Information for people who want to visit and explore Salem, Massachusetts.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Happy Holidays from Destination Salem
If it's really great, I may ask you for permission to use it in the 2009 visitor guide, or on Salem.org. There's no cash involved, but the fame your would discover through being featured in a Salem tourism publication is quite priceless.
More snow is expected this week - so if you're coming into town, make sure to check Salem.com for snow emergency/parking ban information.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Another Snow Postponement to Report
Happy Holidays!
Monday, December 22, 2008
Snow postpones "Cold is the Nightwind."
The Dec. 21 "Cold is the Nightwind" Program has been postponed to Dec. 28 due to the snow, ice, and downtown parking ban that was in effect in Salem over the weekend...
"Cold is the Nightwind" A Victorian Christmas Program will be held on December 28, 2008, at 2 p.m. at St. Peter's Church, Salem, MA. (We'll have the New Year to celebrate musically, too, after all!)
Ticket sales have been extended to Dec. 28 and advance tickets will be on sale all week! You can purchase tickets at the door, or online, as well.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Salem Trolley Christmas Carol is Great Family Fun
The Salem Trolley Christmas Carol is the best ticket in town right now! This contemporary adaptation of A Christmas Carol has been done by Eric Rodenheiser of The Griffen Theatre, and it is wonderfully scripted to appeal to all ages.
It's a movable production - the audience travels via trolley with Ebeneezer Scrooge between today, Christmas Past, Christmas Present, and Christmas Future. Jacob Marley comes aboard, and the famed ghosts ensure nobody is left behind on this journey of self-realization and holiday cheer.
Bring your hats and gloves, and appropriate footwear, if you go - traveling between scenes does involve walking on snow and ice right now, and it is chilly at night.
The Trolley Christmas Carol runs through Monday, December 22nd, and tickets are $22 per person. It's great for all ages (last night the youngest audience members were 7 and 8 and laughing hysterically), and the production is less than 90 minutes, so attention spans can stay in tact!
Call the Salem Trolley at 978-744-5469 for tickets.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Get into the Holiday Spirit at Rockafellas!
Here are the details for you and your families - it looks like it's going to be cold on Sunday, so come on down and stay warm in Rockafellas.
Holiday Family Brunch Sing Along featuring Lisa Love & Billy Garzone
12:00 p.m.-2 p.m
The brunch buffet will feature everything from an omelet station to a carving station and it will finish with a variety of desserts. The buffet begins at 11 a.m., and music is from 12 p.m.-3 p.m. Admission is $22 per person, and children 10 & under eat for free. There will also be a guest appearance by the man who can tell whether you've been naughty or nice.
Holiday Dinner Show: The Compaq Band and Special Guest Singers Ed Scheer & Britt Sawdon
6:30 p.m.-10 p.m.
The 21-piece big band, The Compaq Band, will feature special guest singers Ed Scheer and Britt Sawdon in their 4th annual holiday show at Rockafellas. Seating begins at 6 p.m. with music and a buffet dinner starting at 6:30 p.m. The buffet has a wide selection of winter favorites, including stuffed broiled pork loin, wild poached salmon, and baked stuffed haddock with lemon butter sauce. Reservations are required, and admission is $38 per person, while children 10 & under eat for free.
For people interested in enjoying the bar scene on Sunday night, seats at the bar are $10 a person beginning at 6 p.m. Whether with a group, on a date, or by yourself, the Big Band Show always provides a classic evening of entertainment and refreshment.
For reservations or more information, call 978-745-2411 or email rock@rockafellasofsalem.com
Monday, December 15, 2008
Christmas with the Phillips Family Tour
The Phillips House is located on 34 Chestnut Street. Tours are available on Saturday and Sunday through December, on the half-hour, from 11-4. This special tour is $5.00 for adults and free to Historic New England members and Salem residents with a valid ID.
The gift shop is also open. All jewelry is 15% off and holiday items are on sale as well. Historic New England members can receive 10-15% off with their membership card.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Gift Ideas on Washington Street
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Get Glowing for the Holidays
Rouge has some fabulous holiday gift ideas on their web site. They also have the list printed in convenient flyer format in case you want to leave it surreptitiously around the house. And they are running a "give a gift - get a gift" program in December, so if you're a "What's in it for me" personality - you'll find Rouge is a win/win this month.
Don't think Rouge is just for women - Rouge carries some fantastic lines for men and kids. Go in and browse about. The staff is fabulous, and they will steer you in the right direction for your holiday shopping.
So get glowing! Head down to 322 Derby Street toward the shop that is glowing pink.
A Classic Christmas at The House of the Seven Gables
Sunday, December 14, 4:00PM – 6:00PM
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Holiday Happenings in Salem
The Theatre of Light Presents: Narnia.....the Musical - St. Peter's Episcopal Church - December 13 and 14. Saturdays at 7 pm and Sundays at 3 pm - NARNIA....the Musical, based on "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe", C.S. Lewis' most popular story from the Chronicles of Narnia, will be presented by the Theatre of Light on the above mentioned dates. Suggested ticket donations are $5 for children ages 5 and under, $10 for students and seniors and $15 for adults. For reservations and more information call (781) 210-9818.
