If you find yourself in lovely Boston this weekend, you absolutely must head over to the South End Open Studios and the South End Open Market. Both are held in the SoWa (South of Washington Street) district, a neighborhood that has been home to artists? studios for over 50 years, most in loft spaces inside of old factory buildings. Lots to see.

At the South End Open Studios, in their 21st year by the way, there are so many artists to visit that it can be a bit overwhelming, but you have a few days to enjoy touring the many studios since the hours are from 11-6pm on Saturday and Sunday, September 15 & 16. Textile artists, ceramicists, painters, furniture designers, jewelery designers, photographers, and beyond.

Since everything is all together in one district, it's very easy to navigate on foot (although they do provide a shuttle service if you'd prefer to hop on/hop off). If you're driving in, there are two free parking lots on Malden and Thayer Streets, off of Harrison Ave. That's where we usually park. You can also take the T (Orange Line to Back Bay station), exit the Clarendon Street side crossing over Columbus where you'll spot a shuttle bus on the corner, running every 15-20 minutes.

Tip: Once you're in the South End, grab a map! It's the best way to ensure that you don't miss a trick. The map is part of a compact orange booklet listing all of the artists involved, where you can find them, and what they do (wearable art, mixed media, ceramics, etc). There's an information booth at 551 Tremont (Boston Center for the Arts), 540 Harrison Ave. (at the Open Market), and 535 Albany Street where they can be found free of charge. And don't miss some of the stores in the South End, especially Devi and Lekker, two of my Boston faves.

Have fun locals!

{update: "The South End Open Market runs in conjunction with the Open Studios, this year we have over 120 artists outside for both Saturday and Sunday! This is our biggest weekend of the season at the Market, expecting 10,000 plus customers." - Chris Masci, Market Director, NE Open Markets LLC.}

(image from se open studios)