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Salem (Massachusetts)

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Salem [1] is a city in Massachusetts, New England. It is best known for the "Salem Witch trials" even though the hysteria really started in what is now Danvers. The city is well worth a day-trip from Boston, or even a trip in its own right, to see what basically amounts to a three-dimensional textbook of American architectural history.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By plane

Logan International Airport, +1 800-23-LOGAN (56426), [2] (IATA: BOS) in Boston. Take the subway to the train (see below).

[edit] By train

  • Take the Newburyport/Rockport line [3] on the MBTA [4] Commuter Rail to the "Salem" station. The station is only a few blocks from the center of town.

[edit] By boat

  • The Salem Ferry, Blaney Street, Phone +1 978-741-0220, [5]. High-speed catamaran between Salem and Central Wharf, Boston at the New England Aquarium. 45 minutes. Easy walk to ferries to Boston Harbor Islands, Hull, Hingham and Quincy or to MBTA subway.

[edit] Get around

[edit] By foot

Salem is a small town with most tourist attractions within a stretch that is roughly a twenty-five minute walk across.

[edit] By taxi

[edit][add listing] See

  • Pickering House, 18 Broad Street, [7]. The oldest continuously lived-in house (by the same family) in Salem  edit
  • Salem Visitor Center, 2 New Liberty Street, ☎ +1 978 740-1650. Daily 9AM-5PM. Film on the history of Essex county. Rest rooms. Free walking maps, and other historical information. A good place to start.  edit
  • Salem Maritime National Historic Site, 193 Derby Street, ☎ +1 978 740-1660, [8]. Daily 9AM-5PM. Salem's maritime and Commercial history should also be sure to take in the operated by the National Park Service, which features tours of the historic custom house (1819), two colonial residences (dating to 1672 and 1761), and a full-scale replica of the 1805 ship the "Friendship."  edit
  • Peabody/Essex Museum, East India Square, ☎ +1 978 745-9500 (toll free: +1 866 745-1876), [9]. Has some of the world's largest collections of maritime art, as well as the world's largest collection of Asian export art, and other art forms such as 18th and 19th century Chinese oil paintings.  edit
  • House of the Seven Gables, 115 Derby Street, ☎ +1 978 744-0991 (, fax: +1 978 741-4350), [10]. One of the oldest surviving 17th century wooden mansions in New England. Made famous by the Nathaniel Hawthorne story.  edit
  • Salem Witch Museum, Washington Square North, ☎ +1 978 744-1692, [11]. Daily 10AM-5PM (Until 7PM July, August). The museum includes a narrative on the history of the trials in 1692 and also an exhibit on witchcraft through the ages. $6.50, under 14 $4.50.  edit
  • Witch Dungeon Museum, 16 Lynde Street, ☎ +1 978 741-3570 (), [12]. 10AM-5PM with extended hours in October. Has witch trial reenactments. Can get $5 off tickets when you buy with New England Pirate Museum and Witch History Museum. Adults $8, Children 4-13yr $6, Seniors $7.  edit
  • New England Pirate Museum, 274 Derby Street, ☎ +1-978-741-2800 (), [13]. 10AM-5PM with extended hours in October. The museum includes a walking tour that consists an artifacts room, a recreation of life down by the docks where the pirates did their recruiting, and reenactments and representations of such famous pirates as Sam Bellamy, Captain Kidd, and Blackbeard. Can get $5 off tickets when you buy with Witch Dungeon Museum and Witch History Museum. Adults $8, Children 4-13yr $6, Seniors $7.  edit
  • Witch History Museum, 197-201 Essex Street (on the Pedestrian Mall and Heritage Trail), ☎ +1-978-741-7770 (), [14]. 10AM-5PM with extended hours in October. History of the witch trial in the entire area around and near Salem. Can get $5 off tickets when you buy with New England Pirate Museum and Witch Dungeon Museum. Adults $8, Children 4-13yr $6, Seniors $7.  edit
  • Architecture. Salem, one of the largest towns in the British American colonies, was the sixth largest city in the United States in 1790 and the richest per capita due mostly to its early involvement in post-Revolution international maritime commerce, especially with India and the Far East. Due to this rich history, and Salem's subsequent decline from its post-Revolutionary pre-eminence, the city is a treasure trove of post-medieval, Georgian, Federal, Greek-Revival, and Victorian architecture (the French Second Empire Style in Particular). Those planning a trip to Salem to see architecture should consider consulting Architecture in Salem by Tolles and Tolles.
  • Jacqui Newman, ☎ +1 781 235-7877, [15]. Noon-9PM. $30/15min reading.  edit
  • Salem Willows Amusement Park, 167 Fort Avenue (off of route 114), ☎ 978-745-0251, [16]. 11AM-Hours subject to change due to weather. Salem Willows park is fun for the whole family. Located on the water, you will be surrounded be restaurants, arcades, yacht clubs, and a dock that runs daily cruises for your enjoyment.  edit
  • Rev. Peter White, ☎ (617)939-1029, [17]. 10a-6p. Rev. Peter is Salem's only Victorian Gothic Wizard. He has been reading tarot for over a decade and has assisted thousands. He has been featured on syndicated radio shows and in print. He takes pride in helping those he reads to get back on a positive and productive path using his insight. $40/30min.  edit

