Salem, Massachusetts: The Perfect Spooky Getaway
As many of you know, Salem is my home away from home (even if it’s 1,500 miles away). In a few short weeks, I’ll be heading off for my fourth trip to this perfect town. This will be my 3rd Halloween spent in Salem and I couldn’t be happier about it!
I figured that since I’ve had the chance to spend a good amount of time there that I should create a “travel recommendations” blog post! I’ll be covering the basics: food, drinks, and fun.
F O O D:
Gulu-Gulu Cafe: 247 Essex St, Salem, MA
(Also incredible for C O F F E E, B E E R, and C O C K T A I L S)
“Cozy, unpretentious coffeehouse offering an eclectic global menu of small bites, plus live music.” Gulu-Gulu also doubles as one of my favorite bars as well, thanks to their incredible beer and cider selection. The portions are huge and I’ve never been dissapointed! They usually host live music, which is a plus! The overall vibe and atmosphere are wonderful, not to mention one of the coolest and friendliest waitstaffs I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting!
Boston Burger Company: 133 Washington St
The BEST burger I’ve ever had in Salem! Though they are a chain, the quality is absolutely incredible and the owners are super involved and caring. The atmosphere is wonderful, with it’s patio being right on Washington Street! Their shakes are out of this world! Take Guy Fieri’s word for it: it’s dang good.
Flying Saucer Pizza Company: 118 Washington Street
“The Mission: To abduct traditional pizza and take over Salem with a quirky and delicious pizza experience. Inside our restaurant is what we like to call “nerd”vana – whether it’s Doctor Who, Star Trek, Star Wars – we have something here for you.” Hand-stretched fresh dough pizza with an out of this world atmosphere. Located NEXT door to Gulu-Gulu, both restaurants are fantastic Salem eats! The geeky atmosphere blends perfectly with the eclectic Salem.
Howling Wolf Taqueria: 76 Lafayette St
Howling Wolf’s fresh Mexican food is a delicious staple in Salem. From their fresh drinks to mouthwatering and huge portions, Howling Wolf is a personal favorite when I’m feeling really hungry. The queso dip is unbelievably good and you can even get curly fries instead of chips! I definitely recommend you make it there when visiting Salem.
Life Alive: 281 Essex St
“We are here to renew your energy and connection to life by soulfully serving you the most fantastic, vibrant, organic, therapeutic, whole food you could ever imagine in an inspiring environment that honors local artisans, the community, and our global ecology.” If you’re in the mood for a healthy yet delicious meal while on vacation, this is the place for you. Life Alive offers fresh, tasty, and high-vibrational food for the soul.
Other delicious restaurants in Salem include: Witch’s Brew Cafe, Salem Beer Works, Koto Sushi, Village Tavern, The Ugly Mug Diner, Engine House Pizza, and many more!
If you’re looking for very affordable, yet highly delicious, definitely check out Boston Hotdog Co. and New England Soup Factory.
C O F F E E:
(As stated above, I also HIGHLY recommend Gulu-Gulu for coffee.)
Front Street Coffee: 20 Front St
A cozy atmosphere with some damn good coffee. Whether you just need a little pick-me-up when touring the city, or for catching up with friends, Front Street Coffee is the place for you! The artsy vibe brings a lot of warmth and love into the coffee shop, making it unforgettable.
Derby Joe: 142 Derby St
First thing I’d like to note is how kind the staff is, especially compared to a nearby competitor. It was a chilly December morning, the door was open, and I walked in without realizing they were actually closed that day. The owner (I presume) was so kind and welcoming (even though I had just walked in when they weren’t open) and offered me a coffee on the house. It’s that kind of hospitality that makes Derby Joe and Salem in general so special. They even sell vinyl in the shop, which is too cool!
B A R S:
(As stated above, I also h i g h l y recommend Gulu-Gulu for D R I N K S)
Bit Bar: 50 St Peter St Ste 100
“Your new heaven is located in a former Salem jail: Arcade games with a particular focus on the 1980s and 1990s. Elk burgers served on black garlic-glazed doughnut/croissant hybrids. Cocktails named after arcade game characters. There’s also a pleasant 60-seat patio if you need a sun-drenched break from Pac-Man.” Couldn’t have said it better myself. Bit Bar is one of the coolest atmospheres Salem has to offer. Not only are they a bar, but also a restaurant! Make sure to check if Bit Bar is hosting any events during your stay in town.
The Roof: 209 Essex St
Salem’s newest and only rooftop bar, fittingly named “The Roof,” is one of the most popular new party destinations! Located right on Essex in Hotel Salem, The Roof is right in the middle of the action, well, above. The tiki bar style is inviting and fun to many patrons. The oyster bar and taco bar are perfect additions to the nightlife!
