Visiting Salem Ma in October

[davi_el_mejor]

Hello

My mom is visiting in October (16th-23rd) and a trip to Salem Mass, is scheduled for one of those days. Anyone who's been there or live near there able to shed some light on what has to be seen, what should be seen, what could be seen, what doesn't have to be seen and what should be avoided like the plague? Eatery suggestions? My mom loves education stuff so I think she'll be in heaven.

One more question... what's the most romantic place in Salem? That is where I plan to present the SO with the engagement /
already-committed ring. But shhhhhhhh that's a secret!

 

[Circe]

I visited Salem a couple of times a decade or so back, and I adored it. Especially at this time of year, with the leaves turning - it's just gorgeous. Sadly, it's been so long that I'd bet many of the landmarks have changed! But I do remember Laurie Cabot had a shop there, which was a Big Deal for little witchy-Circe, back in the day, and that the local diner across from the movie theater had The Best Waffles in the World. Will wrack my brain to see if I can remember any more useful details ....

P.S. - For most romantic, I recommend the shore. There's a pier with an amazing view located by some lovely restaurants ....

 

[elrohwen]

I visited for a day or two in July and it was really nice. I went on an evening walking tour, lead by Hocus Pocus Tours, which was fun. The tours were run by a husband and wife team and they were great.

The House of the Seven Gables was worth seeing, even though I've only read two Hawthorne books and that was many years ago. (he didn't actually live there, so it's basically just an old house tour)

There are mock witch trials (I forget what they're called) that I've heard are very good. The audience can participate and ask questions if they want.

The Peabody-Essex Museum is really really nice - I'm disappointed that we didn't plan to spend more time there. We only went in to see the Chinese house (they took apart, moved, and reassembled a very old family home from rural China), but ended up getting sucked into the other exhibits too. When I was there they had an exhibit with pictures of the Kennedys as well as an Aztec (I think? or was it Mayan? we had to breeze through that part) sculpture exhibit. We didn't even see half of what was there.

For food I recommend The Old Spot, The Lobster Shanty (for lunch, sitting outside with a lobster roll), and the Lyceum (I didn't eat there, but heard many good things from locals).

I would also recommend driving up to Marblehead - it's a beautiful little town on the coast and a nice place to spend an afternoon.

 

[nytemist]

I echo the others about the Peabody Essex museum and the House of Seven Gables. But what's best is just walking around and taking in all the other little shops and the colorful trees in Salem Common. My favorite place to eat there is Victoria's Station- it's right on the pier. Reasonably priced and can be romantic (as long as you aren't not seated next to out of control children). Alo the restaurant is right near the shop where I normally get my Wiccan supplies, Nu Aeon. Take a stroll through the Willows.

The downside though- the moment September comes it gets crowded. Parking can be dificult since so many tourists want the "Fall in Salem" experience. Years ago friends and I stopped going to the Willows for rituals since so many people going by thought we were putting on a performance.

Since you will be there leading up to the height of Halloween season, be prepared that it will be busy. If you can, it may be better to take the commuter rail instead of parking, if you're ok with a healthy amount of walking.

 

[elrohwen]

I forgot - we went to Victoria Station too and it was very good! I knew I was forgetting somewhere that we ate.

 

[Brown.Eyed.Girl]

I've been twice.

I recommend the Peabody Essex, one of the witch tours (there are a million), and I also toured the merchant ship there which was fun. There's also a good soup place too but I can't remember the name!