While Back Bay's Newbury Street may be a retail mecca for visitors to Boston, the South End is its funky, trendy sister. The eclectic neighborhood is home to a vast array of local boutiques and shops that beckon you and your wallet. Herewith, a few of our favorites:
· Follain (53 Dartmouth Street, Boston): This isn't just a regular beauty shop to get your glam on. The team at Follain specializes in "healthy, high performance" skincare, haircare, and cosmetics with the creed that its carefully-curated products are "spa-grade and US made." Pop into this outpost for a consultation with one of the helpful specialists and leave with an entirely new, healthy beauty regimen.
· Olives and Grace (623 Tremont Street, Boston): This "Best of Boston" award-winning artisan shop is a neighborhood staple. Selling the wares of independent makers across the country, Olives and Grace is the ultimate spot to pick up a gift. Be it candles, sweet treats, small-batch sriracha, or jewelry, you shouldn't look anywhere else than here for something to take home to friends, family, and—most of all—yourself. Owner Sofi Madison and her team can even help you craft a customized gift box and ship to anywhere in the world!
· Sault New England (577 Tremont Street, Boston): Step one foot into this Tremont Street men's boutique, and you'll immediately be enveloped by the New England sartorial spirit. Owner Philip Saul has curated his shop to feature men's staples that both embrace trends while honoring the classics. Whether you're needing a classic, short-sleeved button down for a date, a new jacket for fall, or just want to upgrade your shaving kit, it all awaits you at Sault.
· Weekend Markets (Harrison Avenue between Union Park and Herald Street): The official sport of the South End is SoWa and brunch. Each Sunday, local vendors and food trucks flock to the SoWa Market near the intersection of Harrison and Thayer to vie for you and your stomach's attention. Nationally-renowned boutiques, art galleries, and studios here have made SoWa a true artisan hub. The South End Open Market down the street at Ink Block is another hometown favorite. Featuring food vendors, homemade crafts, and a farmers' market, this Sunday tradition is in its 13th season of promoting local business.