Is it safe yet?
During the month of October, Salem becomes a page ripped out of my worst nightmare..and I’m not talking about the thin veil between us and the spirit world kind of situation. I am referring to the fact that the quaint town of Salem is turned into a living breathing Hot Topic with hoards of people, over 100k people EACH DAY over Halloween weekend this year, making the hajj to this charming locale to lumber slowly down the streets and fill up valuable bar space.
All I can think about is a.)proximity issues & b.)Purell.
But now it is December, the majority of Pugsley Addamsii have retreated to their coffins, and its time to see this town for what it really is. Beautiful year ‘round and bursting with local charm, Salem is one area you can NOT miss while living in Massachusetts.
Ashes to ashes…dust to dust…
Background: History of Salem, MA on Wikipedia
Commuter Rail Info: Newbury/Rockport Line to Salem
Ferry: You can also snag a ferry right downtown from Long Wharf North (pet friendly so Fido can tag along!)
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Peabody Essex Museum
Address: East India Square (161 Essex St) Salem, Massachusetts 01970
Hours: Open Tuesday through Sunday 10am until 5pm
Cost: Adults $15, Seniors $13, Students $11 Youth (16 and under) and Salem, Mass. residents admitted free
What people are saying: PEM on Yelp
How: Official Website
What/Why: “There are many reasons to come to PEM. Sometimes, looking at a work of art with someone special by your side is all the motivation you need. Sitting in the light-filled Atrium, having lunch outside in the Garden Restaurant, watching the expression on a child’s face as she makes a collage — each experience is worth the trip. PEM is the place to come for enjoyment, enrichment, sharing with family and friends, and creative stimulation.
We gain exciting insights about ourselves and other cultures through special exhibitions, Atrium Alive weekend festivals and family art-making programs. You are vital to the equation. Your experiences shape the art you look at and the performances you watch, making them more meaningful and transformative.”- Dan L. Monroe-Executive Director and CEO
What’s Going on There Now?
FreePort [No. 001]: Charles Sandison
When: On view October 2, 2010 to April 24, 2011
Located in the East India Marine Hall
“Internationally renowned for his animated digital projections, artist Charles Sandison installs a site-specific artwork created for PEM’s East India Marine Hall. Sandison will activate the words of 18th-century ship captains’ logs to create an immersive environment drawing upon the trade routes, politics, competition and voices that led to the founding of the museum and the origins of PEM’s remarkable collection. Organized by PEM’s Curator of Contemporary Art, Trevor Smith, this installation marks the first in a series of contemporary art interventions in PEM’s FreePort initiative.”
Be sure to check out PEM’s site, there are over ten other exhibits currently in rotation!
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- ART
The Salem Open Studios are coming up!
(Sarah Searle )
When: Saturday, December 11th, 2010 10am – 5pm
How: Official Website
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House of Seven Gables
(oooOOOoooo)
“Halfway down a by-street of one of our New England towns stands a rusty wooden house, with seven acutely peaked gables, facing towards various points of the compass, and a huge, clustered chimney in the midst. The street is Pyncheon Street; the house is the old Pyncheon House; and an elm-tree, of wide circumference, rooted before the door, is familiar to every town-born child by the title of the Pyncheon Elm.”
Where: 115 Derby St / Salem, MA 01970
Hours: Mon-Sun 9 am – 5 pm
How: Official Website
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Marine Arts Gallery
(Rodney Charman)
Where:135 Essex Street, Salem, MA 01970
How: Official Website
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The Art Corner
(Rebecca deVries)
Address: 264 Washington StreetSalem, MA 01970
Hours: Mon-Sat, 9-5
How: Official Website
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- GRUB
Gulu Gulu Café
Categories: Sandwiches, Bars, Art Galleries
Address: 247 Essex St/ Salem, MA 01970
What people are saying: Gulu Gulu Café on Yelp
How: Official Website
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Categories: Coffee & Tea, Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt, Sandwiches
Address:197 Derby St/ Salem, MA 01970
What People are Saying: Jaho Coffee & Tea on Yelp
How: Official Website
Note: There are two locations down the street from one another. This is a definitely a MUST STOP destination while in Salem. One location has an amazing frozen hot chocolate(197 Derby location), and Jaho Coffee Roasters(60 Wharf Street Location) is an experiential coffee shop. They have the best of the best in equipment and it looks more like a chem lab than a barista station. They boast a Hikari Siphon bar, Probat L-12 Coffee Roaster, and Kyoto-Style Ice Drip device which I believe is one of two in the country.
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In a Pigs Eye
Categories: American (Traditional)
Address: 148 Derby St Salem, MA 01970
What people are Saying: In a Pigs Eye on Yelp
How: Official Website
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- HODGE PODGE
Harrison’s(Comics and ^-^ things)
Address:252 Essex St Salem, MA 01970
What people are saying: Harrison’s on Yelp
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Bewitched in Salem(Bric-a-Brac or as my dad calls it “crap”)
Address: Museum Place Mall/180 Essex St Salem, MA 01970
What people are saying: Bewitched on Yelp
How: Official Website
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Modern Millie(Used, Vintage & Consignment)
Address:103 Washington St. Salem, MA 01970
What people are saying: Modern Millie on Yelp
How: Official Website
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Penelope’s Pet Boutique(For your favorite four legged)
Address: 99 Washington St / Salem, MA 01970
What people are saying: Penelope’s Pet Boutique on Yelp
How: Official Website
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Schooner Fame (Boat tour, yes you can bring alcohol)
Address: Pickering Wharf Marina Salem, MA 01970
What people are saying: Schooner Fame on Yelp
How: Official Website
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For me, a post about Salem could stretch on for miles. There is so much to see aside from/including the touristy BS. Truly something for everyone. Antique stores around every corner, wine and chocolate shops, the Pendragons will tell you your future over at the Oracle Chamber, grab a pint at the Old Spot, see the historic Hawthorne Hotel downtown..enough going on to make a couple of days out of it.
For more information, The Official Salem website is kept up to date with timely information on local events and to get in the holiday spirit , there is even a dedicated Christmas site.
Have fun! ♥
