This weekend's six

It's been crazy-busy at Destination Salem lately. We are pulling together Destination Salem's 2010 Guide to Haunted Happenings, talking with cruise lines (Blount Small Ship Adventures is coming to Salem three times this summer!), working on budgets, and talking to travel writers and group tour operators.

AND we've been helping a few visitors who are standing on a corner looking from map to street sign to map in a confused manner. I hope the families and couples I ran into this week found the Witch Trials Memorial, the Witch Dungeon Museum, the Tall Ship Friendship, the visitor center, and the right restaurants for cooling off and chilling out!

Here are a few thoughts for this weekend. The weather report looks a little spotty, but we desperately need the rain so don't let it stop you. (Besides, how many times has the weather forecast been completely WRONG?!) Salem beckons...

1. Take in the free film, To the Farthest Ports of the Rich East at the Salem Maritime National Historic Site, 193 Derby Street. This free (did I mention free?) 18 minute film presents the history of Salem's maritime trade and the traditions it inspired.

2. Make a weekend out of it with a package at the Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites. New packages include Mahi Mahi Cruises or Salem Kayak, so you have a place to stay overnight and a way to see Salem from the water. Packages include an overnight for two, breakfast in the Regatta Pub and either a 90-minute paddling tour with Salem Kayak or a two-hour harbor cruise aboard Mahi Mahi.

3. Find out what happens in "happily ever after" at Summer Theatre at Salem's production of Into the Woods. Characters from various fairy tales take to the stage through July 18th.

4. Don't let the scaffolding scare you away, and visit The Salem Witch Museum, which is open through restoration of the building's exterior. We're really excited to know the Salem Witch Museum is preserving its iconic building, and you should know that the presentations and gift shop are open for business behind the curtain. The Salem Witch Museum's presentations will leave you with lessons of tolerance from 1692 and a new understanding of what the word "Witch" really means.

5. Make Art in the Garden at The House of the Seven Gables. This program is for families with children ages 6 and up, and you will create art using a variety of art materials. The fee includes all supplies, and the program is limited, so do make reservations. 10:00 AM Saturday. Please call 978.744.0991 x.104 to make reservations.

6. Explore Salem by foot. Salem has excellent guided walking tours that will illuminate all sides of Salem's history. Whether you are interested in Salem's architecture, the haunted history, or Witch Trial heritage there's a walking tour for you. Check out the options on Salem.org.

However you spend it, have a wonderful weekend!