In the Neighborhood of the Arts, converted factories house studios for dancers and visual artists. Post-war apartment buildings, multifamily Victorians and charming cottages line the area’s many side streets. In the middle of it all is Memorial Art Gallery at 500 University Ave. Known for a comprehensive collection spanning 50 centuries, the museum hosts traveling exhibitions and operates a popular gift shop and restaurant, plus the Clothesline Arts Festival in September. Next door, School of the Arts offers student and community performances in music and theater. (Actor Taye Diggs and musician Tweet are alumni.) Take a stroll down University and check out ArtWalk, Rochester’s outdoor interactive art museum. The award-winning ArtWalk features sidewalk imprints, artistic benches, tiled light poles, sculptures and bus shelters from MAG to George Eastman House. Nearby are the Visual Studies Workshop, 31 Prince St., and Village Gate Square, 274 N. Goodman St., a converted factory housing public art along with shops and offices. Next door at Anderson Alley Artists, 250 N. Goodman St., some 40 artists share three floors in an old manufacturing building. Artists open their studios to the public from 1 to 4 p.m. the second Saturday of each month from October to June. They work on bookbinding, jewelry, mixed media, painting, ceramics and more. Writers & Books, the region’s literary center at 740 University Ave., keeps a calendar jammed with readings and classes in—you guessed it—writing and literature.

Restaurants

This neighborhood is known more for its artistic pursuits than dining choices. However, the few restaurants that call NOTA home are well-respected and popular. Options include California Rollin’ (sushi), Edibles Restaurant (eclectic fine dining), Feta Chinni (Greek/Italian), Cutler’s Restaurant (American), Mamasan’s (Thai and Vietnamese), Salena’s (Mexican) and Starry Nites Café (chef-prepared café fare).

Main thoroughfares: University Avenue and Goodman Street
Parking: In lots surrounding Village Gate Square, and on University, Goodman and side streets

Bars

Bachelor Forum: Motorcycle gay bar. 670 University Ave.; 271-6930
Edibles: Restaurant and small bar. 704 University Ave.; 271-4910
Feta chinni: Restaurant and bar. Village Gate Square, 274 N. Goodman St.; 254-3382
Salena’s: Restaurant serves beer, tequila, margaritas, wine. Village Gate Square, 274 N. Goodman St.; 256-5980
California Rollin’: Restaurant serving beer, wine and sake. Village Gate Square, 274 N. Goodman St.; 271-8990

Live music: Starry Nites Café