I love the vibe that emanates from the city-town's South End.

It's the artisian area, full of lofts and old factory buildings-turned studio spaces. Large window spaces broken up into iron-latticed squares of glass that offer glimpses of the industrial style within.

Funny how buildings tend to best reflect the modern style attempted in more contemporary counterparts.

It's the neighborhood that comes together annually to transform shops and restaurants into art galleries for the Art Hop, the area that takes a self-assured step away from the ever-examined spirit of the downtown. While Burlington tries to figure out if it's crunchy or metropolitan, progressive or quaint, the South End knows what it is, what it's been and what it's going to be.

It's comfortable. Consistent. Confident and, as a result, a cool place to spend some time.

Saturday mornings are meant for breakfast at Great Harvest. A bread company that offers you a thick slice of warm bread when you walk through the door, a free treat to tide you over as you try to figure out what selection you will make. A wire-dangled chalkboard outlines the day's selections, each marked with the time they were pulled from the ovens.

The employee manning the counter will laugh with you when you order a cinnamon roll and she actually asks if you'd like one that has been iced.

"Silly question, I know." Exactly.

Cinnamon complimented by coffee as you sit at a table near the window, watching the rain splash onto the panes or observing a young child pulling at the massive teddy bear the staff set in a corner. Periodic bursts of chocolate, maple or honey air that warms your face as you smile and inhale.

Relax. Take your time. Enjoy your treat. Stay awhile and hang out. We're glad you're here.

(This post was written while listening to the unexpected treat provided to me yesterday...I'd pretty much given up on ever finding the mp3 of Jeff Buckley's "3 is a Magic Number" cover. Through the wonder of technology and message boards - RKOP - someone knew I'd been looking for the song and sent it my way. J is my new heroine; I'd forgotten how much I love this. Thanks again...)