All Things... South Park
South Park is a charming neighborhood that is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of downtown city life where you can find cute coffee shops, delicious places to eat, and boutiques that are fun to shop. One of the most unique pieces about South Park is that it’s full of locally owned small businesses and beautiful streets that make you feel transported. It’s a neighborhood that I’ve been spending a lot more time in, as I help clients find their forever homes or sell a home they spent time making memories in. The more time I’ve spent there the more I’ve fallen in love with South Park and what it has to offer, which is why I’ve put together a list of places you should check out the next time you’re in the area or find yourself looking for something to do on the weekend.
Matteo
Matteo in South Park has become my go-to spot to grab a bite to eat and get some work done. I go crazy for their fried chicken, which I always get on top of the house salad - just trust me on this one! Matteo is part of the Buona Forchetta (which is another favorite spot of mine, but more on that later) family and is actually a nonprofit restaurant with 100 percent of proceeds benefiting regularly rotating, community-based charities and causes. Make sure to check them out!
Bad Madge
If you follow me on Instagram it may come as no surprise that Bad Madge made this list of places to check out in South Park! It’s a boutique vintage shop where I’ve found some great additions to my bar cart and fun rings. They have a great selection of vintage clothing, accessories, and, my favorite, home goods. You’re transported to another era as soon as you set foot into the shop; it’s such a great experience.
Fernside
1 word: slushies. It’s like a grown-up version of PB Shore Club with good food and a great patio to sit on. Fernside nestled right on the corner of Fern St. and Grape St which makes it walking distance from the Grape Street Dog Park if you need a refreshing beverage afterward! Must get the sliders!
Rad Habits Juice
Rad Habits is the local juice spot in South Park with a cool vibe and delicious juices, smoothies, and bowls. If you’re looking to support a local and female-owned small business, this is it! I love to go in and stock up on juices for the week and anything else I may grab from their great selection of holistic supplements. Head to Rad Habits after your morning yoga at South Park Yoga & Wellness!
Big Kitchen Cafe
If you’re ever driving down Fern St. in South Park on a weekend morning you can’t miss the crowd outside Big Kitchen Cafe. There’s a reason for the big crowd and it goes beyond just the comforting food. This charming and quaint cafe has the warmth and hospitality that makes you feel like family.
Photo courtesy of mindbodyonline.com
South Park Yoga & Wellness
South Park Yoga & Wellness (formerly Ginseng Yoga) is in the heart of the second main drag of restaurants and shops off Beech St. in South Park. One non-negotiable dedication I’ve made to myself recently is to go to yoga at least once a week and as I continued to spend time in South Park I stumbled upon this yoga and wellness escape. It’s a great opportunity to unplug and spend some quality time with yourself.
Photo courtesy of sandiegoville.com
Harland Brewing
Set to open at the end of the year is local brewery favorite, Harland Brewing. Though it’s not open yet this will be a great addition to the Beech St. area of South Park, making it just one more reason to spend a weekend afternoon in the area.
Buona Forchetta
You know I couldn’t get through this list without including Buona Forchetta South Park! This has to be a South Park staple since it opened its doors (and oven) in 2011. I might be biased but this is my favorite of all their locations because of its small-town feel and neighborhood guests. You can find me here having one of their yummy pizzas and a glass of Italian wine. They also have a pizza-making class if you’re interested in learning how to do it the Forchetta way!
Some other great South Park spots to check out:
Communal Coffee
Seven Seas Roasting Company
Gold Leaf Boutique
Vinyl Junkies Record Shop
Station Tavern
The Rose Wine Bar
Native Poppy Flower Shop
The more time I spend in South Park getting to know the neighborhood and the neighbors the more I fall in love with it. If you’ve ever been interested in moving to this charming area or are interested in knowing the value of your South Park home, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I’m always here to be a resource for those curious about all things real estate.