Far From the Tree Cider: 108 Jackson St
“Rooted in tradition, unique to the core. Far From The Tree Cider is a craft cider house specializing in unique, high-quality hard cider made from local apples and all natural ingredients. Most apples don’t fall far from the tree, and the ciders made from them are generally quite similar.” A fun ambiance with deliciously decadent ciders! What more could you ask for?! Far From the Tree is the perfect hangout spot, often hosting pop-up food vendors.
Mercy Tavern: 148 Derby Street
“High quality, locally sourced and sustainably produced food and drink in Salem, Massachusetts.” One extremely rainy day in Salem, I ducked into Mercy to hide from the storm, and boy I’m glad I did! A band was playing live music and the place was PACKED! The general vibe was wonderful, everyone was enjoying the music and having a jolly ole’ time. The drinks were very tasty and they had a beautiful draft selection! Definitely check out their event calendar on their website, they have live music up to 5 days a week!
Notch Brewery: 283 Derby St
“Launched in 2010, Notch Brewing – named for the nick made to keep a record when you're having more than one – was the first brewing company in the U.S. to focus exclusively on session beer.” Notch’s cool and laid back atmosphere, as well as their delicous brews, bring in patrons from all around.
Opus: 87 Washington St
“Opus reflects the city of Salem: It’s quirky, progressive and welcoming. The restaurant’s dynamic sushi team draws on both east and western influences to create sushi rolls that are truly unique. The upstairs dining room is centered around an oversized, glowing glass bar where guests can meet for a drink or a full a three-course meal. Downstairs, in Opus Underground, guests enjoy nightly entertainment in a Moroccan-inspired space, filled with cozy seating, oriental rugs and dim lighting.” Opus has one of the most modern and exciting atmospheres in Salem. They have it all, spectacular sushi to a giant upstairs bar and cozy intimate bar underground. Opus hosts many music events of all kinds! For a fun night on the town, I definitely recommend Opus.
F U N:
(Here’s a helpful map of the city. Also, there is a red line painted on the sidewalks of Salem that you can follow to visit all of the main attractions!)
Salem Witch Museum: 19 1/2 N Washington Square
The perfect start to your Salem adventure awaits at the Salem Witch Museum. This gorgeous structure in the middle of downtown has a kitschy yet fun wax museum inside that depicts the Salem Witch Trials. As you’re seated in the middle of the main room, a spotlight will be casted on various wax figures with voiceovers about these character’s life. After the presentation, a tour guide leads you into a room and talks about the history of witch hunts. If you haven’t been, I definitely recommend for anyone wanting an a thorough explanation and visualization of the trials.
The Hawthorne Hotel: 18 Washington Square
If you’re ready for a little treat or drink after visiting the Salem Witch Museum, the gorgeous historic Hawthorne Hotel is the place to be! The Hawthorne is known as one of the worlds most haunted hotels, and you’ll see why once you visit (it was even the setting of two episodes of Bewitched!). Funnily, the hotel reminds me of a mix between The Stanley and the Tower of Terror hotel. This is one of my FAVORITE places to get a drink because of the cozy atmosphere. Pop into their restaurant bar and grab a Shipyard Pumpkinhead beer with a cinnamon sugar rim- it won’t disappoint. The cozy atmosphere accompanied by a warm fireplace is the perfect stop between museums and shopping! The Hawthorne also hosts elaborate parties during the month of October, so be on the look out for those!
The Witch House: 310 Essex St
The Jonathan Corwin House in Salem, Massachusetts, USA, known as The Witch House, was the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin (1640–1718) and is the only structure still standing in Salem with direct ties to the Salem witch trials of 1692. The Witch House is debatably the most photographed house in Salem for it’s beautiful 17th-century New England architecture. The inside of the home is replicated to look exactly like it did when Corwin’s family lived there. This is definitely a must see!
Ropes Mansion: 318 Essex St
If you’re a Halloween movie fan like me, you’ll instantly recognize this beautiful house as Allison’s house from Hocus Pocus! The ropes mansion is only two doors to the left of the Witch House and can be a quick and easy visit! It is now owned and operated by the Peabody Essex Museum and is open for tours!
Essex Street
Grab yourself a hot chocolate and take a stroll down the oh-so-popular Essex street! This lovely stretch of shops in Salem is home to many stores and bars alike! A few stores I love in this area are Crow Haven Corner (salem’s oldest witch shop), Hex: Old World Witchery (witch shop, we have one in New Orleans too!), The Coven’s Cottage (beautiful herb shop), Omen (witch shop), Wynott’s Wands (a cool Harry Potter-esque shop), and many more! There are also some good bars and food on Essex, such as: Gulu-Gulu, Rockafella’s, The Roof, and more! It’s a great place to people watch and sight see, especially in October. You can even spot the famous Bewitched statue at the corner or Essex and Washington!
