dearstabby

This street doesn't lead anywhere very glamorous, though it's essential to getting to the public parking lots nearest the Middle East/Zuzu complex and TT the Bear's Place. Given that it's a very unassuming stretch, it's puzzling to think why a band might name itself in part after it -- and that is what the band Bishop Allen did. Perhaps it is in part the debt of gratitude owed for the parking access when going to concerts.

I used to work in Central Square but lived in Porter Square. Taking Mass Ave by bike to work every day seemed a little too much like taking my life in my hands, so I started to try going around the back of Central Square via Hampshire. It worked great. Though Hampshire certainly still has a good amount of traffic, it is considerably lighter than Mass Ave's and makes for a great bike route.

My favorite part of Mass Ave (like Comm Ave, no one ever calls Mass Ave by its full name) is the corner with Brookline St. Known as Mark Sandman Square, to commemorate the untimely passing of the lead singer of local band Morphine, this is the home of the block that defines the local music scene -- TT the Bear's Place (TT's), the Middle East (downstairs and upstairs), and Zuzu. Larger touring acts and major local ones play the Middle East downstairs; local favorites and up and coming touring bands take the upstairs. TT's often showcases up and coming talent. Zuzu tends to feature more singer/songwriter oriented performers. The food at Zuzu and the Middle East is fantastic if you don't want to partake of the musical offerings.

The most important thing to know about Commonwealth Avenue: NEVER call it by that name. This is Comm Ave: two syllables, never more, never less. Comm Ave connects a great deal of the city and is appropriately busy. I would recommend against biking, though of course there are a lot of bikers, and walking in favor of public transportation or by car. There are great shops and other attractions along its length and is always worth a visit, but this street is one of Boston's main arteries -- not for those seeking a leisure stroll.

Cedar Street is all business -- few shops, few restaurants, mainly residences. Those residences are mainly multi-family townhouses. The street looks a bit less friendly than the rest of Somerville, but perhaps that lack of foot traffic works in its favor ultimately: it is relatively easy to find parking. It's also very close to fantastic bike paths, making it easy to get around Boston by bike.

Elm Street is no nightmare -- it lives up to its name by featuring lots of trees, though it's certainly one of the sunniest streets in the neighborhood. If you want a shady walk on a sunny day, you'll have better luck on one of the side streets. Elm is the most direct route between Davis and Porter, and it will lead you past some of the hippest shops in Somerville. It's equally pleasant to pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers, though like most of the city, drivers are at a disadvantage owing to the large numbers of one-way streets in Boston.