Molly Stark
On a Thursday at Glen Edith
Interview No. 187
Interview by Emily Hessney Lynch.
Published June 20, 2019.
Where are you originally from? How did you end up in the Greater Rochester area at this time in your life?
I was born in Orlando, and moved to Rochester at age 12. I’m kind of a hybrid, both from here and not from here. I made a lot of memories here; I grew up in Henrietta and my family lives there still. I went to Nazareth for college, interned at Text100 after college, and then moved to Boston for two years. I only came back to Rochester recently. I loved the work I was doing and Boston, but a lot of different things pulled me back to Rochester.
What is your favorite part of living in Rochester?
The sense of community. I love going to Wegmans or a Red Wings game and running into people I know. I feel comfortable and at home here; it’s like a breath of fresh air. I also like that Rochester has such a big emphasis on the arts and local businesses. I like the people, too. New Yorkers get a bad reputation for being unfriendly, and not having that southern hospitality, but Rochester is very different than New York City.
What are some hidden gems you've discovered around Rochester?
I love to shop, so a few boutiques come to mind. Statement on Park Ave is amazing, I’m obsessed with it. Peppermint at the Culver Road Armory has tons of cute knick knacks and Rochester things. I also love our local coffee shops, like Java’s, Cafe Sasso, Starry Nites, and Glen Edith.
What's the most unique or interesting event you've attended in Rochester?
All of our conferences and festivals, like Upstate Social, Fringe Fest, the Corn Hill Arts Fest, and Park Ave Fest. I like the sense of community and creativity they showcase. It’s all about bringing people together.
What are some of your favorite local nonprofits to support?
Causewave and Lollypop Farm. I remember visiting Lollypop with my cousins when we were little.
If you had $100 and two hours to kill in Rochester, how would you spend the time/money?
I’d head to Just Juice first, then grab lunch at Magnolia’s on Park afterwards. Finally, I’d head to Statement to spend the rest of the money. My favorite piece that I own from them is a cute floral jacket.
What's your favorite neighborhood in the city?
I love the Neighborhood of the Arts, and the ABC neighborhood too.
What's the best place to get a garbage plate?
Henrietta Hots. It’s a staple in my early adulthood.
What is one memory you have that's quintessentially Rochester?
At the Rush Fireman’s Carnival every year, it’s basically one big high school reunion. The running joke is that we don’t need to host an actual reunion because of the carnival. Everyone comes together and hangs out. It rekindles our old school spirit. When the carnival ends, we all head to Henrietta Hots at midnight. You’d eat a garbage plate and just hang out. I have so many good memories there.
What makes Rochester unique?
Rochester is a melting pot. People are here for different reasons. We have so many different kinds of people, and they all have different goals in mind. In bigger, more corporate cities, people are just there for the jobs. Here, we have so much to offer, so people come and stick around for different reasons.
What do you think could be improved?
Our reputation. We need to do a better job of sharing the good stuff and hidden gems. We’re more than bad weather! You feel at peace here. We need to share the good of what’s happening in Rochester.
If Rochester was a season, what would it be?
It would be spring. In the spring, you think of rebirth and growth. There’s a lot of that in Rochester. People come here to have a fresh start. Plus, we have so many places where you can see gorgeous flowers, like Highland Park and Corn Hill! We really are the Flower City.
What advice would you give to someone who is new to Rochester and looking to get to know the area?
Never stop exploring. Go for a walk. Try a new cafe or restaurant. You never know what you’ll discover.
Molly Stark is a Rochester native who loves garbage plates, flowers, and our sense of community. For more of her perspective, visit our Instagram.
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