Name: How to Finish a Novel You Started
Start: 2026-11-12
End: 2026-11-12

Enter the lush rain-forest environment and walk among hundreds of brilliantly colored, free-flying tropical and native butterflies that flutter about—and may even land on you! Be sure to visit the chrysalis case and see emerging butterflies. A paved path leads guests through tropical foliage, a turtle pond, and a cascading waterfall. Take a peek at Watson, the garden’s resident panther chameleon, and watch his colorful scales change color as he adapts to the environment. Look closely and you will also notice several four-footed and fine-feathered friends, including Socrates, the garden's brightly plumaged green aracari toucan, and families of Button Quail. The butterfly population is funded in perpetuity through the generous support of Louise Woerner and Don Kollmorgen. The plants in Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden were made possible by Allyn’s Creek Garden Club.

The Strong Museum Discovery Garden

The City of Rochester Public Market, located at 280 North Union St. in Center City, has served the community since 1905 and offers an huge assortment of fresh seasonal produce direct from area farmers as well as from around the country and world; meats and seafood; eggs and cheese; baked goods and pasta; specialty and prepared foods, dry goods and general merchandise; clothing and jewelry; and much much more! On the Market grounds and in the surrounding Market Business District are cafes, coffee shops, bakeries, full service restaurants, food stands, a brewery, a distillery, art studios and galleries, and much more. The Market's outdoor and indoor vendor sheds are open year-round: Tuesdays and Thursdays 6 am to 1 pm, and Saturdays from 5 am to 3 pm. On Saturdays during the warmer months, shoppers can find over 300 vending stalls full of all kinds of goods and goodies! In addition to the regular Market shopping days, the City offers almost 50 days of free-admission special events at the Market, including Flower City Days Horticultural Sales, Community Garage Sales, Food Truck Rodeos, Bands on the Bricks, Halloween at the Market, and Holidays at the Market. See the Public Market Special Events page! The City of Rochester Public Market is the most diverse gathering in the region; a source of character, culture, and community; and a place to get a huge variety of affordable foods and goods.

Rochester Public Market

Founded in 1921 as the first professional school of the University of Rochester, the Eastman School of Music is celebrating its centennial in 2021-2022! For one hundred years, Eastman has been one of the world’s major centers for the study of music and for the training of professional musicians and music teachers. Famous alumni include jazz greats Chuck Mangione, Maria Schneider, and Ron Carter, award-winning composers Charles Strouse, George Walker, and Kevin Puts, and Metropolitan Opera sopranos Renée Fleming and Erin Morley. Eastman offers more than 800 concerts and other performances, many of them free, during the year, from chamber music to wind ensembles, from jazz to opera.

Eastman School of Music

Fleet Feet is a locally owned and operated running & walking specialty store specializing in footwear, apparel and accessories for all athletic abilities with two locations: Culver Road Armory & Victor. We also provide various training opportunities from programs, group runs, clinics and public community events. At Fleet Feet, you will find a welcoming environment where runners, walkers and fitness enthusiasts of all abilities receive unparalleled service, knowledge and support.

Fleet Feet Rochester

Marshall Street Bar and Grill is committed to becoming a positive community partner. We feature a friendly, neighborhood atmosphere with great drink specials and a full menu of delicious food! Our spacious dining area with a mix of tables, booths and nooks are perfect for your next event or meeting. We are also able to reserve space for birthday parties, retirement celebrations, and other special events. Outside catering available. Stop in today and have a drink with us! Our bar and kitchen are both open everyday until 2:00 am.

Marshall Street Bar & Grill

In a sophisticated setting overlooking the University of Rochester's Eastman Theater, Chef/Owner Tony Gullace prepares sumptuous treats for a discerning dining public. Extensive wine list and full service bar. Lunch: Mon-Fri, Dinner: Mon-Sat. Private rooms available for special events.

Max of Eastman Place

Cozy women's boutique offering a curated selection of apparel & gifts with unique WNY flair.

Shop Peppermint, LLC.

