'''Salem''' [http://www.salem.org] 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.

Get in

By air

  • '''Logan International Airport''' in Boston.
  • By train

  • Take the [http://www.mbta.com/schedules_and_maps/rail/lines/?route=NBRYROCK Newburyport/Rockport line] on the [http://www.mbta.com/ MBTA] Commuter Rail to the "Salem" station. The station is only a few blocks from the center of town.
  • By ferry

  • '''The Salem Ferry''', Blaney Street, Phone ''+1'' 978-741-0220, [http://www.salemferry.com]. 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.
  • Get around

    See

  • Pickering House. 18 Broad Street . ww.pickeringhouse.org. The oldest continuously lived-in house (by the same family) in Salem Salem exploits its witch trial reputation touristically with a number of museums and similar attractions.
  • '''Salem Visitor Center''', 2 New Liberty Street, 978-740-1650. Year round, 9AM-5PM. Film on the history of Essex county. Rest rooms. Free walking maps, and other historical information. A good place to start.
  • '''Salem Maritime National Historic Site''', 193 Derby Street, Phone: ''+1'' 978-740-1660, [http://www.nps.gov/sama/]. 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."
  • '''Peabody/Essex Museum''', East India Square, Phone: ''+1'' 978-745-9500, Toll free: 866-745-1876, [http://www.pem.org]. 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.
  • '''House of the Seven Gables''', 115 Derby Street, Phone: ''+1'' 978-744-0991, Fax ''+1'' 978-741-4350, E-mail Address: info@7gables.org, [http://www.7gables.org/]. One of the oldest surviving 17th century wooden mansions in New England. Made famous by the Nathaniel Hawthorne story.
  • '''Salem Witch Museum''', Washington Square North, Phone: ''+1'' 978-744-1692, [http://www.salemwitchmuseum.com]. Daily 10AM-5PM (Until 7PM July, August). $6.50, under 14 $4.50. The museum includes a narrative on the history of the trials in 1692 and also an exhibit on witchcraft through the ages.
  • '''Witch Dungeon Museum''', 16 Lynde Street, Phone: ''+1'' 978-741-3570, E-Mail: info@witchdungeon.com, [http://www.witchdungeon.com ].
  • '''New England Pirate Museum''', 274 Derby Street, Phone: ''+1'' 978-741-2800, E-Mail: info@piratemuseum.com, [http://www.piratemuseum.com]. $8.00, under 14 $6.00. 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 renactments and representationa of such famous pirates as Sam Bellamy, Captain Kidd, and Blackbeard.
  • '''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 involvment 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.
  • 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.

    Buy

  • '''The Picklepot''', 75 Wharf Street (Pickering Wharf), 978-744-6678 (''info@picklepot.com''), [http://www.picklepot.com]. Hours: Tu,W 10AM-6PM, Th-Sa 10AM-8PM, Su Noon to 5PM, Closed Monday. The Picklepot is 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.
  • '''Ye Olde Pepper Candy Companie''', 122 Derby St., 866-393-6533, Fax: 978-744-1201, e-mail: info@yeoldepeppercandy.com, [http://www.yeoldepeppercandy.com/],visit the oldest candy company in America. Establshed in 1806.
  • 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.
  • '''Crow Haven Corner''', 125 Essex Street, 1-978-745-8763. The first Salem Witch store in Salem, Massachusetts.

  • '''Linda, The Crystal Lady''', 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.
  • '''Docspond Psychic Services''', 978- 336-1406, [http://www.docspond.org]. 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.
  • Eat

  • '''Caffe Graziani''', 133 Washington Street, ''+1'' 978-741-4282. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Italian and American food.
  • '''Grapevine Restaurant''', 26 Congress Street, ''+1'' 978-745-9335. Zagat's rates it as among the top 40 restaurants in the Boston area
  • '''Nathaniel's at the Hawthorne Hotel''', On the Common, ''+1'' 978-744-4080. Good brunches and family friendly.
  • Reds Sandwich Shop. 5 Central Street. (978) 745-3527. ttp://redssandwichshop.com/. -Sa 5AM-3PM; Su 6AM-1PM. Where the locals eat, great food, huge portions at reasonable prices

  • '''Salem Beer Works''', 278 Derby Street, "+1" 978-745-2337, [http://www.beerworks.net]. American food, award winning beer, and close to the waterfront in Historic Salem.
  • '''Tavern at the Hawthorne''', On the Common, ''+1'' 978-744-4080.
  • '''Victoria Station''', Pickering Wharf, ''+1'' 978-745-3400. Offers great steaks, seafood, and an award winning salad. Located on Salem Harbor.
  • Drink

    Sleep

  • '''Salem Inn''', 7 Summer Street, Phone: ''+1'' 978-741-0680, Fax: ''+1'' 978-744-8924, email: reservations@SalemInnMa.com, [http://www.saleminnma.com/]. 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, [http://www.hawthornehotel.com/]. 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, [http://www.salemwaterfronthotel.com].
  • '''Boston Marriott Peabody''', 8A Centennial Drive, Peabody 01960, Phone: 978-977-9700, [http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/bospb-boston-marriott-peabody]. Ideally situated on the Boston North Shore, the Boston Marriott Peabody Hotel is conveniently located near Gloucester, Rockport, and Salem, Massachusetts. The hotel's staff is dedicated to making your trip or event successful, whether traveling for business, a weekend getaway or leisure.
  • Get out

    For an up to date complete listing of Salem Massachusetts and the Boston North Shore Music scene. Visit [http://www.stanslist.com Stanslist]. Many places of good food, good cheer, and good company centered around the best of Boston and Salem area.