Sophia 200!

Sophia Peabody Hawthorne, who is one of Salem's most beloved native daughters, turns 200 on September 21, 2009. We are celebrating this birthday in Salem with parties, lectures, walks and talks that discuss both Sophia's remarkable, talented life and Salem's women's history and literary heritage. Sophia - pronounced Soh-Fye-Yah - was an artist, a travel writer, the wife of novelist Nathaniel Hawthorne, mother, and one of the Peabody Sisters. On September 19, 20, and 21 you are invited to learn more about Sophia, her husband, her sisters, and her Salem.

Here is an overview of the events that are planned. For complete listings, a brief biography of Sophia, and suggested reading to learn more, visit SalemMainStreets.org.

Saturday, September 19

10:00 a.m. Sophia Hawthorne’s Salem - A 90-minute walking tour led by National Park ServiceHistorian Emily Murphy, portraying Sophia. Meet at the Hawthorne statue, Hawthorne Boulevard.

10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. World of Women - An exhibition featuring two paintings, Isola San Giovanni and Villa Mennagio, Lago di Como, created by Sophia Peabody Hawthorne upon her engagement to Nathaniel Hawthorne in 1839. Barbara Weld Putnam Gallery, Peabody Essex Museum, 161 Essex St., East India Square, Salem. Admission fee; free to museum members and Salem residents." - A special program for children featuring a story about Sophia and an art project celebrating her life. Salem Athenaeum, 337 Essex Street

11:45 a.m. Dedication of Sophia Plaque - Attend the dedication of a plaque to honor Sophia Peabody Hawthorne with Mayor Kimberley Driscoll and Representative John Keenan at Sophia’s: Gifts of Artistry & Elegance, at 105 Essex Street, a boutique housed in the childhood home of Sophia Peabody Hawthorne

12:00 – 2:00 p.m. Reading & Book Signing by Peabody Sisters biographer Megan Marshall.
At the Hawthorne Hotel.

2:00 p.m. Sophia Hawthorne’s Salem - A 90-minute walking tour led by National Park Service
Historian Emily Murphy, portraying Sophia. Meet at the Hawthorne statue, Hawthorne Boulevard.

4:30 p.m. Celebrating Sophia Peabody Hawthorne’s Two Hundredth Birthday: Her Art, Her Writing, Her Influence at The House of the Seven Gables, 115 Derby St. A presentation by Patricia Dunlavy Valenti, professor in the Department of English and Theatre at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, Tickets $15. R.S.V.P. to Heidi Webb at 978-744-0991 ext. 104.

7:00 p.m. A Surprise 200th Birthday Party & Silent Art Auction - Celebrate the birthday of one of Salem’s most fascinating and intriguing native daughters. Saturday, September 19, 2009 at 7 p.m., Salem’s Old Town Hall. Tickets: Friends $18.09, Contributing Friends $50, Sponsors $200. To benefit the Sophia Art Scholarship for a Salem High School student. Tickets can be purchased in advance at Sophia’s at 105 Essex Street.

Sunday, September 20

10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. World of Women - An exhibition featuring two paintings, Isola San Giovanni and Villa Mennagio, Lago di Como, created by Sophia Peabody Hawthorne upon her engagement to Nathaniel Hawthorne in 1839. Barbara Weld Putnam Gallery, Peabody Essex Museum, 161 Essex St., East India Square, Salem. Admission fee; free to museum members and Salem residents."

10:30 a.m. Choosing Happiness: A Remembrance of the Life of Sophia Amelia Peabody Hawthorne. A sermon delivered by Bonnie Hurd Smith at the First Church in Salem, Unitarian Sunday, September 20, 2009 at 316 Essex Street, Salem

2:00 p.m. Dearest Dove: The Courtship of Nathaniel and Sophia Hawthorne - A special theatrical production celebrating the legendary love between Nathaniel and Sophia Hawthorne. The House of the Seven Gables, 115 Derby St. Space is extremely limited and reservations are required. For reservations: 978-744-0991×104

3:00 p.m. Women’s History Trolley Tour - Join local author Bonnie Hurd Smith and Irene Axelrod, local historian, for a special Salem Trolley tour of women’s history sites in Salem. Tour leaves from and returns to The House of the Seven Gables, 115 Derby St. Seating is limited to 32, Tickets $15 collected on the tour. Reservations: bonnie@hurdsmith.com

Monday, September 21

Noon Sophia Peabody Hawthorne’s 200th Birthday Cake Cutting - With Mayor Kimberley Driscoll at the Hawthorne Hotel Sponsored by the Battlefield Journal, a Civil War publication.

The Lace Reader in paperback!

In celebration of the recent release of The Lace Reader in paperback, The Salem Inn and the Hawthorne Hotel are both doing "pillow drops" of copies of the book this weekend!

This means lucky guests of the Inn and the Hotel will have a present on their pillow - theirs to keep - from Harper Collins publishing.

The Lace Reader, written by Salem resident Brunonia Barry, made its debut in June 2008. It has been extremely well received internationally, and we are all excited about the paperback.

The Hawthorne Hotel is actually mentioned in the book, in passing, by protagonist Towner Whitney. Towner takes time to mention many of Salem's beloved destinations, and they are all featured on The Lace Reader Walking Map of Salem, which you can pick up in Salem or download from Salem.org.

There are many ways to create your own story from The Lace Reader in Salem - have your lace read at Artemisia Botanicals, take a Lace Reader tour with Historic Salem Pedicab Tours, go on The Lace Reader Tour created by The House of the Seven Gables aboard The Salem Trolley.

