Happy Friday! We had the best time on our engagement moon. We went to Salem, Massachusetts and The Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire. That will be its own travel guide coming soon. We stayed for 3 days in Salem, so I saw and did everything I wanted to do for the most part. I will share everything I did then recommend some other fabulous places to check out as well. Salem is the most perfect trip for fall. I highly recommend you go in October, to experience all of the spooky vibes.
Where I Stayed
I stayed at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Boston - Peabody, an IHG Hotel. This hotel is 20 minutes from Salem. A great distance if you do not want to stay directly in Salem around the crowds and congestion. You get breakfast tokens for each day you stay, which equals a free breakfast. There is a pool and a fitness center. There is also a Mediterranean restaurant right next door called Ithaki. Highly recommend eating here for breakfast, dinner not so much. The seafood potions were very small and overpriced for what you actually got. The breakfast is a lot more afford and tons of options too.
Other Places To Stay
Hotel Salem- This hotel is located in the heart of Salem. This 44-room boutique Salem hotel is in the middle of the action on the bustling Essex Street pedestrian mall in the city center. Housed in a former high-end clothing store space, this lively hotel in Salem, MA features mid-century modern décor with vintage, retail-inspired touches that embrace its stylish past. Inspired by the New England department stores of yesteryear, mixed with mid-century modern design with funky details from stores in the ’50s and ’60s. Enjoy drinks atop the charming rooftop bar in the heart of Salem. There is no pool or hot tub. There is a parking fee since the hotel is right in the middle of the city.
Hampton Inn Boston/Peabody- 13 miles from Salem. Enjoy free daily hot breakfast. There is WiFi, free parking, an indoor pool and a fitness center. Also, pet-friendly unlike the other 2 hotels. Another great hotel choice if you do not want to stay right in the middle of Salem.
What To Do
Salem Witch Museum- The Salem Witch Museum examines one of the most enduring and emotional events in American History, the Salem witch trials of 1692. The museum consists of two presentations. The first provides an immersive look into the events of 1692. Visitors experience the drama of that dark time though thirteen life-size stage sets, figures, lighting and narration as they are witness to the web of lies and intrigue of the Salem witch-hunt.
The second exhibit, Witches: Evolving Perceptions, explores the meaning behind the word witch and evolution of the image of the witch over time. This presentation focuses on the European witch trials and the background leading to the Salem witch trials. In addition, this presentation discusses the emergence of the stereotypical witch and the phenomenon of witch-hunting. This museum should be updated. The presentations could use more special effects. This museum is still iconic to Salem though.
Salem Witch City Mall- Nestled in the heart of Salem, the Witch City Mall is a shopaholic's paradise. The mall is laden with stores that sell some amazing local and traditional products, so if you're into such things, this the place to be. There is a monster walk through, haunted house, food vendors, etc.
International Monster Museum- For centuries, people have been fascinated by stories of monsters and the supernatural. Though technology has changed, stories and folklore of strange creatures, beasts and banshees have remained a mystery. Could it be that people of all races and cultures just made up the same stories? Or... Find out at The International Monster Museum. So much fun, highly recommend.
Count Orlok's Nightmare Gallery- Salem's only horror museum since 2007. A museum for the Horror Fans! Come face to face with all your favorite monsters in this museum DEADicated to cinematic monsters we've all screamed about! A wax museum filled with life-size characters sure to thrill you! No-scare and self-guided tours available. This museum is so fascinating; we were in here awhile.
Bewitched Statue- Now a landmark of the city of Salem, this statue pays tribute to the well-known TV sitcom ‘Bewitched’ and its filming of the seventh season here in Salem. First seen as a tribute similar to that of Boston’s Red Auerbach Statue, this bronze beauty has quickly become a staple in this magical city.
Hocus Pocus Locations
Max & Dani's House
4 Ocean Ave.
Salem, MA
Allison's House {The Ropes Mansion}
318 Essex Street
Salem, MA
Max and Allison's High School
86 Essex Street
Salem, MA
Old Town Hall
32 Derby Square
Salem, MA
Pioneer Village
310 West Avenue
Salem, MA
Salem Witch House- The Witch House was the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin (1640–1718) and is one of the few structures you can visit in Salem with direct ties to the Salem witch trials of 1692.
Where To Eat
Red Line Cafè- Gourmet sandwiches, salads, pastry, coffee and more. I got the most amazing pumpkin mousse, 10/10, highly recommend. We ate outside right in the middle of all the action on Essex Street.
Ginger- Cajun seafood and Asian infusion. Located in the heart of Salem on Essex Street. You will discover the amazing flavors of Chinese and Japanese style Cajun cooking. Asian Cajun fusion has been very popular for many years. The food is rich with spicy notes and heartiness flavors. A seafood delight. I ordered the Japanese Noodle Soup, the Shrimp Ramen.
Ninety Nine (99)- A casual bar & restaurant that serves classic pub food at great prices. These are mainly located in the New England area. If you are not familiar of the restaurant 99, it is very similar food to an Applebee's or Chili's.
Fast Food Options Salem Has- McDonald's, Wendy's, Burger King & Taco Bell.
Where To Shop
BlackCraft Cult- BlackCraft lives by ethos of kindness, gratitude and positivity. They celebrate self-empowerment, self-expression and all aspects of life that encourage personal freedom. There is a 300-pound witch hanging from the ceiling. A must-see! I stood there in awe starring at it for like 5 minutes.
Witch City Wicks- They specialize in candles. The candles are hand-crafted with 100% natural soy wax, high end fragrance oils and lead-free cotton wicks. All of the products are petroleum-free, cruelty-free, phthalate-free and 100% vegan. The cutest little shop. I got a mini witch's cauldron.
HausWitch Home & Healing- A modern metaphysical lifestyle brand that combines the principles of earth magic, intentionality, interior decorating, and intersectional feminism to bring magic and healing into everyday spaces. This was the number one place I wanted to go to in Salem. It is so aesthetically pleasing and cute. I was in this shop a long time.
Coon's Card & Gift Shop- The biggest selection of unique gifts, souvenirs and a huge selection of discounted greeting cards. I got a sweatshirt, candle and a keychain. All are really high quality and very affordable. The best souvenir shop in Salem.
That is my complete Salem Travel Guide. The most perfect city and so many fun things to do. I highly recommend staying at least 3 days just so you can see and do everything you want to do while also having time to unwind and relax. Kancamagus Travel Guide up next!
Xoxo,
Chey