[edit][add listing] Do

Halloween is always a good time of the year to visit and see everything that Salem has to offer. During the month of October Salem plays host to over 140 events known as "Haunted Happenings". It is fun for all ages. They have everything from guided tours of historical sites in the town, a psychic fair and witchcraft expo, ghost tours, art exhibits, book readings, festivals, fairs, and concerts, to beer tastings of local ales and brews.

Salem is a great day trip for residents of Massachusetts and an even better weekend getaway for people looking to do something different with their time. It offers a variety of activities to do and places to visit that represent early American society in the New England region. There is a wealth of history contained in the town and its tour guides, artists, musicians, and other characters bring it to life for visitors and residents alike.

  • Mahi Mahi Cruises & Charters, 167 Fort Avenue (off of route 114), ☎ 978-825-0001, [18]. The Mahi Mahi Cruise runs from mid-May to October and the boats are running morning, noon, and evening. This is a great way to explore the Salem Harbor. Food and beverage are served along the boat and on a beautiful day, it is a great activity for everyone.  edit

[edit][add listing] Buy

There are several boutiques in the downtown area that cater to the occult, including the Magic Parlour, The Broom Closet, and Crow Haven Corner--the last of which was originally opened by Laurie Cabot, the first public Witch in Salem and author of numerous occult books. She no longer owns the store, but operates another on nearby Pickering Wharf called the Cat, Crow and Crown.

  • The Picklepot, 75 Wharf Street (Pickering Wharf), ☎ +1 978-744-6678 (), [19]. Tu-W 10AM-6PM, Th-Sa 10AM-8PM, Su Noon-5PM, closed Monday. A contemporary arts and crafts gallery that specializes in selling "functional art" (Plates that are designed by local artists but will stand up to being used.) The store represents more than 50 New England artists, in a range of mediums and materials and the goods are exceptionally handcrafted.  edit
  • Ye Olde Pepper Candy Companie, 122 Derby St., ☎ +1 866-393-6533 (, fax: 978-744-1201), [20]. Visit the oldest candy company in America. Established in 1806.  edit
  • Crow Haven Corner, 125 Essex Street, ☎ +1 978-745-8763. The first Salem Witch store in town.  edit
  • Linda, The Crystal Lady, ☎ +1 978-744-4158. Spiritual Psychic Readings. Linda is a licensed psychic who gives intuitive consultations from her Victorian Salem home. You can call her and book a date and time, or catch her home for an immediate walk-in session. And in the Season of the Witch, October in Salem, you will find Linda Reading at the Witches Faire in the Essex Street Mall almost every day & night. Walk-Ins welcomed.  edit
  • Docspond Psychic Services, ☎ +1 978-336-1406, [21]. Uses various divination practices such as Runes, Tarot, Mediumship, Dream Interpretation, or Past Live Counseling to answer questions about Love, career, and family that is living or dead. Also can be called on to administer to spirits that hang on to the houses they once lived in. Available for private counseling, Parties, and fairs. Salem Licensed.  edit
  • Derby Square Book Store, 215 Essex Street, Salem MA, ☎ (978) 745-8804. A beautiful old style bookstore, with nearly wall to ceiling high piles of books. Try not to knock anything over when maneuvering around the small shop. There are stacks upon stacks of books, some of which seem so old that you definitely cannot find them at your local Barns and Nobel. It is run by an elderly man who seems to have a knack for finding the correct book despite the disorder. The store constantly has 50% off sale off of the price of every book inside. Definitely a good find for the avid reader!  edit

