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Happy weekend, Rochester! In today’s edition: A massive thrift store list, a rabbi’s grave that draws pilgrims, a propaganda-laced art opening, and more. Let’s get to it!

— Cait Baker

🏆 Most popular this week

Curated by popular demand — here are this week’s most-clicked events, local spots, and stories.

Top resale spots highlighted: Eight massive New York thrift stores made a list, including Rochester’s AMVETS, where racks of budget clothing and housewares stretch endlessly. Treasure hunters can score finds for under $35 — check out the full list.

A humble rabbi’s lasting influence: At Britton Road Cemetery in Rochester, a Polish-born teacher who died in 1938 still draws pilgrims seeking healing, clarity, and hope for marriage, turning a quiet grave into a destination — read the full story.

Choose your next community confidently: A new guide spotlights the best Rochester neighborhoods for families and professionals, weighing safety, schools, parks, co-working options, and nearby dining and entertainment to make your next move feel easier — see the best Rochester neighborhoods.

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.

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.

Upstate bidding wars intensify: New Redfin data shows Rochester home sellers cleaned up in December, topping the nation for sales above asking. Buffalo and Syracuse also cracked the top 15 amid tight supply — see how these metros ranked.

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/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.

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.

🔥 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.

• Got debt? See if you qualify to pay up to 45% less
• This is the best home warranty (and it’s $150 off right now)
• This free tool makes it easy to find a financial advisor
• Over 62? Learn how to turn home equity into tax-free cash
• This pet insurance plan reimburses up to 90%
• Open a GoldCo account & get up to 10% in free gold/silver

📆 Sneak peek at next 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.

🔥 Campfire Chats: Outdoor Preparedness Workshops @ ROCovery Outreach Center | Monday (3/2) at 5:00 PM – Nothing beats feeling ready before the Adirondacks remind you who is boss. This free, family friendly series covers hiking know-how, camping basics, first aid, and Leave No Trace, and is open to anyone with at least 48 hours sober. First timers, complete the membership questionnaire.

❓ FLX Trivia Night @ Monroe & Pittsford Wegmans | Tuesday (3/3) at 6:00 PM – Nothing beats Tuesday night trivia at the Pittsford Wegmans mothership. Bring a crew, raid the hot bar, and take on FLX Trivia for bragging rights, prizes, and the joy of finally using that Jeopardy brain. Free to play, all skill levels welcome.

🧶 Fiber Night @ Abundance Food Co-op | Wednesday (3/4) at 5:30 PM – Midweek calls for yarn, good company, and the kind of quiet gossip that only happens when everyone’s counting stitches. Free at the Abundance Co-Op community room, it’s bring-your-own-project, beginners to experts, snacks nearby, no formal lessons, just friendly help, aka wearable therapy.

🕯 Candle Making @ Light My Candle Co. | Wednesday (3/4) at 6:30 PM – Trade your errands for a family-friendly candle workshop where you’ll pour a custom soy wax candle, learn why it burns cleaner, and pretend you’ve had it together all along. Materials are included, your masterpiece sets in a tin, and you get to take it home.

🖼 Comp Studios Spring 2026 Opening @ Rochester Contemporary Art Center (RoCo) | Friday (3/6) at 6:00 PM – First Friday, head downtown for COMP Studios’ spring opening, where Sabrina Nichols turns a room into a propaganda-laced funhouse of looping animations, sound, and a projection-mapped sculpture. It’s immersive, a little subversive, and very RoCo. Miss the crowd, catch the Saturday open studios.

🥁 African Drum Circle @ RAAFA Tactical | Friday (3/6) at 6:00 PM – An open drum circle is pulsing at RAAFA Tactical Training Center with traditional West African rhythms, community energy, and no experience required. Come drum, dance, or listen, then high-five your stress on the way out. Odd venue, great catharsis, and yes, all are welcome.

🎨 Old Building, Big Heart: Art Pop-Up @ The Yards | Friday (3/6) at 6:00 PM – Think you like your art with history and heart? The Yards opens its vault for a one-weekend pop-up of donated works, with proceeds keeping women-owned space running, fixing floors, quieting leaks, and supporting community care, plus 6×6 RoCo make-and-take and a Red Dot Virtual encore.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 Rochester report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 44°F – Low: 21°F – Precip: 8%

Partly sunny. High near 44, with temperatures falling to around 34 in the afternoon. West wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Later: A chance of snow showers after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 21. Northwest wind 6 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New snow accumulation of around one inch possible.

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Tomorrow – High: 24°F – Low: 12°F – Precip: 45%

A chance of snow showers before 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 24. Northwest wind 7 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 12. Northwest wind 3 to 7 mph.

Most popular house this week

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 →