Arsenal Mall

Where else can you shop in a former military arsenal?

Aside from its name, you'd never guess that popular Arsenal Mall, located on the Charles River several miles west of Boston, is a former military site named Watertown Arsenal that built and tested some of America's most sophisticated weaponry systems for almost 2 centuries. 

The old Watertown Arsenal even housed a small nuclear reactor used for research. 

All of this weapons activity came at a huge environmental cost. By the time the portion of the red brick Arsenal where the mall is now located was shut down in the 1960s, it was one of the most thoroughly contaminated sites in Massachusetts.

Who would have expected that that this former arsenal would be transformed by remediation and rebuilding efforts into an attractive shopping mall?  You feel like you're experiencing a bit of Boston's history while you try on designer jeans.

The Arsenal Mall welcomed its first customers in 1983.  It's an impressive example of how a potential liability can be repurposed and reborn. 

Unusual history aside, you'll find a lot to enjoy in the Arsenal Mall.  It offers a unique mix of national retailers, discount stores, and even a few outlets.

Anchor stores include a huge Marshalls, and equally huge Filene's Basement, plus Home Depot.  Old Navy, Aeropostale, Victoria's Secret, Game Stop, Yankee Candle, Olympia Sports, and many more stores also draw large crowds.

If you're a fan of outlet shopping, you'll also be happy here.  You'll find a Gap Outlet, Ann Taylor Factory Store (one of my favorite spots for snagging great buys on great styles - if you happen by when they're having a sale, you'll find some amazing bargains), and Aldo Factory Store. 

For food, you can choose from the usual mall food in a sports-themed food court that features - and actually, this is really cool so bring a camera if you're in Boston for a visit - the original Boston Garden scoreboard from back in the days when TD Banknorth Garden was the Boston Garden. 

Also in and adjacent to the mall are three good restaurants: Bugaboo Creek Steak House, Ruby Tuesdays, and Bourbon Street Cajun Cafe and Grille.  After a productive few hours of shopping and bargain-finding, you'll be happy at any of these.

But that's not all.

Directly across the street from Arsenal Mall is Watertown Mall, another large shopping center that boasts a Target, Best Buy, and a number of other smaller stores. 

If you enjoy the thrill of hunting and finding great bargains, you'll find a lot to enjoy at Arsenal Mall and across the street at Watertown Mall.

Details and Directions

Location:  485 Arsenal Street (less than 1 mile east of Watertown Square), Watertown, MA
More information:  617-923-4700; website (search for "Arsenal") 
Parking:  Free outdoor lots