Want to be confused? Figure out what to answer when someone asks if (or insists that) you live in the South End of Hartford. Do they mean the South End neighborhood, or are they doing the “North End” thing, but in reverse, to mean everything south of I-84? How do you answer if you live technically south of the highway, but most accurately, in the center of the city?

This is about the South End proper: South West to the west, Barry Square to the north, South Meadows to the east, and the town of Wethersfield to the south.

At eleven on a Saturday morning, the air deep in the South End smells like roasting garlic. There is foot traffic, with people heading inside bakeries and pharmacies. One person is in the park’s pool. A small game of basketball gets started. A family gathers by a stagnant pond to feed the ducks. The most activity is on the golf course.

Some lament that the South End is not how it used to be, but nothing is really ever how it used to be. That was a moment. Now it is gone.

You can still get cannoli, gelato, tiramisu, and sfogliatelle in the South End.

Like most City parks, Goodwin has its share of graffiti and broken equipment. Enough works here for it to remain inviting.

Near the park, quiet streets with the occasional tag sale and child’s birthday party.

Back in the park, some maintenance is visible. The Pond house and area surrounding it is being spruced up.

If you ever wondered what happened to the lights after Holiday Light Fantasia ends, the answer is this: