Yappier Hour at The Liberty Hotel Boston: A Perfect Summer Activity for You and Your Dog
(image courtesy of Beck Gagliardi)
I’ve spent a few evenings this month at the Liberty Hotel Boston’s Yappier hour with Grizzy, my senior pom guy, and I have to tell you–it’s been an absolute pleasure! This regular off-leash event is a favorite amongst local dog owners who want to get together to socialize and play with their adorable pups, and I must say–I can see what all the excitement is about! From the warm and welcoming atmosphere to the delicious food, and even fun vendors and activities for dogs, dog moms in Boston aren’t going to miss out on Yappier Hour!
What makes Yappier Hour at the Liberty Hotel Boston such an amazing thing to do with your dog?
(images courtesy of Beck Gagliardi)
1. The welcoming atmosphere
(image courtesy of Jodi, The Finley Bean)
When you walk toward the courtyard, you’re greeted by a gorgeous chalkboard sign that helps confirm you’re in the right place (you know, in case you miss the dogs behind the gate all galloping around with glee!) Upon walking up to the gate, one of the incredible staff members from The Liberty Hotel will give you a big grin, scan around to make sure one of the adorable doggies isn’t near enough to risk escape, and they’ll let you in to join the fun.
(Grizzy loves riding the T)
Another thing that makes this event so wonderful is the access. The Liberty Hotel is easily accessible via the T on the Blue Line–Grizzy and I hopped off at Bowdin and enjoyed a summer evening stroll through Beacon Hill to the hotel. You can also drive if you’re coming in from further out–one of my friends uses the Spot Hero ap to help her find the perfect place to park her car. Plus, the courtyard itself is accessible if you or your date are using mobility aids like wheelchairs or walkers, and there are lots of cozy places to sit down and enjoy the ambiance–aka joyful controlled chaos–of the off-leash pups enjoying zoomies, pets, and cuddles.
2. Delicious Beverages & Refreshments
(Image courtesy of Beck Gagliardi)
Another thing that I LOVE about this event is that you can grab a beverage and also a snack if you’re feeling peckish. You don’t have to worry about getting dinner before heading over to Yappier Hour–because they can put in a food order for you at the bar. A couple of friends and I split an order of sweet potato fries and my little gluten free, vegetarian heart was so happy. (And, hot tip-literally-there are also tiny bottles of Tobasco if you want a little extra kick.)
The food was delicious and I also saw another fellow Dog Mom ordered a pizza, which looked fabulous. You just have to make sure that you’re guarding your food from all the pups wandering around, some of them are at the perfect level to sneak a piece when you’re not looking.
They also have really yummy drinks from CLINK at the bar as well…but be careful because with all the dog treats flying around, you might end up with one in your cocktail like Hugo’s Mom. I managed to keep my citrus and berry infused red-wine sangria free from treats (this time!) which I must say, might be a miracle. It was so yummy!
Here’s a link to the beverage and bites menu if you’re anything like me and want to take a look
3. Live DJ & Entertainment
(Image courtesy of Beck Gagliardi)
Every week, Yappier Hour has live entertainment and it is absolutely amazing. The kickoff event featured DJ Joshua Carl, and for the rest of the season, DJ Skool Yahd will be spinning at the booth. The tunes were so much more than background music, and I think that almost everyone there experienced a moment of lip syncining or Karaoke and then getting caught by making eye contact with someone!
There were also moments of folks breaking out into dancing–I mean, how can you resist when ABBA comes on over the speakers? There was a mix of modern pop and retro tunes–so there is something for everyone there.
4. Fun Activities for Dogs and their Owners
The activities and vendors vary from week to week, but so far this season, we’ve been able to enjoy pup cups, live dog caricatures, dairy-free cow paws, brush and fluff sessions and more. It’s been really fun to connect with some of the different resources available to pet parents here in Boston–from grooming with Onyva, to veterinary services with Boston Animal Hospital, and more.
It was sweet to walk in and grab a cow paw from JP licks for Grizzy!
Gorgeous dog portraits by BFreed Art!
Besides all of the fun provided swag, treats and experiences from local dog businesses, really the canine chaos of chasing each other around off leash is what it’s all about! But, if running too and fro isn’t your pup’s thing, there are also outdoor couches and chairs that they can lounge on while you socialize with fellow pet parents.
Grizzy is usually pretty shy, but he did enjoy sitting on the couch with a pillow and watching everyone else play. For the owners, there were plenty of opportunities to relax and socialize. Comfortable seating areas were scattered throughout the patio, providing the perfect spot to sit back, enjoy a drink, and chat with fellow dog lovers. It was a fantastic way to meet new people and share stories about our beloved pets. I’ve been pretty lucky to even make a new friend or two each time that we go.
5. We love a theme!
(photo courtesy of Phyllis Kassels) @jetsetjuliettethepoodle looking fabulous with mom!
There’s also themed nights scattered throughout the season’s schedule! To kick off Pride month, the first Yappier Hour of June was decked out with rainbows, and pride flags–plus there was a costume contest. The contest was an incredible addition, because who doesn’t want to see dogs tiny to XXXL running around in rainbows and tutus and flowers and bows? Adorable TheFinleyBean won first place, with runner up Jet Set Juliette—aren’t the so cute in all their cheerful colors?!
(Photo courtesy of Jodi.) Finley and Juliette—the two winners of the Pride Dress Up Contest!
One of my favorite things about Yappier Hour, is it doesn’t matter what my day was like leading up to it, because I know when my dog and I walk into the Yard, seeing all the happy pups zipping to and fro is going to put a huge smile on my face. That’s the thing about dogs, isn’t it? They just love you unconditionally, for who you are, and they make you smile.
Image courtesy of Brit Kirsch
I heard from a special source, Benny, the Director of Pet Relations at the Liberty Hotel, that there are more entertaining theme nights to come to Yappier Hour! I can’t wait to hear about what the creative eventing minds behind the event have for us next–but I DO know that the finale of the season is a Halloween Party, so you might want to put your thinking cap on about your group costume with your pup posse!
(Image courtesy of Beck Gagliardi) From left to right: Brit & Leia, Ting & Appa, Tiffany & Mochi, Ale & Toby
Whether you're a Boston local or visiting from out of town you’re not going to want to miss Yappier Hour at the Liberty, and with so many opportunities to come out every Wednesday until the end of October, enjoy a beverage and a relaxed evening with your dog, there’s no need for FOMO! I highly recommend grabbing your pup and heading to The Liberty Hotel for an evening of fun, relaxation, and community. And don't forget to mark your calendars for the Halloween-themed finale at the end of October—it's sure to be a howling good time!