This small town in New York state, with its Greek Revival architecture from the 1850s, is home to the annual Grecian Festival celebrating Mediterranean food and music.
Greece, New York, sits west of Rochester along Lake Ontario’s southern shore. This suburban area provides lakeside recreation alongside quiet neighborhoods and 19th-century farming history. Ride the 1905 Dentzel Menagerie Carousel at Ontario Beach Park, climb the 40-foot Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse tower, or walk through the former grounds of an early 1900s amusement park known as the “Coney Island of the West.” The town has three school districts and nearly 97,000 residents, with parks and local landmarks easily accessible from residential areas.
Ontario Beach Park and the Dentzel Menagerie Carousel
Ontario Beach Park draws visitors to Lake Ontario’s shoreline. The 1905 Dentzel Menagerie Carousel operates here, with hand-carved wooden animals like lions, giraffes, and goats preserved from its original design. The park replaced the Ontario Beach Amusement Park, which closed in 1919 after hosting roller coasters, dance halls, and a Ferris wheel. Summer brings swimmers to designated lake areas, and picnic spots fill with families. Seasonal events include outdoor concerts and festivals organized by the town.
Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse
Now part of Rochester, the Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse reflects Greece’s connection to Lake Ontario’s shipping history. Built in 1822, the structure guided ships entering the Genesee River for over 50 years. Visitors can ascend the tower’s spiral staircase to see the lake and surrounding neighborhoods. The lighthouse appears on Greece’s official seal, and tours detail how keepers maintained the light before automation. Artifacts in the adjacent museum highlight its role in regional trade.
Farming Roots and Neighborhood Growth
Greece started as a rural community with fewer than 5,000 residents in the 1800s, centered around agriculture. Small settlements like North Greece and Paddy Hill formed near mills, churches, and crossroads. Rochester’s annexation of Charlotte in 1916 shifted the town’s eastern border but slowed urban development until the 1950s. Older barns converted into homes and historic cemeteries still dot quieter streets. Post-World War II growth surged as families moved here for affordable housing near Rochester’s factories.
Local Government and Public Events
A five-member town board oversees Greece, led by a supervisor and four council members. Meetings address issues like road repairs, park upgrades, and zoning policies. In 2008, a court case prompted the board to replace Christian prayers at meetings with interfaith invocations. Annual summer festivals at Ontario Beach Park include live music, food vendors, and activities for children. State Assembly representative Josh Jensen also serves neighboring towns like Ogden and Parma.
