This past Saturday (December 2nd) we had a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered in the heart of Rochester's Southwedge neighborhood! Our exclusive giveaway package, valued at $75, was a curated collection of local delights that promised elevate your culinary experience. Nestled within Nathaniel Square Park, a charming and vibrant community space in Rochester, NY, this hidden gem mirrors the essence of the city itself...you'll find yourself surrounded by the rich history and lively atmosphere that defines "the Wedge", making your time searching for the giveaway not only an adventure but also an exploration of the community's culture. Now on to talking about this basket's amazing local gifts!

Nestled in the heart of Webster, New York, Herman's Farm Market is a local gem that has been providing the community with fresh, high-quality produce and gourmet goodies for generations. The giveaway package, valued at $75, features a delightful assortment of edible gourmet goodies from Hermans Farm Market (hermansfarmmarket.com), showcasing the farm's commitment to delivering farm-fresh flavors to its patrons. From artisanal jams to handcrafted snacks, Herman's Farm Market represents the essence of community-supported agriculture, offering not only delicious treats but also a connection to the region's rich agricultural heritage.
Red Bridge Gifts, a workshop in Churchville, contributed a unique and handmade touch to the giveaway with a cutting board/cheese board. Red Bridge offers craftsmanship with their laser engraving, creating functional and beautiful pieces that enhance your decor or dining experience. Brian, the proprieter, takes pride in producing handcrafted items that add a touch of warmth and personality to homes and we are always thrilled to work with him!

A gift card from Cheese and Charcuterie Club rounded out the giveaway package with a $25 gift card, inviting winners to explore a world of gourmet cheeses and charcuterie setups. Located on Ridge Road, sharing a home with Rubino's, this club celebrates the finer things in life, curating exceptional selections that elevate culinary experiences. By offering a variety of premium cheeses and meats, the Cheese and Charcuterie Club plays a role in cultivating a sophisticated palate within the community. The gift card extends an invitation to indulge in a charcuterie spread of their own, pairing beautifully with the cheese board we included.

We were happy to add a little celebration of the diverse and delectable offerings of Rochester's culinary scene to this gift drop. Stay tuned for more giveaways and gift drops now through New Years Day!

Our newest giveaway (an online entry for those of you who can't get out and about for gift drops!) offers a selection of local goodies from Vault Rochester, New City Cafe and Roastery on Parsells, and a few Rochester-themed stickers that come from the personal collection of local artist/muralist Tim Lynch, who also graciously donated some items to gift later in the season! This giveaway has a value of $50 -- lets chat about these businesses and what they offer the community...

In the heart of Rochester's downtown Liberty Pole neighborhood, Vault Rochester offers a variety of fitness and wellness classes in a state-of-the-art facility located inside...you guessed it...an old bank and their vault! With a commitment to making health accessible to all, Vault Rochester not only promotes physical fitness but also fosters a sense of community. The giveaway package's free pass to Vault provides an opportunity for individuals to experience the positive and inclusive atmosphere the gym cultivates. By encouraging holistic well-being, Vault Rochester contributes to the community's overall health and vitality.

New City Cafe and Roastery, an eclectic and locally-rooted establishment in Rochester's historic Beechwood neighborhood, captures the essence of Rochester's diverse culture through its unique offerings. With their cozy and comfortable seating area, New City provides a space for individuals to connect, share experiences, and celebrate their “rainbow community” filled with young families and long-time residents. One thing that makes New City special to me is how they work to employ teenagers and young adults from their own neighborhood and give them an opportunity to discover and utilize their gifts as they serve our community. The $15 gift card included in the giveaway package allows winners to explore the array of offerings at New City, from artisanal baked goods to coffee from around the world. New City exemplifies the spirit of entrepreneurship and collaboration, contributing to the cultural vibrancy that defines Rochester!

Lastly (but never least!) Tenderchomps, the artistic alter ego of local talent Tim Lynch, adds a personal touch to the giveaway with a selection of Rochester-themed stickers he took from his personal collection. Through Tenderchomps, Tim shares his passion for art with the community, creating pieces that reflect his loves of bold illustration and mid-2000s pop punk. If you identify as an "elder emo" you will LOVE his work! He also recently completed a mural at the Avenue D Rec Center, adapting a piece by Hilleyri Binet and incorporating some of his own style. Tim plays a vital role in shaping the visual identity of the community, contributing to its cultural landscape and fostering a sense of pride among its residents. Together, Vault Rochester, New City, and Tenderchomps embody the essence of community support and collaboration, making this giveaway package a true reflection of Rochester's spirit - I hope you enjoy it. You can enter to win the package on our Instagram page until 5pm on December 1st.

The first ShareSomeROCLove Gift Drop took place on Black Friday -- thankfully the weather was as agreeable as it could be for the season and it was safe to leave the bag without fear of it getting destroyed by weather! For the this drop, I chose High Falls Terrace Park, which you'll find along the newly renovated Brewery Trail, an undisputed gem of our cityscape. The Brewery Trail itself offers the perfect blend of historic architecture, contemporary art installations, and welcoming local businesses, while High Falls Terrace Park, a hidden oasis along the Brewery Trail, provided the ideal setting for this drop with its unbeatable view of High Falls. 

​Now - as for the gift itself, let's dive deeper into the magic of each part of the gift drop starting with the small piece of art by Dellarious. Visit the Dellarious shop (they also have a Brick and Mortar at the Rochester Public Market), and you'll be transported into a world where local artist Mike Dellaria skillfully captures the spirit of Rochester in vibrant and unique ways. The Rochester logo art print included in the drop, a testament to his talent, merges art with local pride, making it a perfect addition to any Rochester enthusiast's collection.

​Next up, the gift included a free subscription to 585 Magazine, a local publication that serves as a gateway to all things Rochester. Navigating the culture of our city, 585 showcases the latest in arts, culture, and community, and provides Rochester residents with an insider's perspective on the hidden gems that make Rochester truly special, which is one of our goals too! This subscription, good for a free year of issues, is your backstage pass to the heartbeat of our community.

Now, let's talk cozy style -- its getting to be that time of the year anyways! This year we included a Rochester beanie, available at Peppermint, located in the Culver Road Armory. Stepping into Peppermint is like entering a curated haven (heaven even!) of all things Rochester chic. The beanie, adorned with the iconic ROC Rochester logo, offers style and warmth, a perfect accessory for embracing the Rochester winter vibes. We included the black version, but they have multiple colors available. Oh - and the wooden pennant? It's also at Peppermint, and definitely a timeless piece that proudly declares your love for Rochester in a way that effortlessly blends charm and design. Peppermint has a whole section upstairs dedicated to Rochester love, and each piece is a nod to the local businesses that make Rochester a community worth celebrating.

Rounding out the gift pack is a small holiday ornament from Christine and Co. Christine works at Peppermint, but also has an Etsy shop where you'll discover a treasure trove of handmade delights that capture the essence of the season. This particular ornament, shaped like a winter hat with the phrase "Raaaaachester,"  is not just a decoration; it's a celebration of our city's personality and an inside joke that gives a nod to the regional accent they say we have around here!

As always, we offer thanks to the local businesses and community members that contributed to this gift package—you're the real MVPs, making Rochester shine brighter! So, whether you are a Rochester native or a new ROC explorer, go head to the Brewery Trail, discover the hidden treasures, and support the incredible businesses that make our city truly special! More gift drops await you this year, stay tuned to our Instagram and Facebook pages to be notified when they will be heading out in the wild for you to find!