Fairport,
New York is an exquisitely charming village found
in the town of Perinton.
A suburb of bustling metropolitan Rochester,
the third largest city in New
York State, tiny Fairport proudly retains its
quaint, historic glamour and friendly front-porch
atmosphere. Located directly on the Erie
Canal, the village served as a main transportation
and distribution center in the Canal's heyday.
In modern times, it prides itself as being a boater's
Paradise. It received its name in 1829 when a
traveling merchant making an overnight stop deemed it
'a fair port to stay.' The village incorporated
in 1867, setting this fair port apart from the
surrounding town.Still
known today as the 'Crown Jewel of the Erie Canal,'
Fairport's population of 5,740 residents (Census 2000
data) are a close, tight-knit community, who love
their home and tend it well. Their children
attend some of the finest public
schools in the state, while reaping the benefits
of small-town security.
Ten excellent colleges
and universities lie within forty miles of
Fairport, offering the best in higher education.
Fairport
merchants
prosper here. The marvelous atmosphere of the
well preserved historic downtown is the retail center
for all of surrounding Perinton, and a favorite stop
for tourists boating their way down the Canal.
Outstanding overnight docking facilities allow for as
long a stay as desired, while visitors browse the
specialty boutiques and shops,
or dine
in the large selection of restaurants and eateries.
For those arriving by car, two magnificent Bed &
Breakfasts are found here, the Esten-Wahl
Farm and the Twenty
Woodlawn House.
Lovely
towpaths line the Canal on each side. Once used
by mules hauling barges, today cyclists, joggers and
those taking leisurely strolls through the quiet,
tree-lined Victorian district of Fairport enjoy the
paths. This is one of the most envied
residential neighborhoods in
Upstate
New York. Fairport is graced with many green
areas and three lovely canal-side parks.
In honor of its past, a resident carved a delightful
life-sized wooden mule
which stands in front of Village Hall, perfect for
picture-taking. The sculpture is named Sal,
taken from the lines in the old barge song, "I
got a mule and her name is Sal, fifteen miles on the
Erie Canal." This whimsical statue delights
visitors and residents alike.
Fairport
comes alive with crowds in June, during their
exciting Canal
Days celebration. Over four hundred arts and
crafts exhibitors vie to be accepted to this wonderful
festival, with music filling the air for three days of
fun, food, and art. Autumn brings the
beloved Scarecrow
Festival, a joyous and colorful competition in
honor of harvest-time. Fairport also
holds smaller festivals, such as the Car
Cruz Nights and the delightful light decoration
party before Christmas, in keeping with the cozy,
small-town community atmosphere.
Fairport,
New York is the "Crown Jewel of the Erie
Canal". What an intriguing place to visit
or call home!