If you're not lucky enough to get a copy of the book on your pillow tonight, stop by Cornerstone Books in Salem and grab your own copy!

Photos of Salem

Here are a few scenic pictures of Salem that I like. It's a beautiful time of year to visit, so plan your trip now.

If you have a better picture of Salem, submit it to the Destination Salem photo contest! Submission information is online at Salem.org.

The first image is Schooner Fame, taken from Shetland Park. Fame is a replica Privateer - a wooden vessel made just north of Salem in Essex. You can go out on a sail aboard Fame, or your kids could participate in Privateer camp next summer.

If you are interested in the history of boat making in America, first period architecture, or fried clams, Essex is a great day trip to add to your trip to Salem. While you're there, set out on an Essex River Cruises & Charters river excursion into The Great Marsh.


I love this second picture - a view from above of the Salem Waterfront. That's the Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites in the middle, you can see the masts of our tall ship Friendship to the right of the hotel, and Bakers Island off in the distance.

This picture of the sunset over Salem Harbor was taken from a Mahi Mahi Cruise, which goes out of Salem Willows Park. It's a great way to sit back, relax, and enjoy the view.

Send me your favorite view of Salem! It could be the cover of the 2010 Salem Visitor Guide.

Two Drawings by Artist Leon Kroll will be auctioned at The House of the Seven Gables

This just in from The House of the Seven Gables:

The House of the Seven Gables Settlement Association announced Monday the exciting addition of two drawings by internationally renowned artist Leon Kroll (1884-1974) to the annual Lobsterfest Fundraiser Auction, to be held September 12, 2009.

Featured recently in the critically acclaimed Peabody Essex Museum exhibition Painting Summer in New England, in 2006, and the focus of a solo exhibition, A Singular Vision, at the Cape Ann Museum in 2004, Leon Kroll is nationally known for his depiction of the female nude form using realist methods. Born in New York City, Kroll was also known for spending his summers on Cape Ann, inspired by the shore line of Folly Cove in Gloucester.

Leon Kroll, known for his camaraderie with artists such as George Bellows, Robert Henri, and Edward Hopper, was featured in the now infamous Armory Show, held in New York in 1913. Emphasizing the zeitgeist, the Armory Show introduced ‘Modern Art’ to the nation, opening a door to the discourse of creation that was erupting in Europe. Kroll also lectured and taught courses throughout the country, including at the Art Students League of New York, the Pennsylvania Academy, and the Chicago Institute of Art.

Two drawings by Kroll were donated by the Rose family, descendants of the artist, to support the education programs at The House of the Seven Gables’ Settlement House as well as ongoing historic preservation efforts.

Kroll’s work is featured in numerous public sites throughout the United States. In Massachusetts, one can visit his work at the Worcester Auditorium, created from 1938-1942. Additional public works include Shriver Hall at John Hopkins University, 1953, the Department of Justice Building, 1935, and the Indiana Statehouse, 1952.

A preview of the Kroll drawings will be held at The House of the Seven Gables on Thursday, September 3, 2009, from 7:00 to 8:00 pm. Marie Kroll Rose, daughter of Leon Kroll, and Salem historian Jim McAllister will present the two works, discuss Kroll’s career, and be available for questions. Bidders unable to attend Lobsterfest will be able to submit sealed bids for these two works until September 9^th. Bids will be accepted during the preview or by calling The Gables Development Office.

Tickets to The Gables’ Lobsterfest are now on sale, and can be purchased for $125.00 each by contacting Romy Gardner, Director of Development, at 978-744-0991 ext. 103.

Photo credit: Close-up of one of the original Leon Kroll drawings to be auctioned off the night of September 12, 2009

Nathaniel Bowditch receives honorary Master's Degree

Today's blog post is coming to you courtesy of Mass Moments, a program from the Mass Foundation for the Humanities. If you're a history buff, or a Massachusetts enthusiast, I highly recommend signing up for the daily Mass Moment e-mails. They are historical, educational, and often entertaining.

Here is today's moment:

On this day in 1802 Harvard College awarded Nathaniel Bowditch an honorary Master's Degree. The Salem-born astronomer, mathematician, and navigator was almost entirely self-educated. His formal schooling ended when he was ten. While apprenticed to a ship chandler, he taught himself mathematics, astronomy, Latin, Greek, and French. Later, during his years at sea, he began working on The New American Practical Navigator, the first complete and accurate handbook of navigation tables. The Practical Navigator was published in 1802. It is still in print, and in use, over two centuries later. Tradition has it that no sailor left port without a Bible, a chest of clothes, a mother's blessing, and his copy of Bowditch.

Click here for the rest of the story!

You can click here for a printable PDF of the Nathaniel Bowditch Trail in Salem, which is "A walking tour of the great age of Sail."

Mass Humanities' Sources

American National Biography, Vol. 3 (Oxford University Press, 1999).

"Nathaniel Bowditch, Scientist," by Jim McCallister in "Salem Tales."

"Salem's Stellar Scientist: Nathanial Bowditch, An Appreciation," by Mildred Berman, SEXTANT, The Journal of Salem State College, Vol. III, No.1, 1996.

Antique & Classic Boat Show This Weekend

The Antique & Classic Boat Show at Hawthorne Cove Marina has become a perennial favorite of summer in Salem. This year, organizers expect forty classic yachts to be on display, and some will be open for public tours.

Primarily dating from 1860-1910, the festival will feature both motor and sailing vessels. Most owners will be on hand to enthusiastically answer questions and show off their boats.

