Somerville, MA Road Trips

Somerville was once a part of Charlestown, and was used mostly as farmland and grazing pastures for hundreds of years. During the 18th century, Washington Street and Somerville Avenue came to be known as "Milk Row". These convenient roads were used by dairy farmers to transport wares into local Boston markets. The intersection of these roads created Union Square, a new and (relatively) bustling nexus for early settlers. Prior to the Revolutionary War, Somerville was no stranger to tyranny. Vast amounts of Massachusetts gunpowder were stored at the Old Powder House, which the British successfully raided in 1774. These hostilities caused great outrage among the colonial population, and led to a popular uprising. This event is considered by many historians to be the point where public sentiment within the colonies turned in favor of war with England. During wartime, the geography of Somerville's Prospect Hill made it a fitting place to command an army. Thanks mainly to its height and views of the area, it was fortified with Continental Army troops late in 1775 and became known as "The Citadel". To celebrate the new year, the Grand Union flag (a pre-cursor to the modern American flag) flew here for the first time January 1st, 1776. Many consider this to be the first official raising of any American flag. After the revolution Somerville continued to grow, separating from Charlestown in 1842 before incorporating as a city in 1872. Its population exploded as its economy changed from mostly agrarian to a diverse industrial base.

Somerville doesn't really have any show-stopping "must see" sights. It's all about relaxing, taking your time, and letting the quirky character of the neighborhood soak in. For example you might see a few of the more than 200 backyard shrines, built to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary; often referred to as "Bathtub Marys". In Union Square, another walkable hotspot, you can find scores of whimsical benches painted by local artists. 1 Brickbottom Artists Association, 1 Fitchburg St (T: Lechmere), ☏ +1 617 776-3410. Gallery: Th-Sa noon-5PM. (updated Jun 2017) 2 Museum of Modern Renaissance, 115 College Ave (Powderhouse Square), ☏ +1 617 628-9303. Not really a museum, but sort of. Picture a gorgeous old building (once a Unitarian church) lived in by a Yoga-practicing artist couple, who often look inward for inspiration. Much of the work is influenced by Russian mythological and religious icons. No one's really sure exactly when it's open, so go poke your head in if you happen to be walking by. Truly one of a kind, and only in Somerville. (updated Jun 2017) 3 The Old Powder House, 850 Broadway (Powerhouse Square). 24 hours daily. This is the oldest stone building in Massachusetts, dating from around 1704. Once used to store colonial powder that would propel the muskets fired during the Revolutionary War. Free. (updated Jun 2017) 4 Prospect Hill Monument, 68 Munroe St (T: Union Square). 24 hours daily. Climb this tower for great views of Boston. Check out the slightly unfamiliar flag flying atop the structure.

Most tourists spend their time near Davis and Porter Squares, within walking distance of each other. Residents sometimes avoid those crowds by hitting their favorite spots in Union Square and the Winter Hill area. They're further from the T, but it's a great way to get out there and meet some real Somervillians. 1 Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave (T: Porter), ☏ +1 617 718-2191. M-F 8AM-10PM, Sa Su 8AM-11PM. (updated Jun 2017) 2 George Dilboy VFW Post 529, 371 Summer St (T: Davis), ☏ +1 617-666-8794. Plays host to various dances and acts, ranging from swing to electronica to circus and vaudeville. (updated Jun 2017) 3 Legoland Discovery Center, 598 Assembly Row (T: Assembly), toll-free: +1-866-228-6439. Su-Th 10AM-7PM, F 10AM-8PM, Sa 9AM-8PM. (updated Jun 2017) 4 The Rockwell, 255 Elm St (T: Davis), ☏ +1 617-684-5335. Plays, concerts, stand up, wrestling shows, the works really. Shares its entrance with Saloon. (updated Jun 2017) 5 Sacco's Bowl Haven (Flatbread Company), 45 Day St (T: Davis), ☏ +1 617-776-0552. M-Sa 9AM-midnight, Su 9AM-10:30PM. Once one of 18 independent candlepin bowling alleys, you can still roll the quirky little balls here today. Times have changed, and as the new century dawned the original owners sold this building (the last one standing!) to a small New England-based pizza chain. They preserved most of the original features, but took out a few lanes to add a little modern equipment. Most visitors prefer bowling with a fresh pizza and microbrew in hand, instead of the luxury condos this location would have surely become.

1 Kelly's Diner, 674 Broadway (Ball Square), ☏ +1 617-623-8102. M-Sa 6AM-3PM, Su 6AM-2PM. Traditional 1950s dining car in Ball Square, usually has a line out the door on Sundays. Well known for their pancakes, portions are generous. $6-10. (updated Jun 2017) 2 Man-O-Salwa Kabob & Grill (S&S Market), 66 Summer St (T: Union Square), ☏ +1 617-764-5965, [email protected]. Su M W Th 11AM-10PM, F Sa 11AM-11PM. Incredible Pakistani food served out the back of a small grocery store. Mostly a catering place but you can eat what they're making on premises. Definitely the most authentic South Asian food in the area, and probably, in most of New England. The portions are substantial. $8-12. (updated Jun 2017) 3 Neighborhood Restaurant, 25 Bow St (T: Union Square), ☏ +1 617-628-2151. 7AM-4PM daily. It is worth visiting Union Square for, especially in the summer months. There's an overhead grape arbor with real fruit growing on it. There's a large breakfast/brunch menu, and very colorful outdoor decor. The menu also includes some Brazilian fare, as well as alcoholic drinks. $8-14. (updated Jun 2017) 4 Fasika Ethiopian, 145 Broadway (T: Sullivan Station), ☏ +1 617-628-9300. M-Th 5:30-10PM, F 5:30-11PM, Sa Su 2-11PM. Ethiopians looking for a new place after they lost their lease took over a local bar and put a partition down the middle, keeping the bar on one side and having seating on the other. The result? Probably the only Ethiopian restaurant in the world with video keno! Townies having a beer watch yuppies chow down on very good yemasir wat. $10-14.

