Somerville: A Gem of Culture, History, and Allure

Stay connected with Airtel’s international roaming plans as you explore Somerville, a gem of culture, history, and allure, ensuring seamless communication while discovering the city’s vibrant arts scene, historic landmarks, and unique charm.

Introduction

Ten square miles. That’s all it takes for Somerville, Massachusetts to pack a punch of culture, history, and charm. Perched on the Mystic River, just 3.2 kilometres northwest of Boston, this densely populated city invites you to experience the best of New England in one compact package.

With a population of 81,045 spread across eclectic neighbourhoods like Davis Square and Union Square, Somerville MA attractions span centuries-old sites to contemporary culinary hotspots. Ready to dive in? Let’s explore the places that make Somerville a destination like no other.

1. Davis Square: Somerville’s Vibrant Hub

Amble along the red-brick sidewalks of Davis Square and you’ll quickly see why it’s the beating heart of Somerville. This bustling neighbourhood brims with:

• Thrift stores and vintage shops

• Casual eateries and upscale restaurants

• Live music venues and theatres

• Indie bookstores and quirky gift shops

Start your day at Diesel Cafe, a local institution serving up strong coffee and hearty breakfast sandwiches. Then, browse the racks at Buffalo Exchange or Goodwill for one-of-a-kind fashion finds.

As evening falls, snag tickets to a show at the Somerville Theatre, a 1914 vaudeau hall turned indie cinema and concert venue. Round out the night with pints and live tunes at The Burren, an Irish pub that’s hosted acts like Dropkick Murphys and Flogging Molly.

2. Union Square: A Foodie’s Paradise

If your stomach is rumbling, make a beeline for Union Square Somerville Massachusetts. This neighbourhood has earned its stripes as a culinary destination, with an array of restaurants dishing up global flavours. Some standouts:

But Union Square isn’t just about food. Spend an afternoon browsing the indie shops at Bow Market, an eclectic collection of small businesses housed in a former storage building. Don’t miss Vinyl Index, a treasure trove of new and used records.

3. Assembly Row: Shop, Dine, and Stroll

For a dose of retail therapy with a side of scenic views, head to Assembly Row. This mixed-use development along the Mystic River features:

• Outlet stores like Nike, Saks Fifth Avenue, and J.Crew

• Chain restaurants like Earl’s Kitchen + Bar and Shake Shack

• Legoland Discovery Center Boston

• AMC Assembly Row 12 movie theatre

Shopaholics could easily spend a day here, but save time for a stroll along the 0.8-kilometre Mystic River Reservation waterfront park. On Saturdays from May to October, swing by the farmer’s market in the Assembly Row parking lot for fresh produce, baked goods, and artisanal wares.

4. Somerville’s Hidden Gems

While heavy-hitters like Davis Square and Union Square draw the crowds, Somerville’s charm lies in its under-the-radar spots. Seek out these hidden gems:

1. Prospect Hill Park: Climb the 86 steps to the top of Prospect Hill Tower for panoramic views of Boston, Cambridge, and the Mystic River. Fun fact: the tower marks the site where the first American flag was raised in 1776.

    

2. Somerville Museum: Housed in a former 19th-century school building, this small museum showcases the city’s history through rotating exhibits. Check their calendar for events like lectures and concerts.

    

3. Remnants of the Middlesex Canal: Keep an eye out for historic markers indicating the path of the Middlesex Canal, which ran through Somerville from 1803 to 1853. Sections of the canal are still visible in parks like the 12-acre Foss Park.

    

4. Somerville Community Path: Walk, jog, or bike along this greenway stretching from Davis Square to Lechmere, passing community gardens and public art installations. An extension linking the path to the Charlestown waterfront is slated to open in 2026.

5. Getting Around Somerville

Somerville is highly walkable and bikeable, with a Walk Score of 86 and a Bike Score of 89. The city also has excellent public transit access, with:

• MBTA Red Line stops at Davis and Porter squares

• MBTA Orange Line stop at Assembly

• MBTA Green Line extension (slated to open in late 2021) with stops in Union Square and East Somerville

• 15 MBTA bus routes crisscrossing the city

For those driving, metered street parking and municipal lots are available, but competition for spots can be fierce. Consider using a parking app like SpotHero or ParkBoston to reserve and pay for spaces in advance.

6. Somerville Events and Festivals

No matter the season, there’s always something happening in Somerville. Mark your calendar for:

• Fluff Festival (September): Celebrates the invention of Marshmallow Fluff in Somerville in 1917. Features fluff-themed games, activities, and a cooking contest.

• HONK! Festival (October): Three-day music festival showcasing activist street bands from around the world. Parade from Davis Square to Harvard Square.

• Somerville Open Studios (April/May): Peek inside the workspaces of 300+ local artists during this annual event. Studios are open to the public for one weekend.

• ArtBeat (July): Davis Square transforms into an open-air arts festival with live music, dance performances, and 80+ craft vendors.

Tips for Visiting Somerville

To make the most of your time in Somerville, keep these tips in mind:

• Wear comfy shoes. With so much to see and do, you’ll be clocking 10,000+ steps a day easily. Break in those sneakers before your trip.

• Bring layers. New England weather is notoriously fickle. Pack a light jacket or sweater, even in summer, for chilly evenings.

• Make reservations. Popular restaurants like Tasting Counter and Juliet book up weeks in advance. Snag a table early to avoid disappointment.

• Take a tour. Get to know Somerville through the eyes of a local on a guided tour like Aidan’s Tours or Off the Beaten Path Food Tours.

Conclusion: Somerville Awaits

From booking tables to navigating the T, your smartphone is your best friend. Be sure to pack a portable charger and sign up for an international roaming plan from Airtel to stay connected without breaking the bank.

From its vibrant squares to its tucked-away treasures, Somerville MA attractions offer something for every type of traveller. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or a culture vulture, you’ll find plenty to love in this dynamic city.

As you explore all that Somerville has to offer, stay connected with an Airtel Prepaid international roaming plan. With affordable data packs starting at Rs. 133/day and coverage in over 184 countries, Airtel ensures you can share every memorable moment with ease.

So what are you waiting for? Start planning your Somerville adventure today. Trust us – you won’t regret it.