Celebrate the Season at Rockafellas - 231 Essex Street
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
American History & Music Festival
This family-friendly event will be held at St. Peter's Church and will feature a program rich in holiday traditions and spirit, including:
- Cold is the Nightwind: A Victorian Christmas Program - a concert featuring Jim & Maggi Dalton
- Illustrated Talk on Salem and Regional Christmas Customs with Historic New England's Julie Arrison and Megan Mac Gregor
- Tour of the lovely and historic St. Peter's Episcopal Church and more!
- Adults $10.00
- Festival Excursion (Children under 12 years of ageaccompanied by one adult) $18.00
- Family Festival (Two adults with their children under 12 years of age) $25.00
- Historic New England Members: $8.00
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Christmas in Salem House Tours this weekend
- Holiday Lectures
- Music
- Decorating Presentations
- Refreshments for sale
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Maritime Lecture Tonight - Wednesday
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Greensleeves at New Civilitea
Do you ever get annoyed with those stupid (and ecologically disastrous) cardboard coffee sleeves at your local java house? Luckily, one local mom has come up with a solution! Greensleeves are fabric coffee sleeves that are both stylish and reusable! We don't even sell them at CGB, but we just adore the idea and couldn't wait to share the news! Pick up your Greensleeve today at New Civilitea (318 Derby Street) for only $8!
- FREE Parenting Group: Every Friday morning, 9 -10 am
- FREE Toddler Play Group: Every Wednesday morning, 10 - 11 am
- CPR: Wednesday December 10, 6:30 - 9:30pm $50 Fee; please register at CGB
- Guest Speaker From The Waldorf School: Wednesday January 7, 10 - 10:30 am
- Cloth Diaper Demo: Saturday January 17, 10am - noon
Saturday, November 29, 2008
The Grand Finale of Arts & Antiques Month
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Downtown Salem's Tree-Mendous Event!
The tree lighting and festivities will begin on Friday Evening, November 28th at 6:00 p.m. when Mayor Driscoll lights the City's 18 foot Holiday Tree. There will be Victorian Carolers, hot chocolate and cheer. And, get a jump on your holiday shopping at the shops on Front Street!
Activities continue through the weekend when there will be Christmas Trees for sale on Artist’s Row and hot chocolate, hot cider and cookies made by the Lobster Shanty. "Shanty Clause" will make special appearances on Saturday and Sunday between 4-6 pm.
November 28 - 3:00pm to 8:00pm
Saturday, November 29 – 9:00am to 8:00pm
Sunday, November 30 – 9:00am to 6:00pm
Proceeds from the events will benefit the Salem Beautification Committee and Salem Main Streets.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Visit and Vote! Salem's Downtown Window Contest is Underway...
Participating Business Include:
- For Kids Only (224 Essex St.)
- Laura Lanes Skin Care (242 Essex St.)
- Sacred Gear (118 Washington St.)
- Crunchy Granola Baby (72 Washington St.)
- Salem Wine Imports (32 Church St.)
- Penelope’s (99 Washington St.)
- Coon’s (226 Essex St.)
- Caffé Graziani (133 Washington St.)
- Treasures Over Time (139 Washington St.)
- J. Mode (17 Front St.)
- Fiddlehead (24 Front St.)
- Trolley Depot (191 Essex St.)
- Angelica of Angels (7 Central St.)
- Signatures (181 Essex St.)
- Peabody Essex Museum Shop (East India Square)
- Angels Landing (131a Essex St.)
- Fool’s Mansion (127 Essex St.)
- Rouge Cosmetics (322 Derby St.)
- Chulamama (320 Derby St.)
- Boys and Girls Club (13 Hawthorne Blvd.)
In Museum Place Mall:
- Bewitched In Salem
- Bruce Rossmeyer Harley Davidson
- Christy’s Dry Cleaners
- Daily Bagel Cafe
- Hair Design by Linda
- Rose Medallion
- Turtle Alley
- Witch Tees
On Pickering Wharf:
- Cat N The Fiddle Uniques
- Living With Pets
- The Picklepot
- Quintessentials
- Salemdipity
Monday, November 24, 2008
Thanks to everyone who made The Buried Treasure Appraisal Event a Success!
Friday, November 21, 2008
Join us for the Buried Treasure Appraisal Event this Sunday!
The Buried Treasure Appraisal Event
1-4 pm
Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites
225 Derby Street, Salem, MA
$20 per person, cash bar
Find out if your own personal bail-out plan is lurking in your attic by bringing treasure to the Salem Waterfront Hotel on Sunday, November 23 at 1pm.
We have a fantastic afternoon planned for Sunday - Grogan & Company Fine Art Auctioneers will be providing verbal appraisals. Classical 99.5 WCRB's Morning Program Host Laura Carlo will be the event host, music will be provided by a trio from the Lexington Symphony Orchestra, and food - wonderful food! - will be your for the tasting.