Salem is a fitting site for the annual Antique & Classic Boat show, as the first pleasure yacht was launched by Salemite George Crowninshield in 1916. Cleopatra's Barge was a lavish, gilded vessel that, according to boat show organizers, was visited by "1800 ladies and 700 gentlemen" on the day of her launch! A replica of the Cleopatra's Barge interior is on display at the Peabody Essex Museum, where it forms a lovely bridge between the American Decorative Arts and Maritime Arts galleries.

In addition to the boats on display this weekend, there will be exhibitors, a crafts market, and music on Saturday and Sunday.

Musicians scheduled to perform on the marina deck include The New New Orleans Jazz Band, New Liberty Jazz Band, Stellwagon, Fo’c’s’le Trio and Three Sheets to the Wind.

Here are the hard facts:
When: August 22-23, 2009 (Saturday, 11-5 PM; Sunday, 11AM - 3 PM)
Where: Hawthorne Cove Marina, 10 White St., Salem, Massachusetts
Admission: $5 donation; children under 12 free (And bring the kids - most of the boats are very family-friendly.)

Shop, Dine & Explore Pickering Wharf

I had lunch at Finz on Pickering Wharf last week, and thought it was a great opportunity to take some pictures for the blog.

Pickering Wharf is a great shopping and dining district in Salem. The wharf is bordered by the Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites, Salem Harbor, and the Salem Maritime National Historic Site. The horseshoe of Wharf Street is worth exploring in any season.

(They are top of mind right now because I am working on the Haunted Happenings calendar of events, and Pickering Wharf will become HalloWharf for October.)

When you walk to Pickering Wharf from downtown Salem, and you turn right onto Wharf Street you will discover incredible restaurants, including Sixty2 on Wharf, Finz, Victoria Station, and Capt.'s. Finz, Victoria Station, and Capt's all have water views and outdoor dining. Victoria Station has a salad bar and great prime rib - and they just opened the new Vic's Boathouse section of the restaurant for casual dining. Capt.'s has great seafood and features both pub and dining options. Finz has creative and fresh seafood and great gazpacho. Sixty2 on Wharf is a more formal dining experience - no kids' menus here! - with the freshest local ingredients and delicious fare from apps to dessert.

A progressive meal through these restaurants wouldn't be a bad way to spend an evening!!

Between the restaurants, you'll find great shopping at The Picklepot, Awakening Guild, Salemdipity, QuintEssentials, and Artemisia Botanicals - among others.

The Picklepot has a bead bar, so you can shop for or make your own artistic originals! QuintEssentials has great accessories and jewelry. Salemdipity is the best stop for souvenirs and t-shirts. Awakening Guild is a Witch shop filled with unique gifts from around the world. At Artemisia Botanicals you can have a reading done and shop for holistic herbs, oils, and remedies.

Schooner Fame sails out of Pickering Wharf, too - her berth is adjacent to Victoria Station.

Need I say more? Shop, dine, explore...Pickering Wharf!

Lots going on this weekend -

Just a reminder to get out there!

It's a beautiful weekend, so come on out and sail aboard the Schooner Fame, cruise with Mahi Mahi, do Art activities at the Peabody Essex Museum, listen to awesome Jazz at Salem Willows during the Salem Jazz & Soul Festival, dine outside, and shop til you drop (even if it's window shopping!). It's all online at Salem.org.

It's a great weekend to discover the magic of Salem!

PS: Take pictures... and submit them for our photo contest! That's on Salem.org, too.

The Witches Cottage & Count Orlok's Nightmare Gallery Garner 5 Stars on TripAdvisor

Out of 38 listed “Things to Do” in Salem on the website TripAdvisor.com, only two have received solid 5 star reviews from every tourist who has reviewed them – Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery (17 reviews – all 5 star) and the Witches Cottage at the Griffen Theatre (11 reviews – all 5 star). The two lesser-known attractions are hoping that the website reviews will give some much needed positive recognition to the commitment of quality they have invested in their attractions.

Visitors to Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery have commented on TripAdvisor:

• “New Englands finest collection of 20^th Century Monsters."
  
• “By far the best attraction we have gone to in Salem!”
  
• “The Must-See of Salem, Ma.”

In addition, not only does the Nightmare Gallery have the highest reviews, it is also currently ranked Salem’s #1 attraction on TripAdvisor's popularity index.

This is definitely welcome recognition for owner James Lurgio (otherwise known as Count Orlok) who has invested an entire lifetime to the love of horror movie monsters and put it into his museum. Actors, directors and special effects wizards of the past and present are all honored at his attraction with nearly fifty life-sized, realistic recreations of the horror genre’s most memorable characters – starting with legends such as Boris Karloff, Vincent Price and Alfred Hitchcock and ending with a zombie quiz that challenges even the most die-hard (pun intended) horror film fans.

Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery opened in Sept. of 2007, and they reinvest all money from admissions back into the museum. Six new monsters joined the museum last winter, and James continues to add and improve the Gallery regularly. The website at www.nightmaregallery.com links to a myspace site full of pictures, articles and blogs about the museum.

The Witches Cottage at the Griffen Theatre is a completely different type of tourist attraction but with a similar story. After opening in 2007, local Salem resident and owner Erik Rodenhiser has continued to upgrade his live shows with new fact filled dramatic tales and stunning special effects.

Comments on TripAdvisor rave that the Witches Cottage is:

• “Wonderful!”
  
• ”Entertaining and Informative.”
  

