Just in time for the South Park walkabout
By Morgan M. Hurley | SDUN Assistant Editor
Though the South Park Business Group (SPBG)’s upcoming “Spring Walkabout” won’t have a specific theme this year, that doesn’t mean there won’t be a lot happening. Each year, more and more of the area’s businesses line up with their own creative ways to grab a little of the attention and the foot traffic this popular event brings to the neighborhood every quarter.
Defined on the SPBG website as “a fun-filled evening festival to introduce you to the unique and independent boutiques, cafes and taverns of South Park,” the Spring Walkabout will again take place along the 30th and Fern street corridor between Kalmia and Beech streets.
South Park’s first walkabout was launched in 2002 as an annual event, but after steadily gaining popularity, it was refashioned into a quarterly event in 2005. In more recent years, each walkabout held throughout the year — there is one in each of the four seasons — has taken on a different theme, but organizers said this year’s March 22 affair will be theme-less.
Nestled between North Park and Golden Hill and just east of the Balboa Park golf course, business in this festive little enclave has continued to boom year-after-year, thanks in part to these walkabouts and other innovative marketing initiatives of the SPBG.
Each of the four annual walkabouts run from 6 – 10 p.m. regardless of the season and currently draw hundreds of diners and curious shoppers from not only the area’s surrounding neighborhoods, but other parts of the county as well.
Visitors to this bustling family- and dog-friendly business district will find everything from upscale dining and wine bars; burger joints and taverns; yoga and fitness studios; arts, pottery and craft galleries; clothing, gift and nick-nack boutiques; a chocolate bistro; a dog wash; and a host of other unique and independent undertakings that each add to this small neighborhood’s charm and character.
As usual, attendees can catch the free trolley — this time sponsored by Ed Landsberg — to help make their way around the nearly mile-long route. The familiar, orange and black Old Town Trolley Tour shuttle will circle the neighborhoods the entire four hours, offering stops near the corners of Juniper and 30th streets, 30th and Grape streets, Beech and Dale streets, and Fern and Grape streets.
Those interested in attending are encouraged to come early to find a place to eat and leave plenty of time to browse, as some businesses will be offering activities before the walkabout’s official 6 p.m. start time.
The business owners near Beech and 30th streets will again join forces for their popular street BBQ and local musician Steph Johnson will provide entertainment.
For more information, visit southparkscene.com.
