Tag & Play in Salem

We had a great time giving stuff away last fall, so we're going to do it again! 

It's time to Tag & Play in Salem.  Here's how it works:

1. "Like" Destination Salem on Facebook,
2. Watch for posts titled, "Tag & Play!" with a picture.
3. Tag yourself in the picture (below the picture, on the left, it should give you the option to "Tag this photo."  The first 50 tags will be entered into a random drawing.

We'll post the winner and send you your prize! Easy-peasy!

We gave away sixty - I know! SIXTY - gift certificates during "Tag & Dine" in November and "Tag & Shop" in December. Sky's the limit this month - look for health & wellness, attractions, tours, shopping, and dining gift certificates. 

Tell your friends, have fun, and good luck!

Urban Elements moves to 83 Washington Street

Urban Elements has moved - and transformed itself!  The new space at 83 Washington Street is much larger than the space on Essex Street, giving owner Kim Tenenbaum the chance to stretch her talent for buying and selling eco-chic, rustic and modern furniture and home decor.  

In addition to furniture on display, Kim has added bath accessories and some rugs to the store's inventory, which has always included natural candles, quirky vases, and fun and funky statues and art.

But wait, there's more! Urban Elements is going to utilize the new space to offer classes, the first of which will be a "Bonsai Workshop" on April 22.  You will also find Sankofa Massage and Bodywork in the back of the store (you might be so comfortable in the "waiting room," you'll want to take it home with you!).

Urban Elements will have a grand opening reception on Saturday, March 19th.  Visit UrbanElementsHome.com or call (978) 666-4408 for more information and to RSVP.

The Irish Experience at the Phillips House

It's March, and near Boston that means one thing... St. Patrick's Day!  The Phillips House is happy to help us celebrate the Irish in us all this week with their Irish Experience tour on Friday, March 11th.

Here's the scoop:

Come to Historic New England’s Phillips House and find out about the daily lives of the Phillips family’s Irish domestic staff. This special Saint Patrick’s Day weekend tour will share the stories, daily duties, and living conditions of Caddy Shaughnessy, Delia Cawley, and Bridgit Durgin—the three live-in domestic staff at 34 Chestnut Street. Learn about their interactions with family members and enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at where the "girls" lived in 1919.

The Irish Experience at the Phillips House tour will take place on Friday, March 11 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The Phillips House is located at 34 Chestnut Street. Advance registrations is suggested due to the limited space available for the tour. Please call 978-744-0440 or visit https://shop.historicnewengland.org/p-6717-irish-experience.aspx to purchase tickets. The cost is $5.00 for Historic New England members and $10.00 for nonmembers.

What does Charlie Sheen have to do with Salem?

He hasn't visited - at least not to my knowledge - but Charlie Sheen is making waves in the Salem business community.  Or members of the Salem business community are making waves in Charlie Sheen's media wake.  Either way, Salem has found itself in the Sheen media frenzy.

Here's the Fox News spot featuring Salem Witches Christian Day, Lori Bruno, and Lorelei:  (Click here if the video is not appearing below.) 

Charlie Sheen offends Salem warlocks: MyFoxBOSTON.com

Listen to Christian Day talk about Witchcraft and Salem on Boston station WZLX by clicking here.

Salem is a traditional New England seaport with a twist. Only in Salem can you explore a replica 1797 East Indiaman tall ship, see a presentation about the Salem Witch Trials of 1692, visit an 18th-century Chinese house, have a psychic reading, pick up the newest French Dressing jeans, and eat an awesome burrito.  In one day.  A key part of this eclectic nature is our Witch shops. 

If the coverage of Christian, Lori, and Laureli makes you curious about the Salem Witch community and Witchcraft, I encourage you to visit their stores.  Hex and Crow Haven Corner (125 Essex Street) are shops that feature books, candles, and spells, and they feature people who are knowledgeable about Witchcraft.  These are just two of Salem's witch shops.  Artemisia Botanicals and Nu Aeon on Pickering Wharf  will give you a different sense of Pagan traditions.  You will also find reference books and information, at Pyramid Books on Derby Street.

Like any religion, there are different ways to practice and interpret Witchcraft and Wicca, but they all have their roots in pre-Christianity Celtic Pagan traditions.  The Salem Witch Museum provides an excellent explanation of the word, "Witch," and its interpretations through history. 

As far as I know, Salem's witch community is no larger or smaller than that of other cities and towns. However, with our Witch shops, members of Salem's Witch community are an obvious piece of our fabric, providing an opportunity for education (as well as shopping - there's no harm in lighting a candle for love or money or a new job!).

We do expect Charlie Sheen to visit Salem - on Halloween.  I would wager we'll see more Charlie Sheen costumes than witch costumes come October.

Jump into Spring Jazz Party

This is always a great party, so if you are looking for something to do on March 18, I think you've found it!  For more information, visit HistoricSalem.org.

Not a Dull Moment...

These are the people who perceive things differently...

Salem Film Fest is underway.  Come to Salem, See the World!  Click here for the schedule of films.