Last week, I was talking with a friend who told me he had recently been working on the south side. I chimed in to talk about my experience working on South Broadway (at Dillons at 47th and Broadway… don’t get the wrong idea). It was at this point he gave me an “Oh no she didn’t” look and promptly told me that he’d been south but not THAT far south. This conversation solidified that more people should be exposed to the greatness of South Wichita because it’s obvious that some people just don’t get it.

And so I present to you my Guide to the South Side:

Where to eat: Marchello’s. If you love Italian food as much as I do, then you need to get yourself to Marchello’s immediately. They have an extensive menu of pastas, pizzas and calzones, but I am a creature of habit so I always order the chicken parmesan. I stick to what I know and what I know is that it is amazing. Marchello’s is a small, family-owned restaurant that has been in business since the 90’s and for good reason: it’s delicious. Olive Garden could learn a thing or two from this place.

Where to shop: Country Craft. Every year this is the place where I purchase most of my Christmas gifts, mainly because it is has many unique items and I can find something for everyone on my list. Whether it be a charm to add to my little sister’s bracelet, a coffee mug for my boss, a Willow Tree angel for my sister-in-law or a frog decoration for my best friend, I can find it here. There is also a good selection of firefighter, police and military gifts, like the picture frame I bought for my brother. With 6,100 square feet of items, you are bound to find something special for your friends and family. The Live, Laugh, Love necklace that I often wear is proof you can find things to buy for yourself as well.

Where to grab a drink: Seneca St. No south side experience would be complete without a stop in to Seneca St. With six pool tables, two dart boards, a wall of televisions tuned in to the games and a stage for karaoke, this bar has something for everyone. The people here are friendly and even if you come in not knowing anyone, chances are you will be doing Jager bombs with people by the end of the night. That’s just the way south siders roll. There are no strangers, only friends you haven’t met yet.

Where to live: Southlake Village Apartments. I lived here for a year and loved every minute of it. I only moved out because I was headed to Emporia for a semester of college (that’s a story for another time). I liked the spaciousness of my apartment. I had a two-bedroom, 1 1/2 bath that also had a huge storage closet and the rent for the amount of space I had was super cheap. The interior decoration could use some work – wood cabinets circa 1950 are not on the top of my design wishes – but there are some apartments that have been updated, so if you move here, be sure you get one of those. I also loved our fireplace, one of the bonuses of living on the 3rd floor, and the walking path around the lake was a nice place to get in a quick workout each morning.

Where to go for fun: Seneca Bowl. I’m not a very competitive person. Bowling is one exception to this, though. There is just something about putting on those goofy shoes and picking out a hot pink ball that brings out the competitor in me. In high school, you could find me and a group of friends at Seneca Bowl for cosmic bowling on any given Friday night. I miss those days. Bowling is fun for all ages and, frankly, I should go more often. Anyone up to joining a bowling league? I’ve always wanted an embroidered shirt.

Where to take a date: O.J. Watson Park. Bring your bikes to ride around the path, bring a basket full of cheese, fruit and dessert to eat at a picnic table, and bring your sense of fun as you try out the paddle boats. Witty and intelligent conversation not included, though, so you must bring that too if you’re looking for a truly great date.

The south side will always hold a special place in my heart because this is where I grew up. I had my first job on the south side. I spent 6 1/2 years working for Dillons. Every Saturday, Bruce would come into the video department and rent a cartoon to take home to his kids. Every Wednesday, the Damerons would come into the photo department and pick up pictures of their grandkids. Every Friday night without fail, Jessica would stop in to gas up her car at the fuel station. I could count on these people and I grew to love them and all (well, most) of my customers. I spent my 21st birthday drinking shots at Seneca St. Molly, the owner, bought me my first ever tequila shot, and Jose (Cuervo) and I become fast friends. We’ve since split up after too many nights hugging the toilet, but he will always be my first love.

These are my people. Every NASCAR-loving one of them. I am convinced that you will grow to love them and the south side too, if you just give it a chance.

Photo courtesy of Eric Wittman

Related posts:

1. [do] Seneca Street
2. [go] A Guide to the North Side
3. [think] East vs. West: The East Side = The Best Side
4. [think] East vs. West: Long Live the Wild West Side
5. [do] Neighborhood Guide: College Hill