simplepretty

I work in a neighborhood called the South End, and I’m pretty sure it’s Jane’s favorite place to visit when she comes to Boston. It is home to the some of the best shops and restaurants in the city, most of which are within a few blocks of my studio. I thought I’d show you some of my (and Jane’s) favorite spots.

To fortify yourself you would begin your day at Flour Bakery (Jane loves the lettering of the menu, I do too) but don’t eat too much, because you’ll be making other stops. After lunch, you’d walk along Washington Street and turn left onto Union Park Street, where you’ll find Looc (loocboutique.com) and Michelle Willey (michellewilley.com), both lovely shops with covetable things.

Keep walking towards Union Park and you’ll spot The Buttery on the corner, which has delicious sandwiches, soups, coffee, and cupcakes. Next door is Hudson, where owner Jill Goldberg curates a selection of new and vintage furniture alongside accessories, textiles and gifts. Jill changes up the back wall every so often — usually with new wallpaper, but this time it’s covered top to bottom with ephemera. It is amazing!

After you visit Hudson you should keep walking down Shawmut Ave, cross Waltham Street (my studio is down there, on the right) and ogle the creative windows and pretty baubles at Michelle Mercaldo jewelry. Then you’ll head a few doors down to South End Formaggio, where you’ll find the best cheeses and prosciutto, alongside unusual products and a great wine selection. If you’re with Jane, she’ll buy a bag of Salty Oats kayak cookies.

Double back on Shawmut and walk up Hanson Street, then through Ringold Park to Waltham Street. Up at the corner of Tremont is Barbara Lynch’s corner: Stir, Plum Produce, The Butcher Shop and B&G Oysters — stop into either of the last two for a bite to eat and a glass of wine or beer.

And that’s it! There’s loads more to see and do — and eat! — but I can’t fit it all here (and it wouldn’t fit into a single day).

I have to find some of the photo credits!

SaveSave