|
Subscribe | Get featured
Rise and shine, Rochester! Tougher driving penalties, Wicked returns, 150+ vehicles at the auto show, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
|
📰 In the news
Stiffer penalties await motorists: New York’s tougher DMV point system is now in effect. Rochester drivers face suspension after 10 points in 24 months, and possible permanent revocation after four drug or alcohol-related convictions — see how the rules changed.
Retail reshuffle in Macy’s wing: Newbury Comics and Mouna Jewelers will open at Eastview Mall this spring, and FYE is relocating to a 5,218-square-foot space between Torrid and Spencer’s, with construction already underway — get all the details.
Local flavors earn national praise: Two Upstate spots were named among the best in the country, including Rochester’s Swan Market, celebrated for German-inspired fare. New Rochelle’s Pizzeria La Rosa also made USA TODAY’s list — see why they stand out.
Personalized support for unique needs: Next Day Access opened its first Rochester franchise on February 10, bringing mobility and accessibility solutions to homes and businesses. A team with over 60 years of experience leads it — read the full story.
Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why precious metals are back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
|
🫶 We got your back
Backstage magic in focus: Wicked is back in Rochester with a 16-show run at the West Herr Auditorium Theatre. Crews rolled in with 10 semi trucks of sets and gear. This is the musical’s fifth visit here and it runs through March 1. Go behind the scenes.
Five-year housing plan advances: More affordable housing is on the way in Monroe County. In Rochester, Alta Vista on East Main Street is taking applications for 21 units, with the rest reserved for homeless individuals and families. The project brings 129 apartments, and state efforts add 800-plus, including rehabbing 200 and building 40 two-bedrooms. Get all the details.
Smoky staple, downtown vibes: Set in the former Lehigh Valley Railroad Station, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que serves slow-smoked ribs, brisket, and pulled pork with scratch-made sides, plus a few veggie-friendly picks. Ideal when you crave real-deal BBQ and a breezy Genesee River backdrop, no overthinking required.
Good hair day unlocker: When you’re due for a shape-up, gloss, or full-on switch that outlasts a Park Ave coffee run, Ape + Canary delivers precise cuts, nuanced color, and a serene spa vibe in one spot. You’ll head into the week feeling suspiciously put together.
What do people see when they search your name? Search results can surface past mistakes or outdated information that no longer reflects who you are. BetterReputation helps remove and clean up unwanted content so your online presence matches your real life today. Not worried about yourself? Doesn’t hurt to mention it to family or friends who might be.
Take control of your credit card debt: High interest can keep you stuck paying more than you need to. A balance transfer card with 0% intro APR until 2027 and no annual fee gives you time to pay down what you owe without interest working against you. By transferring your balance, more of your payment goes toward the principal so you can actually make a dent in what you owe.
|
📆 Around town this week
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
🌿 Kokedama Workshop @ Muck Duck Studio | Monday (2/23) at 6:30 PM – Get your hands dirty in the best way at a kokedama workshop, where you’ll craft a Japanese moss ball planter, then learn how to keep it thriving. Think bonsai’s laid-back cousin, great for hanging, saving shelf space, and impressing nosy houseguests.
🍷 Under the Tuscan Sun Wine & Charcuterie Night @ Amore Italian Restaurant & Lounge by Wegmans | Tuesday (2/24) at 5:30 PM – Call it a quick trip under the Tuscan sun at the bar, no TSA, just four pours from the lineup, Rosso, Chianti, Chardonnay, and Rosé, paired with cheeses, charcuterie, and Chef Pasquale’s focaccia. Seats are limited, so call (585) 452-8780, or book on OpenTable.
🎨 Pour Your Own Epoxy™ @ Three Heads Brewing | Tuesday (2/24) at 6:00 PM – Need a project that pairs nicely with a pint? Head to Three Heads to pour an epoxy river charcuterie board, lazy susan, or future heirloom, pick up to two colors, then let pros finish and ship it for your patience, pride, and snack-plating glory.
🎭 Mardi Gras Zydeco Party @ Abilene Bar & Lounge | Wednesday (2/25) at 7:30 PM – Whether you can two-step or just fake it convincingly, this Mardi Gras Zydeco bash brings Houston’s Ruben Moreno and Louisiana’s Koray Broussard for accordion-fueled joy, washboard swagger, and plenty of beads. It’s dance floor therapy, local-style, and the tickets won’t break your gumbo budget.
🔬 Et al.: Science After-Hours @ Flora | Thursday (2/26) at 7:00 PM – Science after hours at Flora Bar, with Dr. Charles Kamen weaving love, queerness, and cancer research into a not-boring chat. Kyle Grace spins after, Kate Bush and tarot energy optional. Free and supporting CURE Childhood Cancer Association, so bring questions, curiosity, and a few bucks.
🎻 Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra @ Eastman Theatre | Thursday (2/26) at 7:30 PM – RPO dives into Dvořák, all warm strings, bold brass, and tunes that make you remember why live music still wins. Park the week’s noise for a couple hours of grace, great company, and the kind of applause your smartwatch can’t track.
🧙 Wicked @ Rochester Broadway Theatre League | Thursday (2/26) at 7:30 PM – Catch Wicked while it’s in town, the emerald spectacle that flips Oz on its head with big voices, bigger feelings, and a broomstick or two. Great for bringing the kids who can sit still, ages 8 and up. Toddlers, kindly stay home.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
|
📻 Rochester report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 31°F – Low: 10°F – Precip: 90%
Snow. Cloudy, with a high near 31. North wind 10 to 16 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible. Later: Snow. Cloudy, with a low around 10. Wind chill values as low as -6. Northwest wind around 16 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.
—
Tomorrow – High: 23°F – Low: 17°F – Precip: 78%
Snow before 7am, then a chance of snow showers between 7am and 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 23. West wind 5 to 16 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible. Later: A chance of snow showers between 7pm and 1am, then snow likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 17. South wind 2 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of around one inch possible.
This house is wild
This beautifully preserved historic Mindful Estate on 1.5 acres marries timeless elegance with $375,000 in updates. A renovated gourmet kitchen with a grand island, pantry, and dry bar complements a music hall and cozy library. A ballroom-sized living room with a wood-burning fireplace opens through French doors to a porch swing and a bluestone patio beside a pond and waterfall.
Take a peek inside →
|
🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.
|
 |
Thanks for reading! If you know someone who’d love BaseLocal, send ’em here so they can sign up too 🙂
|
|
|
|
