Henrietta, New York, started largely as an agricultural town and is the geographical center of Monroe County. The town was first incorporated in 1818 and was called The Woods of West-Town until it was given its final name to honor Henrietta Lauren Pulteney. Pulteney was the Countess of Bath and the daughter of one of the original investors in the land.
Because farmers could easily send their crops in barges to markets in larger cities nearby, the town prospered through the 19th century. When modern society took off, people came to call Henrietta “Boom Town” for the skyrocketing population. That was made up largely of veterans coming home from war. Today, around 47,000 people live in Henrietta, many of whom work in the larger cities of Rochester, Syracuse, and Buffalo.
You don’t have to go out of town to have a good time. Mendon Ponds Park is close by. It has glacially-formed geological structures, plus 2,500 acres of terrain, including wetlands and woodlands. The space is prime for birdwatching, hiking, fishing, and geo-caching and includes a playground, sensory garden, and athletic field.
If you prefer, you can swim, fish, boat, and more at Lake Ontario. One good spot to visit is Durand Eastman Park, which is about 1.5 square miles, much of which is waterfront land along Lake Ontario. Steep slopes and beautiful scenery make it a popular spot for cross-country skiers, though picnic shelters and a golf course are also on site.
During the Summer, stop by Seabreeze Amusement Park, a historic family-friendly water park where Lake Ontario meets Irondequoit Bay. Seabreeze has been around since 1879 and has 70 attractions over 35 acres. Adults enjoy thrill rides and rollercoasters; there are kid-specific rides, games, and live shows for the whole family.
If you’d rather stay closer to town, check out the Tinker Nature Park, a 68-acre handicap-accessible space with various trails and museums on the property. Those include the Hansen Nature Center, a Wildlife Observation Blind, a Snake Hibernaculum, and a Meditation Labyrinth.
Once you decide it’s time for a bite to eat, you’ll find no shortage of great grub in Henrietta. For American fare, stop by Fireside Grill and Sports Bar. Wednesdays and Saturdays are Prime Rib Night, Friday is Fresh Fish Fry Day, and you can get mouth-watering menu items like surf & turf sliders, buffalo chicken pizza, and chili-seared bistro steak salad any day of the week.
Peppermints Family Restaurant is one of the most renowned breakfast joints in town, though they also serve lunch and dinner. Peppermints prides itself on menu gems like the country skillet scrambler, cranberry walnut pancakes, LA cinnamon bread, and the cheeseburger ‘n pots “Messy Plate.”
At Patriot Wildlife, we know that the local beauty isn’t only about what the city has built; it’s about the wildlife and amazing natural wonders surrounding our area. Sometimes, things can become problematic when nuisance wildlife enters our property.
Contact us today for an estimate.
