here is no excuse not to make a trip this summer to the SoWa Open Market, which runs Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. In fact, there are plenty of reasons to go to this neighborhood—even when the market isn't open. Every time I find my way south of Washington Street via bicycle, Silver Line, or my own two feet, I discover something new, along with old friends all together in one place.

I began a recent visit (surprise, surprise!) with a rummage inside the SoWa Vintage Market, parallel to 460 Harrison Ave. My gaze drifted across mid-century furniture, kitschy cocktail glasses, a lipstick holder (want!), a World War II model airplane, even a rowboat. There was plenty of dazzling clothing and jewelry, I took home a '50s moonstone bracelet/earring set for $24.

As I left this section, a familiar glint of silver caught my eye. The Haberdash, a traveling vintage boutique that's housed inside a '50s Bellwood trailer, stood out in the sea of white tents. It's also reason enough to visit SoWa. Owner Amy Chase sets an irresistible scene with flowers and faux grass, a cute puppy, and lots of eye-catching treasures. I picked up a turquoise printed romper and velvet dress with a metallic tie, which Chase deemed "highly flammable," a.k.a. awesome.

The vendors change from week to week at SoWa. I was thrilled to find Calico in the center of the crowd, where her $10 dress rack was a hit. I literally jumped on a champagne Grecian tunic, only to feel a touch guilty when the first person who had tried it on came back to find an empty hanger. Hey, you should have bought it when you saw it. That's the name of the game.

This market offers much more than just vintage: handmade jewelry, printed cards, silk-screened Ts, ceramics, soaps, light switch covers, magnets. Be sure to look out for F.Rock, which produces some of the nicest man bags around.

Outside the market, a window full of colorful feathered confections lured me down a short flight of steps, where I discovered Marie Galvin's millinery studio, Galvin-ized. I've heard quite a lot about these hats, and it was a pleasure to finally put a face to the name. Galvin has garnered much acclaim for her work, and puts fast fashion fascinators to shame. Each one feels on of a kind—which, in fact, most are.

Bobby From Boston, tucked away on Thayer Street, is yet another not to miss. The shop was recently named one of GQ's top 25 vintage stores in America. A rack of Army jackets and overalls hang out front, and a case of classic aviators and elegant timepieces inside. Stacks of Levis, silk neckties, and suits fill the meticulously merchandised shop. If you want a completely authentic vintage wardrobe, look no further.

By this point, I was ready for a cup of coffee. Per Cheryl's advice, I found the newly opened café at the Mohr & McPherson furniture emporium. Caffeine in hand, I took in my eclectic surroundings. A massive seashell mirror caught my eye, perfect for my beach house (if I had one). The plush leather sofas were inviting, but there is much more than furniture here, and I was more interested in adornment, especially the authentic tribal necklaces, statement pieces if I ever saw one. Upstairs, two large cases are filled with jewelry collected from all over the world. Delicate beaded earrings, silver bangles from India, and hammered gold necklaces spill across a bamboo shelf. It's a treasure chest.

The SoWa Open Market and its neighborhood have a lot to offer, but remember that the market closes for the day at 4 p.m. and for the season at the end of October, and make sure you leave yourself plenty of time.

Off the Rack

Room To Grow’s third annual spring fashion show is Thursday (June 24) from 8 to 10 p.m. at the Liberty Hotel to raise money for programs that support babies born into poverty.

The summer sale is on at Moxie in Boston and Wellesley, with fabulous shoes at 20 percent off through the end of the summer.

Additional reporting by Alessandra Carriero

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