Thursday, September 8, 2011

Have You Been to the SoWa?


There’s nothing quite like aimlessly wandering through beautiful crafts, fresh baked goods, vintage clothing, and farmer’s markets on your first weekend in a new city. The SoWa one of Boston’s most popular open air markets is probably one of the best places to do this. Located at 460 Harrison Ave in the city’s South End, it boasts a wide array of artists, vendors, farmers, and more.

The outdoor market is always bustling with live music, families, tourists, and weekly regulars. It is home to handmade paper journals, fresh baked breads, and a hodge-podge of crafts and collectibles. The vendors are friendly and eager to share their stories with you, even if you aren’t going to purchase anything. You can find everything from silk screen t-shirts, to wall murals, and even grave stone etchings. Painters and jewelers display their latest accomplishments while craftsmen share their newest found art projects and all the while the food trucks linger happily in the background.

Yes, folks that right the food trucks. These are a staple of the SoWa and for many the initial reason they make the venture to the market. Over the years the SoWa has become home to some of the best food in Boston. You want grilled cheese? You got it- choose from the simple pleasures of Grilled Cheese Nation or the gourmet delights of Roxy’s Gourmet Grilled Cheese. Grillos Pickles and Silk Road BBQ offer some fringe fare that is wonderful and when all is said and done Boston Frosty and The Froyo Truck are there to appease your sweet tooth.
 
After you’ve satiated your appetite make sure to head to the SoWa Vintage Market, located just inside the adjacent building. In this building patrons will find racks of clothing- everything from fur coats, to glitter covered jumpsuits. There are milk crates brimming with a great selection of vinyl, hand-me-down furniture lines the walls, and stacks of old, fragile books litter the floor. There is always great music and some truly amazing finds, like a decades old Ukulele and Banjo beginner’s guide (AMAZING) or the original Atari complete with all the best games.

Just when you start to seem overwhelmed, take a breath and venture back outside because before you leave you’ve got to take a trip to the Farmer’s Market. Here you’ll find fresh produce, homemade honey and more great baked goods. The friendly and laid back vibe continues here and most vendors are more than happy to offer up samples. Hit the farm stands just before closing at 4pm and you may even find yourself bringing home some free goodies!

The SoWa is an adventure, one well worth taking. Whether you’ve got money to burn or only two nickels to rub together, the atmosphere is intoxicating, the people are friendly and the talent and dedication to each respective craft is beyond impressive.

Next time you are in Boston on a Sunday afternoon thinking of things to do, stop. You already know what to do, go to the SoWa.

Location: 460 Harrison Avenue Boston, MA
Hours: Sundays May1st through October 31st
For more information visit the SoWa website HERE

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