A Summer Sunday Afternoon in the South End

Boston’s South End, like its more tony neighbor the Back Bay, was built on landfill in the late 1800′s. In recent years, urban revitalization has transformed the area into one of the city’s most desirable and upscale neighborhoods with a buzzing retail and a trendy restaurant scene . It’s a great place for browsing and people watching on a Sunday afternoon.

Union Park (bordered by Waltham, Shawmut, Dedham and Tremont Streets)(Map) , the country’s largest intact urban Victorian row-house neighborhood, is a lovely enclave of brick townhomes  with cast-iron scroll railings,  and a gated London-style park square landscaped with lots of trees and flowers.

Even though not well-sited and surrounded by urban blight, the Cathedral of the Holy Cross (1400 Washington St.)(Map) still dominates this part of Boston- especially on Sunday.  The Cathedral was dedicated in 1875 and  was built to serve the city’s Irish Catholic immigrant population. It is the seat of the Boston Archdiocese and  serves a congregation that is principally Latino.

Boston’s South End has perfected the art of the three course-fixed priced brunch, a wonderful way to enjoy a laid-back weekend. One to try: Aquitaine (569 Tremont St., Boston)(Map) as an all day Saturday and Sunday 10 AM- 11 AM brunch that includes warm cinnamon buns, a choice of several gourmet omelets, potatoes, toast, fresh orange juice and bottomless coffee for just $9.95.

After  brunch, check out another Sunday South End tradition, the South End Open Market (460 Harrison Ave., Boston)(Map) . Under the white tents you will find countless dealers in antiques and knicknacks , talented artisans selling crafts, and local farmers who bring their organically grown produce and artisan foods.

Image Credit: Massachusetts Travel and Tourism, Tim Grafft