Summer is here, and there's no better time to dive into all the activities our neighborhood has to offer. Whether you're a foodie eager to explore local restaurants, a night owl searching for the best nightlife, an art lover on the hunt for vibrant public murals, or a fitness enthusiast looking for new workout spots, we've got you covered. Our ultimate summer bucket list is packed with must-visit places and activities that will make South End feel like an endless adventure. So grab your sunglasses and sunscreen and get ready to make a discovery around every corner.
Cool down at these ice cream spots
Arguably, everyone’s favorite part of the summer is the plethora of opportunities to indulge in a sweet treat. Take your tastebuds on a journey to Europe with Tutti Gelato’s Italian artisan gelato, or to Mexico with Morelia Gourmet Paletas. If you’re looking for the perfect milkshake, head to SWIRL, where you can even make it boozey. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, Golden Cow Creamery, and Two Scoops Creamery offer classic ice cream flavors with delicious twists. If you're craving a healthier or vegan option, Toastique offers acai bowls and vegan soft serve ice cream.
Get moving: fitness and outdoor activities
If health, wellness, and outside adventures are up your alley, our neighborhood boasts plenty of indoor fitness spots, complemented by an array of outdoor activities. If indoor fitness spots are more your style, you can check out rock climbing and bouldering at Inner Peaks Climbing, or schedule a hot yoga and circuit training session at Arrichion. If you’d rather be outside, take a long walk on the Rail Trail, a 3.5 mile trail connecting South End to surrounding neighborhoods like Uptown and Dilworth, or set up a picnic in Wilmore Centennial Park.
Insta-worthy public art
Public art is a signature feature of the neighborhood’s landscape. Find colorful, large-scale installations, murals, and sculptures throughout the area, from the iconic Confetti Hearts wall by Evelyn Hanson to some hidden gems tucked away in local businesses, like Condado Tacos’ mural created by 12 local artists. If you can’t get enough of the art scene, be sure to check out the First Friday Gallery Crawl, where you can hop between local galleries during extended hours on the first Friday of each month.
Shop 'til you drop
During the summer, South End comes alive with seasonal shopping and vibrant outdoor markets, making it the perfect time to explore the retail scene. The neighborhood has plenty of retail hubs to discover, from the Shops at The Winnifred, to Atherton, to the shops along Camden Road. Front Porch Sundays pops up at Atherton on the first Sunday of each month while Nebel’s Alley Night Market takes place at The Design Center every second Saturday of the month.
Thriving nightlife and brewery scene
When it comes to after-dark entertainment, our neighborhood doesn’t disappoint. If your crew prefers to dance the night away, check out spots like Gin Mill, Bulldog Taproom, Resident Culture Brewing, or The Rose Honky Tonk. If you enjoy relaxing on brewery patios, head to Monday Night Garden Co., Sycamore Brewing, Suffolk Punch, Triple C Brewing, and more. If your vibe is a hybrid of listening to EDM music and lounging, Canopy Cocktails is the perfect spot for you. Check out our full roundup of bars and pubs here.
Start Your Adventure
No matter what adventure you’re looking for, there’s always something exciting to explore in our neighborhood. If you want some extra help building out your perfect bucket list, don’t forget to try out our South End Randomizer, where we take the stress out of planning and choose an adventure for you. Be sure to check out our Calendar of Events to see what our local businesses are up to as well.
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