Celebrate Easter in Salem

I can't say that Easter has snuck up on us this year, because Easter is actually rather late this year.  But it still feels like it's snuck up on us.  So, if you're like me and haven't quite finished your Easter shopping, still need something springlike to wear (that's warm enough to fend off New England shivers), and have to feed a family in a celebratory fashion this Sunday, here's a quick list to help you get it all done.

Chocolate

First off, chocolate.  We need chocolate, right?  There are two excellent chocolate options in Salem.  You can head over to Ye Olde Pepper Candy Companie on Derby Street. They have a complete collection of bunnies (white, dark, milk), eggs (milk, malted, jelly), peeps (chocolate dipped, yum!), and other Easter essentials to fill your baskets.  Or, drive to Leavitt Street (off Congress Street, past Shetland Office Park) to Harbor Sweets where you will find the most insanely fabulous milk chocolate bunnies you've ever eaten the ears off of.  Harbor Sweets bunnies have different fillings depending on the area of the bunny, so every bite is a delight.  Back on Front Street, Maria's Sweet Somethings has a full array of chocolates and gifts to fill your Easter baskets.  From truffles to fudge, Maria's is a shop full of decadent treats!

Shop
Once you've got the chocolates under control, you probably need a few gifts for the baskets.  Head to Mud Puddle Toys and Coon's Cards & Gifts on Essex Street.  Between the two shops you can find whimsical toys and gifts for the kids in your Easter morning.

Dress
Will you be wearing a bonnet on Sunday?  If you need that perfect ensemble to accompany your bonnet, try Signatures Apparel on Essex Street, J. Mode on Front Street, and Two Girl's Shop on Derby Street.  These unique boutiques have an array of women's fashion and will guarantee you'll look great on Easter Sunday.

Dine
You'll have to show off the new outfit, which we hope will not have chocolate finger prints on it, at brunch on Sunday.  We have no shortage of Easter Brunch options, including Capt.'s, the Salem Waterfront Hotel & Marina, the Hawthorne Hotel, The Lyceum, and Victoria Station.  The menus are lavish and delicious, and seatings will sell out, so please make reservations.

If you will be celebrating on Sunday, I offer best wishes for a Happy Easter.  May you enjoy the day, celebrate family and friends, and, of course, eat lots of chocolate.