If you’ve always wanted to visit a town with a history of ghosts and witches, some of the freshest seafood on the East Coast, and beautiful state parks with quick access to the Atlantic Ocean, Salem, Massachusetts may be your ideal vacation destination. This historic town has stood strong through several hundred years of American history and is an area rich in culture and beauty. Tour the House of the Seven Gables, visit the homes of historical figures, and sample some of the freshest lobster and crab you can imagine, all in one place. Whether you’re traveling alone or with your entire family, the historical town of Salem has something to offer everyone.
The House of the Seven Gables is the former home of Nathaniel Hawthorne and the house appeared in one of Hawthorne’s books published in the 1800s. Your tour of the house will begin with a video that tells the story of the house, which was built by John Turner in the 1600s. The house is furnished with period furniture and also has a secret staircase. Your tour also includes a visit to where Nathaniel Hawthorne was born and a description of what it was like to live there in the 18th Century. You can also visit Retire Beckett House and Hooper-Hathaway House, as they are on the grounds of the House of the Seven Gables and over look Salem Harbor.
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Salem has many attractions devoted to the history of witches and the Salem Witch Trials, but Witch Dungeon is one that should be on your itinerary. This attraction is a reenactment of Sarah Good’s trial and also features a guided tour of the witch dungeon and Gallows Hill. If you like a spooky attraction that’s based on history, then you’ll enjoy visiting Witch Dungeon.
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Does pirate history shiver your timbers? Then the New England Pirate Museum is the attraction for you. Adults and children alike will enjoy the recreation of the Salem Docks as they appeared in 1692 and will have the opportunity to explore a full-length pirate ship and an 80-foot cave. Kids will enjoy the visual tour and adults will enjoy learning about the history of pirates.
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If you’re interested in the history of ghosts and witches, Salem is the perfect place to go. Eerie Legends of Salem is a live theatrical performance that features stories of ghosts, witches, and supernatural occurrences. These stories come to life due to the costumed performers sharing testimony and witness statements from people who lived in the 1600s. The special effects and dramatic presentation will stick in your mind long after you have left Salem.
Salem is a town that is rich in history and there is a lot more to the town than the history of the witch trials. Legends of Salem is a live presentation that takes viewers back in time through Salem’s history. Some of the topics covered include the Great Salem Fire, Indian history, Puritan life, and the shipping industry of Salem. This presentation takes place in a theater with sixty seats, so you can take the entire family to see this show.
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Peabody Essex Museum is one of the most well-known museums in New England. It has an excellent reputation across the United States due to its extensive collection of cultural artifacts and pieces of fine art. Many of the cultural artifacts contained in the collection reflect the history of Salem, including artifacts from the witch trials and the maritime history of the town. The exhibits include paintings, photographs, and even pieces of furniture from several hundred years of Salem’s history.
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Salem Maritime National Historic Site helps visitors to learn about Salem’s seagoing history. The site is actually a complex with the most exciting attraction being a replica of a merchant vessel that was used in 1797. The ship is a good replica, but does have some modern equipment such as a diesel engine. Derby Wharf is part of the complex that now serves as a parkland that extends into the harbor. Central Wharf houses the orientation center for the historic site and was built in the 1800s. Tours of the site may include stops at Custom House, Derby House, Scale Houses, and the Bonded Warehouse.
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Salem Witch Museum is one of Salem’s most popular attractions because of all the history surrounding the Salem Witch Trials of the 1600s. The museum is housed in a former church and has exhibits on the history of witches, with hunts, and the practice of witchcraft. The best part of the museum is an audiovisual presentation that happens in a gigantic room that is lined with lighted displays. The audio portion of the presentation gives the story of the witchcraft trials and the resulting hysteria that took place.
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Lobster Shanty, Salem, is a seafood restaurant offering a fresh selection of seafood dishes and a wide variety of spirits to accompany your meal. The restaurant has a good reputation for serving up a good time for its patrons in addition to a good meal.
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Ristorante Gioia, Salem, is an Italian restaurant featuring a menu of traditional Italian favorites prepared with familiar spices and sauces. Enjoy a full meal of pasta, beef, or seafood prepared with Italian recipes or keep it simple with a cup of coffee and a delicious dessert.
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Stromberg’s, Salem, is a seafood restaurant that caters to families large and small. Fresh seafood is accompanied by a wide range of side dishes and everyone in your group can find a drink that they enjoy.
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A Taste of Cilantro, Salem, is a Mexican restaurant that offers a wide selection of Mexican dishes, including tacos, burritos, Mexican stews, and desserts. The entrees here are flavorful and the portions are generous.
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Derby Fish & Lobster, Salem, is Salem’s only fresh fish market and offers a wide selection of fish and other seafood. Most notable is the live lobster that is available and can be packed for your trip home so that you can continue enjoying good seafood long after you’ve left Salem.
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Edgewater Café, Salem, is a casual restaurant offering Mexican cuisine prepared with flavorful combinations of seasonings and spices. Portions are generous, so save your appetite for your meal or plan to take leftovers back to your hotel.
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Café Graziani, Salem, is an Italian restaurant that boasts a chef who speaks four different languages. The restaurant offers homemade Italian dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as some favorite beverages like espresso and cappuccino. Takeout is available.
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Fuentes, Salem, is a Mexican restaurant that offers not only Mexican cuisine, but also serves food that’s traditionally served in Salvador. You’ll be able to experience exciting flavor combinations and enjoy trying foods you wouldn’t normally be able to try at home.
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Strega, Salem, is an Italian eatery that offers a menu of Italian selections with unexpected flavors and aromas. Pair your meal selection with your favorite wine or enjoy a non-alcoholic beverage with your appetizer and main course.
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Dodge Street Bar & Grill has a wide selection of drinks and a full menu of some American favorites. Stop here for a quick drink before dinner at another restaurant or stay for your entire meal.
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Roosevelt’s has an excellent reputation for having friendly staff and a good drink selection. Roosevelt’s offers dancing to the hottest music including techno, rap, and hip-hop. This is a popular venue for college-aged people and other young adults.
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Bay Bridge Restaurant & Night Club is a unique venue because it’s a restaurant some of the time and then turns into a night club at other times. Features of the night club include live music from some of the area’s hottest bands and a wide selection of drinks.
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