[edit][add listing] Eat

  • Caffe Graziani, 133 Washington St., ☎ +1 978-741-4282. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Italian and American food.  edit
  • Grapevine Restaurant, 26 Congress St., ☎ +1 978-745-9335. Zagat's rates it as among the top 40 restaurants in the Boston area.  edit
  • Finz Seafood & Grill, 76 Wharf St., ☎ (978) 744-8485, [22].  edit
  • Nathaniel's at the Hawthorne Hotel, (On the Common), ☎ +1 978-744-4080. Good brunches and family friendly.  edit
  • Reds Sandwich Shop, 15 Central St., ☎ (978) 745-3527, [23]. M-Sa 5AM-3PM; Su 6AM-1PM. Where the locals eat, great food, huge portions at reasonable prices  edit
  • Salem Beer Works, 278 Derby St., ☎ +1 978-745-2337. American food, award winning beer, and close to the waterfront in Historic Salem.  edit
  • Tavern at the Hawthorne, (On the Common), ☎ +1 978-744-4080.  edit
  • Victoria Station, Pickering Wharf, ☎ +1 978-745-3400. Offers great steaks, seafood, and an award winning salad. Located on Salem Harbor.  edit
  • 62 Restaurant and Wine Bar, 62 Wharf St., ☎ +1 978-744-0062. Modern Italian cuisine. Their chef, Antonio Bettancourt, is known for sourcing local ingredients and using seasonal menu. Excellent wine, beer, and cocktail menu as well.  edit
  • Regatta Pub, 225 Derby St.. Regatta Pub is located inside of the Waterfront Hotel. It has a very expensive, yet comfortable feel to it. You can go inside expecting to pay top dollar, then discover that the menu does not have very expensive items at all. You can buy anything from a regular burger, to a whole cooked chicken or a steak. They have a very extensive drink menu, as they are a pub.  edit

[edit][add listing] Drink

  • Rockafellas of Salem, 231 Essex Street (across from the Salem train station), ☎ 978-745-2491, [24]. M-W- 11:30AM-10PM Th-Sa- 11:30-1AM Sun-11-11. Enjoy outside dining on a nice Summer or Spring day. At night, Rockafellas is a usual hot spot with local bands. A fun atmosphere with classy taste. 7.00-20.00.  edit
  • Tavern In the Square, 189 Washington Street (off of route 1A), ☎ 978-740-2337, [25]. M-F-11:30-1AM Sat & Sun- 10:30AM-1AM. The newest addition to downtown Salem; "Tavern in the Square" has made quite the impact of the small city. With their outside patio area and location in the center of the city, this restaurant is a great place to go especially during a warm night. The bar is very open and you get to enjoy the nice breeze by the water. The food is good and they have a wide drink selection. middle of the road.  edit
  • Murphy's, 300 Derby Street (off of route 1A), ☎ 978-744-8889. Murphy's is also fairly new to Salem. If you are looking for a loud atmosphere with dancing, this is the place to be. There is also an outdoor patio area that is great to sit down and take a break from all the activity. Drinks are generous and inexpensive and there is usually a college crowd there on most nights. Overall, a good edition to downtown Salem.  edit
  • The Tin Whistle, 241 Jefferson Ave, ☎ 978-741-1912, [26]. 11AM-1AM everyday. 5-12 dollars.  editThe Tin Whistle is a little hole in the wall with a great family feel, great food, and great service.WIth their juke box, pool table, and dart board you really can't go wrong.The Tin Whistle has specials almost every night of the week including $2 burgers on Monday nights. They often host events and have many givaways and are often raising money for chairity. A fun place overall.

[edit] Venues

Salem has a vibrant music scene with many venues to see local bands.

  • Bangkok Paradise on Washington Street
  • Dodge Street Bar & Grill at 7 Dodge Street
  • Gulu-gulu Cafe on Washington Street
  • Front Street Coffee House on Front Street
  • In A Pig's Eye on Derby Street
  • Lobster Shanty on Front Street/Artists Row
  • Murphy's Irish Pub on Derby Street
  • Rockafella's on Washington Street
  • Victoria Station on the Wharf

Stanslist [27] and NorthShoreTonight [28] have an up to date complete listing of Salem Massachusetts and the Boston North Shore Music scene. Many places of good food, good cheer, and good company centered around the best of Boston and Salem area.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

  • Salem Inn, 7 Summer Street, Phone: +1 978-741-0680, Fax: +1 978-744-8924, email: reservations@SalemInnMa.com, [29]. On the National Register of Historic Places, the Inn is comprised of three houses. $129-$219 in season.
  • Hawthorne Hotel, 18 Washington Square West on the common, Phone: +1 978-744-4080, Fax: +1 978-745-9842, [30]. Eighty-nine rooms and six suites. $100-$310.
  • Salem Waterfront Hotel and Suites, 225 Derby Street, Phone: +1 978-740-8788, Fax: +1 978-619-1166, [31].
  • Boston Marriott Peabody, 8A Centennial Drive, Peabody 01960, Phone: 978-977-9700, [32]. Ideally situated on the Boston North Shore, the Boston Marriott Peabody Hotel is conveniently located near Gloucester, Rockport, and Salem, Massachusetts.
  • Stephen Daniels Bed and Breakfast, 1 Daniels St. One of the oldest Bed & Breakfasts in the United States.  edit

[edit] Get out

For a fun beach day close-by to Salem, you could head over to Nahant beach which is right off of Route 1A. It is $3 to park for the entire day and the beach is filled with white sand and clear water. Right accross the shore you can see the Boston skyline.

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