September in Salem

It's Labor Day today, which means the summer for travel is "officially" over. Not for Salem, though! In Salem we are gearing up for another incredible October filled with Haunted Happenings.



There are a few notable events in Salem during September, however. So mark your calendars for the following great events:

• Salem Restaurant Week, September 14-18


• The Salem Literature Festival, September 12-14


• Taste of the Wharf, September 30

Nearly twenty restaurants will participate in Salem Restaurant Week, which will be another great week to eat out in Salem! Participating restaurants will offer prix-fixe dinners for $20.08, and some will offer an exclusive $30.08 dinner option (beverage, tax, and gratuity not included). Take advantage of this opportunity to return to an old favorite, or try one of Salem's new culinary hot spots. Restaurant Week is presented by the Salem Chamber of Commerce. For more information, call 978.744.0004.



The Salem Literature Festival will kick off what I hope will be an annual literary festival. Named "Literally Salem", the event will celebrate Salem's passion for all things literary through featured authors, readers, writers of prose and poetry, and word devotees of all stripes. Events will include author readings, writers workshops, an open mic, word games, and more! For more information, contact Beth Simpson at Cornerstone Books.



Pickering Wharf merchants will host “Taste of the Wharf” on Sunday, September 30 from 3-6 p.m. “Taste of the Wharf” will feature samples from Finz, Victoria Station, Capt’s Waterfront Grill, The Grapevine, The Regatta Pub and Harpoon Brewery. Mix 98.5 FM Radio’s Street Team will be live at with contests and prizes. Entertainment will include the acrobatic group the Sardine Family Circus, clowns and face painters. This is a great opportunity to explore this great shopping and dining destination in Salem's Derby Street waterfront district!



Tickets may be purchased for $5 at the following Pickering Wharf merchants and restaurants: Artemsia, Peter Barter, Capt’s Waterfront Grill, Special Creations, Finz, Antiques Gallery, Crafter’s Market, NuAeon, The Grapevine, Josh’s Place, Salemdipity, Victoria Station, Quint Essentials and Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites. Net proceeds from the event will be donated to St. Joseph’s Food Pantry.



Photos: Giovanni cooks at Caffe Graziani, The view of Finz and Pickering Wharf from Congress Street.