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Winter Guide 2014

Highs and lows

I am writing this introduction roughly a week after the Polar Vortex proved that, when it comes to winter in Rochester, Mother Nature means business. Will those few days in early January be the worst we have to suffer through this season? Or are we due for more arctic blasts and umpteen feet of snow? Only Punxsutawney Phil (and his hairdresser) knows for sure.

Regardless of the weather, you are a Rochesterian. You are hardy. You must commit to making the most out of the next three months. Look around you: there are too many fabulous winter opportunities. You can't let them pass you by.

Consider snowshoeing, for instance. This is an easy-to-pick-up, relatively cheap outdoor activity, and there are ample venues in the Greater Rochester area. Don't have any snowshoes yourself? You can even rent the equipment by the day. Check the story for the scoop.

If you want something more social, we have an article on group outdoor activities. At least one involves consuming mass quantities of alcohol. Or you can always grab your friends and check out one of our 14 events for winter 2014.

If you're looking for something a little warmer, a little sweeter, turn to our hot chocolate round-up. Even if you hate the cold you can't deny that winter provides a great excuse for drinking your weight in hot chocolate.

Of course, if you must stay indoors, you might as well read a book. We spoke to some of Rochester's literati for their winter-read suggestions. What's on your book shelf this winter? -- Eric Rezsnyak

In This Guide...

  • WINTER GUIDE: Sweet disposition

    Taste testing some of the best hot chocolates in Rochester
    Winter brings with it a mixed bag of emotions. Annoyance is one, like when you have to read all the snow-related complaints on Facebook and Twitter.

  • WINTER GUIDE: Good cold fun

    Get some exercise — and get social — with these winter activities
    During the bleak Rochester winter, it can be tempting to go into hibernation mode — grab the warmest down comforter you own, pop open a box of bon-bons, and curl up for a Netflix marathon. However, staying active during the winter is important, not only for your physical health, but your mental health as well.

  • WINTER GUIDE: 14 for 2014

    Can't-miss events taking place this winter
    Yes, Rochester winters can often seem endless, but City is here to help you make it through these dark times with a selection of 14 can't-miss events from the first quarter of 2014. Did we miss something especially exciting on your personal calendar?

  • WINTER GUIDE: Don't break the banks

    Cheap, simple, and inspiring, snowshoeing allows you to stay on top of the drifts and keep money in your pocket
    The whole "walking on water" idea is cool, but when the temperatures plummet in Western New York, walking on snow and ice will have to suffice. And it does for the thousands of snowshoers in our region area each year.

  • WINTER GUIDE: The cozy catalogue

    10 wonderful reads to get you through winter
    It's fairly common to suggest some escapist epics or saucy stories to take to the water's edge during the warmer months. But when are we more in need of mental transportation than mid-winter?