Last year, we woke up on a Sunday morning and decided we had little interest leaving Boston in order to find something to do where our dog was welcome as well. Fortunately, in the South End of Boston  You will find the very cool SoWa Sundays Open Market, including the Artisan Market, the Vintage Market and the Food & Produce Market.

You can easily turn this into a long afternoon of shopping, eating out and listening to some great music. SoWa Sundays bill themselves as a “unique weekend experience in Boston” ( I would just add dog friendly to this claim.). Here are a few tips on how to get the most out of your SoWa Sunday.

The SoWa  Sundays Experience

SoWa Sundays has a few changes for this year. You will find all three markets, the Open Market, The Vintage Market and  Food & Produce Market around 460 Harrison Avenue. Last year it was split up down the block. The Vintage Market is indoors and the rest is outside under tents, your dog is welcome everywhere. You know a market is cool when there is great live music, which is played by various bands on most weekends.

The various vendors are selling really nice items, art and other goods. Most everything come from local artists, farms and local businesses. Why go to the mall when you can get something cool?

If you are looking for something unique and well made your chances are very good.  Make sure you check out the F. Rock bags (a camera bag like this would make me happy). You will also find a great selection of art, photography and other unique items I am not sure how to classify in one word. Regardless of my shortcomings as a writer, these artisans are very good at what they do.

The Vintage Market, located inside has an incredible selection of  stuff for the home as well as a very cool vintage clothes and art. There is also someone running their shop out of a funky teardrop trailer.

The produce from the farm stands looks great  in addition to the great breads and cheese.

This year the Polka Dog Bakery has joined the market. Our dog Moose has never said no to one of their special dog treats.

I would find it hard to believe anyone would not find something they were thoroughly impressed with.  Between the people, things and the location this is just a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon in Boston.

The best part of our experience at the market was our dog was welcome.  Everywhere we went, Moose fit right in with people scratching his belly and asking for his paw.  There are plenty of other businesses, galleries and restaurants nearby – many of these are pet friendly as well.  By the end of the day, the three of us were perfectly exhausted from our unique weekend experience in Boston.

Park and Exercise the Dog

First, ditch the car in either the free parking off Huntington Ave for SoWa Sundays or the metered parking across from (Free on Sundays). You will want to swing by Peters Park to unload the loaded dog before you head over to the crowded market (odd, but great advice).

Someplace to Eat With Your Dog

In addition to all the dog friendly outdoor patios you can have brunch or lunch in the South End. at the SoWa Sundays open markets you will find a couple of tables just outside the Mohr & McPherson cafe. For something more substantial and fantastic outdoor seating area far removes from the street you can sit down to eat at Rocca, dog included. In the Food & Produce Market there are a few places to get a quick snack as well.

The best part of our experience at the market was our dog was welcome.  Everywhere we went Moose fit right in with people scratching his belly and asking for his paw.  There are plenty of other businesses, galleries and restaurants nearby – many of these are pet friendly as well.  By the end of the day, the three of us were perfectly exhausted from our unique weekend experience in Boston.