SoWa Open Market - South End

By Mikayla Wyman

If you're in the area between the months of May and October, SoWa in Boston's South End is an excellent way to spend a Sunday. With many different vendors of all types, there is always something unique and local to find.

SoWa is a district in the South End (short for South of Washington) known for its art galleries, restaurants, shops, and, of course, the open market. The region stretches from Melnea Cass to East Berkeley, and from Washington to Route 93. During peak Market season in the summer months, the tents and exhibits can take up a good chunk of the area!

I went in on Sunday to check out the seasonal fares, and was excited by what I found! As it is the week before Halloween, many of the vendors were dressed up for a Costume Show that the SoWa administrators were putting on later in the day. It was fun, as most vendors dressed as something related to what they were selling! Check out this guy, who was selling garlic and spicy pickles and dressed as a giant dill pickle!

There were three distinct sections this Sunday: crafts, foods, and food trucks. We spent some time in each, but definitely the most in the food section! I mean.. Bourbon Salted Caramel Doughnuts by Union Square Donuts? Hello!

We tasted a lot of different things, like hand painted truffles, smoked salmon, different flavored vinegar, and some delicious hummus. This woman from Sommerville makes authentic hummus, muhhamarra, and baba ganoush!

The real star of the show was all of the fresh seasonal produce. There was everything from kale, bokchoy, cauliflower, broccoli, brussel sprouts, apples, pumpkins, squash, beets, potatoes, and more. We bought from multiple produce vendors so we could choose the best and most unique items from all of the vendors. Check out the options available:

There were multiple food trucks in the next bay, offering tons of options for people at the market or for those passing by. We saw salads, tacos, burgers, hot dogs, Jamaican food, grilled cheese, fried cauliflower, salads, and more. They were arranged in a square with tables in the middle, so people could choose their food and all eat together.

I got a goat cheese salad and a cranberry pecan grilled cheese - I just couldnt decide! Everything looked delicious, and everyone was so friendly.

I would highly recommend SoWa to any visitor May-October. This season was extra fun with the Halloween costumes and the seasonal fare people were offering (like pumpkin spice caramel corn.. yes, thank you I'll take two). Make sure you carve some time out of your schedule to take a look at the market, and don't worry about bringing cash - most vendors take cards!

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