Attractions and Places To See around Fairport - Top 4

Fairport offers a rich history, particularly centered around the Erie Canal. You can visit the Fairport Historical Museum, housed in a distinguished Neo-Classical building, to explore the village's past. The Stone-Tolan House provides a glimpse into early 19th-century settler life. Additionally, several buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places, including the First Baptist Church of Fairport and the Wilbur House.

The Erie Canal is central to Fairport's outdoor offerings. You can enjoy walking, cycling, boating, and kayaking along its scenic towpath. The Erie Canalway Trail provides flat, paved sections perfect for all ability levels, with continuous water views. For cycling, consider exploring the various routes available in the Cycling around Fairport guide, which includes options along the Canalway Trail.

Yes, Fairport boasts an extensive trail system. The Crescent Trail has earned Fairport the designation of a "Trail Town USA." Other notable parks like Potter Memorial Park, Perinton Park, and Kennelley Park offer recreational spaces. For specific hiking routes, you can find options in the Easy hikes around Fairport guide, including trails like Philbrick Park Trail and Shadow Pines South Loop.

Families can enjoy the Lehigh Valley Trail, a 15-mile multi-use gravel trail that is traffic-free and ideal for family bike rides. The Fairport Junction Train Viewing Platform is also popular, allowing visitors to watch trains and see a restored 1978 Conrail Caboose. During June, the annual Fairport Canal Days festival offers family activities, and the Colonial Belle tour boat provides canal cruises from mid-May through October.

Fairport hosts several popular annual events. Fairport Canal Days, one of the Northeast's beloved arts festivals, takes place in June. The Fairport Music and Food Festival is held in late August. Canal boat tours on the Colonial Belle operate from mid-May through October, making late spring through early fall an excellent time to visit for cultural experiences and outdoor activities.

Yes, Fairport offers several accessible options. The Erie Canalway Trail features flat, paved sections suitable for all ability levels, including wheelchairs. The Bridge over the Erie Canal is also wheelchair accessible, connecting various trails. Additionally, the Fairport Junction Train Viewing Platform is designed for accessibility, allowing everyone to enjoy watching trains.

Fairport's walkable Main Street, along with areas like Fairport Village Landing and Packett's Landing, are home to independent restaurants, specialty shops, boutiques, and cafes. For craft beverages, you can visit local establishments such as Fairport Brewing Company, Iron Smoke Distillery, Faircraft Brauhaus, and Triphammer Bierwerks. Casa Larga Vineyards, located nearby, also offers tours and tastings.

The wider Perinton area, encompassing Fairport, showcases a varied glacial landscape with steep hills, rolling farmland, and wetlands. The Erie Canal's accessible wetlands, like the Thomas Creek Wetlands, are noted for birdwatching. You can also immerse yourself in nature along Irondequoit Creek, enjoying fishing, kayaking, or peaceful walks along its banks.

For a unique experience, visit The Blind Pig, a historic speakeasy located in the DeLand House on Main Street, offering an intimate setting with cocktails and live music. Fairport also features various public art installations throughout the community, with walking tours available to discover them. The iconic Fairport Lift Bridge itself is an engineering marvel and a must-see.

Visitors particularly appreciate the scenic beauty and ease of access of Fairport's trails. The Erie Canalway Trail is loved for its flat, paved sections, making it easy for all ability levels, and for the continuous views of the water. The Bridge over the Erie Canal is highlighted as a lovely scenic spot connecting different trails, especially beautiful when the leaves change.

Yes, the Lehigh Valley Trail is a 15-mile multi-use gravel trail, perfect for hybrid or mountain bikes. It's completely traffic-free, offering a pleasant ride through the area. You can find more gravel cycling options and routes in the Cycling around Fairport guide.