1 American Fresh Beer Garden, 301 Canal St (T: Assembly), toll-free: +1-800-428-1150. M-Th 4-11PM, F 4PM-midnight, Sa 11AM-midnight, Su 11AM-10PM. Hit up this spot in shiny new Assembly Row if you want to try some Slumbrew, but don't want to go all the way to the brewery. (updated Jun 2017) 2 The Burren, 247 Elm St (T: Davis), ☏ +1 617-776-6896. M-Th 11:30AM-1AM, F 11:30AM-2AM, Sa 9AM-2AM, Su 9AM-1AM. An Irish pub once said to pour more Guinness than any other in North America. Live Irish music. Music nightly in the back room, including the amazing Swinging Johnsons on Thursday nights. (updated Jun 2017) 3 Casa B, 253 Washington St (T: Union Square), ☏ +1 617-764-2180. M-Th 5-11PM, F Sa 5PM-midnight, Su 3-11PM. Head upstairs in this tapas restaurant to find a rum-focused cocktail bar. (updated Jun 2017) 4 The Independent, 75 Union Square (T: Union Square), ☏ +1 617-440-6021. M-Th 4PM-1AM, F 4PM-2AM, Sa 11AM-2AM, Su 11AM-1AM. A very cool unpretentious place for a drink. (updated Jun 2017) 5 Orleans, 65 Holland St (T: Davis), ☏ +1 617-591-2100. M-Th 11AM-1AM, F 11AM-2AM, Sa 10AM-2AM, Su 10AM-1AM. Davis Square. Large beer selection and huge selection of exotic mixed drinks including a variety of Sangrias and martinis. (updated Jun 2017) 6 Saloon, 255 Elm St, ☏ +1 617-628-4444. 5-10:30PM. An extensive whisky list, plus beer, wine, and other cocktails, and elevated pub grub. Shares its entrance with The Rockwell. (updated Jan 2020) 7 Aeronaut Brewing, 14 Tyler St (T: Porter), ☏ +1 617-987-4236. M 6PM-11PM, Tu-F 5PM-midnight, Sa noon-12:30AM, Su noon-8PM.

Somerville is, as mentioned elsewhere, a heavily residential area; hence, there are few hotels. Although there are plans for a hotel in Davis, nothing exists today. Many more options are available in Cambridge, Boston, or in one of the outlying suburbs along Route 93 or Route 95. Any nearby city will be easily accessible to many parts of Somerville by mass transit. 1 Bowers House Bed and Breakfast, 9 Bowers Ave (T: Davis), ☏ +1 617-680-6928. Check-in: 2:30PM, check-out: 11AM. From $99. (updated Jun 2017) 2 The Davis Square Inn, 204 Morrison Ave (T: Davis), ☏ +1 617-627-9670. Sistered with the Morrison House Bed and Breakfast. Minimum stays may be required for certain holidays and peak periods. From $145. (updated Jun 2017) 3 Morrison House Bed and Breakfast, 221 Morrison Ave (T: Davis), ☏ +1 617-627-9670. Sistered with the Davis Square Inn. Minimum stays may be required for certain holidays and peak periods. From $160. (updated Jun 2017) 4 Holiday Inn Boston Bunker Hill Area, 30 Washington St (T: Sullivan Station), ☏ +1 617-628-000, fax: +1 617 628-0143. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: 11AM. From $240. (updated Jun 2017) 5 La Quinta Inn & Suites, 23 Cummings St (T: Assembly), ☏ +1 617-625-5300. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. From $310. (updated Jun 2017)

Since Somerville is so tightly bound to Boston, please refer to the Get In and Get Around sections of that article for all the gory details. Somerville also shares several transit options with nearby Cambridge. Somerville was long starved for rapid transit, but with the completion of the Green Line extension to Union and Medford/Tufts in 2022, this has started to change. In addition to Davis on the Red line, and Assembly on the Orange, the Green Line D branch runs to Union Square, and the whole E branch past Lechmere is within Somerville, except the terminus, which is in South Medford. Around the periphery, several other stations serve Somerville, if you don't mind a little walking. Harvard and Porter, both on the Red line are often convenient. Sullivan Square on the Orange line plays host to an array of buses, and Lechmere on the Green line is also a bus terminus as well as the start of the Green Line extensions. If you really want to explore the city, you'll need to get on the bus. Sullivan Square probably has the most options; the #89 and #101 run down Broadway, the #90 runs down Highland, and the #95 runs along the Mystic to Medford. The #91 and CT2 run to Union Square from Sullivan and continue into Cambridge. If you're starting from Lechmere, the #87 continues past the Green Line's terminus in Union Square and travels along Somerville Ave. to Davis, and the #88 is the most frequent down Highland. On the off chance you're arriving on the Fitchburg Line of the Commuter Rail, it stops at Porter Station.