Neutral Ground Coffeehouse & Erie Canal Path
Neutral Ground can be found on Schoen Place about a 10 minute walk from campus located on the scenic Erie Canal. Featuring delicious coffees, breakfast pastries, and lunch specials, Neutral Ground is the perfect place for an all day study session. Boasting comfortable indoor and outdoor seating, this is maybe my favorite coffee place nearby.
Pittsford Dairy
With one Google search of Pittsford, you will undoubtedly come across the year-round ice cream haven of Pittsford Dairy. With delicious ice cream & baked goods, you cannot go wrong with any choice for your midterm or Monday pick-me-up. Oh, and they also have coffee. It is so close to campus that during my first semester my professor took our class there for treats and we made it back before the class ended (Thanks, Dr. Foran!).
The Village Bakery
Another Rochester staple: The Village Bakery. Among its four locations is the center of the Village of Pittsford, just down the road from campus. Known by their unique blue rooster logo, you cannot go wrong with this cozy brunch or lunch spot. I highly recommend their breakfast sandwiches.
The Pittsford Community Library
Last, but certainly not least, I have found that the Pittsford Community Library can provide wonderful study accommodations during finals or busier times of the semester. With incredibly friendly staff and beautiful natural light, you’ll be surprised how much you can get done. Additionally, as an English major, I constantly use the Monroe County Library System to find materials for class to save some money. (Pro tip: you can get a Monroe County library card as a Naz student!). Bonus: There’s a Starbucks inside the building.
