Just north of Boston exists a dynamic string of neighborhoods full of hidden gems. Somerville is known for its city squares, which all have interesting personalities of their own. Delicious cuisines, arts and entertainment, and fun outdoor activities are just a few things you will find here. In this Neighborhood Blog, we will explore what makes Somerville so unique.

 

Union Square

What’s Union Square known for? Some may say dessert (or breakfast – no judgement). Union Square Donuts boasts some incredibly unique flavors, from Bully Boy Whiskey Caramel Hot Toddy to Maple Bacon, and everything in between. Another Union Square standout is the Bronwyn restaurant, which features German cuisine along with other European-inspired flavors. Just down the street, Bow Market is a place you won’t want to miss. Home to unbelievable food, retail stores, and arts & entertainment, Bow Market has something special for everyone.

 

Ball Square

Ball Square is a small area with a big personality. If you find yourself craving more sweets, Lyndell’s Bakery should be a stop along your way. Opened in 1887, Lyndell’s is known as the “Godfather” of all New England scratch bakeries and provides custom cakes as well as other sweet treats. Ball Square Cafe and Sound Bites are wonderful options if you find yourself strolling through Ball Square around brunch time, and Avenue kitchen + bar is the place to go for dinner.

 

Sound Bite Somerville

Photo by: @ravenousboston

 

Assembly Square

With its own stop on the MBTA Orange Line, Assembly Square is easily accessible. Within the last few years, this area has completely transformed into a hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment. The Outlets at Assembly Row is comprised of over 40 stores – a true shopper’s paradise. If you have kids, or are just a kid at heart, LEGOLAND Discovery Center is a must-see. While you’re in the area, be sure to stop in or stay overnight at The Row Hotel, part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection.

 

Assembly Row Outlets entrance

 

Davis Square

Last, but certainly not least, Davis Square is located only 15 minutes outside of Boston on the Red Line. The historic Somerville Theatre (temporarily closed due to the pandemic) is well worth a visit when it’s safe to do so. Built in 1914, this movie theatre and concert venue has been entertaining guests for over 100 years. The go-to spot for Davis Square locals is Dave’s Fresh Pasta. With an abundance of artisan cheeses, specialty wines, homemade pasta, and delicious sandwiches, the options are endless. Starting up again on May 19th, enjoy the Davis Square Farmer’s Market to find fresh food options and support local vendors. Just around the corner, the Somerville Community Path is a great place for bikers, walkers, and runners alike to get some fresh air and exercise.

 

Whether you’re enjoying the sweets, the shops, or the sights, Somerville is full of fun things to do. Its charm is sure to leave a mark on all visitors that pass through. Next time you’re in Boston, head North and experience the squares of Somerville!

 

Explore More Boston Neighborhoods:

Massachusettes State
north of boston everett west of boston brighton/Allston brookline fenway/ kenmore mission hill back bay south end theatre district/ chinatown downtown/ financial district beacon hill west end North end seaport district south boston dorchester roxbury jamaica plain roslindale west roxbury mattapan cambridge somerville charlestown chelsea revere south of boston waterfront fort point east boston winthrop hyde park logan int’l airport
Massachusettes State

Roxbury

For over 250 years Roxbury has been an essential ingredient in the story of Boston as a pioneering and world-class city. It was Roxbury that emerged... More

Dorchester

Dorchester is a historic neighborhood of over 6 square miles. The town was founded by Puritans who emigrated from Dorchester, England in 1630.... More

South Boston

Explore South Boston, site of the Dorchester Heights National Historic site and Castle Island. "Southie" as the locals refer to South Boston, was... More

Seaport District

The fastest growing and newest neighborhood in Boston, the Seaport District is part of the Port of Boston on Boston Harbor. The Seaport District is... More

West End

The West End neighborhood of Boston was once the most densely populated area of the city, with 174 persons per acre. From the mid-1800s to the... More

Fort Point

The Fort Point neighborhood, where a fort stood in colonial times, is tucked between the Seaport District, South Boston and the Fort Point... More

Beacon Hill

A 19th century residential area adjacent to Boston Common, Beacon Hill is named for the location of a beacon that once stood here atop the highest... More

Mattapan

Initially inhabited by the Native American Mattahunt Tribe, the name Mattapan translates to “a good place to be" or "a good place to sit" due to the... More

Roslindale

Explore the "streetcar suburbs" of West Roxbury, Roslindale and Hyde Park for the suburban flavor of the city. These suburbs are primarily... More

West Roxbury

Explore the "streetcar suburbs" of West Roxbury, Roslindale and Hyde Park for the suburban flavor of the city. These suburbs are primarily... More

Fenway / Kenmore

Home of Fenway Park and the Boston Red Sox, Fenway/Kenmore also boasts many of the City's top cultural institutions, including the Museum of Fine Arts... More

Jamaica Plain

Once a summertime resort destination for Bostonians, Jamaica Plain is now a diverse and dynamic Boston neighborhood. Stroll Centre Street, one of the... More

Brighton / Allston

Brighton/Allston (aka Brighton, MA and Allston, MA, 2 subdivisions of Boston proper) are known for their large population of students. Boston... More

Theatre District / Chinatown

Boston's Theater District hosts an endless array of Broadway shows. Productions at the Boston Opera House, the Citi Performing Arts Center and The... More

Somerville

The most densely populated community in New England and one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the nation, Somerville is rich in both history... More

Cambridge

It was named in honor of the University of Cambridge in England, an important center of the Puritan theology embraced by the town's founders.... More

South End

Located just minutes from downtown and the Back Bay, the South End has become one of Boston's most popular neighborhoods. It has attracted a diverse... More

Back Bay

The Back Bay is a affluent neighborhood in the heart of Boston. The Back Bay is home to landmarks such as Copley Square, the Prudential Center, and... More

Downtown / Financial District

The Financial District of Boston is located in the downtown area near Government Center and Chinatown. The area includes Post Office Square, the... More

North End

The North End is Boston's oldest residential neighborhood and could best be described as the "Little Italy" of Boston. The streets are narrow and... More

Waterfront

Boston Harbor has always played an important role in the development, history and culture of the city. Today the waterfront is continuing an active... More

East Boston

Originally a center of shipbuilding, East Boston has always been a neighborhood of immigrants. Today its population is made up largely of... More

Brookline

Located just minutes from Boston and serviced by the Green Line via the B, C and D lines, Brookline is  known for upscale stores and village pubs and... More

Charlestown

Explore Charlestown, a neighborhood rich in history. Settled by English colonists in 1628, Charlestown is Boston's second oldest neighborhood. ... More