Salem, Massachusetts post-Halloween--what to see?
October 16, 2023 2:37 PM Subscribe
I'm visiting Salem, MA in mid-November. What's it like after the October madness has passed? Looking for activities that are historic, melancholy and witchy, plus at least one good meal, maybe Sunday brunch for two people.
I'll have two full days plus an evening and a morning, and I'm actually staying in Marblehead, so recommendations for there are also welcome. I've been to Salem before, but it was in summer like 15 years ago, so I don't have a good sense of what it's like now. Based on how hard it was to book a room it seems like it'll still be fairly touristy, but not bonkers like in October? I'm traveling alone and just meeting up with a buddy for one day, so my plans are very "walk around and do cool stuff at a relaxed pace".
I like historic buildings, the more serious/classy side of witchy stuff, and cemeteries; I'm already planning on checking out the memorial to the accused witches, Black Veil Tattoo, The Satanic Temple, and HausWitch, to give you an idea. I'd love to find a good breakfast/brunch place (no food restrictions) for Sunday morning in Marblehead or Salem, and any other recommendations are also welcome. I'm not super attached to getting a tarot reading, but if there was someone you liked, I'm interested. I'd also be really into a sea shanty sing or other traditional music if it's happening in the area.
Any and all suggestions welcome, thanks!
I'll have two full days plus an evening and a morning, and I'm actually staying in Marblehead, so recommendations for there are also welcome. I've been to Salem before, but it was in summer like 15 years ago, so I don't have a good sense of what it's like now. Based on how hard it was to book a room it seems like it'll still be fairly touristy, but not bonkers like in October? I'm traveling alone and just meeting up with a buddy for one day, so my plans are very "walk around and do cool stuff at a relaxed pace".
I like historic buildings, the more serious/classy side of witchy stuff, and cemeteries; I'm already planning on checking out the memorial to the accused witches, Black Veil Tattoo, The Satanic Temple, and HausWitch, to give you an idea. I'd love to find a good breakfast/brunch place (no food restrictions) for Sunday morning in Marblehead or Salem, and any other recommendations are also welcome. I'm not super attached to getting a tarot reading, but if there was someone you liked, I'm interested. I'd also be really into a sea shanty sing or other traditional music if it's happening in the area.
Any and all suggestions welcome, thanks!
Salem has become insanely, insanely busy regardless of the season. I was there in late August and you couldn't drive without people walking and stepping off the sidewalks. And, yes, the hotels are getting ridiculously expensive. The one I used to stay at for less than $100/night is pushing $300/night now.
The Ugly Mug is great for breakfast/brunch food. The staff is really nice. It's in the middle of all the craziness, and their pancakes are excellent. Just don't ask the grill guy for soft scrambled eggs.
Excellent Mexican Food and REALLY strong drinks.
Far from the Tree all kinds of craft ciders, an outside area to sit, and you can do flight tastings.
Right across the street from the Ugly Mug is a little brick street that's closed off to cars. Immediately to the right of it is a kind of artist's alley with tents. Cool stuff to check out there.
There is a huge cemetery just over the bridge in Beverly. It's one stop over on the train. There are some amazing houses across the street from the water. Like big, beautiful Rhode Island How Can They Afford Those Houses with great hydrangeas. It's a really nice walk with good sidewalks.
It's a quirky little area. I really kind of love it! I hope you have fun!
posted by dancinglamb at 4:18 AM on October 17, 2023 [1 favorite]
The Ugly Mug is great for breakfast/brunch food. The staff is really nice. It's in the middle of all the craziness, and their pancakes are excellent. Just don't ask the grill guy for soft scrambled eggs.
Excellent Mexican Food and REALLY strong drinks.
Far from the Tree all kinds of craft ciders, an outside area to sit, and you can do flight tastings.
Right across the street from the Ugly Mug is a little brick street that's closed off to cars. Immediately to the right of it is a kind of artist's alley with tents. Cool stuff to check out there.
There is a huge cemetery just over the bridge in Beverly. It's one stop over on the train. There are some amazing houses across the street from the water. Like big, beautiful Rhode Island How Can They Afford Those Houses with great hydrangeas. It's a really nice walk with good sidewalks.
It's a quirky little area. I really kind of love it! I hope you have fun!
posted by dancinglamb at 4:18 AM on October 17, 2023 [1 favorite]
Bit Bar is a lovingly curated arcade bar with pretty good food. The Peabody Essex Museum is worth visiting and looks like they have a witch trials exhibit going on through November. Gulu-Gulu Cafe has my favorite brunch in town.
posted by tangosnail at 8:19 AM on October 17, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by tangosnail at 8:19 AM on October 17, 2023 [2 favorites]
Jinx with tangosnail, The Peabody Essex museum is a very good museum and includes some fascinating historical rooms including the Yin Yu Tang House, a late 18th century home from the Anhui province of China and a a recreation of a room in Cleopatra's Barge, an opulent 19th century yacht.
posted by LeeLanded at 8:27 AM on October 17, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by LeeLanded at 8:27 AM on October 17, 2023 [2 favorites]
Hi! I did this a few years back. We arrived on November 10th. I was happy that the fall colors were still glorious and the major attractions were all open! Seconding the Peabody. I also enjoyed the House of 7 Gables tour and the Witch Museum started off corny but quickly changed into something really thoughtful.
For shops, I always visit Die with Your Boots On, The Ossuary, and Modern Millie. For food we enjoyed All Souls.
The only word of caution I have is there might be some shops closed. We ran into more than a few "we're exhausted from October and on vacay for 2 weeks" signs on some of the stores that appeared to be more curated and less Vegas souvenir shop.
If you have time for a day trip back to Boston, visit Mt. Auburn Cemetery or the Gardner museum.
posted by haplesschild at 12:01 PM on October 17, 2023 [1 favorite]
For shops, I always visit Die with Your Boots On, The Ossuary, and Modern Millie. For food we enjoyed All Souls.
The only word of caution I have is there might be some shops closed. We ran into more than a few "we're exhausted from October and on vacay for 2 weeks" signs on some of the stores that appeared to be more curated and less Vegas souvenir shop.
If you have time for a day trip back to Boston, visit Mt. Auburn Cemetery or the Gardner museum.
posted by haplesschild at 12:01 PM on October 17, 2023 [1 favorite]
This may be tangential, but E. W. Hobbs has some of the best popcorn I've ever had. They're on the Salem shoreline.
posted by queen anne's remorse at 10:39 AM on October 20, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by queen anne's remorse at 10:39 AM on October 20, 2023 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Thanks everyone! That's plenty to get started with, so I'll mark this resolved. I really appreciate all the answers.
posted by Nibbly Fang at 6:52 PM on November 3, 2023
posted by Nibbly Fang at 6:52 PM on November 3, 2023
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When i swung by Salem to pickup beers from notch, a while ago my friend i was staying with several towns over had me pickup indian takeout from "passage to india" around the corner from notch because they missed them greatly. No idea what else there is in town to eat.
posted by TheAdamist at 6:51 PM on October 16, 2023 [1 favorite]