You might not be aware of Fairport, a scenic city in upstate New York dubbed the “crown jewel of the Erie Canal.” It’s not in Westchester or the Hudson Valley, and it’s roughly 350 miles north of Manhattan. However those that know and adore it, like me, weren’t stunned when it was ranked the fourth hottest neighborhood in the US, in line with Redfin. I adore it a lot, I purchased my first (and probably ceaselessly) house within the coronary heart of Fairport’s village.

I’ve referred to as many neighborhoods house through the years—Lenox Hill on NYC’s Higher East Facet, Again Bay and Fenway in Boston, and Doral in Florida. And with every transfer, I discovered what mattered most to me: Walkability and a way of neighborhood had been non-negotiable, main me to rediscover a suburb I grew up solely 20 minutes away from.

There’s so much I miss about residing in a significant metro, after all. The entry to leisure, tradition, and delicacies from world wide is unparalleled. However my happiest moments in these cities had been additionally the best: taking part in with my canine on the park, catching up with associates on espresso walks, exploring flea markets. Why couldn’t I replicate those self same experiences in my new zip code? I envisioned pushing a stroller on the best way to the native library, picnicking below the gazebo, and paddling a kayak alongside the canal. Now, these goals are a actuality—all the things Fairport has to supply is simply steps from my entrance door.

Summer season kicks off with Fairport Canal Days, one of the well-liked arts festivals in New York state. The weekend celebration options native artisans, fashionable meals vehicles, stay performances, and a whimsical rubber duck charity race held on the Erie Canal. For a village of roughly 5,000, I’m amazed by the stacked lineup of annual occasions, which additionally contains the Fairport Music Festival and Oktoberfest. 

Cafes, eating places, and energetic pubs line Essential Road, making Fairport a vacation spot for younger households and singles. Searching for a candy deal with? Three ice cream retailers are a stone’s throw from one another (Moonlight Creamery by no means misses). Thirsty? Hit up any variety of wine bars, breweries, and distilleries, like Iron Smoke, a fan favourite for its award-winning bourbon. Planning a date evening? E-book a reservation at Bonnie & Clyde, an upscale restaurant and cocktail bar that opened earlier this yr in a 1928 financial institution.

Sure, you’ll be consuming and ingesting your approach by city, however staying lively can be part of the Fairport life-style. You’ll be able to bike alongside the picturesque towpath, hit the pavement on the skatepark, or trek by miles of forests. Like each different millennial, I’ve thought of selecting up pickleball, and positive sufficient, Fairport is house to new state-of-the-art indoor courts. However for now, you’ll discover me strolling in all places—previous the tour boats, trains, and historic village corridor that makes me really feel like I’m in an episode of Gilmore Women.

My ultimate day within the village is spent purchasing small. Along with the weekly farmers market, Lombardi’s Gourmet Foods and Red Bird Market are nice for stocking up on specialty items. Another Chapter Bookstore is in charge for my unending studying listing. And I like perusing the quirky antiques and different one-of-a-kind gadgets at boutiques like Main Street Mercantile and Diane Prince Furniture & Gifts. Want an assortment of colorful yarn? There’s a store for that. In search of handmade soaps? There’s a store for that, too.

Each season in Fairport has its personal allure. The canalway turns into bustling in the summertime months, and the carry bridge featured in Ripley’s Consider It or Not makes for an amazing vantage level. Within the fall, the neighborhood’s eccentric scarecrow creations line the sidewalks. And throughout the holidays, festive lights are strung throughout, together with the timber and the gazebo, illuminating the freshly fallen snow.

Above all, the persons are the explanation I selected to construct a life right here. It’s as if there’s an unstated competitors amongst residents to see who can say howdy quickest. Even Jimmy Fallon, who frequents Fairport round St. Patrick’s Day, has stated “I like the folks right here. It’s tremendous enjoyable.” I couldn’t agree extra.