Downtown Rochester, NY: Park Avenue

I've lived in or visited quite a few cities both large and small and I can tell you some are a lot more "walk-able" than others! I'm happy to say that Park Avenue in downtown Rochester, New York is one of the most walk-able and most enjoyable and I'm not saying that just because I live there!

No, Park Avenue has it all for me. It's got small boutiques and more upscale shops. It offers café's and pubs along with a variety of ethnic restaurants. And if what I crave can't be found along Park Avenue, then it can certainly be found nearby. I've heard Park Avenue referred to as Rochester's version of West Village in Manhattan and although that's a great compliment and kind of a neat point-of-reference, it's also a misnomer. Park Avenue is what it is, and that happens to be an area unique unto itself.

A Very Cool Place

Park Avenue has evolved over the years and it's not for me to say when its glory years really were. I can just speak for the here-and-now. It's got a cool college-town vibe to it yet at the same time Park Avenue has all the necessities of a thriving infrastructure: you know, things like banks, a bakery, a pharmacy and the like. The Park Avenue Merchants Association boasts about 80 or so members and each one brings something to the table. No one is twisting these business owners to stay. These folks stay because they believe in keeping the pulse of downtown Rochester alive.

The Neighborhood

Ok, so here you are. Let's play a game: pick any street off Park Avenue (or even the Avenue itself) and try to pick which historic home is which. Don't look at me; I'm still new and learning. What's important here is that there is an interesting mix of architectural styles on hand. And according to Park-Avenue.org, many were designed by famed architect Claude Bragdon. Over the time, the old and the new have kind of merged together: Tudor mansions and Prince Anne cottages, older brick apartments and newer single-family homes. All woven together with neatly manicured lawns, plenty of trees, flowers and small parks.

Cut back onto the main drag and you'll see a mix of restaurants that offer sidewalk seating in the summer and warm cozy interiors in the fall and winter. In-between are wedged specialty shops and small businesses of one kind or another. If you've got the time and/or the money (mostly the money) you'll enjoy the modern furniture and fine art, French antiques and designer jewelry. But you know what, no one walking along Park Avenue ever got turned away for window shopping that's for sure.

Walk the Walk

According to Vintage Views.org, Park Avenue has enjoyed a long and varied history: it was first laid out as an avenue in 1852, and over time took shape as three separate streets. Park Avenue ran from Alexander Street to Goodman Street. "Crescent Street," ran between Vick Park A and B. "Bates Street, named for an early East Avenue resident, and then ran from Barrington toward Culver Road." The three were joined in 1875 and renamed Park Avenue. And it has been that way ever since

The boundaries of Park Avenue and the surrounding area extend north to the East Avenue, south to Monroe Avenue (on the north side from Rutgers Street to Route 490), east to Culver Road (the west side from East Avenue to Route 490) and west to Rutgers Street/Vick Park A.

But you know what, if you don't walk the walk you don't know what you're missing. So try these fun and informative strolls and don't forget to bring your camera:

Walk 1: Start at 234 Park Avenue.

Walk 2: Start at 342 park Avenue.

Walk 3: Start at 700 Park Avenue.

Walk 4: Start at 56 Berkeley Street.

Pic's Picks

If I recap every shop, pub and restaurant we'll be here all day. What I can point out is a few of the more famous locales in and around Park Avenue. Having said that, the best advice is for you to go for a walk and discover you own favorite hangouts:

Abbots Frozen Custard, #733 Park Ave. (271-0430). Never turn down an opportunity to eat ice cream, that's my motto. Abbots is a Rochester tradition (it's been around since 1902) and a Park Avenue favorite.

The Magpie Irish Pub.. #653 Park Avenue (271-4150). More than just a place to get a Guiness, the Magpie offers everything from beer and wine, hearty sandwiches, and delicious soups. It's also a great sports bar with plenty of large screen TV's on hand.

Mystic Moon on Park. #115 Park Avenue (461-3111). A unique selection of hand made metaphysical jewelry, books, tarot and oracle cards, incense, candles, oils, herbs and international gift items. You know, stuff to help you get in touch with the inner-you.

Is there more? Does a polar bear enjoy snow? Check out http://www.park-avenue.org/index.html for a full listing.