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All the United States Massachusetts Somerville

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Somerville

13 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Somerville, Massachusetts

Updated May 8, 2025

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Unusual Attractions in Somerville

Museum of Modern Renaissance

Somerville, Massachusetts

Museum of Modern Renaissance

This former Masonic hall has been turned into an art project that uses even more metaphysical iconography.
The Old Power House

Somerville, Massachusetts

Old Powder House

Rising 30 feet in the air atop Quarry Hill, the Old Powder House is the oldest stone building in the state of Massachusetts.

Somerville, Massachusetts

Somerville Round House

A unique columnar residence built in the 19th century.

Somerville, Massachusetts

Reliable Market

Eat first, shop later at this eatery within an Asian grocer.
The Charles William Jr. House

Somerville, Massachusetts

Charles William Jr. House

This Massachusetts home was the first to have a telephone line and its own phone number: 1.
The stone marker, with replicas of the company’s original jars.

Somerville, Massachusetts

Emerson’s Pickle Factory Plaque

This unassuming stone commemorates a condiment factory gone up in smoke.
Underwater Boston Tea Party.

Somerville, Massachusetts

Underwater Boston Tea Party

A little Lego easter egg is hidden underwater in the Boston Tea Party tableau at Miniland.
Prospect Hill Tower

Somerville, Massachusetts

Prospect Hill Tower

This tower commemorates the spot where George Washington hoisted the Grand Union flag.
See All 13 Things To Do in Somerville

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Somerville

Somerville, Massachusetts

Reliable Market

Eat first, shop later at this eatery within an Asian grocer.
The stone marker, with replicas of the company’s original jars.

Somerville, Massachusetts

Emerson’s Pickle Factory Plaque

This unassuming stone commemorates a condiment factory gone up in smoke.
The baklava here is buttery and loaded with emerald pistachios.

Somerville, Massachusetts

Yafa Bakery & Café

Palestinian-style savory breads and fine patisserie are served with a generous side of hospitality.
In partnership with KAYAK

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Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Atlas Obscura Itineraries

Rogue Routes: The Road to the Ice Castles

Sponsored by Nissan

A deep blanket of snow often covers New England in the winter. But there’s adventure to be found in the frozen landscape, with its steep mountains and frozen ponds—and not just for skiers and snowboarders. This route blazes a unique path through Massachusetts and New Hampshire that is filled with bright colors, bold flavors, and the legacies of pioneering thinkers.

View Itinerary

Explore Somerville, Massachusetts

Museums 3
Architecture 2
Miniatures 2
Houses 2
Fires 2
Homes 2

Somerville Leaderboard

Places Added

  1. chris brat
    2
  2. kpres12
    1
  3. Dustin Stonecipher
    1
  4. tmzinn
    1
  5. alejandradean
    1
Join the Ranks!
Add an unusual place to Somerville.

Places Edited

  1. chris brat
    4
  2. TheDiscoveryService
    4
  3. Rachel
    2
  4. gobruen
    2
  5. Martin
    1
Join the Ranks!
Improve the Atlas with edits and photos.

Places Visited

  1. Runmahr
    12
  2. brufan77
    11
  3. Kate Donovan
    10
  4. countingthecars
    9
  5. chris brat
    9

Recent Somerville Activity

  • Anna Teresa

    wants to go to Museum of Modern Renaissance

    4 days ago
  • serendipity stardust

    wants to go to Emerson’s Pickle Factory Plaque

    3 days ago
  • ekcyep

    wants to go to Reliable Market

    2 days ago
  • amcagg

    has been to Prospect Hill Tower

    2 days ago
  • Runmahr

    has been to Winter Hill Gang Headquarters

    about 20 hours ago

Stories About Somerville

Fireside in his classic pose.

The Marvelous Manholes of Massachusetts

An afternoon with Daniel Fireside, one of the Boston area's most dedicated drainspotters.
by Cara Giaimo
August 28, 2018

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