What better way to start getting to know our new ‘hood, Neighborhood of the Arts, than to explore its most exceptional places, hidden gems and secret spots?

Started by Brooklyn-based digital shop Hyperakt and curated by creatives, On the Grid is a neighborhood guide on a mission to cover every corner of the globe. It’s not for tourists. It’s for explorers who want to see interesting architecture, vintage shops and go to the coolest local bars, bakeries, cafes and restaurants. So when it was time to put Rochester on the grid and we were asked to rep a neighborhood, it was obvious that we had to go with our new home—NOTA.

Over the past few months, we visited restaurants, cafes, shops and galleries we’ve never been to before and some we have. We took notes and photos. And while we’ve covered a good amount of territory, we can’t wait to keep exploring and keep adding as we become part of the local NOTA scene.

Check it out. Use our page as inspiration to try some new places in NOTA. Or, scope out other cities and plan your next out of town adventure. Either way, we’re pretty stoked that the ROC is now part of this global project—up there with cities like Paris, NYC and Hong Kong.