The Witches Cottage features a live entertaining show packed with educational and eerie stories of Salem’s witches, ghosts, myths and legends followed by a question and answer session. The website address with more info is www.witchescottageofsalem.org

The Witches Cottage was created to be educational but exciting, fun, and interactive. The live interactive show is packed full of suspense and excitement, and it provides a lasting impression and experience that stays with you long after you’ve left Salem. View a video preview of the show at The Witches Cottage here.

The Witches Cottage and Count Orloks’ Nightmare Gallery are now offering $2 off general admission on the Destination Salem website at Salem.org. Both attractions also offer special group prices and discounts. Call to enquire directly about Nightmare Gallery at (978) 740-0500 or the Witches Cottage at (978) 317 – 1169.

Witches Cup Bike Race

I took a few pictures (with my phone - professional, these are not) of the Elite Ladies race yesterday at the Witches Cup. What a great time! Racers from around the area came to show their speed around Salem Common.

Thanks to Salem Cycle for putting on another great event in Salem!

Parking & The Salem Farmers' Market

The Salem Farmers' Market has been WILDLY successful. The farmers have served nearly 20,000 happy customers on Thursdays this summer. We are real localvores, because Nearly 1700 people came out on a rainy Thursday for their fresh tomatoes, monkey bread, and lettuce (among other things!).

Since the Farmers' Market is so popular, I would like to take a moment to mention parking in Salem. We have plenty of parking in Salem. Loads of spaces.

Click here for a downtown parking map.

The Farmers' Market is on Front Street at Old Town Hall. While there are two lots adjacent to the market, the lot at Riley Plaza (in front of the Post Office) and the garages (Museum Place and South Harbor) are 2 minute walks - okay, maybe 3 minutes - from the Market.

More than 100 downtown businesses are staying open late on Thursdays, so if you park at the South Harbor Garage, you may feel the pull into Cornerstone Books or Rouge Cosmetics on your way back to the car. If you park at the Museum Place garage, you may find yourself stopping at Rockafellas for a bite, or browsing clothing and accessories at Signatures. Either way, the shops at Front Street are all open, too, so grab an ice cream or check out just how hip you could be at J.Mode.

I'm lucky - I get to walk past the Market en route from my office to the garage. But, if I were going to drive into Salem for the Farmers' Market, I'd probably drive straight for the Museum Place garage. I know I'll get a spot quickly, and the time it takes to walk from the garage to the market would be easily spent circling impatiently for a spot in the Front Street lot next to Artist's Row.

Thanks to Salem Main Streets and its incredible Farmers' Market committee for making the Farmers Market not only a reality, but an incredibly successful one!

Witches Cup Bike Race on Wednesday

One of Salem's favorite perennial events returns on Wednesday!

The Witches Cup Bike Race will speed around Salem Common starting at 4:30 PM on August 12th. If you haven't seen a Criterium style bike race, I highly recommend coming to watch. It is fast-paced and exciting. The cycles move at a really incredible pace!

Here's a bit of race history and the race schedule from WitchesCup.com: In the cycling boom of the 1980's, Salem proudly hosted annual elite calibre bicycle races with national exposure. It's the goal of the Witches Cup organizers to revive the strong bicycle racing tradition in downtown Salem, Massachusetts. After a seven year lull, the Witches Cup under the direction of Salem-based promoters, returned in 2007.

The 2009 Witches Cup presents racing for both men and women at all levels.

This year is the 3rd year since the reincarnation of the Witches Cup and the 30th Anniversary of the original Witches Cup! This year will prove to be the biggest yet with a hospitality tent sponsored by Wachusett Brewing Company, racing for all levels, race winners jerseys provided by Primal Wear and equal prize money for the Men's and Women's races!

Be sure to Join us at the Wachusett Brewing Hospitality on Salem Common during the Race!

Here's the schedule:

• 4:00pm Course Inspection

• 4:45pm Amateur Men (Cat 4/5)

• 5:45pm Women (Cat 1-4)

• 6:10pm Amateur Men Awards

• 6:45pm Elite Men (P,1,2,3)

• 8:00pm Awards Ceremony: Women & Elite Men

It's a blast, you should check it out.

Please note the following road closures that will be in effect for the race:

• Route 1A from Winter Street to Essex Street and all streets connecting to the Salem Common will be closed to traffic from 4pm to 9pm.
• No Parking around the Common beginning at 3pm.
• Please seek seek alternate routes during this time.

Enjoy the race!

Another tall ship to visit Salem this summer

We really miss our tall ship Friendship, but I appreciate the National Park Service's efforts to bring visiting vessels to port. The Kalmar Nyckel's visit from Delaware during the Salem Maritime Festival was terrific. As a vessel, she provided us all with a comparason to the Friendshp - in size, mission, and history.

(I, for one, had no idea there was a 17th Century Sweedish settlement in Delaware that revolved around beaver pelts. I'm the first to admit, however, that I'm pretty Salem / Essex County centric in my historical knowledge.)

Last week, National Park Service announced the ship Peacemaker will be visiting during the Antique & Classic Boat Show at the end of August.

The 130', 400-ton Barquentine will be berthed on the historic Central Wharf (off Derby Street) from august 19 to 25. She will be open to the public for free tours August 20 to 24, 10 am to 7 pm on weekdays, and 10 am to 9 pm on the weekend during the Antique and Classic Boat Festival.

Peacemaker was originally built in 1989 in Brazil and intended as a charter vessel by a Brazilian industrialist. She was never completed, however, and in 2000 she was purchased by a community known as the Twelve Tribes. The Twelve Tribes community finished construction on the vessel, rigged her as a Barquentine, and in 2007 began sailing her as an experiment in communal living at sea.

For more information, call 978-740-1660 or visit nps.gov/sama.

