Budget trip to Salem, Ma

[ardig123]

Hi all...we have decided to take a trip in August to Salem, Ma. We will be going mainly to visit American Girl in Natick but thought that Salem seemed like a nice place to visit/stay...we will be there from Thurs-Sun. Like I said 1 day will be spent at AG. We are staying in the Springhill Suites in Peabody.

Anybody have any tips and tricks for the area...things to do etc? We had originally thought about staying and going to Boston but it seems impossible to do this on a budget and none of us really like taking public transportation so driving and parking in Boston seemed like too much of a chore.

Like I said we are looking for budget minded things since I know we are going to be spending more than we should at AG. Luckily we have points saved so our hotel will only run about $90 for 3 nights!!

 

[disneylove69]

Since everything is so close we did a day in Salem and then drove to Vermont and New Hampshire for day trips. Hit the farm areas. We were able to go to a cheese factory, maple syrup farm, etc. The places were free or a few dollars. Lot's of free samples so we didn't have to buy much food. It is so pretty up there. You could drive the coast.

 

[HeatherC]

If you come this far, I think it would be a shame to miss out on Boston. It is just so quaint and historical.

There are plenty of places that you could park and take the "T" in to the city.

Boston is also a walking city, so you pretty much can walk almost everywhere once you are there. And there is always something going on that is free in the summer. Just walking around Faneuil Hall and the North End can take up a day.

I'm wondering why you are staying in Peabody? That is probably at least 30 minutes from Natick driving time. There are plenty of hotels in the Framingham/Natick area that would be much more convenient for AG and visiting Boston.

A couple that come to mind are the Sheraton Tara in Framingham, Red Roof Inn, Natick, Crowne Plaza, Natick and the Newton Marriott which is right along the MassPike/128 line. There are "t" stops close by that you could park at and take the train right into the city. There are also tons or restaurants and shopping that make it a great spot.

If you are driving from PA, you would come right in on the MassPike and be right there. Very direct.

Hope this helps! Have a great time!

 

[MEM]

I'm wondering why you are staying in Peabody? That is probably at least 30 minutes from Natick driving time. There are plenty of hotels in the Framingham/Natick area that would be much more convenient for AG and visiting Boston.

A couple that come to mind are the Sheraton Tara in Framingham, Red Roof Inn, Natick, Crowne Plaza, Natick and the Newton Marriott which is right along the MassPike/128 line. There are "t" stops close by that you could park at and take the train right into the city. There are also tons or restaurants and shopping that make it a great spot.

If you are driving from PA, you would come right in on the MassPike and be right there. Very direct.

Hope this helps! Have a great time!

I was wondering that too, unless Salem is a destination for the OP in which case Peabody makes sense for that part of the trip. Waltham would be a convenient place to stay for both Natick and Salem legs of the trip and we are also convenient to Boston. Waltham has quite a few hotels.

 

[ardig123]

Well, I picked Peabody because Salem seemed like a fun place to visit...we are doing 1 day at AG and we do not mind making a bit of a drive to get there...we did consider staying in Natick but it seems like other than AG there is not much to do there?

The other reason why I picked Peabody is because they have a Springhill Suites so I can use my Marriot rewards...which makes the cost for 3 nights only $100...we really wanted a suite type room so we can spread out a bit. Is Peabody close to Salem?

I know this makes us sound crazy but neither my husband or I are thrilled at the thought of taking the T...so we were looking for things that did not involve that...

Any tips or ideas for fun things to do in Salem? We are not completely ruling Boston out yet...I have done quite a bit of research on Boston so we may still consider driving in, parking, and then walking...but I would love to find some things in Salem close to the hotel.

 

[abmitch01]

Salem is fun. The PEM museum is fantastic, I didn't think it would have enough for kids but they loved it.

 

[shamrock30]

The other reason why I picked Peabody is because they have a Springhill Suites so I can use my Marriot rewards...which makes the cost for 3 nights only $100...we really wanted a suite type room so we can spread out a bit. Is Peabody close to Salem?.

Yes, Peabody is close to Salem, but I'd put the drive to Natick as more like 50-60 minutes outside of rush hour. There are also a lot of nice beaches on the North Shore that you can easily get to from Peabody, although you would want an early start on a weekend day because the lots can fill up. Rockport, MA is a cute town that is north of Boston, but parking can be an issue there on the weekend too.

The subway really isn't that bad, but if you just can't do it, you can travel to Boston by commuter rail from Salem. It is is all above ground.

 

[DisMomme]

Grew up in Peabody. There are lots of things to do and see in and around Salem. It depends on the interests and ages of those going.

Peabody-Essex Museum
Salem Willows - Arcade area and picnic areas near the water. Sometimes there are bands playing. Used to have beaches as well - not sure if they still allow swimming there.
Children's Museum, Salem- never been there
Children's Museum, Portsmouth NH - fun, small place for smaller kids to explore - I'd say ages 4-8 maybe.
Salem Witch Museum
Pickering Wharf - always went for school field trips - historical areas and shops. I think the Maritime Museum is there.
Manchester-by-the-Sea - Singing beach. The sands really do make noise when you walk on them.
Nahant - is a nice area
Water Country - water park in Portsmouth, NH (about a 40 min ride)
Stone Zoo - Stoneham MA - a small but nice zoo

This website http://attractions.uptake.com/massachusetts/peabody/cheap_vacations/415909112.html
has a lot of information on it. Includes beaches as well. There are many pretty places to visit in the area, if you're into sight seeing.

Have fun!

 

[clori]

just fyi - Children's Museum in NH moved from Portsmouth to Dover, NH

 

[soontobewed07]

There is plenty to do in Salem,but I agree Boston is not to be missed. We have the commuter rail or "purple line" as it is known here that is comfortable and a nice ride into Boston. Also there is a ferry that goes from Salem to Boston and takes about 45 minutes.

As for Salem I suggest dining at Victoria's station or if in Peabody The Century House. The hotel can give you directions and they are both easy to get to.

Salem willows is fun but it is better during the day and you can bring a picnic or a tabletop grill and spend the afternoon flying kites or playing the "boardwalk" games.

I do not know the age of your children, but some things in Salem can be scary or boring. Feel free to PM and I can give you more info.

Gloucester is a great time great seafood, but be warned the beaches are expensive about $25 dollars to park.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Yes, Peabody is close to Salem, but I'd put the drive to Natick as more like 50-60 minutes outside of rush hour.

Eh, 45 according to mapquest http://www.mapquest.com/maps?1pn=Sp...=-71.382797&2v=ADDRESS&2id=265263334#initPgSt .
OP, come to Peabody (the "o" isn't quite silent, but the accent is on the first syllable). You'll enjoy Salem. Try this http://salem.org/ site (thanks, by the way - I'm going to the Farmer's Market tomorrow ). And this one http://www.salemweb.com/guide/.

 

[buzz5985]

Aren't there commuter boats that go from Salem to Boston???

 

[kaytieeldr]

There are, but the commuter rail is easier to access since it's right at downtown Salem, and the train lets you out at North Station which is walking distance from, well, downtown Boston. The ferry is more expensive, I'm not sure about the parking situation, and it lets you out sort of over near the Seaport hotel. The only options to get anywhere "good" from there unless you're ready for a long starting walk are the bus or possibly the Silver line.

 

[dakcp2001]

You are also very close to some nice beaches, if the weather is "beachy". If the weather is nice, you might want to consider a whale watch or taking a ferry to Boston, that way it is a fun trip instead of the commuter rail.

Gloucester or Ipswich has some lovely beaches. If you are into history, you will love Salem, I think it is a nice place to visit!