stdClass Object ( [ID] => 7548 [post_author] => 45 [post_date] => 2012-05-15 15:42:50 [post_date_gmt] => 2012-05-15 15:42:50 [post_content] => IT'S grungy, it’s trendy, it’s the place to be in Melbourne: Brunswick Street in the inner city suburb of Fitzroy has bags of character and some of Melbourne’s best cheap eats. [caption id="attachment_7549" align="aligncenter" width="1024" caption="Pic: Natasha von Geldern."][/caption]

Decades of settlement by Mediterranean immigrants led to the foundation of Melbourne’s famous café scene right here, followed by years as the centre of Melbourne’s music subculture.

Back in 1839 Fitzroy was actually Melbourne’s first every suburb. Some of the remaining grand 19^th century buildings are looking a bit worn around the edges now.  Decorously peeling paint rubs shoulders with street art and graffiti. These days the slow creep of gentrification is apparent and there are plenty of fashion boutiques and gift shops. It’s expensive to live in one of the terraced houses dripping with iron lace or even the cute former working men’s cottages. But Fitzroy, and Brunswick Street, still draws the crowds to its authentic and enthusiastic indie scene. [caption id="attachment_7550" align="aligncenter" width="1024" caption="The rundown buildings are part of Fitzroy's charm. Pic: Natasha von Geldern."][/caption] My favourite thing about Fitzroy is the multi-cultural vibe set up by waves of immigration over the past 150 years. It’s not just the Italians with their espresso machines. There are Vietnamese, Chinese, Hispanic and African communities here. The number of Latin American themed restaurants and bars is noticeable, including Tapas bar Naked for Satan. Popular drinking establishments include Bimbo Deluxe, which also has food and live music, and the Little Creatures Dining Hall – a vibrant place that is home to one of Melbourne’s most-loved brews. The Vegie Bar has been serving quality vegetarian fare for 20 years and I love the big airy space as well as the food for the body, mind and soul. [caption id="attachment_7551" align="aligncenter" width="1024" caption="Pic: Natasha von Geldern."][/caption] Flowers Vasette has become a Brunswick Street landmark with its iconic signage and colourful displays. Fitzroy is also a hotbed of artists and artisans with studios and galleries tucked away down sidestreets. Not so tucked away is the art space at the Napier Hotel. Upstairs you’ll find three well-maintained exhibition areas, offering an affordable canvas for emerging artists. So next time you’re in Melbourne head north of the CBD and spoil your senses in Fitzroy. [post_title] => Arts, eats and music: Exploring Melbourne’s Fitzroy [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => arts-eats-and-music-exploring-melbournes-fitzroy [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2012-06-01 08:07:04 [post_modified_gmt] => 2012-06-01 08:07:04 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://www.travelwireasia.com/?p=7548 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 1 [filter] => raw )