OUR FAMILY-MY HUSBAND MYSELF MY 14 YEAR OLD SISTER AND OUR 3 YEAR OLD SON WILL BE TRAVELING TO SALEM IN OCTOBER AND WILL BE STAYING AT THE SALEM INN FOR 2 NIGHTS.ARE WE GOING TO BE DISAPPOINTED?WE HOPE NOT TO BE SINCE IT IS SOMEWHAT EXPENSIVE TO STAY THERE BUT STILL NOT AS EXPENSIVE AS BOSTON.WE PICKED THE SALEM INN BECAUSE IT SEEMS LIKE A GOOD LOCATION/ATMOSPHERE AND BECAUSE THEY HAVE FAMILY SUITES-WE PLAN THEN TO GO ON SOMEWHERE ELSE IN THE AREA TO STAY BUT WE ARE NOT SURE WHERE.ANY OTHER SUGGESTIONS?WE HAD COME ACROSS A FLOATING B AND B IN BOSTON ON THE WHARF CALLED THE GOLDEN SLIPPER WHICH IS A TYPE OF YACHT THAT SLEEPS 4 AT A RATE OF $180 P/NT SOUNDS FUN.ANYONE FAMILIAR WITH THIS?

Tina, if you go to Salem, MA just to see the witches, you may be disappointed. Salem is a historic city with a National Park center, many historic sites to explore including the House of Seven Gables, the customs house where Hawthorne worked as a young man, houses, and one of the finest museums (Peabody Essex Museum) anywhere. This summer they have a special exhibit on needlework and one on the treasures of Beijing. The museum also focuses on the China trade which made Salem rich and famous, and other maritime aspects of Salem's past. They also own three historic homes right on their property which you can tour. If you appreciate history, you should enjoy Salem.

We were in Salem a few months ago (our first time) and thought it was a charming, and historic town.

I can see where some of the posts would call it cheesy. There are some exploitive attractions but all in all I found it to be very informative.

The house of the Seven Gables was interesting (especially if you remember reading the book, and as posted, the Peabody Essex Museum is one of the best!)

We had a great dinner at a hotel right on the main street (the name escapes me) that was very good. Casual fare and moderately priced. (we ate in the pub, not the restaurant).

Not familiar with the Salem Inn...we stayed at the "Morning Glory Inn" which was wonderful. Right next to the 7 Gables, but location is not a problem in Salem as it is small and walkable. Have a great time.

I find neighboring Marblehead and points north on Cape Ann (Rockport, Ipswich, etc.) more interesting.

Tina,
Gentle note here. Obviously you don't realize that typing in all caps is considered "shouting". It's also much easier to read in lowercase letters. (Next time, right?) Have fun in Salem.

The Inn in Salem, Ma is the Hawthorne
Inn...very lovely...make sure you go
further north to Rockport....very
picturesque...plenty of shops and
art galleries....

Nanc

can anyone recommed any psychics in salem? i love to have someone read my cards or palm. we will be in salem for a weekend and are looking forward to all salem has to offer.

I'll be going to Salem for the first time this October as well, for my honeymoon. I'm hoping someone has something nice to say about The Inn on Washington Square . Anyone?

We were just in Salem in July on a day trip from Boston by train.E spent some time (not enough) at the Peabody Essex Museum and it was lovely. When its renovations are complete it will be even better. It's gift shop was great too. Also had what looked like a lovely cafe.

I wrote quite a lengthy reply the other day but it got lost on my hard drive somewhere. I'm sure I wasn't as eloquent as the first poster here, however.

I too recommend the Peabody Essex Museum and the House of Seven Gables. If you try one witch-themed thing, you might want to try the Witch Museum or the Witch Dungeon. But do only one. Definitely skip the wax museum. And be aware that the "Witch House" is a historic house--if you pick one historic house, do the Seven Gables. My daughter, now 15, has been to Seven Gables probably 3 or 4 times, and she enjoys it. It might be difficult to have a toddler there, however, so you might want to split up for that visit.

You might find the burying ground in Salem interesting, too.

Your sister will probably enjoy walking around downtown Salem--there are a number of shops that might appeal to her.

Marblehead is great to drive around--and it's just the next town. Drive around "the Neck," which is obvious when you look at a map. From Atlantic Avenue, you'll turn onto Ocean Avenue. Right before you get to the short causeway that takes you to the Neck, you'll come to Devereux Beach, where there's a nice little playground. As you drive around the neck, pay attention for signs for "castle rock." Even though it's a ritzy residential area, you can park your car right on the street and go down a little walkway to big rocks on the ocean. You'll have to watch your little one carefully, but it's a great view. Then, at the tip of the neck you'll find a lighthouse at Chandler Hovey Park, where it's nice to have a picnic if it's warm enough (and it might be in early October).

Also in Marblehead, walk around "Old Town." Driving back from the neck, turn right onto Atlantic Avenue and follow it till it ends, then bends around to the left. Make a right at a place known as "five corners." It's not labeled, but it will be clear that that's what it is. That will take you down into Old Town. With luck, you'll find a parking place right on the street and can wander around. There are antique shops, a used book store, a great toy store (Hector's Pup). Find your way down to Front Street at the harbor and look over to the lighthouse on Marblehead Neck and just enjoy the beautiful view. Walk down to Fort Sewall.

I've never heard of the Golden Slipper, so I can't tell you anything about that. I hope you do go into Boston.

Do you need further information about places to eat in the Salem area? Or things to do in Boston?

Tina,

First of all, what's cheesy to one person is fun/charming/entertaining to someone else so I don't think one can judge for another! Like, I thought the Witch Museum would be silly, but then really enjoyed it and had FUN! It's a beautiful, historic town with enough to do, and if you WERE to get bored there, there's so many charming and historic, beautiful other places to visit in the Boston area. So stick with your decision - I think you'll have tons of fun! And no other area decorates as well for Fall/Halloween season as they do around Boston!!!

I found Salem a BIG disappointment. None of the original stuff is still stere except for one house. It is VERY cheesy. I would however, recommend as the other posters have said the national historic area part down by the water. It is very nice

Just wondering...is this the same Salem as Salem on Days of our Lives? Always wondered...