Experiencing the Magic of Salem, MA
I love the magic and mystery of Salem.
Salem and I have a beautiful history. Salem is where I went to college and lived for 4 magnificent years. While Halloween and witches are highly commercialized here now, it’s important for people to know the true history of Salem and experience the city in its purest form. Salem is a charming coastal New England gem, perfect for year-round retreats. Below are my favorite places and experiences in Salem.
What to Do and Experience:
Stroll the historical streets: Tooling around the McIntyre Historical District and seeing all the old houses, colonial architecture, and reading the home’s historic plaques is always a favorite experience of mine. Some houses may look familiar like the Rope’s Mansion (aka Allison’s House from the cult classic, Hocus Pocus) and the house from The Lords of Salem.
Rope’s Mansion has a stunning garden in the back of the house.
Museum hop: My favorite museums are the Peabody Essex Museum and the House of Seven Gables. PEM is a world-class museum featuring top-notch American and Asian art. Check their schedule to see what incredible exhibitions they are featuring. The House of Seven Gables, a 1668 colonial mansion, is the setting of American author, Nathaniel Hawthorne's, famous novel.
House of Seven Gables
Shop for magical treasures: You’ll find everything your mystical heart desires in Salem, from tarot cards, spiritual books, gem stones, home decor, and botanicals, to hand-made apothecary items, wands, and festive witch hats. Some of my favorite shops include HausWitch, Hive & Forge, Pyramid Books, Artemisia Botanicals, Witch City Consignment, and The Black Veil.
Support Mission-Driven Art: The Punto Urban Art Museum is a mission-driven social justice art program with the goal of breaking down invisible socio-economic barriers. This open air museum contains 75 Large scale murals featuring 40 global and 25 New England-based artists.
Where to Eat and Indulge:
Gulu Gulu Cafe: Always good vibes here. With the friendliest staff, delicious GF and vegan options, breakfast all day, and Sunday Night BINGO, this is one of my favorite hangs in Salem.
Turner’s Seafood: This is the kind of place you go for a traditional seafood dinner, lobster bibs and all. I love the history of their location in Lyceum Hall, which is where Alexander Graham Bell first demonstrated the long-distance phone call.
Life Alive: I always find something delicious at this organic and vegan cafe, including my favorite, the goddess bowl (a warm brown rice bowl with beets, avocado, flax oil, broccoli, and tofu). Oh, and don’t skip out on their drinks. I opt for the turmeric or coco loco latte.
Jolie Tea: A cozy and charming tea boutique offering unique teas from around the world.
Red’s Sandwich Shop: Anything your heart desires Red probably offers. This local haunt is best known for their sandwiches and hearty breakfasts, including pancakes the size of your head!
Where to Stay:
Hawthorne Hotel: I have a special place in my heart for the Hawthorne Hotel. While I have never stayed the night (gasp!), I have been to many events hosted at the hotel, including their legendary Halloween ball. If you can snatch tickets months in advance, this is the party you don’t want to miss. Think town hall Halloween party scene from Hocus Pocus multiplied by 100. Start planning your costumes now because you’ll want to dress to impress for this one.
2018 Hawthorne Ball when Matt and I were Frankenstein and Bride.
The Hotel Salem: New to Salem, this vibrant hotel features plush comfort with mid-century style. Home to Salem’s only rooftop bar, grab a drink and take in the magical views at The Roof.
Drinks at The Roof on top of The Hotel Salem.