Heritage Days Schedule - the rest of the week

Wednesday, August 5

Salem Senior Recognition Days
Brookhouse Garden Tea – 3PM-5PM – 180 Derby Street
A tea, served with cookies, will be hosted in the garden at the Brookhouse Home. The event is free for seniors (60 and older), but reservations are required because seating will be limited. For information, call Pat Sosnowski, 978-745-6182.

Lip Sync Night
5PM-6:30PM – Salem Willows Shell
We're doing it again…The City of Salem's 3rd Annual Lip Sync Night. Would you like to perform? We are looking for groups of 2 or more. Participants should be between the ages of 6-14. Please bring your own music in CD form only. You must pre-register at the Salem Park, Recreation~& Community Services Department, 5 Broad Street. For more information, please contact Eileen Dunn at 978-744-0180, ext. 20 or edunn@salem.com.

Window Box & Traffic Island Awards Ceremony
5:30PM – Emmerton House Garden – Hawthorne Blvd.
Please join Mayor Kimberley Driscoll, the Salem Garden Club and the Salem Beautification Committee as they award the winners of the City's window box and traffic island competitions. Light refreshments will be served immediately following the ceremony.

Dance Enthusiasm Performance
7PM-9PM – Salem Willows Shell
You won't want to miss the amazing performances of Salem's Dance Enthusiasm Dance Company, winners of hundreds of awards at dance competitions across the United States. The dance company will perform many of their award-winning routines. It's a show that's guaranteed to entertain all ages.

Comedy Night
7PM-10PM – Moose Lodge – 50 Grove Street
Get ready to laugh with featured comedians Paul D'Angelo and
Paul Gilligan. Tickets are $10. You can purchase tickets for the comedy night at the Boys and Girls Club at 13 Hawthorne Blvd (978-744-0915) or at the Salem Park, Recreation and Community Services Department at 5 Broad Street (978-744-0180).

Thursday, August 6

Farmers' Market
4PM-7PM - Derby Square
If you haven't had a chance to visit The Salem Farmers’ Market. Come visit us at Historic Derby Square on Front Street in Downtown Salem and is held every Thursday evening from 4-7:00 starting June 25, 2009 through October 29, 2009.

Senior Recognition Dinner Dance –
5PM-9PM – Knights of Columbus
Salem's seniors are invited to dinner and dancing at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Washington Square. “Trilogy” will perform and the dinner will be catered by Mizioch-Witham Catering. Cost to Salem seniors (60 and older) is $1, but tickets must be picked up in advance at the Senior Center, 5 Broad St. Each Salem senior may pick up no more than two tickets. For tickets and more information contact the Council on Aging at 978-744-0924.

Salem's Best Pizza Competition
6PM-7:30PM – Salem Common
Come decide which Salem restaurant has the best pizza. Bring the whole family. We will award the top adult and kids pick. $5 Adults / $3 Kids. For more information contact the Salem YMCA at 978-744-0351.

Movie on the Common
After Dark (8:30PM)~– Salem Common
The City of Salem~Park, Recreation & Community Services Department presents~(movie TBD), so bring popcorn, a blanket or chair and enjoy.

Friday, August 7

Kids Night
5PM-7:30PM – Salem Common
The Salem YMCA will transform the Salem Common into a paradise for children with moon bounces, rides, games and arts & crafts. $3 per child will pay for unlimited rides. For more information contact the Salem YMCA at 978-744-0351. (rain location: Salem YMCA, Sewall Street)

Saturday, August 8

Wild Fish One Mile Swim~& Purely Mad 2 Mile Swim
1:00PM – Collins Cove Beach (Webb Street)
Cash prize to top male and female swimmers in each race. Athletic Race Bags, Tech Shirts given to first 150 people to register! Fee: $20 (pre-registration) $25 (post-reg) Registration begins at noon time. For more information, contact Brandi Dion - (978) 204-8588 or BnSfitness@yahoo.com

Essex Street Fair
10AM-6PM – Essex St. Pedestrian Mall
Fun for all ages this street festival has something for everyone. Crafts, jewelry, paintings, stained glass, and other unique items will be featured along the Essex Pedestrian Mall. Street performers, face painters, and strolling musicians will entertain crowds. For more information, contact the Salem Chamber of Commerce at 978-744-0004.

IMPROV on the BRICKS
3:30PM– 4:30PM - Derby Square
Join the Salem Theatre Company for their 3rd annual free improv comedy bash. Brig a lawn chair! Bring padding! It's improv on a hard surface and anything can happen! For more information visit www.salemtheatre.com.

Salem Jazz & Soul Festival, Berklee Summer Series Concert
5PM–7PM - Derby Square (in case of rain: Museum Place Mall off Essex Street.)
The "Berklee Summer Series" presents Dopapod. This free outdoor concert at Derby Square is produced in conjunction with the Berklee College of Music. Featuring up and coming bands hand selected by Berklee faculty. For more information visit http:/salemjazzsoul.com/music_berklee2009.html

Salem Senior Recognition Days
Spaghetti-and-meatball meals will be delivered to homebound seniors (60 and older) between the hours of 2:30 and 4:30 p.m. For information, call the Senior Center at 978-744-0924.

Sunday, August 9

Essex Street Fair
10AM-6PM – Essex St. Pedestrian Mall
Fun for all ages this street festival has something for everyone. Crafts, jewelry, paintings, stained glass, and other unique items will be featured. Street performers, face painters, and strolling musicians will entertain crowds. For more information, contact the Salem Chamber of Commerce at 978-744-0004.

