Salem
 

Hey all!

I'm from southern MA near the RI line. I've been to Salem once on Halloween, but it was many years ago as a teen. I want to check it out this coming weekend (I know it'll be busy). What should I see/do while I'm up there?

There are 2 categories of things to do in Salem - Peabody Essex Museum, which is a wonderful way to spend part of a day. And second, all the witch stuff - there are a couple of smallish museums dedicated to witches, ranging from genuine historical to regional hysterical.

Weekend parking around Halloween is always a challenge or an expense.

We were just there on Sunday a week ago. Very busy but fun, lots of vendors with some nice stuff actually, so many people in costume and lots of decorations. We went to see the last weekend of the Ansel Adams exhibit at the PEM, but their other collections are cool, the space is beautiful especially this time of year. The gift shop rocked! We had a hard time getting in for lunch at some close-in places, but a short walk down the hill to the Wharf area has a lot more choices. If it's nice, dine outside at Finz - great food and view.

Salem lives for Halloween, so be prepared for big crowds. We parked at the PEM for $20, worth it for the prime location. There's also a commuter rail train if that makes sense. I bet it would be a blast on a weekend night!

Apart from PEM (which is fantastic, and don't miss the Chinese House) and the Witch stuff, there is also lots of (mostly maritime) history to see in Salem. Salem was one of the RICHEST ports along the coast in the late 1700s. There is a National Park Service there and they offer ranger-guided tours. http://www.nps.gov/sama/planyourvisit/guidedtours.htm

We've taken several of the tours and we find them interesting and informative. The Custom House is where Hawthorne had worked and inspired The Scarlet Letter.

We usually go to Salem 2-3x a year... most often for a special exhibit at PEM but also for the other historic stuff. If you need restaurant suggestion, we LOVE Polish food at Cafe Polonia, just round the corner from PEM. http://www.cafepolonia.com/

Oh man, I missed out on Ansel Adams? Adore his work!

Good to know about the parking at PEM. I know it'll be busy, but that's part of the fun for me. Halloween is my favorite holiday and I plan on going dressed up so it'll be good to have like-minded folk around :)

Thanks for the tips!

Around Halloween in Salem anything goes - I have been there making home visits mid-October, mid-week, mid-day and seen people in full costume. Sounds like you might enjoy hitting some of the costumed nightlife - although I am way too old to have specific recommendations anymore.

You need a Plan B on parking. We have been there (by accident, as I don't do witches) and all the parking, even at the PEM, or destination, was full.

The MBTA commuter rail station is about a fifteen minute walk from the madness, all through a pleasant neighborhood.

Thanks Ackislander! That might be an option since I live close to the commuter rail!

Will strongly second the suggestions here -- the PEM is a must and the Salem Maritime National Historic Site buildings are excellent. I also enjoyed touring the House of the Seven Gables. Of the various "witch" attractions, I'd opt for the Salem Witch Museum (on Washington Square) if it's of interest (there are lots of other hokier such entities which look pretty sketchy).

Agreed that commuter rail is a great choice here, especially in October.