visitor

I will be attending a seminar in Providence, R.I. later this year. Would like to stay over an extra day for some sightseeing. Can anyone tell me where the nearest Shaker Village would be? Are they open to the public? Also, how close is Salem, Mass? Is there a Salem witch exibit and is it worth a visit? Is it possible to combine these two stops? I think these two episodes in American history would be fun to explore further. Have been to Boston so would prefer something else nearby. Thanks.

Chris

I was in Salem around the first of July. It is a satanic disneyworld. There is only one original structure from all the witch stuff left....the rest is "re-created" by tourism gurus. The waterfront in Salem is nice...administered by the National Park Service. Salem is north of Boston....I don't think it's worth the drive...
I don't know of any Shaker things..however I would suggest Plymouth..it's fairly close to Providence and is very nice if you like old Puritan type things...The recreation just south of town called "Plimoth Planation" is very well done. Plymouth also has some great seafood....Something else close to Providence in a waterfront setting is New Bedford......and beleive it or not....Providence is a nice town to visit.

Toni

We visited the Hancock Shaker Village in Pittsfield Ma and found it to be utterly fascinating. We expected to spend a few hours and we were there most of the day. It might be a bit far from Providence but you might check with mapquest and see exactly how long it would take.
There are also villages in New Hampshire(The Enfield Shaker Museum) and out of Portland Ma the "Sabbathday Lake Shaker Community". Again check with mapquest and see which one might be closest for you.
We were also in Salem and found the House of the Seven Gables very interesting and the town itself charming, but the witch museums etc. are a bit tacky.
Just my opinion...

Donna F

Canterbury NH Shaker Village is only about 2 hours from Providence. Just go north on Rt 95/495 to Rt 93. It's just north of Concord NH. It is a very beautiful place with excellent tours. You will learn a lot about their history and religious life. I thought Salem was a little hokey. Fun but theatrical. If you have to pick, choose the Shakers. You might have time to do both. Shaker Village also has some events on some weekends. But check days and hours of operation. They didn't use to be open on Sundays because there was a Shaker sister still living there until a few years ago.

Donna F

Here's the website:

http://www.shakers.org/

Liam

I am going to suggest something you did not ask for, but only because it is the closest historical site outside of Providence - Newport, RI.

I know, I know - it is the antithesis of Shaker (think Gilded Age summer "cottages" by the likes of the Asters and Vanderbilts). The center of town is pretty, you can tour the mansions and even delve a bit into early settler history (the first Jewish synangogue in North America, early settlements, etc.).

The other posters have suggested locations which are pretty distant from Providence (with the exception of Plimoth Plantation, which is probably an hour away).

Beth

Canterbury, NH and Salem, MA are appx two hours apart. Both would need a full day's visit. If you visit Salem, be sure to take in the House of Seven Gables and and the Witch Museum (not Witch House), and the Peabody Essex Museum if time allows. The Shaker Village outside of Concord is set on lovely grounds, it quite interesting, and has a well-known public restaurant for dinner (res req).
That said, being from the area and having seen all of the above - and knowing that you'll be in Providence - I'd recommend Newport for siteseeing first, and Plymouth Plantation as a further jaunt. The mansions are incredible, the path along the ocean a lovely hike, and lots of little gift shops and restaurants. Plimouth has the tours of a model of the Mayflower and a Village set up as the orignal colony; actors fill you in on the history.
Whatever you decide, you can't go wrong! Everything mentioned would make for fun and interesting vacationing.

vistor

Thanks everyone for their replys and the website. I have a lot to think about. Plimouth Plantation sounds really interesting and I had never considered Newport. May just have to try and stay longer to see it all.