Find the Best Things to Do in South End

About South End

Photo courtesy of kristin

The eclectic mix that makes up Boston's South End is what makes the South End special. Streets are lined with pristine Victorian homes, tantalizing restaurants, specialty shops, and peaceful parks. Residents are diverse in all areas, and the South End became hip when Boston's gay community decided to make this stretch of the city home. Today, the diversity that has crept into this small section of the city is what creates the unique artistic area known as the South End.

See & Do

The Boston Center for the Arts is a South End treasure. Offering artists a place to perform exhibit and even create, the Boston Center for the Arts has it all. Opening its doors to the public for workshops, performances and visual arts shows, the Boston Center for the arts always has something great going on. Check their on-line calendar to find something exciting to see. Shows take place at various locations in the South End like the Calderwood Pavilion,  Cyclorama, and the Mills Gallery. 

Eat

The South End is known for having many of the city's best places to eat. From inexpensive sandwiches to high end dining, the South End is one neighborhood you can return to multiple times without getting tired of the dining options that line the streets. B&G Oysters is one of the South End eateries worth a stop. Owned by famed chef, Barbara Lynch, B&G Oysters serves sensational seafood in a sleek atmosphere. Their outdoor patio oozes ambiance, and is the perfect place to enjoy a plate of briny delights when the weather is just right. But don't leave B&G without tasting their lobster roll, this bun is overflowing with succulent meat.

Party

The South End Favorite, the Beehive is as famous for its long lines as it is for being one of the coolest places for locals to mingle in the neighborhood. Acting as both a restaurant and a bar, The Beehive allows diners to stay and enjoy the live music that the Beehive is known for. A seriously social scene, you could arrive alone, but be prepared not to stay that way because making friends is pretty easy at the lower level bar. 

Stay

The Chandler Inn is not your typical hotel. This hip place to rest your head offers reasonable rates, but skips out on extras. No fitness center, restaurant, bar or on-site parking are available here, but everything you need is just steps outside your door. This is how they are able to offer up rooms for less than $200 a night in the heart of the South End.

Shop

The South End is home to many independent retailers and very few big box stores. Lending itself well to walking the wide sidewalks to window shop, the main and side streets of the South End are filled with shopping treasures. Like Turtle Boutique where emerging designers get the chance to , "come out of their shell". Featured designers are local, national, and international, but share the common thread that they have talent and have not yet hit the mainstream.