Kim Hamblin (Vanmblin)

I have mixed feelings about the Packing District. It used to be unique and felt like a local fav and now it feels a little bit touristy and a cliche hipster spot. We only end up here once or twice a year and every time it always feels clean and well-maintained, the neighborhood isn't the easiest for parking and not the safest, but as long as your patient for parking and not walking alone at night, then it's fine. Overall, it a fun place to meet some friends or take family visiting from out of town. There are tons of really good food options and some retail stores/carts.

Peaceful park in a beautiful neighborhood. This park was large, clean, and not very crowded on a Saturday morning in the middle of summer, on a gorgeous blue-sky day. Strolling through the park we found a cute little playground with some whimsical artwork/sculptures, like the giant sticking up out of the ground. We found Oscar Wilde's statue and the Jokers Chair. We continued on through the park, taking in the beautifully manicured lawns, watched as some workers set up for an event, and stopped to really appreciate the gardens and large oak trees. I couldn't believe how beautiful the wildflowers were, especially enjoying the hydrangeas that were more than I had ever seen in one place in the wild.

Walking through the neighborhood, it felt safe and clean, as we walked from Merrion's square park to Fitzgerald park. We loved the architecture, the vine covered walls of the buildings, and of course all of the brightly painted doors.