Townie Tours Brings Somerville's Past to Life

SOMERVILLE, MA – Small Business Saturday is this weekend, and consumers are encouraged to "Shop Small" to support the local businesses that make up the fabric of our communities.

In that spirit, we asked small business owners in Somerville to submit their stories.

Townie Tours owners Mark McLaughlin and Mika Lim dig deep into the social history of Somerville through their walking tours. In their words:

We founded Townie Tours, a community-based tour company, in February 2016 in response to the divide between newcomers and local residents that has resulted from the rapid changes in Somerville and other Boston-area communities. We are owners Mark McLaughlin, 4th generation Somerville native, and Mika Lim, a newcomer.

Townie Tours features the Somerville Walking Tour, which takes you on a journey through time, focuses on a people's history of Somerville through the lens of a born-and-raised "Villen." Your guide’s personal stories of what it was like growing up in the rough streets of "Slumerville" will bring the city’s past to life. The tour is open to everyone interested in social history, and we especially welcome all newcomers to come and learn about local issues and how to become an active member of their new community.

Those interested can book a tour and learn more about Townie Tours at www.townietoursboston.com.

Photos submitted by Townie Tours