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Sunday in the South End – Boston

Giveaway sponsored by Enterprise A Car. All opinions are strictly my own.

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You’ve done the Freedom Trail, visited the Museum of Science and the MFA, shopped at Faneuil Hall and had dinner on the waterfront. Isn’t it time that you REALLY explored Boston? Today we’re visiting Boston’s South End, not to be confused with Southie or South Boston.  The South End sits just south of the Back Bay (home to Copley Place, the Prudential Center and one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in Boston) and is my FAVORITE Boston neighborhood. Although I may be just a little biased…

If you thought that Sunday’s were for sitting around reading the Boston Globe in your PJ’, it’s time to get up and out of the house. Join me in my favorite Sunday activities in the South End. If you’ve just flown in to town, head to the Enterprise Rent-a-Car at Logan Airport and take the quick drive to the South End. If you arrived by train, you’ll find an Enterprise Rent-A-Car conveniently located near the South End at the Prudential Center in Back Bay or at the Copley Plaza and rent a Chrysler 300 or a Ford Mustang convertible….you’ll fit right in with the residents! The great thins is that with more than 5,500 offices located within 15 miles of 90 percent of the U.S. population, Enterprise Rent-A-Car offers a wide variety of car leasing, vanpooling, car sharing and hourly rental programs – and local car rental customers are picked up at no extra cost. “The Enterprise Way,” and it has been the foundation for the company’s growth and success for more than five decades, so you can ALWAYS count on them to be there for you.

Also…scroll down to the bottom of this post for a great #EnterpriseEverywhere giveaway!

Breakfast

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South End Buttery
314 Shawmut Ave and 37 Clarendon St.

Head over to sit and people watch at the main Shawmut St location. The coffee is rich and the scones are to die for. For something heartier, enjoy a fritatta or maybe some their wonderful oatmeal terrine with organic oats, organic soy milk, dried fruit, flax seeds, toasted nuts, fresh fruit, and bran. Don’t leave without grabbing some goodies to go. They also have a smaller market and café on Clarendon St if you want to munch as you walk around the neighborhood. Sunday’s get a late start in this neighborhood, so it’s easy to beat the rush and get there before 11:00 am for a seat. BTW, Clem loves it here as it’s a dog friendly restaurant.

Flour

Located in various areas of Boston, this Bakery/Restaurant  is the place to grab that Cinnamon Cream Brioche or Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake with your morning espresso that you’ve been dreaming of. I find that Flour tends to get a bit busier than the Buttery, and try to visit accordingly. They also offer GREAT baking classes for young and old. It’s a great time to bring the kids to learn to decorate Halloween cookies or to prepare to wow your guests with  your pies at Thanksgiving.

Explore

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SOWA Sundays
460 Harrison Ave.

Arts, crafts, vintage goods, gourmet food trucks and farmer’s market all rolled into one colorful 3-block area along Harrison Avenue. Open seasonally on Sundays, May through October, it’s a MUST visit whether you’re a resident, vacationing, or just a day visitor. Don’t miss the permanent stores that fill the warehouses as well. There’s a FABULOUS store for those who love to make jewelry or knit called Bead + Fiber that I’m obsessed with. The owner travels the world finding incredible pieces to incorporate in your creations…or if you’re like me, you’ll just pick up some tassels she recently brought back from a  Moroccan bazaar and hang them on your handbag or luggage.

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Wander

I love wandering the neighborhoods of the South End, finding little pocket parks, playgrounds and dog parks. The last time I visited there was a wonderful concert at Titus Sparrow Park (200 W Newton St) that we stopped to listen to on our way to the grocery store.

Shop

Head back up Waltham to Tremont St and do a little window shopping

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OKW
631A Tremont Street

Alas, one of my besties and incredible designer Henry Wong is now gone from OKW (he retired earlier this year), you can still find amazing couture women’s clothing as well as accessories for the chic woman on the go.

Tadpole
37 Clarendon Street

From toys to clothing, to just about EVERYTHING you need for the nursery. There’s a reason they got the Best of Boston Award, and you’ll see why the minute you walk through their door.

Hudson-Boston
12 Union Park St

Each time I enter this wonderful shop, I walk out with SOMETHING. Whether it be a little knick-knack for my entry table, throw pillows for my previously blah looking sofa, or a piece of furniture that  makes a STATEMENT, you’ll find it here.

