Trip with me and my husband on our adventures together!
A travel guide to help you with tips, places to visit, good global eats and anything else that comes with taking a trip away…. let’s start the trippin’!
*Our visits to Salem were pre-CV19 times, so make sure you check out the attractions/businesses’ websites for any recent updates/guidelines.
Ever since I was in high school, going to Salem was a bucket list go-to in the month of October, especially if you lived in MA. Just 30 minutes north of Boston, it is a great way to spend a daring fall weekend night for all the frights and sights. I’ve been a bunch of times during October but prefer to go at the end of September/early November where it’s not super busy. You better believe for the month of October that place is jammin’, especially on Halloween night, which makes traffic and parking a nuisance. But you do have to go at least once during this time, just to see what it is best known for. Although it is not mandatory, it’s always fun to dress up in costume. It makes the experience that much more thrilling.
Parking, as I mentioned before, can be somewhat of a pain especially in the month of October. There is the Museum Place Garage which is part of the Witch City Mall. Across the street from the garage is an outdoor paid parking lot too. So, if you find a spot, grab it! I noticed too on my recent visits, that at night and on the weekends, some businesses, when not opened, use their parking lots to accommodate the overflow of cars. It is usually $10 bucks for several hours which isn’t bad.
To get to the excitement of why you came to Salem in the first place, you can walk through the Witch City Mall to the other entrance (it’s not that big at all) that leads you to Essex Street Marketplace aka Essex Pedestrian Mall. The mall itself isn’t anything fancy, but they do have an awesome bakery called Jodi Bee Bakes https://www.jodibeebakes.com/. A vegetarian bakery and cafè, they take pride in their homemade baked goods, soups and sandwiches. And I absolutely love that they specialize in vegan and gluten free goods. We stopped in here to grab a cup of coffee and a sweet snack aka cookie. They were both delightful, so make sure you check them out on your way to all the fun.
Essex Street is where it gets super crowded during the Halloween season, with people dressed up in costume, human statues (literally), street performers, 
vendors and tons and tons of people. This is what Salem is all about though so if you aren’t into big crowds, then this place ain’t for you (at least not in October). Remember, Salem lives for the spooky season, so it’s when they are the busiest. If you can’t handle the crowds, go in a different month to fully enjoy the scenery and history of this old coastal city. This is what I like to do since I already experienced the terror of Halloween in Salem.
Not only can you walk up and down Essex Street, but the cross streets are closed too for you to stroll on. One of my favorite shops, on a little side street off Essex, Central St, is a cute modern consignment shop called Modern Millie https://modernmillieshop.com/. This shop thrives on curated vintage pieces from shoes, to clothing, to jewelry, to handbags to even accessories. If you are a true fashionista at heart, then stopping by this cute shop is worth your while. Anytime I visit Salem, I’m usually always leaving with a bag from this little hidden gem.
Another fun store to just go into is Maria’s Sweet Somethings on Front St. between Washington and Central. Specializing in gourmet chocolates, ice cream, cakes and desserts, if you got a sweet tooth, this place is for you. They also carry eclectic knick knacks and doodads that are always entertaining to peruse through. Plus, their Belgian Hot Chocolate and yummy ice cream are worth the walk off the main road for you to enjoy.
Speaking of chocolates, cuz why wouldn’t I?, a store that you have to try is Kakawa Chocolate House https://kakawachocolates.com/. Head on back down to Essex Street and indulge yourself in some decadent homemade chocolates like their Chili Dark Chocolate (yeah, I said chili) or their assortment of mouthwatering truffles. Savor every bite with a cappuccino, a cup of coffee or their very own Chocolate Elixir drinks and you will be in Chocolate Heaven. For realz for realz. They are legit the chocolate connoisseurs of the area.
Need some much needed walking after all the sweets you consumed? Then head on over to the Peabody Essex Museum https://www.pem.org/, literally right next to Kakawa. You can’t miss it with its high arched glass entrance and welcoming vibe. I like to think of this museum as showcasing ‘global or worldly art’, since its pieces range from different regions from all over the world. Two of my favorite ongoing exhibits are Japanomania! 
& Iris Apfel’s Fashionable Wardrobe in Fashion & Design. Japanomania! takes you into Japanese Art Going Global
from the 1500’s to present day. Unbelievable art and history with every piece you see. Present Japanese art includes a piece that showcases the famous Hello Kitty on display.
