Getting to Boston's South End

Tucked downtown between the Back Bay, South Boston, and Roxbury, the South End is a neighborhood of distinction. Its historic brownstones are coveted among the most desirable real estate in town. Its restaurants frequently grace multiple "Best Of" lists. And its galleries, shops, and bars are often the places to see and be seen around Boston. The South End is at once chic and classic, trend-setting and modern.

It's not a flashy neighborhood, though, and much of the delights are in stumbling upon its many gems—be it a boutique or café, salon or pub—all nestled in gorgeous brick row houses on quaint cobblestone streets.
Generally speaking, the South End is bordered by Herald Street to the north, Albany Street to the east, Melnea Cass Boulevard to the south, and SW Corridor Park to the west.  Tremont Street, Columbus Avenue, and Washington Street are the main thoroughfares (although be sure to explore the side streets to see gorgeous buildings, unique shops, fun cafes, and eclectic galleries). To get here using public transportation, take the Orange Line to the Back Bay/South End stop or the Silver Lines 4 or 5 into the neighborhood. If you're driving, the South End is easily accessible off Interstate 93. From 93 South, take exit 20B, and bear left onto Albany Street. Parking is always tight in the South End, with many spots designated for residents only, so public transportation is encouraged.

Begin: SoWa Open Market, 460 Harrison Avenue

Open every Sunday from May to October, the SoWa Open Market is one of the city's most popular venues to browse the latest local bounty from area farmers, artisans, and craftspeople. It's not unusual to see a produce stand next to a jewelry vendor, or a gourmet pet food merchant adjacent to a pottery artist. Additionally, the market is one of the best places to sample Boston's food trucks, with a changing rotation of participating trucks updated each week.

Boston Center for the Arts, 539 Tremont Street

From the market, head southwest on Harrison Avenue toward Perry Street, bearing right onto Washington Street. Make a left onto Paul Rinkulis Parkway, continuing through Peters Park. Stay straight onto Dwight Street past the Berkeley Community Garden, and make a left onto Tremont Street. Across the street, stop by the Boston Center for the Arts, a neighborhood institution dedicated to supporting both the visual and performing arts.

The campus is home to theaters, galleries, restaurants, nightclubs, and rehearsal spaces for some of the city's most prominent arts organizations, including the Boston Ballet.

Union Park, between Tremont St. and Shawmut Ave.

Head west on Tremont Street, and make a left onto Union Park to see one of the loveliest streets in Boston. European in feel, flanked by bow-front brick row houses, and bisected by a greenway with fountains and gorgeous flowering gardens, Union Park exhibits why the National Register of Historic Places added the neighborhood to its roster of landmark districts back in 1973.

Bear southwest on Shawmut Avenue and make a right onto West Newton Street. Like Union Park, this street also easily shows why the South End is known as "the largest urban Victorian neighborhood in the country". The Back Bay city skyline peeks through here, adding a modern contrast to the street's row houses. Turn your back to the skyline, and the overall architectural feel is centuries in the past.

Head southeast on West Newton Street, then take a right onto Washington Street, and stop for a snack at Flour Bakery and Café. This flagship location for renowned pastry chef Joanne Chang's successful local bakery chain serves up mouth-watering sandwiches, soups, and (of course) desserts. Try Chang's homemade takes on pop tarts and Oreos, or the ooey-gooey caramel nut tart, for a decadent treat.

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