Old Japan
24 Union Park St

From traditional Kimono to funky Cambodian totes to use as laundry bags, Old Japan is a must visit. I’m drawn to the beautiful vintage kimono fabrics that I can add around the house, frame, or incorporate in a dress. Even the kids will enjoy going through the little bins of tsotskes for a treasure to buy.

Theater

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Calderwood Pavilion at the BCA
527 Tremont St

You’ll find new, old standards and more, at this second location of the Huntington Theater, which has  had over 65 Tony Award winning artists and 14 Pulitzer Prize winning authors grace its stage.

Music and Dinner

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The Beehive
541 Tremont St

My FAVORITE spot to end the day. You’ll see a lot of familiar faces gracing the stage at the Beehive. The menu is eclectic, just like the music, and the drinks…oh, the drinks are amazing. Try LE MAGICIEN, made with Old Barrel Vodka, absinthe and fresh orange, or keep it simple and order MY favorite bubbly – a split of the Moet & Chandon Imperial. They have a jazz brunch on Saturday and Sunday, and Sunday night is BLUES NIGHT.

My FAVORITE restaurant

Stephi’s on Tremont
571 Tremont St

Sister restaurant to everyone’s go to restaurant on Newbury St – Stephanie’s, Steffi’s tends to be a bit more intimate, still carrying on the traditions of it’s older sibling. I’d tell you what I think is the BEST thing on the menu, but trust me….whatever you order will be the BEST that you’ve ever had. Every item on the menu is a winner (although I LOVE the duck….).

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I adore Boston, and wander the various neighborhoods as often as I can. If you’re there for a while, make it easy on yourself and rent a car from Enterprise. It will make enjoying the city that much better. Enterprise is committed to doing things the right way: taking care of its customers, employees and the communities it serves, that’s why I always choose them for my rentals. My suggestion! Since this is city parking, it is easier to park a car than an SUV, and if it’s a beautiful day….opt for a convertible. That way you’ll see even more of Boston as you drive through.

I’ll be co-hosting a twitter chat soon with #EnterpriseEverywhere, so watch me on twitter at @zipporahs to find out WHEN!

#EnterpriseEverywhere GIVEAWAY!

  • $75 AMEX Gift Card: Use this on your upcoming weekend away with Enterprise.
  • Sharper Image Telescoping Selfie Arm: Take awesome selfie photos or video on your upcoming weekend away with Enterprise, and share them on social media tagging@Enterprise and #EnterpriseEverywhere.
  • $50 Snapfish Gift Certificate: Turn the photos you take into souvenirs.
  • Enterprise Carry-Me Everywhere Duffle: Use on your upcoming weekend away with Enterprise.

Tweet to Enter DAILY!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This post and prize have been sponsored by Enterprise. All opinions are strictly my own.

Comments

  2. The car I would rent from Enterprise to cruise around Boston in would be a SUV. I need plenty of room for the family.

  3. I would go, in my Enterprise rental, back to the Smokey mountains. Love a long weekend getaway.

  11. I would just drive around the Boston area, since I have never been there. Our family would look for some great shopping there.
    Thanks!
    Amie Olson

  14. I only rent my cars from Enterprise when I’m on vacation. I just have the best luck with them. Always great cars, no problems, easy check out and in.

  16. Kat Meller
    August 7, 2014
    I only rent my cars from Enterprise when I’m on vacation. I just have the best luck with them. Always great cars, no problems, easy check out and in. Next vacation will be to Florida … Ft lauderdale and Marco
    Is

  19. Any nice mid size car would be great for me, something I am not cramped in but nothing too big either! I had a Chrysler 300 before for a rental and it was very nice!

  23. I would take a trip to see family in Minnesota and sight see along the way! It has been too long since I was home

  25. it would have to be a SUV with a sunroof>> besides having room for family and the things I would be,,,, I want to look up ro see all the tall buildings…. and I want to be comfy on our way ro boston from Rhode Island.. I live about 5 mins for the state linelllll

  33. I would want to rent a luxury car to cruise around Boston. There are so many place to see and visit that I would want to be comfortable when I rode all around town!

  37. I would rent an SUV, so that there would be plenty of room for everyone. I think that would make it the most fun and enjoyable.

  38. I have never been to Boston so I would like to visit some of the historical sites and maybe look for some great restaurants.

  39. I would rent any car from Enterprise. I just love renting cars, even though I don’t do it often, it is a treat to drive out of the ordinary.

  40. I would love to travel to Napa to take my sister wine tasting. Something she has always wanted to do.

  44. We would love to cruise around in a good size sedan, maybe a chevy malibu like we already have, we are used to it.

  45. If I could go anywhere, I would want to travel in the west and explore all those beautiful deserts and national parks.