Bewitched Statue and Joshua Ward House: 235 Essex St & 148 Washington Street
Walk a block down from the Bewitched statue to see the famously haunted Joshua Ward House, known as one of the most haunted house in America. The Joshua Ward House: “Salem’s most infamous historic haunted home looms grimly above busy Washington Street, visitors on tours and townspeople pass by every day, largely unaware of the horrors that may lurk inside. Some Salem residents know the history, or whisper rumors about the land’s former owner as they pass. Most walk by unaware on their way to Dunkin’ Donuts or the gift shops next door. Those in the know shudder when they pass at night. The Joshua Ward House occupies land that was owned by cruel Witch Trials high sheriff George Corwin. It is alleged that he used his private home as a sadistic torture dungeon for the innocent victims of the Witch Hysteria and that his violent spirit still stalks the land now hundreds of years later.”(spellbound tours) This brick mansion, built for a prominent merchant in 1784, is at the exact site where Sherriff George Corwin—a major figure in the Salem Witch Trials—lived, died and was buried in 1697 (though later exhumed). Corwin was known as "the strangler" for the 19 men and women executed for witchcraft under his watch. He is said to still creep around the grounds, with some visitors claiming they have been "choked" by him, and he's apparently not alone: One of his victims was famously captured in all her disheveled glory by a realtor taking photos of the property.
Salem Witch Trials Memorial and Old Burying Point Cemetery: Charter St
These two places are an absolute must before leaving town. Located a block behind the Peabody Essex Museum, these gems aren’t too far off of the beaten path. “In 1692, 14 women and 6 men were accused of being witches, were tried, convicted, and executed. Executions took place on June 10, July 19, August 19, September 19 and September 22, 1692. To this day, the events of 1692 are used as a yardstick to measure the depth of civility and due process in our society.” The Burying Point is the oldest burying ground in the city of Salem. Here is buried Justice John Hathorne, an ancestor of Nathaniel Hawthorne and one of the judges in the Witchcraft Court. Make sure to stroll down Liberty Street or “Salem Witch Village” which the cemetery is next to for little shops and a haunted house!
Derby Street
Take a stroll down Derby street on your way to the House of Seven Gables to see some gorgeous sights! The Pickering Wharf is a beautiful spot to just sit and take in the breeze. Stop in The Witches Brew or Mercy Tavern for a drink before heading down towards Ye Olde Pepper Candy Companie is the FIRST candy shop in America! The shop uses the same recipes as they did centuries ago. Immediately after the candy shop is the historic House of Seven Gables and Nathaniel Hawthorne’s birthplace. “In 1668, merchant and ship-owner John Turner built a house on Salem Harbor that was destined to become one of America’s most beloved historic homes. Designated a National Historic Landmark District in 2007, The House of the Seven Gables is best known today as the setting of world-renowned American author Nathaniel Hawthorne’s 1851 novel.” This absolutely incredible estate is available for touring, which is high on the “must-do” list. The inside of the home is completely furnished in 17th & 18th century furniture. After the House of Seven Gables, make sure to stop by The Landing at Salem Ferry for a long awaited drink.
Pioneer Village and Hocus Pocus Location: 98 West Ave & 8 Ocean Avenue
A little off of the path of the busy downtown Salem is Pioneer Village. You might recognize the Pioneer Village in Salem as the home of Thackery Binx and Emily in Hocus Pocus! Pioneer Village, was created in 1930 as the set for a play, held in Forest River Park in Salem, Massachusetts. Audience members sat in the park and watched the re-creation of what Salem, Massachusetts may have looked like in June, 1630 upon the arrival of John Winthrop and the families of Thomas Dudley and Simon Bradstreet, including America's first published poet of significance, Anne Bradstreet, daughter of Thomas and wife of Simon. The set was meant to be temporary, but the City of Salem and all of Essex County, Massachusetts had fallen in love with it so it was saved from re-development. Salem Pioneer Village, the first living history museum in the United States, opened in June, 1930. The village is only open certain times of the year, so make sure to check before venturing out. There are special nighttime events during October that are definitely worth while! PLUS! Right around the corner is the famous Hocus Pocus house! This location was used as Max and Dani’s home in the film. Though you cannot enter because people do live there, you can still respectfully take photos outside!
Where To Stay:
The Hawthorne Hotel, Hotel Salem, The Merchant, Salem Inn, The Stepping Stone Inn and The Salem Waterfront Hotel are all great places to stay in Salem. Depending on the time of year you go, prices and availability will vary.
Personally, I recommend Airbnb’ing in Salem. I’ve rented multiple Airbnb’s and have had absolutely wonderful experiences while being significantly cheaper. The first home I stayed in was built in 1701 and the charm was unbeatable.
Feel free to use my referral code for Airbnb :)
Salem is a town that’s extremely close to my heart. From all of the magical themed shops to the deep history, there is so much Salem has to offer. I recommend that every magic/history/lore lover make the trip out to this perfect New England town.
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