New York's Garden-Fringed Suburb Is A Foodie Gem With Leafy Parks, Lively Markets, And Public Art

If you find yourself on a chill road trip through Rochester, New York, make sure to plan a stop in the beautiful Brighton area. This picturesque suburb in Monroe County, with a recorded population of 36,633 in 2023, has excellent schools, charming neighborhoods, and plenty of green spaces for outdoor adventures. Not to be confused with the U.K. "Nightlife Capital" coastal resort town, this Brighton is located just south of Rochester.  Residents can easily reach Rochester's reinvented downtown neighborhood thanks to Brighton's central location; yet the town is isolated just enough to preserve its quaint suburban vibes, away from the hustle and bustle of busier streets.

This is the epitome of a wholesome town, where kids play sports after school and hang out at the local eateries. Brighton's family-friendly activities and quality college prep schools make it an ideal place to raise kids, perfect for young couples starting a family. Tourists, meanwhile, will enjoy the variety of entertainment options they'll encounter on their travels here, especially the beautiful parks and outdoor spaces. You'll find public art in unexpected places, like abstract sculptures at the gas station. The Quicklee's at Twelve Corners, a local shopping mall, proudly displays artist Albert Paley's "Compression" sculpture out front. Not too unusual a sight, being so close to Rochester's happening arts scene.

Rochester has the George Eastman Museum, housing photography and film collections, as well as the Memorial Art Gallery, with impressive works spanning 5,000 years of history. There is also a science center and planetarium where guests can kick back and enjoy an immersive trip through space. Visitors will find delicious eateries around Brighton, beloved by foodies and connoisseurs of cuisine. Many nearby venues play live music, making for an enjoyable evening of dinner, drinks, and entertainment.

Food afficionados will have an array of restaurants to dine in, from cozy cafes to exotic cuisine. Besides the usual eateries around town, like Jersey Mike's Subs and Texas Roadhouse, visitors will find more unique dinner establishments, such as Chen Garden and Seasoning Thai Bistro. Its proximity to Rochester places Brighton minutes away from delicious gourmet restaurants, like Avvino, serving farm-to-table seasonal foods. Travelers will find healthy meal options at CoreLife Eatery, serving delicious smoothies, salads, and grain bowls. 

Monroe Avenue is full of mouth-watering eateries to enjoy, with a variety of international options. You can satisfy your craving for Chicken Shawarma at Cedar, an exquisite Mediterranean restaurant, or try delectable Vietnamese dishes at Blue Taro. If you opt for more casual dining, try the specialty hot dogs of Dogtown. You can select from a plethora of cleverly-named frankfurters loaded with scrumptious toppings, like the Golden Retriever, with bacon and melted cheddar.

Besides dining out, Brighton residents like to enjoy their open-air markets. Local farmers' markets feature much more than produce stands; they put on puppet shows for kids, and feature an impressive selection of fresh herbs and gourmet street food. During the winter, the farmers' markets are housed in a warm space, making it more comfortable for guests to shop in the cold. You'll see a variety of local vendors, such as Lavender Moon Herb Gardens, selling their freshest products. Whether you pick up handmade souvenirs from local artisans or just peruse the delightful floral arrangements, the market is a pleasant and unique way to spend the afternoon.

After sampling the delicious food, walk off your meal at Corbett's Glen Nature Park, a lovely 52 acres of land where you can stroll through quiet green spaces and visit scenic tunnels. Visitors will immediately be greeted by a rustic stone bridge, a spectacular preview of what the park has to offer. Walk along Allens Creek, then past the cascades to Tunnel Falls. Corbett's Glen Tunnel is a historic feature of the park, and a spectacular sight to behold. Built in 1882, this magnificent structure was crucial for railroad travel and now serves to welcome the many curious visitors who come to this park. The Perimeter Trail takes you around the outskirts of the park and runs for less than a mile. It's a good way to take a quick survey of the area and see the native plants and wildlife that inhabit this park.

You'll pass meadows and marshes filled with colorful flowers and spectacular views. Walk along the trail to a peaceful creek, and enjoy the sounds of nature that surround you. The park has trails, a boardwalk, and a nature viewing area, perfect for birdwatching. Corbett's Glen Trail spans about 2 miles, taking you through a loop of the park. Stop at Postcard Falls to see a breathtaking waterfall, which you can easily reach from the trail. While only around 7 feet tall, this spectacular waterfall mesmerizes everyone who visits. 

Corbett's Glen Park is a local treasure, so please be respectful during your journey. There are no trash cans in this park, so plan to take your trash with you and leave behind only footprints. There are no bathrooms either, so go before you really have to go. Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the beautiful scenery this peaceful haven has to offer.