And if you don’t know who Iris Apfel is, well, let me tell you, you are missing out, especially if you are a die hard fashionista like me! Iris is known for her gaudy, one of a kind, outlandish, flashy, statement wardrobe. She has been a fashion icon since, actually I don’t know when, but being in her 90’s, she has finessed her bold clothing choices to a tee. She is the epitome of a fashion mecca. So, you already know, I was like a little girl in a candy store when I went to see some of her fabulous collection. The pieces are ever changing so make sure you check out what is on display before you go!
Hungry after walking around the museum for some time? Then head on over to Village Tavern https://www.villagetavernsalem.com/, right across the street from museum. Typical bar and pub comfort food featuring burgers, sandwiches, salads, and apps. And of course beer and cocktails. Nothing fancy but sure to satisfy. Another restaurant that is actually fairly new to the area is The Derby https://www.thederbysalem.com/ (fka Tavern On the Square). The Derby offers high end comfort food. I’ve never been, but probably worth a try. I would actually go there just for the relaxing and chill atmosphere.
If you are looking for something with a little more flare and flava, head on over to Lafayette Street to the Howling Taqueria 
http://howlingwolftaqueria.com/. Mexican savory cuisine to fill your belly and make you happy. Who does’t love a great burrito or amazing tacos? The food is DELICIOUS. We had the Avocado Fries, Chicharron & Plaintains for appetizers and I ended up getting the Carnitas Tacos and my hubby got the ‘Al Pastor’ specialty tacos. Reasonably priced and worth the yumminess. If you love Mexican food, then you need to hit up this spot if you visit Salem.
Want a little higher end cuisine? Check out Sea Level Oyster Bar http://sealeveloysterbar.com/. We’ve never been to the one in Salem but visited the one in Newburyport (check out my previous post) and the food, scene, drinks and dessert were fabulous. So, I wouldn’t see why the one in Salem wouldn’t be just as good. Plus, they have oysters, I mean they’re an oyster bar so win win IMO.
After eating, I’m sure you want to check out some attractions which Salem is known for. Head on over to N. Washington Square to the Salem Witch Museum https://salemwitchmuseum.com/. Bringing you back to 1692 in Salem, you get to experience a historical tour and witness the witch trials of that time period.
This is one of the must see places when visiting Salem. And make sure you check out their gift shop too. Another museum to check out on Derby Street is the New England Pirate Museum http://www.piratemuseum.com/pirate.html. Artifacts and historical pictures and drawings from actual pirate treasures like those of Captain Kidd and Blackbeard, is what adorn the halls of this attraction. Worth a trip if you are into piratry.
One of the main attractions you should definitely check out is The House of the Seven Gables https://7gables.org/, also on Derby Street. Based on Nathaniel Hawthorne’s 1851 novel, this has become one of the premier tours in Salem. If you have seen the movie and read the book, then you will enjoy a visit to this historical landmark.
If you want to take a break and enjoy the views of the coastline, check out Pickering Wharf Marina on Congress Street. With little shops along the edge, you can browse, buy or just take in the beauty of your surroundings. Fun fact near the marina….It is said to be known that there is a woman who has a psychic shop on the water’s edge providing palm and tarot card readings. She considers herself to be ‘The Real Witch of Salem’. Maybe she is a descendant of one of the known Salem Witches of 1692? Maybe she is an expert in witchcraft and decided to give herself that name. No one will ever know……until you visit and see for yourself!
Wanna unwind before the sun sets to take a break from the history and witchcraft? Then take a walk over to Salem Common http://www.salemweb.com/guide/common/ aka Salem Park and sit on the grass or on the steps of the beautiful stone gazebo. Situated right across the street from the Salem Witch Museum in Washington Sq., it’s a large grassy area where vendors and concerts take place in the warmer weather. Worth a little walk to, to relax before heading onto spooky tours and haunted houses.
There’s a lot to do and see in downtown Salem, so walking shoes are a must. If you want to get in all the historical sites without all the walking, then opt out for one of the many tour trolleys like http://salemtrolley.com/, that will allow you to stop, hop on, get off, take pictures and wander around. We did this on one of our visits and enjoyed the stories as well as the humor from our tour guide in the comfort of our seats.
Salem has a lot to offer. It is no wonder why so many people from all over the world wanna come here. From haunted houses, to historical sites to the coastline beauty to good eats and famous attractions, you won’t be disappointed when visiting this old ‘spooky’ Halloween town!
Have you ever visited Salem? And if so, what were your favorite attractions? Let me know with a comment below!
Hope you enjoyed what I shared with you!! Until the next trip with us on Trippin’ It With The Vegas’!!
*Disclaimer: The majority of these pictures are mine, but I did grab some from the businesses’ websites to correlate with what I was mentioning.