Where to Stay
Hawthorne Hotel
Located a 10 minute walk from most of the premier spots in Salem is the classically beautiful Hawthorne Hotel . Listed amongst the Historic Hotels of America , the Hawthorne also features two excellent restaurants and a wedding function hall that overlooks Salem Common. The restaurants feature some creative and excellent dishes, especially breakfast/brunch. This is super convenient when planning packed days of sight seeing.
What to Do
Sailing Tours on the Schooner Fame in Salem, MA
A Sunset Tour on the replica of the 1812 privateer ‘Fame’ is an excellent way to hear about some of Salem’s history. The sights from Salem Harbor, as well as the very loud cannon, will keep you engaged the entire voyage.
Peabody Essex Museum
Happy to say the Peabody Essex Museum is always surprising me with a great diversity of art and mediums. It is always a must do when you visit Salem. Destination Salem, Massachusetts
The House of the Seven Gables
While I have visited the spot, I never was able to tour the The House of the Seven Gables until this past weekend with Destination Salem, Massachusetts. Cool things about the house many people may not know by photo: Amazing View of the harbor, Bed Chamber, Secret Stair Case, Secret Liquor Cabinet, Well Spring, Traditionally Shipped Block of Tea and Cone of Sugar.
So Much More to See
Excellent Restaurant Scene (Just a Few from Our Visit)
Ledger Restaurant
In just a few years, Ledger Restaurant in Salem has established themselves as a must visit spot in Salem. We got to experience their brunch on Sunday for the first time and it didn’t disappoint.
Chicken and Waffles buttermilk fried chicken, waffle, poblano butter, hot honey, pickles,
Pork Belly & Grits creamy grits, smoked cheddar, maple , sous vide egg, fried greens.
Daily Donut Rainbow.
“THE GRIFFIN” MAI TAI Ledger’s single barrel Privateer rum, Curaçao, lime, orgeat
Adriatic Restaurant & Bar
The Adriatic Restaurant & Bar in Salem is the perfect mix of Mediterranean influenced dishes and cocktails. My personal favorite were the lamb chops appetizer. The house made pasta was made and cooked perfectly; someone must have some real skills in that kitchen. The cocktails were refreshing on what was the hottest day of the year so far. Make sure to ask for the secret menu for cocktails, as both of these were on there and dangerously good. Our server Clint was excellent in all aspects and was the one who invented a few of the cocktails. He is often behind the bar so sit there if you can!
Red’s Sandwich Shop
Went to Red’s Sandwich Shop in Destination Salem, MassachusettsThis is the Benny & The Jets turkey sausage, smashed avocado, tomatoes served on a English muffin with 2 poached eggs, finished with hollandaise sauce. What I WANTED to get, but it was 95 degrees at 8AM so I couldn’t, was their UNCLE BUCK! I think I will have to make a return trip!
The Roof Salem
Probably the perfect day with amazing blue skies, The Roof Salem on top of the Hotel Salem. Fresh tacos on corn tortillas, EXCELLENT guac, loaded with bacon and blu cheese, and of course churros to end the meal. The day we visited was so hot, we avoided cocktails as there was a lot more to do that night!
Caramel French Patisserie
Caramel French Patisserie In Salem, was a pleasant surprise with more pastries than we could imagine! This is a reminder to always save room and pace yourself for unexpected treasures.
