Four years ago, when Joe and Chris Hurley purchased 30 acres of property on Route 31 in Perinton, they had an eye to tapping its maple trees and establishing a business venture there. But there were a lot of unknowns.
“We didn’t know (what we had) until we started removing all the overgrowth,” Joe Hurley said. “It was like a jungle.”
Since then, the father-and-son team have cleared the property of brush and dead ash trees. They’ve added infrastructure, including sewer, water and electric. They preserved a 200-year-old timber frame house after being advised by engineers and contractors to knock it down; it’s currently being used for storage.
Now the property is home to the new Backwoods by Kettle Ridge Farm, a seasonal outdoor bar and music venue. It is a companion business to Kettle Ridge Farm, a maple syrup and honey producer and event venue in Victor, Ontario County.
“It’s all about nature, being outdoors, appreciating what Mother Nature gives us — to be a very relaxing and family-oriented spot,” Joe Hurley said.
A small creek, its banks lined with wildflowers, runs through the space, with small footbridges connecting seating areas. On one side is a stage for musical acts and sturdy Amish-made Adirondack chairs clustered around fire pits. On the other side are picnic tables topped by cheerful yellow umbrellas and an area where kids can play in a sandbox and on logs in a couple of configurations.
Strewn around the seating areas are strings of bistro lights that add a magical ambiance after sunset; the staff lights the fire pits when the time is right.
The relatively flat seating area is surrounded by ridges and slopes that create a secluded amphitheater effect that makes the area feel worlds away from the busy road. The property also has trails for walking and mountain biking.
At one end of the space is a shipping container that’s been converted into a bar; it serves beers, cider, wine and canned cocktails. Next to the bar is an open-air kitchen outfitted with a wood-burning Argentinian grill. “The idea was live fire, campfire-type vibes,” said Brandon DiNatale, kitchen lead.
During its first two weekends, the kitchen served an upscale spin on a popular camping dish called walking tacos. A choice of chips is topped with grilled chicken, steak or veggies, a choice of two cheeses and a choice of house-made sauces (chimichurri, house ranch, white barbecue or honey mustard). The second weekend also brought homemade chili. Because the venue is ramping up, it is allowing customers to bring in their own food or order delivery from J&L Pizza across the street.
Another unknown when the owners opened was the demand for such a venue. But news traveled fast on social media and during its opening weekend, its parking for 150 cars was insufficient. Cars were parking up and down Route 31. “We did not anticipate quite the crush we got here,” Joe Hurley said. “The response has been unbelievably positive. It’s too popular though.”
One casualty of the onslaught: a sand hill for kids to climb. It remains closed unless someone volunteers to supervise it.
“It’s been wild,” Chris Hurley said. “I didn’t think it would start out like this. The response has been terrific from the community.” He said they are working out the kinks, like speeding up the lines for drinks.
The plan is to operate through the end of October. In the off-season the partners will use what they’ve learned during this soft opening stage to decide what’s in store next year. One strong possibility is a 1,000-square-foot covered tent for groups to rent. Another is to use the 200-year-old building as a commercial kitchen on the first floor and an apartment on the second. The food menu will likely expand to include a trailer for coffee and ice cream. Hours will likely increase in 2026.
If you go
Backwoods by Kettle Ridge Farm is at 7215 Pittsford-Palmyra Road (Route 31) in Perinton. It is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. It usually opens at 4 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and 3 p.m. Saturdays, with music starting at 6 p.m. and 5 p.m., respectively.
It has parking for 150 cars. There is currently no charge for admission or parking. It does not accept reservations.
The plan is to operate through the end of October; the hours may change as the season progresses. Check Instagram, Facebook or backwoodskrf.com for the latest hours and musical schedules.
Accessibility: The operation, including the parking, is unpaved. Much of the space has wood chips on the ground. There is an accessible bathroom.
Tracy Schuhmacher has been food and drink reporter for the Democrat and Chronicle for the past 10 years. Notice an eatery open or close near you? Email her at TracyS@Gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Seasonal outdoor bar and music venue opens in Perinton
Reporting by Tracy Schuhmacher, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