  46. I would to rent their Dodge Grand Caravan! That would give us plenty of room to enjoy!!!

  53. Harrison Ave sounds like a lot of fun. I will go to all of the historic places as I love history and there is a lot of history in Boston

  55. If I could choose a place to rent an Enterprise car I would be visiting a friend in southern CA.

  56. i drive an suv so would probaby want to rent another suv, since my back injury egress with cars are too low

  60. I am planning to visit Boston to meet up with a long time friend who I haven’t met in person just playing games online for like 10 years. I think it would be great to go to OKW.

  62. I would love to travel down harrison ave to hit up all the unique food trucks for tasty eats!

  75. I would like to also go to Fort Worth, Texas in my Enterprise car, my sister and other family live there.

  76. I would rent a minivan from Enterprise so I could fit all my shop til you drop purchases in it. Along with my family….maybe :0

  77. I’d get the smallest, most environmentally-friendly car available. Perhaps a Prius or an electric car; if they only had conventional cars, I’d go for a Honda Fit.

  82. I would rent an efficiency car from Enterprise. I prefer smaller cars that are easy to park.

  83. I would like to rent an Enterprise car to drive up to Seattle and visit Pike’s Place Market and the waterfront.

  84. I would rent nice SUV so we could all be comfortable. By the way, Enterprise is only car rental company we ever use.

  92. now if I were renting to drive on a trip I would pick some form of SUV, They are just more comfortable for traveling with all the luggage.

  115. I would rent a convertible in Boston because I want an unimpeded view of the great architecture and a fresh breeze from the waterfront. Sounds like so much fun!

  134. I would drive through the Adirondack Mountains in the Fall to see the beautiful trees as the leaves changed color.

  137. I would rent a cute little sports car! Some of the roads in Boston are really narrow, so a small car would be perfect!

  151. In the Lexus I that I would rent I would head to Natural Bridge and take in all the beauty!

  153. Since I live about 6 hours from the city (NYC) I would take a trip there! I have not been there since 2002 so I would love to take a trip.

  159. i would head to Philly for the concert that i won! to go see! and of course it would have to be a mid size or an suv not sure

  161. Honestly when I rent cars from Enterprise I like to drive all over the place since there are no mileage limits.

  164. I would like to take a trip to the East Coast. Boston would definately be on the list to visit

  184. For travel in Boston I woul rent a fuel efficient car. They must rent hybrids – renting is an excellent way to try on a new and different type of vehicle.

  185. I’d love to revisit New Orleans – It’s been awhile but I know there are a lot of different areas to explore

  188. I would definitely love to take a Jeep up into the Shenandoah Mts…..or to the Outer Banks of NC where you can drive onto remote parts of the beach — and virtually have the beach to yourself. Oh yeah….that sounds wonderful!

  195. sorry posted on wrong page. correct answer is:
    I would like to drive to Seattle or for a longer road trip to Indiana to see my Mom.

  202. I’d rent a convertible. I’ve never driven one before, so that would be a lot of fun!

  203. I would take a family trip to Minnesota and go to the Zoo and Mall of America. My transmission is going out so I haven’t been able to take my son on a family trip this year.

  204. If I were to go driving around Boston I would take my son sight seeing since we have never been there.

  205. I would rent a Chrysler 200 and tour around Boston, my son desperately wants to visit the Aquarium.

  207. I would rent a mustang convertible- vacation in STYLE!
    -Heather McKenzie Carter

  208. Hubby and I would take it on a trip to the beach together! <3 We just celebrated our anniversary.

  211. I’m hoping to go to Naples, FL this winter and we always have to rent a car when we go. We like an SUV since we’d be visiting friends who just have a two seater car. This would be comfortable and hold packages.

  212. Anything with decent GPS– the last time I drove in Boston is what made me decide to get one!

  221. We’d definitely want an SUV for the weekend. If they have it I’ve always wanted to drive a Cadillac Escalade!

  223. I would drive to, and all around San Francisco in my Enterprise Rent a Car convertible!

  224. I would love to go to Boston for a fun, amazing weekend and I’d rent a mid sized sedan, preferably white.

  228. I would rent a small SUV.

    Entered the rafflecopter form as “Wild Orchid”

    Thanks for the chance to win!
    wildorchid985 at gmail dot com

  234. I would just let them pick me an economy car so I have extra money for souvenirs since I saving money on gas.

  246. The car I’d rent for Boston totally depends on the time of year! In the summer I’d drive around in a convertible, and I’d probably rent a durable SUV for the winter. I went to Boston years ago with a group of girlfriends, and it was an absolute blast. We loved it! I would definitely go back.