Phillips House 8th Annual Antique Car Meet
NOON–3PM – 34 Chestnut Street
Join the Phillips House and the North Shore Old Car Club for the Eighth Annual Car Meet at which vintage and antique vehicles, including the Phillipses’ collection of carriages, two Pierce-Arrows, and a Model A Ford, are displayed on historic Chestnut Street.
For information, call 978-744-0440 or visit www.HistoricNewEngland.org

IMPROV on the BRICKS
3:30PM– 4:30PM - Derby Square
Join the Salem Theatre Company for their 3rd annual free improv comedy bash. Brig a lawn chair! Bring padding! It's improv on a hard surface and anything can happen! For more information visit www.salemtheatre.com.

Salem Senior Recognition Days Picnic
4PM-6PM – Winter Island Pavilion
A free picnic will be held for Salem seniors (60 and older).

Monday, August 10

Salem Community Band Concert
7PM-9PM – Salem Willows Shell

NEW THIS YEAR:
Come listen to the band made up of Salem residents from Grade 8 through adult. Led under the direction of Cynthia Napierkowski, director of the Salem High School Band.

ALL WEEK SPECIAL
Attention Downtown shoppers- merchant 1 hour validation stamps are worth double in the Church St. Lot and both garages, so spend a little bit longer enjoying downtown. *restrictions do apply.

Salem Ferry Week Day Special
Salem residents will receive $2.00 off their Salem Ferry ticket August 4-8.
*restrictions do apply, proof of residency is required. Offer not valid during commuter runs.

Keep checking www.salem.com for EVENT updates
For more information about any of the events, please visit the Events Calendar at www.salem.com or contact Salem City Hall at 978-619-5676

New Package at the Hawthorne Hotel

This new package came across my inbox this morning. Look for it on the Salem.or/deals page soon!

The Golden Age of Dutch Seascapes Exhibit Package

(Through September 7, 2009)

This package highlights another great exhibit brought to us by the Peabody Essex Museum!

Package includes:

~ Overnight accommodations

~Tickets to the Peabody Essex Museum to see the Dutch Seascapes exhibit (and the rest of PEM if you so desire)

~Dutch-treat dinner in Nathaniel's (you buy one entree, and we give you the second one on us)

~Dutch coffee break in either PEM or the Tavern at the Hawthorne Hotel (featuring Dutch coffee and stroopwafel cookies with melting caramel centers--yum!)

Says the Peabody Essex Museum, "These luminous seascapes introduced the world to a new source of inspiration – the drama, tranquility and romance of land and sea. With more than 70 of the finest oil paintings on view in The Golden Age of Dutch Seascapes, you can see why, for the Dutch, the ocean was their window on the world." (Italianate Harbor View print courtesy of the Peabody Essex Museum)

$167 plus tax, double occupancy

Click here to check availability!

Salem Businesses are Best of Boston, Best of North Shore

Boston Magazine showered praise and affection on a few deserving Salem business in their 2009 Best of Boston issue, as did North Shore Magazine in their annual Best of the North Shore (BONS) issue.

We are so excited to see our beloved businesses get this kind of attention! Did you have any idea there was so much to see, do, and eat in Salem!? Most of these winners are located in historic downtown Salem - the business district, if you will, so park your car and head out to explore!

Don't forget to congratulate our winners!

Boston Magazine - Best of Boston 2009

Rouge Cosmetics won Best Makeup (overall! Not just North!) The staff at Boston Magazine wrote this fabulous description of Rouge: Beauty Junkies can spend years perfecting their primping arsenals. If you’d prefer to skip beta-testing your makeup bag, though, let Rouge founder Ann Supple Massey do the work for you. A former cosmetis buyer at Filene’s, Massey vets every product with her staff, choosing only those deemed both innovative and effective. That makes for an appealing mix of old favorites (Nars, B. Kamins) and up-and-comers like Caudalie. Those who suffer from overstimulation at Sephora will appreciate Rouge’s manageable inventory and elegant interior, while cosmoholics love the staff’s exhaustive knowledge and occasional in-store appearances by beauty luminary Paula Dorf.

For the Best of the North, A& J King won in the Best Bakery category and the Peabody Essex Musem Shop won Best Gift Shop on the North Shore.

Here's how Boston Magazine described the PEM Shop: Even if the proceeds didn’t benefit Asian-art mecca the Peabody Essex Museum, we’d still spend like drunken Qing-dynasty mandarins here. There are all-occasion gifts like mariposa salad bowls alongside Far East-inspired finds both reverent (addictively collectible ‘netsukes’) and less so (pop-art trays printed with a bespectacled Pu Yi). Each new exhibit brings fresh goodies: Look for quirky jewelry and clothing to arrive this fall with “Rare Bird of Fashion”, showcasing style ican Iris Apfel.

Runner's Up included: Fringe Salon (Best Hair Salon), Sixty2 On Wharf (Best New Restaurant), and Downtown Salem (Best Shopping Spot). We are all very excited that Downtown Salem got the nod for Best Shopping! We know how great it is downtown - boutiques, wine shops, women's clothing, jewelry, and the fabulous Farmer's Market on Thursdays.

Locally, Northshore Magazine has announced their BONS awards, and Salem did well on this front, too!

