Published July 29, 2018.

With the Park Avenue Festival quickly approaching, what better time to reflect on one of Rochester’s most beloved, well-known neighborhoods? The area is popular for good reason – its unique blend of restaurants, shops, cafés, bars, and residential areas makes it an idyllic neighborhood, where everything you could possibly need is a short walk or bike ride away.

Today, Park Ave winds its way from Alexander Street to East Avenue. But according to The Rochestarian, “It was first laid out as an avenue in 1852, but it took shape, albeit erratically, in 1860 as three separate streets.” At that time, it only went from Alexander Street to Goodman Street. However, in 1875, Park Avenue merged together with Crescent Street, which stretched from Vick Park A and B, and Bates Street, which started at Barrington and went on to Culver Road. After the merging, the Park Avenue we know and love today was formed.

Like many areas of the city, Park Ave suffered in the mid 20th century from the Great Depression and from the migration of families from cities into the suburbs. Beautiful mansions were broken down into separate apartments. In 1969, the Park Avenue Neighborhood Association was formed to help restore and preserve the area and support local businesses. The first Park Avenue Festival was held in 1976.

Today, Park Avenue tends to be a neighborhood especially popular among college students and young adults, but it is truly an area Rochestarians of all ages can enjoy. Perhaps one of the most iconic establishments on Park Ave is the beloved Parkleigh, a shop at the corner of Goodman Street known for its sassy, quirky assortment of gifts and home goods, trendy jewelry selection, and various bath and body products.

Head east on Park to Oxford Street, and you’ll discover Half Pint, one of Rochester’s favorite summer haunts for its outdoor seating and dog-friendly environment. Join Half Pint on a Friday or Saturday night with your pup as your companion, and you (but mostly the pup) are sure to make more than a few friends.

Across the street from Half Pint, you’ll find Magnolia’s. Its claim to fame? You may have heard of a man named Barack Obama. As you may know, he was our president for eight years. And when he visited Rochester, he chose Magnolia’s as his eatery of choice. You can find what Mr. Obama ordered on Magnolia’s menu, as it is aptly named “Obama Special (Mr. President)” – a half of a grilled cheese and a cup of soup.

Right next door to Magnolia’s is an adorable boutique called Statement, which just opened its doors in 2017. Inside you’ll find a curated selection of trendy clothing, accessories, prints and gifts from independent labels and artists. The store is a cat-lover’s paradise – there are quite a few absolutely adorable kitty-adorned items in the shop.

Strolling even further on Park towards Berkeley Street, you’ll find some of Rochester’s favorite brunch restaurants, including Jines, Blu Wolf, and Charlie’s Frog Pond (have you tried their cream-cheese-stuffed French toast? It’s divine). Each restaurant has outdoor seating perfect for people-watching whilst you dine. But be sure to get to these places early or make a reservation; they fill up quickly! And for those who prefer ethnic cuisine, past Berkeley you will find Dorado (Mexican), Roux (French), and Sinbad’s (Mediterranean).

Closer to Culver are two cafes: Glen Edith Coffee Roasters (known for its local roasting and deliciously refreshing Nitro Cold Brew) and Café Sasso (a small, cozy café with a wide selection of coffee beverages, teas, and cocktails). Both are perfect places to grab your caffeinated beverage of choice, get some work done, or catch up with a friend over a cup of joe.

Although one can find homes and apartments all along Park Ave and its connected streets, it turns into a more residential area once it reaches Culver Road and becomes the ABC Neighborhood – aptly named for its alphabetically ordered streets.

So just what makes Park Avenue such a beloved neighborhood of Rochester? Maybe it’s the beautiful mansions and tree-lined sidewalks that make it so enjoyable to walk, bike, or run along. Maybe it’s the proximity to so many other areas of Rochester, such as East and Alexander, NOTA, Pearl-Meigs-Monroe, and the South Wedge. Maybe it’s the large selection of local shops and restaurants that create a truly Rochester experience. Maybe it’s the friendly people you meet at every corner. More likely, it’s all of the above. And the Park Avenue Festival is the perfect occasion to celebrate everything this neighborhood has to offer.

Lauren Zazzara is a writer and a Rochesterian since birth; she grew up in Irondequoit and came back to the city post-college. She is obsessed with her cat, buys too many books, and drinks a lot of tea. Follow her on Twitter at @lauren_zaz.