  250. I would rent a mid-size SUV. I want to make sure I have enough room in case I want to shop. Thanks

  252. I would travel to North Carolina to visit my mother and from there to Wisconsin to visit the rest of my family.

  257. I used to own a Chrysler Sebring Convertible that I loved – right up until the day it died. 🙁
    So that is the car that I would choose – as long as I wasn’t visiting in Winter — LOL!!

  258. I would head to Destin, Florida. Yes, I know it is not far from me — but I LOVE it there!

  262. I would rent a car to take my family back to Houston for another family road trip
    annabella @ centurytel dot net

  265. We drove around Boston some on Vacation this summer. Traffic was a bit much for this Florida girl.

  267. Anything with a top that goes down would be fine with me! It’s the last few weeks of convertible season!

  270. I love road trips without a destination….. there’s nothing better than finding out where the journey will take you!

  272. I would rent an SUV such as an explorer or a Tahoe so that my family would all be comfortable while touring.

    jweezie43[at]gmail[dot]com

  273. We would take one last weekend trip to the beach in our Enterprise rent a car before school begins.

    jweezie43[at]gmail[dot]com

  274. I would have to rent an SUV because I have a mobility scooter that comes apart and can be transported in an SUV. Glad Enterprise has a great variety of vehicles to pick from.

  275. I would rent a Ford Focus from Enterprise because I would be interested in seeing how it drives, gas mileage and ease in traffic because I have never driven a Ford. A few of my friends love the Ford Focus for the gas mileage, be interesting to see how good for myself 🙂

  276. I would love to drive my Enterprise rental along the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina during the Fall leaf season. The colors are so bright and beautiful during the peak season 🙂

  278. I’d love a long, relaxed road trip up and down the California Coast, with plenty of time in San Francisco, Napa Valley and the redwoods.

  284. I’ve never been in a convertible so I would choose one in either a Camaro or Mustang. Thank you!

  288. I’d rent the smallest one to cruise around Boston because I’m terrible at parking bigger cars.
    Thanks for the contest.

  302. I have never really got to go anywhere so I would go anywhere with my family sunny with a beach.

  308. Definitely a Prius! We’ve never driven one and are very curious about it. Also it would be relatively easy to park ~ an important feature for city use. And we do so love Boston! Thanks for the post ~ it brought back many happy memories and daydreams about a future trip we hope to take one day ~ the sooner the better!

  309. Oh boy ~ we REALLY would love to visit Boston again ~ on our last visit (my husband’s first time there) we had such a glorious time!

    There are quite a few other destinations we’d love to visit: first and foremost would have to be Bozeman, Montana where my sister and my 92 year old Mom(!) live.

    Hubby really want to show me around Napa Valley and/or spend a few days in SanFrancisco. We have friends in both Portland and Seattle that we’d love to see. I also want to take my Honey/Hubby to NYC where I lived and went to college (years ago) ~ but that is one city I would NOT want a car in!

    Thanks!

  310. We always rent a mid size car but to cruise around Boston it would be fun to rent a nice convertible.

  317. I would go to Pigeon Forge, TN and go to Dollywood. I’d also go over to Hartford and do some zip-lining and white water rafting.

  321. I would use the rent a car while on my trip to DC. It would be handy to have a car at my disposal instead of relying on taxis.

  332. We are planning a trip to North Carolina this fall so i would rent a nice sedan to hop around to all the places i would love to see possibly go to Charlotte to see a car race which i have been wanting to do for a long time! The possibilities are endless!!

  349. I’m a big hockey fan, so I’d try to catch a college hockey game (maybe during the Frozen Four), or time my Boston visit for a Sharks away game vs. the Bruins…

  353. I’d love to go back to San Diego this winter to get away from crappy Midwest weather.

  357. If I could go anywhere I would rent a car in Chicago or Washington DC and see the museums!

  358. oh my..a convertible.. I would cruise around looking at all the beautiful spots 🙂

  362. My husband has been begging to go to: Hershey Pennsilvania; Pigeon Forge, Tennessee; and Sandusky, Ohio. Who sees the themes here? Amusement parks!!!!!!. Thank you

  374. I would love to see some of the historical sights like the Old North Church, Paul Revere House and Faneuil Hall.

  382. would love to take an impromptu trip across florida to the west coast and see all the beaches over there.

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