COMMUNITY CLASSES: Artisan’s Asylum
On any given day, Artisan’s Asylum courses include welding, tool training, computer making and bike building. There’s just no better place around to create something than this, where you’ll find the tools, the space (40,000 square feet of it!) and, most importantly, the incredible instructors who can make your vision come to life.
10 TYLER ST., (617) 284-6878 ARTISANSASYLUM.COM
EVENT SPACE: The Center for Arts at the Armory
Live music. Poetry readings. Craft markets. Even wrestling! This big ol’ building has seen it all. It’s home to the ever-popular Winter Farmers Market, and it welcomes festivals like Herbstalk back year after year. Plus, the quaint little cafe is a godsend for the work-from-home set—great sandwiches, satisfying smoothies, free WiFi!
191 HIGHLAND AVE., (617) 718-2191 ARTSATTHEARMORY.ORG
OLD FAVORITE: SOMERVILLE THEATRE
It’s a special sort of ritual, watching folks from all over descend upon the Somerville Theatre on a Saturday night, drawn to the light of its glowing, green and red marquee like so many movie moths. The savory smell of popcorn drifting through the square, the chatter of families milling about as they wait for their screening to start—we’ll truly never tire of it.
55 DAVIS SQ., (617) 625-5700 SOMERVILLETHEATRE.COM
JEWELRY DESIGN: E. Scott Originals
Every new piece that comes out of this tiny Highland Avenue shop has us grabbing for our wallets. There’s just a natural beauty that radiates through Emily Scott’s handcrafted, creations; each gem glistens, every bit of silver shines.
199B HIGHLAND AVE.(617) 776-2814, ESCOTTORIGINALS.COM
LOCAL MEDIA: Somerville Journal
When you need to know what’s going on in the ’Ville, turn to this outstanding paper, which—in spite of its small staff—manages to cover a good deal of ground, reporting from all the community meetings, festivals, rallies and sporting events you might’ve missed.
@VILLEJOURNAL, SOMERVILLE.WICKEDLOCAL.COM
MUSIC VENUE: ONCE Somerville
We just love ONCE. We love the staff, who are quick with a joke and quick with your drink. We love the vibe; somehow shows here feel familial. We love the bands they’ve been booking… both the endless local acts and can’t-miss national tours, which more and more seem to be eschewing Boston for this little Spring Hill hangout. And why shouldn’t they? Because we also love the sound—seriously, this room sounds good.
156 HIGHLAND AVE.(617) 285-0167 ONCESOMERVILLE.COM