A Perfect Weekend in Salem, Massachusetts

Salem, Massachusetts is a fun place for a family getaway. It has it all…entertainment, history, shopping, and great restaurants. If your kids are too young for anything involving witches, there is still a ton of things to do. Here is an itinerary for A Perfect Weekend in Salem, Massachusetts.

DAY 1

House of Seven Gables

Your first stop in Salem is to the House of Seven Gables. This historic home, built in 1668, is best known today as the setting of world-renowned American author Nathaniel Hawthorne’s 1851 novel. Take a guided 45-minute group tour through this seaside home. Never read the book? Don’t worry…most visitors haven’t. It’s a wonderful way to get a glimpse of what Salem was like at that time period.

(Read all about our time HERE.)

Hawthorne Hotel

Now it’s time to check into your home for the next 2 nights…the historic Hawthorne Hotel. Established in 1925, it is rumored to be one of the most haunted hotels in America. (Although I never saw anything spooky while I was there.) The Hawthorne is a piece of Salem’s history and it has a classy, yet welcoming, feel to it.

(Read all about our stay HERE.)

After you’ve settled in, walk over to Jolie Tea House and get ready for one of the most fabulous high teas you’ve ever had! The finger sandwiches and macrons were incredible and I recommend the Spicy Masala Chai with cream as your tea.

(Read all about our time HERE.)

Now that your belly is full, it’s time to walk it off.

Salem Witch Museum

To learn all about what happened here in Salem with the witch trials, visit the Salem Witch Museum. They use lifelike —- to tell the story. It’s a great way to get a good understanding of how and why this tragedy took place.

Memorials

Now walk over to the Witch Trial Memorial to see the monuments dedicated to the — women and 1 man that were killed during the Salem witch trials. It’s interesting to see that people leave flowers and notes there.

Right next to the memorial is the Old Burying Point Cemetery. It’s neat to wander the grounds and look at how old some of the tombstones are.

Something Sweet

You’re probably still full from high tea, but now would be a great time to buy some sweets to take home with you. Maria’s Sweet Something has delicious treats to choose from. Just look at these truffles! They are not cheap, but they are worth every penny! (1 or 2 may have not made it home…lol)

Evening Stroll

Before dinner, walk down to the Pickering Wharf to the Salem Maritime National Historic Site

And the historic buildings along the water.

Dinner tonight is at Sea Level Oyster Bar. If it is nice, ask for a seat on the patio where you can enjoy a view of the waterfront. They have great cocktails and a wonderful selection of oysters. I recommend any of their salads.

DAY 2

Peabody Essex Museum

Spend the morning at the lovely Peabody Essex Museum. There is a wide variety of art, so there will be something for everyone.

This is one of my favorite rooms.

(Read all about our time HERE.)

Lunch

For lunch, pop into Howling Wolf Taqueria.

Time to shop!

Salem is an amazing place to shop. There are so many unique boutique shops to poke in to and the best are found in the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall, where the streets are closed to cars. Some of my favorite spots include:

Kakawa Chocolate House (Buy one of their famous elixirs)

Tibet Art and Healing

Wicked Good Books

Wynott’s Wands

Coven’s Cottage

Did you ever watch Bewitched? Find the famous statue of Elizabeth Montgomery.

If you like the movie Hocus Pocus, there are several spots that were in the movie. One spot is Town Hall.

Dinner tonight is back at the Hawthorne Hotel. They have two dining options: The Tavern and Nathaniel’s. You can’t go wrong with either one. I love the Sweet Onion Bleu Burger with Truffle Fries