Misstropolis

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

South End Stroll

by Alisa Neely

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Boston’s South End is brimming with charm and style. Off the main streets, in the historic neighborhoods near Union Park, are some of the best boutiques and cafes in the city. Head off on foot with a friend or two and give yourself enough time to explore all the nooks and crannies of these tiny shops. Four-legged friends are welcome, too. The South End is doggie heaven.

12:00 Start off somewhere you might never leave. Stop into Hudson, the eight-month young home and design store on Shawmut Ave. owned by Jill Goldberg. A designer with an eye for inspiring, lively, provocative pieces, Jill creates a retail space that feels like the living room of a quirky sophisticate. Don’t miss the John Robshaw Bedding, the Roost candle holders, the vintage suitcases, and the stunning chandelier hanging right in the storefront window. *Look for more on Hudson in a future issue of Misstropolis!

1:30 If can tear yourself out of Hudson, reward your self-control with a visit to the South End Formaggio. The delightfully cramped specialty food store filled with artisanal cheeses, cured meats, wine, and lots of other imported delicacies is the only place around where you can find Fregola, the Italian couscous from Sardinia essential for certain summer salads. Do not walk out without a Salty Oat Cookie (or 10), which alone are worth the trip to the South End. Formmagio is offering wine-and-cheese classes this summer. Check the website for details.

2:15 If you have a dog, or just wish you did, check out the Polka Dog Bakery. Their philosophy is simple and universal - “All Polka creations are prepared and baked in the South End with your pup’s health and heart in mind. All natural. No salt. No sugar. No preservatives. That’s the Polka Dog way.”

Polka Dog is famous for its Dog Gallery, which is also online.

3:05 Take a quick browse through Turtle, a retro-inspired boutique that often yields great finds if you’re willing to dig a bit. It is one of those places worth revisiting, since new designers often get their start there. The owners have also opened Tadpoles childrens store on Clarendon, a good place to scoop up a Salvor Lion tee and a 50th anniversary edition of Harry the Dirty Dog.

4:25 Time for an afternoon pick-me-up at The South End Buttery, where owner Richard Gordon’s perfect lattes can be accompanied by cupcakes named after his four labs. The Buttery has that great neighborhood feel that makes you want to sell the shack in the burbs and head into the city with your family just so you can go there for your morning coffee - screw Starbucks.

5:00 Head down the street to Lecker, a housewares store with a modern Scandanavian aesthetic. The patio umbrella in the Shady Lace Green would make a perfect shade for a book and a drink in a bright, colorful Aloha Glass…

later Call ahead and book a table at the newest South End hotspot, The Beehive. A massive space located underneath the Cyclorama, The Beehive is a music club as well as an eatery. The focus on music and socializing as well as food is something that the South End has been missing. With more than 100 seats opening up outside this summer, and live music playing every night, it will be buzzing for sure. *Watch for a Misstropolis piece on The Beehive next month.

Oh and did I mention that I did this with a couple friends recently with a posse of kids ages 8, 7, 6 and 2? So no complaints from Moms who hesitate to embark on such a stroll because of the kids. Bring them and let them enjoy the city with you. Just make sure to make an early dinner reservation and to get them a cupcake at the Buttery!