Post # 4, NOTO District: The Arts Are Truly Fine! And So Is The Shopping!

NOTO Art District

Greetings Readers! Today I want to bring you back to the NOTO Arts District mentioned last week. I absolutely adore the NOTO district! It has quite a charm to it and it brings a liveliness to Topeka. Just as the name suggest the district is a growing hub for artist around the area. There are plenty of art studios such as Two Wolves Studios & Artist Den and Studio 831. The artist rent rooms that are usually located in the upstairs sections of the buildings. Throughout NOTO there are many galleries where these artist and others display their works. I find it fascinating how the district houses so much creativity!

Shopping
There is plenty to do if you yourself are not an artist though. NOTO host quite a few local shops! Many are antique shops such as Rusty Haggles and Portico. Others offer a unique boutique experience with their home accessories, clothes, and gifts. Pinkadilly being my personal favorite. The shopping area also includes Topeka Carnival Supply, MOODS photography, event hosting at Serendipity, and more. NOTO includes service shopping too. Ace Plumbing and Warner Electric to name a few. It even has an internet radio station, WREN Oldies radio!

 Eats

My weakness

After looking at all the art and shopping around I know I get a bit hungry. NOTO is home to my favorite cafe with some of the best breakfast food I've tasted! Bradley's Corner Cafe doesn't just do breakfast, they have lunch and dinner too. I recently tried their cheesy potato soup and had to stop myself from buying another bowl or two! Bradley's claim to fame though is their homemade pies! I'm addicted to their meringue pies! The atmosphere is also homey and has some pretty murals. Whenever I want to catch up with a friend, Bradley's always comes to mind.

Besides Bradley's there is also NOTO Burrito. The way I describe it is as a local Chipotle. They have similar menus that include tacos, burritos, and burrito bowls. Their chicken tacos are the best for sure! Located in the same spot is Bunker Coffee Company. They serve Espressos and milkshakes to give a pep to your step. The two companies go very well together. Tacos and milkshakes for life!

NOTO is adding to it eateries with the addition of The Wheel Barrel. While there is no set open date yet it is scheduled to open in the upcoming weeks. There will be a sandwich shop that also specializes in craft beer. I saw the inside of the restaurant a bit the last time I visited NOTO and it's looking like a great hangout spot! Their Facebook also mentions how they had woodwork and glass work done by other NOTO business. Just goes to show how NOTO business are always supporting of each other which is nice to see.

Statue located at NOTO

First Friday Artwalk
One of the most popular events that occurs at NOTO is the First Friday Artwalk. For the majority of the months, excluding winter, NOTO will have an evening art walk on the first Friday of the month. All the galleries are open to showcase artworks and the business open for special hours. It's the liveliest of days for the district! On these Fridays there is usually wine tastings, music, food trucks and vendors, and plenty of Girl Scout's with all your favorite cookies if you go on the right months. The event attracts hundreds of participants and gives the Topeka a strong sense of community! If you are over 21, there are bars and cocktail lounges that host after parties too.

NOTO continues to grow every year! It host a Dia De Los Muertos event and of course the Topeka Pride Festival previously mentioned. Hopefully more events and business will continue to make NOTO their home. It is truly one of Topeka's greatest spot and if you can only go one day I heavily suggest going on a first Friday. That way you can get the whole experience of NOTO's magic!

While I mentioned some of the shops and galleries at NOTO there are many more. Visit their website to get a whole listing of the businesses. Many of them have their own websites and social media sites which can be find on NOTO's website. I also have more pictures of the NOTO District in the slideshow located on the right navigation bar of the blog. Be sure to check them out! It's fun to see all the cool stuff they have and it is always nice to support a local business!