When Joe Hurley and his son Chris first dreamed up Backwoods, they weren’t just trying to build another live music venue. Beyond the food, drink and music scene, they wanted to create an outdoor gathering place where people could slow down and explore. As the father-son team behind Kettle Ridge F arm in Victor, they’re already known for turning the natural world into a source of connection — through maple syrup, honey and pancake breakfasts. Backwoods, on 30 wooded acres in the hamlet of Egypt (part of Perinton and in the Fairport zip code), is their next chapter: a rustic, outdoor venue where music meets the wild. Four years ago, the Hurleys purchased the land with their vision for Backwoods in mind. As they neared opening this year, they expected the usual new business hurdles — finalizing permits, tracking down vendors and other detailed logistics that come with opening a space on historically zoned land. What they didn’t expect was for Backwoods to take off before they could even consider an official launch. After quietly opening at the end of August 2025, word spread fast and popularity grew, boosted by an internal Instagram video that went viral and a stretch of unseasonably warm weather. They reopen for the 2026 season on May 30. “The public acceptance has been so amazing,” Joe said. “We’re getting a large number of people coming out — more than we expected. Everybody is raving about their experience here and recommending it to their friends and family.” The Backwoods following has grown so quickly that the Hurleys’ biggest problem isn’t finding guests, but rather finding space for them to park. The original 50-car parking plan has ballooned to 170, and visitors are now encouraged to reserve spots in advance. Even then, arriving early is wise. Backwoods in October 2025. PHOTO BY ROBERTO FELIPE LAGARES What draws people isn’t the open-fire menu or live music, but the charm of the land itself. String lights and firepits are spread throughout two connected clearings in the woods, creating a magical treehouse vibe. A covered stage is centered in front of Adirondack chairs and picnic tables and, during peak hours, audiences are also encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets. The bar is fashioned from a repurposed shipping container, stocked with local craft beer, cider and nonalcoholic options. Families can easily find a home at Backwoods — a natural playground made of tree trunks and sandboxes invites kids to climb and explore while parents relax nearby. During its soft opening season last fall, Backwoods has featured live music each night of operation, often hosting two bands a night. Joe, a longtime supporter of Rochester’s live music scene, tapped familiar groups for this year’s lineup. This season, music fans can expect a wider range of bands; June already has a packed lineup. Backwoods in October 2025. PHOTO BY ROBERTO FELIPE LAGARES “We’ve already been contacted by over 200 groups who are interested in performing,” he said. “We’ll be filling the schedule with music from all over Western New York.” While the cleared area houses the stage, bar and open-fire cooking space, the venue extends over 30 acres, complete with a large network of walking trails. The parking area and trails will remain open to the public throughout the year, welcoming anyone who wants to cross-country ski or snowshoe during the winter months. The Hurleys are also in the process of renovating a 200-year-old house on the land, which they hope will eventually include a commercial kitchen.  But nature will always remain the centerpiece.  “Everything we do involves saving the native trees and controlling the invasive species,” Joe said. “We’re positioning things so that people can enjoy the wildflowers and native shrubs and trees.” Sustainability is paramount not only to Backwoods but also to Kettle Ridge Farm, the duo’s first project in Victor. From a “Save the Bees, Please!” campaign to raise awareness of threats to honeybees and encourage native planting to producing honey, maple syrup and mead without any chemicals or fillers, the farm has kept the environment at the heart of its mission since its inception in 2010.  Kettle Ridge Farm in Victor. PHOTO PROVIDED Beyond offering natural products for purchase, Kettle Ridge Farm is a special events venue and bed and breakfast. From January through March, visitors from all over attend the popular Sunday pancake breakfasts and reserve Instagram-worthy igloos for Saturday brunches. The farm consistently creates offerings with guests’ interests in mind, and Backwoods is an extension of that community-focused mission.  The focus on local connection includes other business partnerships. One of their earliest collaborators, Bristol-based Noble Shepherd Brewing, has worked with the Hurleys for years. Each March, Tony Moringello and his team at the three-barrel brew house produce a maple-infused IPA, “Kettle Juice,” to sell onsite at the farm’s annual Maple Weekend in March. It’s become a seasonal favorite, and Moringello is now brainstorming a new signature brew just for Backwoods.  In addition to a signature drink, 2026 guests can expect tented areas for rainy Rochester evenings, expanded parking and a growing calendar of music events. Beyond their delicious offerings and lively musical performances, Moringello said the growing success of Backwoods is largely due to its natural and thoughtfully planned atmosphere. “When Chris told me about the property in Perinton, I thought it was a home run idea,” Moringello said. “It’s just different, the environment that’s created. It’s not a bar. It’s not a loud music venue. You can feel comfortable bringing your kids, and it’s a great spot to hang out.” backwoodskrf.com The post Backwoods brings 30 acres of nature to the foreground appeared first on CITY Magazine. Arts. Music. Culture.. ...read more read less