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Somerville is a densely packed city of about 80,000 people just northwest of Boston, between Cambridge and the Mystic River. Its hills played a part in the American Revolution, and Prospect Hill is where one of the first American flags was raised in 1776. In the 1900s it grew as a working-class streetcar suburb of triple-decker houses.
Today Somerville is known for its lively squares. Davis Square has the historic Somerville Theatre, cafés and live music, Union Square hosts a popular farmers market and food festivals, and Assembly Row on the Mystic River has outlet shops, restaurants and a riverside park. The Prospect Hill Tower offers views back toward Boston.
The city has a strong arts and food scene, with breweries, independent restaurants and festivals such as the HONK! street band festival. The Community Path, a walking and biking trail, crosses the city, and the Green Line Extension and Red Line connect Somerville to Boston in minutes.
Davis Square is a lively neighborhood around the Red Line station, packed with restaurants, bars, cafes, the Somerville Theatre and independent shops. It is popular with students and young locals. Take the Red Line in, and stay for dinner and live music or a movie at the theatre.
Union Square is Somerville's oldest commercial center, now a lively food and arts area with the Green Line station, restaurants, the Bow Market and a Saturday farmers market. Its name dates from Civil War recruiting rallies. Visit on market day, and eat at one of the many global restaurants.
Magoun Square is a small neighborhood center on Broadway in Somerville with local bars, cafes, bakeries and family-run restaurants. It has a relaxed, local feel compared to Davis Square. Stop in for coffee or a meal on a walk along Broadway, and use the Green Line Ball Square station.
Assembly Row is a waterfront shopping and dining district on the Mystic River, with outlet stores, restaurants, a cinema and a LEGOLAND Discovery Center. A riverside park and path run along the water. Take the Orange Line to Assembly station, and walk the river path after shopping.
Bow Market is a courtyard of small shops, food stalls and bars in a converted storage building near Union Square, filled with local makers, vintage goods and global food. It hosts comedy and events. Visit in the evening, try a few food stalls, and browse the tiny shops around the courtyard.
Prospect Hill Tower is a castle-like stone monument on Prospect Hill, marking where the Grand Union flag was raised in 1776. The park around it gives views of Boston. The tower opens for special events, such as New Year's Day flag raisings, but the views from the hill are worth it any time.
The Old Powder House is a round stone building from the early 1700s in Powder House Park, once used to store gunpowder. British troops removed powder from it in 1774, an early event before the Revolution. It sits in a small park; walk around it and read the markers on its history.
Somerville Theatre is a 1914 movie and stage theater in Davis Square that shows first-run and classic films, sometimes on 70mm, and hosts concerts and comedy. Its main hall keeps vintage details. Check for special screenings and film festivals, and get popcorn with real butter.
Somerville Museum is a small local history and art museum in a 1925 building on Spring Hill, with exhibits on the city's Revolutionary history, industry and neighborhoods, plus art shows. It is run by volunteers. Check opening hours first, as it is open limited days.
Somerville Community Path is a paved rail-trail running from Davis Square toward the Lechmere area, part of a wider network linking to the Minuteman Bikeway. It is busy with cyclists, runners and walkers. Bike it from Davis Square, and continue on to the Minuteman Bikeway for a longer ride.
What the Fluff Festival is a quirky annual fall festival in Union Square honoring Marshmallow Fluff, which was invented in Somerville in 1917. It has fluff-themed food, games, music and costumes. Go in the afternoon with kids, try a fluffernutter sandwich, and expect crowds.
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