You have only to walk around the South End to see how dedicated residents are to their dogs - and in fact, there is a lovely dog park right across Shawmut Ave. from this PolkaDog location. So PolkaDog operates in a competitive marketplace, and I'm probably not the only dog owner to make a special trip to the South Boston store just for their products, some of which are now sold in stores around the country.
The ground floor of this welcoming location is stocked with treats and food, much of it made locally by PolkaDog and presented in tall glass jars for bulk sale. My dog Tennie's favorite are the dehydrated rolled cod skins, seasonally sourced from fishermen; the fish oil in them is also great for her coat. Downstairs in the basement is a thoughtful selection of toys and leashes. If you have, or know someone who has, a squeaky-toy-obsessed dog, pick up one of Hear Doggy's plush toys, which make noise at a frequency only dogs can hear (I know - genius.)
Tennie also loves the baked dog treats, sold in bulk or packaged in attractive canisters that are great for gift-giving, especially around the holidays when seasonal flavors are on offer.
Find your way with 128 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"Rick Walker’s" is like a portal into another world. It's my go to sources in Boston for Western shirts, vintage Levis, secondhand belts & cowboy hats.
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"Bobby From Boston" is a vintage menswear shop offering a range of leather jackets, new old stock blue jeans, vests and many more that a gentleman needs...
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"Christina's Ice Cream" is a post-dinner of mid-afternoon must in Boston. There are 50 flavors of ice cream. I like the chocolate and ginger molasses.
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The "Boston Athenaeum" is an independent library praised for its architecture, history and collection. Reading by the windows on a sunny day? My bliss.
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"Veggie Crust" in Boston is definitely not just another pizza joint; first off it's 100% vegetarian. They even have falafel pizza, and it's actually good!
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"Rose Kennedy Greenway" in Boston was a work in progress for many years. Now it's dotted with sculptures, fountains, food trucks... a true destination!
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"Flat Black" in Boston makes Australian-style espresso. These guys roast their own beans in Dorchester and make the best carving designs into the milk!
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"Charles River Dam" in Boston, with the Musical Locks, is a great place to cross on my bike the water that separates Boston and Cambridge...
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"Sound Bites" in Boston has a reputation. I also have a personal, touching story that has made me really like this breakfast cafe. I'll share it with you.
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"Hilton's Tent City" is where the Boston outdoorsmen of yore picked up their stuff before Goretex and GPS. I like that they have modern and classic brands.
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"Brooklyn Boulders" is a solid addition to the climbing scene in Boston. Of course the choice to set up show in this specific street is deliberate & edgy.
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