Salem MA trip

[LilyWDW]

Hey all!

One of my main trips next year is to go to Salem in May. So I wanted to see if anyone here has been and you have any suggestions on things that we just can not miss. Restaurants, shops, experiences... while we do have a to do list already being worked on, I am always open to additional suggestions.

 

[Skippyboo]

I stopped there in the 90s as part of a NE vacation. We went to Peabody Essex Museum.

 

[The Mayor]

My wife grew up in Salem and we live in the next town over now. What are your interests? Are you interested in the maritime history of Salem or are you coming to tour all the haunted houses and witch stuff? Where are you staying? That will make a big difference in what advice to pass along.

Also, have you have you allocated any time for visiting Marblehead (Birthplace of the American Navy)? It's next door to Salem and has a rich fishing and revolutionary history, A great walking town in the "old town" section.

There are a lot of good restaurants to suggest but most of the best ones are off the beaten path away from the touristy places. One in the center of Salem that I'd recommend is Olde Main Street Pub. It has a small menu but the food is excellent. In Pickering Wharf, which is very touristy, the best restaurant is Finz and it's right on Salem Harbor. If your looking for a traditional New England seafood place (best fried seafood around) then try Dube's on Jefferson Ave. It's out of the touristy area but not far. If you go to Marblehead try Three Cod Tavern on Pleasant St. or The Barnacle which is right on Marblehead Harbor and next to Fort Sewall. The Fort is where the Marblehead militia protected Old Ironsides from attach from the British ships'

 

[Pollies]

Salem in May is fantastic! If you’re looking for unique experiences, Virgin Experience Days offers memorable activities like city tours, scenic dining, and guided history experiences that could be ideal for your Salem trip. Virginexperiencedays connects you with diverse adventures, and customer reviews highlight its wide range of unique day experiences across the U.S.

 

[BayouQueen]

We spent a few days there many years ago and had a great time — easily walkable and lots to do within easy reach. DD and DSIL just recently visited there and enjoyed it just as much. Charming place. We did also drive to Marblehead. It’s beautiful and memorable.
Have a great time!

 

[MICKIMINI]

Try to get to Annisquam. It is a tiny town with a great historical museum. DH spent summers there at his grandparent's home with his extended family - sometimes twenty or more cousins, aunts and uncles. Absolute New England seacoast charm!

 

[figment52]

I'll second Finz for lunch and you must try the fries - they are outstanding (seasoned with Old Bay seasoning, something i never would have thought of doing). I don't remember what else I ate that but I do remember I ate ALL of the fries and that is something I never do.

 

[leebee]

My wife grew up in Salem and we live in the next town over now. What are your interests? Are you interested in the maritime history of Salem or are you coming to tour all the haunted houses and witch stuff? Where are you staying? That will make a big difference in what advice to pass along.

Where do you live? I'm from Peabody!

 

[LilyWDW]

My wife grew up in Salem and we live in the next town over now. What are your interests? Are you interested in the maritime history of Salem or are you coming to tour all the haunted houses and witch stuff? Where are you staying? That will make a big difference in what advice to pass along.

Also, have you have you allocated any time for visiting Marblehead (Birthplace of the American Navy)? It's next door to Salem and has a rich fishing and revolutionary history, A great walking town in the "old town" section.

There are a lot of good restaurants to suggest but most of the best ones are off the beaten path away from the touristy places. One in the center of Salem that I'd recommend is Olde Main Street Pub. It has a small menu but the food is excellent. In Pickering Wharf, which is very touristy, the best restaurant is Finz and it's right on Salem Harbor. If your looking for a traditional New England seafood place (best fried seafood around) then try Dube's on Jefferson Ave. It's out of the touristy area but not far. If you go to Marblehead try Three Cod Tavern on Pleasant St. or The Barnacle which is right on Marblehead Harbor and next to Fort Sewall. The Fort is where the Marblehead militia protected Old Ironsides from attach from the British ships'

Gonna quote this post, but I thank everyone for their suggestions!

We are going for the touristy witchy stuff. We are staying at the Salem Waterfront Hotel and Suites in early May for a long weekend (coming in on a Thursday and leaving on Sunday). So I don't think we will have a lot of time to make it outside of Salem sadly. If I love the town (which I think I will), I may take another trip and will plan for a longer time to do more exploring. I just have so much already planned next year with this trip, conventions, local festivals, and a Disney trip that a long weekend was pretty much the limit.

Finz is on my short list for restaurants especially since we will be staying down that way. I will look into Olde Main Street Pub and Dube's. We don't mind a walk (I live in Chicago without a car so I walk or take public transportation everywhere).

 

[SandyinMonterey]

Salen MA is on my to do list. It was recommended to me to check out the New England coast line in Gloucester and Rockport.

 

[The Mayor]

Gonna quote this post, but I thank everyone for their suggestions!

We are going for the touristy witchy stuff. We are staying at the Salem Waterfront Hotel and Suites in early May for a long weekend (coming in on a Thursday and leaving on Sunday). So I don't think we will have a lot of time to make it outside of Salem sadly. If I love the town (which I think I will), I may take another trip and will plan for a longer time to do more exploring. I just have so much already planned next year with this trip, conventions, local festivals, and a Disney trip that a long weekend was pretty much the limit.

Finz is on my short list for restaurants especially since we will be staying down that way. I will look into Olde Main Street Pub and Dube's. We don't mind a walk (I live in Chicago without a car so I walk or take public transportation everywhere).

I’d recommend taking one of the walking tours then. There’s two or three of them and they’re all good. They are all up the street on Essex street. Finz is in Pickering Wharf where your hotel is. Olde Main Street Pub is a three minute walk up the street at the end of Essex St. Dubes isn’t really walkable, it is but it would most likely take 30 minutes to walk there, so you’d have to Uber.

Enjoy your trip and pack layers. May can be funky with the weather. Hot, cold and or rainy.

 

[PollyannaMom]

I haven't been to Salem in years, so I can't really recommend restaurants. But for touristy stuff, I know we did the House of Seven Gables and the Witch Museum. Since you're there for a whole weekend, I'd definitely do a walking tour as well.

 

[mmouse37]

My mom grew up in Gloucester (Good Harbor) is one of my all time favorite beaches. Spent many childhood vacations there. Been to Salem a few times but not recently

I do have a family connection to Salem though. My ancestor was the first governor of Salem and his statue is in the middle of town.

https://www.salem.org/notable-locals/roger-conant/

 

[mmouse37]

dupe post

 

[xjillianpaige]

Salem Willows will be beautiful at that time! It's a big park on the water. There's food and beaches.

For drinks my friends and I like Notch Brewing and Far from the Tree Cider. Notch has snacks, Far from the Tree doesn't have food regularly, sometimes a food truck. Bit Bar is a fun video games bar and has food (pub grub - nothing fancy but their tater tots are Tetris shapes). I also like All Souls for craft cocktails and great food. Late night check out Goodnight Fattys for cookies. All of it's within walking distance except for Far from the Tree. And the willows is a longer walk.

 

[jeenydav]

I’ve never been there, but it’s definitely on my list! Enjoy your trip! Right now, I’m swamped with helping my daughter keep up with her college workload. Thankfully, services like https://ukwritings.com/sociology-essay-help exist these days, which has made things a bit easier for both of us. With that extra support, she’s managing her assignments without getting overwhelmed, and it’s giving her some breathing room. Next month should be a little lighter for her, so we’re hoping to finally start planning our own vacation. A break sounds perfect right now, and we’re both looking forward to having that time to relax and recharge.