Opened in 2012, this urban chic city outpost caters to those looking for a casual and fun night out. Visit any of our three floors, or outside terrace to experience our unique menu of small and large plates, featuring both a creative redux of past classics and contemporary creations. With craft cocktails abound and 50+ beers on tap, TRATA’s trendy digs appeal to a couple enjoying date night, a family dinner, or a group celebration. Our first floor is comprised of our main bar area which features a 160” screen to watch your favorite sporting events. Adjacent to the bar is Rochester’s only pour your own Beer Wall, which includes 46 beers and 4 wines on tap. Guests can sample multiple offerings or choose to stick with their favorites, from domestics to local crafts, sours and beyond. TRATA offers a variety of private event spaces on any of our three floors and outdoor patio for up to 60 guests. We have a menu comprised of party platters, limited dinner menus, and drink options from which you can choose. Our favorite private party option is a Beer Wall party which allows your guests to freely choose and pour their own beer while enjoying some tasty bites. Est. 2012

Trata, The Restaurant at the Armory

The Village Bakery & Cafe is the fast-casual breakfast and lunch offering in the beautifully restored Culver Road Armory, across from Cobbs Hill Park. We offer sweet pastries and cookies, savory breakfasts and lunches, and handmade artisan-style hearth baked breads. Our talented baristas offer delicious coffee drinks, organic teas, healthy smoothies and refreshing iced beverages. Gather with your friends and coworkers in this bustling café. Our team of artisans bake bread daily using centuries old baking methods free of preservatives, dough conditioners and stabilizers. Our breakfast pastries are also handmade in the traditional French style, using only whole ingredients, and baked fresh every morning. Village Bakery & Cafe offers catering for breakfast and lunch events. Your guests will enjoy a full range of fresh and healthy offerings at your next corporate office luncheon or celebratory baby or bridal shower. Est. 2012

Village Bakery & Cafe - Armory

Ludwig’s Center Stage Cafe offers fresh, homemade food for both breakfast and lunch. We also provide a variety of catering options to make your next event easy and delicious. Delivery and setup are available with 24 hours’ notice. To place an order, call us at (585) 454-4440, or visit us online at http://ludwigscenterstagecafe.com.

Ludwig's Center Stage Cafe

Rochester, NY, is the third-largest metropolitan area in New York State, nestled along the southern shore of Lake Ontario. With a proud sports tradition, Rochester is home to iconic teams like the Rochester Red Wings (MiLB), Rochester Americans (AHL), Rochester Knighthawks (NLL), and Flower City Union (NPSL). Our vibrant sports culture thrives across all levels, from youth clubs and high schools to elite collegiate programs, creating a strong, year-round foundation for athletic excellence.

The Rochester NY Sports Commission champions Monroe County through the power of sports tourism. By attracting championships, invitationals, and tournaments across a wide range of disciplines, we help fuel the region’s economy and enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. Each year, Rochester welcomes a growing roster of sporting events, showcasing our top-tier facilities, supportive community, and dedication to teamwork on and off the field.

We invite event organizers, rights holders, and sports professionals to discover why Rochester and Monroe County are ideal destinations for your next competition or tournament. Let’s play in Rochester!

Visit Rochester

Having trouble completing your manuscript? Maybe you started with a spark, but the light has faded? Maybe you just started and need tools for sustaining longevity. Alex Sanchez, author of ten novels including the Lambda award-winning *So Hard to Say*, will give you the tools to tackle story arcs, compelling conflicts, dynamic characters, and strategies for revision and rewriting. The course will also explore techniques for crafting a powerful ending, and with Sanchez’s experience in the publishing field, you’ll recieve guidance for how to structure agent queries and book submissions when your finished work is ready for the world.

The class will include illuminating discussions, smart exercises, and actionable instructor feedback. All experience-levels are welcome. Even if you’ve got many books under your belt, this class can reignite your inspiration and put you on a path to completing a memorable book that hooks readers to the very last page.

**Alex Sanchez** has published ten novels, including the American Library Association “Best Book for Young Adults” *Rainbow Boys* and Lambda Award-winning *So Hard to Say*. His novel *Bait* won the Tomas Rivera Mexican-American Book Award and the Florida Book Award Gold Medal for Young Adult fiction. *You Brought Me the Ocean*, his graphic novel from DC Comics, was illustrated by Julie Maroh. Alex’s newest book, *The Greatest Superpower*, came out in 2021. Alex has a master’s degree in guidance and counseling and worked for many years as a youth and family counselor.

How to Finish a Novel You Started

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