In the heart of South St. Louis, the Southampton neighborhood is turning heads. Commuters passing through the area, and even long-term residents, are continually surprised by the new restaurants, shops and other businesses popping up on the neighborhood’s once quiet streets. Whether you’re one of those commuters, a resident from across town or just a visitor to St. Louis, Southampton definitely warrants parking your car and exploring the neighborhood by foot.
Southampton, or “SoHa” as local residents call it, is about 15 minutes southeast of downtown. Most of the neighborhood is tucked between the major north-south arteries of Hampton Avenue and Kingshighway Boulevard, and sits directly south of its more famous neighbor “The Hill.” Built in the early 1900s and marketed as an outer suburb, today Southampton is a classic city neighborhood filled with arts and crafts style homes, peaceful parks and a lively business district.
We'll start our tour in the heart of the business district, located along Macklind Avenue. Park your car near Francesca’s Finds, a newly opened antique shop located at 5400 Nottingham Avenue. Francesca’s motto is “fabulous finds for you and your home,” and it’s a great antique shop for the casual shopper. The only sticker shock at Francesca’s is caused by prices being much lower that you’d expect. Whether you’re looking for classic antiques, gently used furniture or whimsical decorations, you’ll find it at Francesca’s. And, because you’re car’s right outside, you can stash any purchases in the trunk before continuing your tour of the neighborhood.