Bakery (bread): A & J King Artisan Bakers, , 48 Central St., Salem, 978-744-4881, ajkingbakery.com
Reader’s Choice: A & J King Artisan Bakery

Beer Selection, Reader’s Choice: Gulu Gulu Café, 247 Essex St., Salem, 978-740-8882, gulu-gulu.com

Breakfast, Reader’s Choice: Red’s Sandwich Shop, 15 Central St., Salem, 978-745-3527, redssandwichshop.com

Brunch: Nathaniel’s in the Hawthorne Hotel
It’s hard to go wrong with Sunday brunch at Nathaniel’s in the Hawthorne Hotel. With a top-notch, elegant atmosphere, live jazz, and a buffet selection that features just about every ingredient you could want in a brunch, this is what Sunday mornings were made for. » 18 Washington Sq. West, Salem, 978-744-4080, hawthornehotel.com.
Reader’s Choice: In a Pig’s Eye, 148 Derby St., Salem, 978-741-4436, inapigseye.com

Coffee Shop: Jaho Coffee and Tea 197 Derby St., Salem, 978-744-4300, jahocoffee.com.
Reader’s Choice: Jaho Coffee and Tea, 197 Derby St., Salem, 978-744-4300, jahocoffee.com

Gourmet, Reader’s Choice: The Grapevine, 26 Congress St., Salem, 978-745-9335, grapevinesalem.com

Indian, Reader’s Choice: Passage to India, 157 Washington St., Salem, 978-832-2200, passageindia.com

Italian, Reader’s Choice: Bella Verona, 107 Essex St., Salem, 978-825-9911, bellaverona.com

New Restaurant: Sixty2 on Wharf
Last year, Antonio Bettencourt set out to create a unique neighborhood bistro. Lucky for the North Shore that Bettencourt brought his passion and talent to Pickering Wharf in Salem with Sixty2 on Wharf. His attention to detail is evident in the ever-changing original wine list and creative menu that is a fusion of cultures and a celebration of the senses. Patrons joke that if Tony could make the furniture, he would. » 62 Wharf St., Salem, 978-744-0062, 62onwharf.com.

Seafood, Reader’s Choice: Finz Seafood & Grill, 76 Wharf St., Salem, 978-744-8485, hipfinz.com

Wine List, Reader’s Choice: Salem Wine Imports, 32 Church St., Salem, 978-741-9463, salemwine imports.com

Wine Shop, Reader’s Choice: Salem Wine Imports, 32 Church St., Salem, 978-741-9463, salemwineimports.com

Bar Scene: Strega
Cheers to Strega for creating a hip spot to share a small plate or a sip a martini and drink in the vibe. The spacious lounge area is comfy and full of personality, the ideal backdrop for bar drama. Whether you want to meet, be discreet, or just enjoy a drink and an app, you can find your spot at Strega.» 94 Lafayette St., Salem, 978-741-0004, stregasalem.com.
Reader’s Choice:Strega, 92 Lafayette St., Salem, 978-741-0004, stregasalem.com

Karaoke: Fantasy Island
Fantasy Island may look peaceful during the day but on Friday and Saturday nights this place explodes with those looking to top the charts. When you’re in the mood to belt it out, the modern décor and low lighting make this stage the perfect venue.» 516 Loring Ave., Salem, 978-745-1700, fantasyislandsalem.com.
Reader’s Choice: Fantasy Island, 516 Loring Ave., Salem, 978-745-1700

Lounge: Strega, 92 Lafayette St., Salem, 978-741-0004, stregasalem.com

Movie Theater, Reader's Choice: Cinema Salem, One East India Square, Salem, 978-744-1400, cinemasalem.com

Family Hangout (Rainy Day), Reader’s Choice: Peabody Essex Museum, 150 Essex St., Salem, 978-745-9500, pem.org

Kids Bookstore, Reader’s Choice: Cornerstone Books, 45 Lafayette St., Salem, 978-744-1831, cornerstonebookssalem.com

Maternity Clothing: Chulamama, 320 Derby St., Salem, 978-741-4600, chulamama.com

Hotel: Hawthorne Hotel
Salem’s historic Hawthorne Hotel brims with an old-fashioned New England charm that is both regal and relaxing. People-watching in the gracious lobby, enjoying a drink nestled near the fireplace at the Tavern, or delighting in a sumptuous brunch at Nathaniel’s are all part of the charm. Just walk out the door to Pickering Wharf or Front Street and sample many of Salem’s bewitching attractions.» 18 Washington Sq., Salem, 978-744-4080, hawthornehotel.com.

Makeup, Readers Choice: Rouge Cosmetics,322 Derby St., Salem, 978-740-1044, rouge.com

Massage: Living Well
Frank Corcoran has made the world a better place by training his massage therapists to give the most knot-releasing, pain-freeing, relaxation-inducing massages, far superior to a dose of Percocet. He also has assembled a cadre of caring people who genuinely want you to live your life well. You leave LivingWell somewhere between cloud nine and over the moon.» 207 Washington St., Salem, 978-740-9355, livingwellsalem.com.

Bath & Beauty: Rouge Cosmetics
Just walking into Rouge Cosmetics makes you feel like the America’s Top Model title is within your grasp. Here, you’ll discover the ultimate lines of skin and body care and makeup, plus everything else you need to feel and look lovely. Great customer service, makeup lessons, and Girls’ Night Out Parties add to the allure.» 322 Derby St., Salem, 978-740-1044, rouge.com.

