To the immediate southeast of Rochester, the canal town of Pittsford offers unique shops and cafes, some inhabiting historic buildings along the banks such as the Coal Tower, (9 Schoen Place, 585/381-7866, www.villagecoaltower.com) while the town’s Lock 32 (2797 Clover Street, 585/586-4330, www.genesseewaterways.org, Mon–Fri. 5 p.m.–dusk, Sat–Sun. 3 p.m.–8 p.m., May 1–October, $15) offers whitewater kayaking in the spillway.

Live music also rocks the locks here, with Summer Concert Series (Port of Pittsford Park, 22 N. Main Street, www.townofpittsford.org, free), Positively Pittsford (Main St. & Church St., www.townofpittsford.org, free), and Pittsford Celebrates (www.townofpittsford.org, free), all filled with family entertainment and the occasional fireworks display.

Accommodations

Pittsford is a good alternative to lodging in Rochester and has a couple of good options, including the modern Brookwood Inn (800 Pittsford-Victor Rd., 585/248-9000, www.thebrookwoodinn.com, $99–149 d). On its premises are 108 large guest rooms, a heated indoor pool, fitness facilities, and a sauna. It’s spacious and friendly, clean and comfortable.

Also in Pittsford is Oliver Loud’s Inn (1474 Marsh Rd., 585/248-5200, $120–140), a restored 1812 stagecoach inn on the canal, next to the renowned Richardson’s Canal House. Room rates include a continental breakfast and a picnic basket.

Bushnell’s Basin, a charming spot to dock just outside of the village, is home to one of Rochester’s landmark restaurants, Richardson’s Canal House (1474 Marsh Rd., Pittsford, 585/248-5000, $25), a restored 1818 Erie Canal tavern with its own secluded garden. Elegant and highly acclaimed, the restaurant serves French country and American regional fare by candlelight.