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.

Easter Brunch at the Hawthorne Hotel

Make reservations sooner rather than later for the scrumptious Easter Brunch that is being planned by the Hawthorne Hotel. You can view their Easter Menu here.  It includes smoked salmon, carving stations, delicious desserts, and oh-so-much more. 

North Shore Magazine did a great interview with the Easter Bunny, in preparation for his appearance at the brunch.  You can read the exclusive interview here.

Easter Brunch Buffet at the Hawthorne Hotel will be served on Sunday April 24, 2011 from 10:30am - 6pm. 
For reservations, please call (978) 825-4311.  Cost is Adults $40.95  Children (3-12) $16.95.

Golden Egg Hunt in Salem!! (You could win $100!)

Looking to get out of the house and have some fun…join Salem Main Streets on April 11th for the first annual Salem Golden Egg Hunt & Open House for a chance to win a Gift basket and a $100 bill. Jennifer Bell, Salem Main Streets manager explains, “We wanted to have a fun event in Salem for the whole family to encourage people to shop downtown and have a chance to win a really great prize.”

Participating merchants will hand out Golden(raffle) Tickets the week leading up to April 11th to the “egg hunters” who spot a golden egg in the store’s window. No purchase is necessary just have your ticket validated at 8 participating stores and turn in your ticket at a participating business or the Salem Chamber of Commerce by close of business April 11.

Many of these businesses will also have special on-going events to entertain, entice and thank customers for their patronage. For example, Pamplemousse will be holding a wine tasting, Penelope’s Pet Boutique is hosting the 3rd annual Easter Biscuit Hunt from 12 – 3, Rose Medallion Tea Room will have free brownies, Rita’s will have free samples, Signatures is offering 20% off all full priced clothing and delicious desserts, and Maria’s Sweet Somethings will have visits by the Easter Bunny, a jelly bean counting contest and much more.

You can visit the Easter Bunny from noon to 2 p.m. at the Museum Place Mall on April 11th. Afterward, from 2-3 p.m. the bunny can be spotted meeting and greeting people throughout downtown Salem. Salem Vintage Photography will be offering photos with the Easter Bunny for a fee.

Refreshments will also be available that day at these participating stores: Bewitched in Salem, Coons, Crunchy Granola Baby, Goddess’ Treasure Chest, Laura Lanes, Lotus Gifts, Marias Sweet Somethings, Pamplemousse, Penelope’s, Picklepot, Red Lion, Rita’s, Rose Medallion, Rouge Cosmetics, Samantha’s Costumes, Signatures, Thai Place, Treasures Over Time, The Trolley Depot, Turtle Alley, Salem Vintage Photography, Witch City Ink, Witch Tee's, and Witch’s Hide.

For more information, please contact Jennifer Bell at Salem Main Streets, 978-744-0004 or go to salemmainstreets.org.

Easter at the Hawthorne Hotel

Check out this menu for Easter Buffet at the Historic Hawthorne Hotel! It sounds absolutely devine and delicious. Make your reservations soon!

Easter Sunday Buffet at the Hawthorne Hotel

April 12, 2009 ~~ 10:30 am-7 pm

For Reservations Phone (978) 825-4311

Adults $39.95 Children (3-12) $14.95

“Ham-What-I-Yam” Carving Station

Easter Ham, Country Style Mustard Sauce

Slow-Roasted Prime Rib of Beef, Double Jus

Garlic and Rosemary-Roasted Leg of Lamb, Mint Jelly

Easter Bunny’s Favorites including Carrots, of Course!

Baked “Eggs Benedict” Bread Pudding

Scrambled Eggs (for the Morning Reservations)

Crisp Bacon and Sausage Links

Cheese Blintzes with Fruit Compote

Carbonara-Style Cavatappi Pasta with Peas, Bacon, and Carbonara Sauce

Baby Carrots with Tarragon Butter

Spring Peas and Pearl Onions

Potato Gratin

Forty Cloves of Garlic Chicken

Baked Swordfish with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

Peter Cottontail’s Choices from the Garden

Steamed Asparagus Salad, Shallot Vinaigrette with Fresh Herbs and Lemon Slices

Smoked Salmon, Capers, Red Onions, Creamy Dill, Rye Bread and Crackers

Field Greens with Grape Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Shredded Carrots,

Bleu Cheese and Balsamic Dressings

Napa Cabbage, Mung Bean Sprouts, Toasted Almonds, Tomato & Mango, Sweet and Sour Dressing

Assorted International and Domestic Cheese Display, Crackers and Breads

Baby Shrimp, Snap Peas, Shell Pasta Salad with Dill Sour Cream Dressing

Penne Pasta Salad with Grilled Chicken, Smoky Bacon Dressing,

New Potato and Green Onion Salad with Black Olives and Hard-Boiled Eggs, Dijon Vinaigrette

“Easter Bread Basket” Fresh Breads, Muffins, Cinnamon Rolls and Hot Cross Buns

Seasonal Fruits, Grapes and Berries

We Saved the Best for Last, Our Easter Desserts

Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Double Chocolate Layer Cake, Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding with Whipped Cream,

Key Lime Pie, Boston Cream Pie, Cheesecake with Berry Sauce, Lemon Cream Torte,

Raspberry Cream Torte, Mini Pastries, Assorted Cookies, Brownies and Congo Bars.

www.HawthorneHotel.com

18 Washington Square West Salem, Ma 01970

978-825-4311

Tell me you're not starving after reading all of those yummy choices...