Bike Store, Readers’ Choice: Salem Cycle,72 Washington St.,Salem, 978-741-2222, salemcycle.com

Bookstore, Readers’ Choice: Cornerstone Books, 45 Lafayette St., Salem, 978-744-1831, cornerstonebooks-salem.com

Clothing (Vintage), Modern Millie
Do you yearn for the days of fashion yesteryear when women wore white gloves, long pearls, and short bobs? Look no more; Modern Millie is an adorable shop in downtown Salem, small in square footage but vast in vintage treasures. Pop in to find great dresses and accessories and good, old-fashioned friendly service.» 103 Washington St., Salem, 978-745-0231, modernmillieshop.com.Readers’ Choice:Modern Millie, 103 Washington St., Salem, 978-745-0231, modern millieshop.com

Clothing (Women, Upscale), Readers’ Choice: J.Mode, 17 Front St., Salem, 978-744-7007, jmodefashions.com

Music Store: Record Exchange
Do you have a penchant for vinyl records and an ear for music? This cool music store doesn’t miss a beat. Record Exchange has been around for over 25 years and boasts a tremendous selection of vinyl records, CDs, DVDs, and VHS tapes. You’ll love the old-fashioned feel to the store, where the friendly staff knows a ton about music.» 256 Washington St., Salem, 978-745-0777.

Pet Store: The Barking Cat
The Barking Cat may sound like a paradox, but the name reflects owner Jeff McKee’s affinity for both dogs and cats. The shop is all about caring for pets and less about selling products; in fact, customers consistently report that McKee sells them just the essentials. Doggone good service and purrfect prices!» 266 Essex St., Salem, 978-745-2275, thebarkingcat.us.

Rugs: Landry & Arcari
Noted Oriental rug expert and owner of family-operated Landry and Arcari, Jerry Arcari is truly the King of Carpet. You can expect his staff to roll out the red carpet and help you select the perfect rug for your home from a great inventory of broadloom carpeting and the most exquisite Orientals. The gorgeous new showroom in Salem presents a tapestry of decorating ideas.» 63 Flint St., Salem, 978-744-5909, landryandarcari.com.

Save in Salem with the MassValuePass

The third iteration of the MassValuePass is currently in circulation, and it can save you money! If you are not able to download a pass from MassVacation.com, or you download your pass, print it out, and then leave it on top the dishwasher, not to be remembered until you are 100 miles from home (I'm just saying - stranger things have happened), stop into the National Park Service Salem Regional Visitor Center, 2 New Liberty Street. They have printed copies of the pass and would be happy to provide you with one.

Here are the sites and accommodations in Salem that are participating in the Pass:

SALEM MASSVALUEPASS DEALS

LODGING DEALS

*Please check with each individual property for additional restrictions or blackout dates

Clipper Ship Inn

Salem
978-745-8022
First two nights at regular price. Additional nights are 25 % off nightly rate. Nightly rate ranges between $95 and $150 per night.

Hawthorne Hotel

Salem

978-744-4080
Stay in a standard room at the historic Hawthorne Hotel for only $119 plus tax! Regularly $150. Not valid with any other discounts; not valid on reservations already made; based upon availability. Blackout dates may apply.

Salem Inn

Salem

978-741-0680
Stay at the Salem Inn Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday and receive 25% off your entire stay. regular room rates range from $139.00 - 259.00.

Stepping Stone Inn

Salem

978-741-8900
Normal price is $144 + tax discount is $115 + tax and with all 2 night stays you are given a pass to the Salem witch museum right next door. When calling to make a reservation please mention this add to receive your discount

ATTRACTION DEALS

Bewitched in Salem

Salem

978-744-9904
Daytime and Nighttime Walking Tour Special. Receive 1 FREE child's ticket with every regular priced Adult ticket purchased.

History Alive! Presents: Cry Innocent: The People versus Bridget Bishop

Salem

978-867-4767
Receive a 2 for 1 discount when purchasing a Cry Innocent ticket at our box office cart on the corner of Essex St. and Derby Sq. With the Mass Value Pass, a 2nd person will be admitted free with the purchase of one adult, student, or senior ticket. Regular prices for Cry Innocent: $9 Adult $8 Students and Seniors Free for children under 6 yrs.

History Alive! Presents: Pioneer Village

Salem

978-867-4767
2 for 1 discount with the purchase of a Pioneer Village ticket. With a valid Mass Value Pass, a second person will be admitted to Pioneer Village after purchasing one adult, student, or senior ticket. Regular Pioneer Village Ticket Prices: $9 Adults $8 Students and Seniors Free for children under 6 yrs.

House of the Seven Gables

Salem

978-744-0991
$2 off admission (up to four)

New England Pirate Museum

Salem

978-741-2800
25% Off Adult Admission $8.00 adult ticket will be $6.00 with Mass Value Pass

Salem Trolley

Salem

978-744-5469
One Hour historical tour with same day shuttle. Ride the Red Trolleys!!! Discount of $3.00 off adult and senior tickets. That's a 25% savings.

Salem Witch Museum

Salem

978-744-1692
Visit the Salem Witch Museum and receive a special promotional rate: Adult- $6.00, Senior Citizen, $5.25 and Child (6-14) $4.00. This offer may not be combined with any other discount.

Witch Dungeon Museum

Salem

978-741-7770
25% Off Adult Admission $8.00 adult ticket will be $6.00 with Mass Value Pass

Witch History Museum

Salem

978-741-7770
25% Off Adult Admission $8.00 adult ticket will be $6.00 with Mass Value Pass

Witch House

Salem

978-744-8815
$2.00 off our admission prices of $8.25(adult), $6.25(senior), $4.25(child)

DINING DEALS

Nathanial's at the Hawthorne Hotel

Salem

978-744-4080
25% off one dinner entree when two or more are purchased.

RETAIL DEALS

City Consignment & Thrift

Salem

978-744-44333
Take 25% of one regular priced item priced 10.00 or more. (not to be combined with any other purchase

There are many, many more discounts - all at least 25% off - on MassVacation.com. Use your pass to explore Massachusetts all month!