Nicole Kazimer
Hello Yoga Girl
Interview No. 43
Outsiders might look at it as a gray, dying city, but once you live here and feel the ROC love, you understand how lucky we are to call this city home.
Interview by Emily Hessney Lynch.
Published July 20, 2016.
What part of Rochester are you from?
I am from Webster.
What is your favorite part of living in Rochester?
I love the Rochester summers and the Rochester community. Everywhere you go you feel at home.
Do you have any favorite/secret Rochester spots?
I think a lot of Rochester’s trails are secrets to many. Some of my favorites are Chimney Bluffs (a hidden gem), Abraham Lincoln Park in Webster, and Corbett’s Glen in Penfield. Sunsets at Webster Park are gorgeous!
Describe your dream Rochester day.
Waking up early and getting active outside, then driving down to one of the Finger Lakes, stopping at Wegmans on the way to pick up some things for a picnic lunch, and laying out the blanket by the lake. Eating your picnic in the sunshine and lying in the grass. Cruising back to the city for dinner outside, maybe on the TRATA rooftop patio, or tacos and margs at Dorado. Arriving back in the suburbs right after sunset and having a campfire outside.
Do you have a favorite neighborhood?
Probably Park Ave. Who doesn’t love Park Ave?! Lately, I also love Elton Street. I am currently writing this at Maker’s Gallery, my new favorite hangout. The sun hits the street perfectly in the late afternoon—great vibes in this neighborhood!
Favorite bar?
Love me some Ox and Stone. I’ll take the Local Celebrity and shrimp taco, please!
Favorite hungover eating spot?
I really can’t leave the house when I am hungover because I am way too grumpy. In a perfect world, if I had too many Local Celebrities and margaritas the night before (but still managed to wake up feeling amazing) I would go to Red Fern for grilled cheese or the Owl House for buffalo cauliflower wings and a burger.
Snowstorms will always be my favorite memory. Rochester’s weather is a common denominator that our community is built on.
What's your personal coping method for cold/gray weather?
Yoga at Balance Fitness or booking plane tickets to California!
What is your favorite Rochester memory?
Snowstorms will always be my favorite memory, specifically the 1991 ice storm. I wasn’t old enough to remember it too vividly, but I remember my whole family hanging out at my grandparents. Snowstorms will always be my favorite memory. Rochester’s weather is a common denominator that our community is built on. It’s always a topic of conversation. I know it’s extremely annoying when we are stuck on 590, but once we are trapped home with nowhere to go we create so many great memories.
What do you think could be improved?
Our perspective on Rochester. Outsiders might look at it is a gray, dying city, but once you live here and feel the Roc love you understand how lucky we are to call this city home.
If Rochester were a yoga pose, what would it be?
Warrior.
Nicole Kazimer is an explorer, yoga instructor, and founder of Hello Yoga Girl. Read more of Nicole's perspective on our Instagram.
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