Harry Potter Magic in Salem

House scarves at Remember Salem

I have mixed emotions about Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2.  I was really sad when I finished reading Book 7, and I feel somewhat the same about the conclusion of the films.  I've enjoyed watching Daniel Radcliffe and the rest of the cast grow up on screen, and I really would like to know how Harry transitions from such an adventurous adolescence into a mild-mannered adulthood. Visions of The Incredibles come to mind, but that's a bit of a cinematic mixed-metaphor, isn't it?

Fortunately, I think the second most magical place to Hogsmeade is Salem.  And some of the best shopping for magical gifts - be they fictitious or real - this side of Diagon Alley is right here.

So, go see HP7 at Cinema Salem, and then walk the streets of Salem and find everything from official, licensed Harry Potter clothing and equipment to locally made spells, wands, hats and more.

Brooms at Hex

At Remember Salem on Essex Street, you will find one of the largest selections of Harry Potter gifts anywhere.  They are one of only three Harry Potter-themed shops in America, and a must for muggles and wizards alike.  I particularly like their "Salem Muggle" t-shirts.

The Trolley Depot at 191 Essex Street, you can buy your House ties, Head Boy pins, and Quidditch goggles.

Stop by Hex at 246 Essex Street for brooms, spells, and candles to put you in a magical mood, or Crow Haven Corner at 125 Essex Street for hats, spell kits and mojo bags.

Wherever you turn, you'll find a bit of magic in Salem.  Let me know if you find a Maurauders' Map, though.  That could come in handy.

A great way to display your memories of Salem

I was in the Trolley Depot this week, and they have some cute new frames that would look great with your photos from Salem in them!

In addition to clever frames, the Trolley Depot has a great selection of books about Salem and Witchcraft, great t-shirts (including the "Are you a good witch  or a bad witch" shirt), punny gifts, and ornaments for Christmas and beyond.

While it's always better to shop at the Depot, or its sister store Salemdipity on Pickering Wharf, in person, they have a great online store as well. 

The Trolley Depot is on the Pedestrian Mall at 181 Essex Street.

Buy Poetry Festival Buttons in Salem!

Just 11 days remain until the Massachusetts Poetry Festival throws opens its doors in Salem!  We are so excited to be hosting the festival in Salem this year, and would love to be the festival's permanent home.

Workshops, readings and performances will be held at the Peabody Essex Museum, House of the Seven Gables, Green Land Cafe, Salem Athenaeum, Omen, and Universalist Church.  There will be poetry Trolleys, poetry Trains (via the MBTA Rockport/Newburyport lines, coming up from Boston), a small press fair, bad poetry, GREAT poetry, music, and more.  More than 60 poetic events are scheduled for Saturday, May 14th. If you dig poetry, this is a festival not to be missed. 

You need a button to get in, and once you have a button you have all-access, with exception of some workshops that require registration. Buttons cost $10, $5 for students and seniors, and are available online and in Salem at:

• Roost on Front Street
• Salemdipity on Pickering Wharf
• Salem Witch Museum
• Signatures on the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall 
• The Trolley Depot on the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall 

If you buy your buttons in Salem, it's cash-only.  Visit MassPoetry.org to use your favorite credit or debit card.  Regardless of where or how your buy your button, make sure to register at MassPoetry.org so you don't miss a workshop, class, or session. 

A Strange Little Shop...

When you visit Salem, you have to buy a souvenir -and no matter what your taste, you can probably find something appealing in The Trolley Depot, 191 Essex Street, or Salemdpitiy, on Pickering Wharf at 86 Wharf Street.

I was in The Trolley Depot last month, and I bought magnetic pads with floral designs for hostess gifts. Last week I went in looking for Pirate garb (dress like a pirate for The Pirates of Penzance at Salem State College and save $$ on your admission!) and I stumbled upon some great items for Earth Day - for example: lamp sets that you make out of glass bottles, and trivet kits that you make out of your corks.

And while I was there I asked Betty Bouchard, the store owner, "What is the most popular souvenir?" And she said, "The Good Witch/Bad Witch T." True enough - I bought one of said T's in 1998 and wore it until the sleeves fell off. Things have changed since '98, and now the T's come in women's sizing as well as unisex. And these are just one t-shirt of many options at The Trolley Depot.

You will also find books, handbags made from recycled products, sweat shirts, miniatures, bumper stickers, mugs, and more. It's tough to categorize The Trolley Depot, so don't try!

This is the first in a new series I'm going to do on the Blog: Salem Must Haves. If you have a souvenir, gift or item that you purchased in Salem, and you consider it a "Must Have," let me know. If not, follow along with the blog over the next few months for inspiration.

... one more thing, you may know that it's vacation week in Massachusetts - well, there are some great deals and packages on Salem.org/deals. Check'em out and take advantage!