Appropriate treasures include paintings, silver, estate jewelry, oriental rugs, and decorative arts (glass, china). Please bring a photos of any large items (don't lug the desk or armoire to the hotel! A photo is fine.) Guests are asked to bring only one item.
Items of particular interest may be evaluated publicly, and prizes will be awarded for the most interesting items of the day!
A sampling of Salem restaurants will be provided by Finz Seafood, Sixty2 on Wharf, Capt.'s Waterfront Restaurant, Caffe Graziani, The Regatta, and Coffee Time Bake Shop.
Prizes will feature gift certificates from Treasures over Time, Sixty2 on Wharf, Strega, and others.
Discover the magic of your buried treasures, and Salem's wonderful restaurants, on Sunday!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Salem Artists Open their Studios this Weekend
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Destination Salem, Cultural Tourism, and Ireland
It was a tremendous opportunity to discuss Salem as a successful case study in cultural and heritage tourism, and learn a bit about what our destination marketing counterparts are doing in Ireland.
I'll be back on track with blog posts by week's end. In the meantime - have you purchased your tickets for the Buried Treasure Appraisal event on Sunday? I hope to see you there!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Body & Soul for the Holiday Season
At Body & Soul its all about you!
Integrating different types of bodywork and modalities into a session is essential to give your body, mind and soul the relief that it deserves. They design each treatment to be just right for your every appointment. For example: Do you like deep tissue massage? Are you also needing to relax at the same time? No problem! We are more than happy to combine both deep tissue and relaxation massage and at no extra cost!!
Holiday Shopping Made Easy! Body & Soul offers gift certificates online! Simply go to:Gift Certificates. Your gift certificate will be promptly mailed to you or the recipient. Please note gift certificates are written in monetary amounts. If you would like to say (or not say) something special, please let us know and we will be happy to transcribe your note.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
WBZ-TV, Music, & Photography at Chulamama this week!
And then, on Saturday (November 15) head back to Chulamama with the kids for a day of music and photography. Photographer Linda LoPiccolo will be offering free sittings for your little ones in plenty of time to use as holiday cards and gifts.
Music Together will also be visiting Chulamama on November 15th. Music Together is an internationally recognized early childhood music program for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, kindergarteners, and the adults who love them. Free music class Starts at 1pm.
After your photo shoot or music class, stick around and enjoy the free treats and refreshments Chulamama will be serving all day.
To to set up your sitting with Linda LoPiccolo please contact Chulamama. Walk-ins are also welcome and will be taken on a first come first serve basis. LoPiccolo will be available from 10am – 2pm November 15th. For information: Phone: 978-741-4600
Arts & Antiques Month Events
Arts & Antiques Month brochures are available all over town - the Visitor Center, Peabody Essex Museum, Kensington Stobart Gallery, and others.
Thursday, November 13
Kensington Stobart Gallery From Paris to Provence: A Cultural Odyssey 7:30 pm; Kensington-Stobart Gallery, Hawthorne Hotel. The second in a three-part series of art lec- tures by Salem historian Jim McAllister. For descriptions, visit website. $10.00 (or $25 for all three lectures), 978.825.0022 KensingtonStobartGallery.com.
Friday, November 14
Peabody Essex Museum Adult Workshop - The Art of Batiking, with Mary Edna Fraser 9:30 am-4 pm; Phillips Library Auditorium. Reservations by Nov. 7. Members $95, non- members $115. Experience the process of working with fiber dyes on silk with internationally ac- claimed batik artist Mary Edna Fraser, whose work is on view in PEM’s exhibition Polar Attractions. 866.745.1876 • pem.org.
Peabody Essex Museum Film and Dance Performance - An Evening of Kutiyattam (Sanskrit Theater) 7 pm; Morse Auditorium. Excerpts from the film Kutiyattam - Kailasodharanam. 8 pm Live performance. Reserva- tions by Nov. 12. Members $25, nonmembers $30. Experience riv- eting 2,000-year-old Sanskrit dance theater. Kutiyattam is a bold mix of color, expression, drama, dance, music and recitation of verses. 866.745.1876 •pem.org.
Saturday, November 15
Peabody Essex Museum Atrium Alive: Extreme North and South All programs in- cluded with museum admission. Experience the Arctic with special events inspired by the exhibitions To The Ends of the Earth and Polar Attractions. Events include work- shops & art activities, family gallery explorations, performance art, artist presentations, concerts & more! Plus, hear harrowing tales from Arctic explorer Conrad Dick- inson! 866.745.1876 • pem.org.
Peabody Essex Museum Family Gallery Exploration 3:15-3:45 pm Families with children 5 and up. Polar Explorations with Peter C. Stone. 866.745.1876 • pem.org.
Peabody Essex Museum Multimedia Performance Art - Southern Ice with Brooks de Wetter-Smith 1-2 pm; Morse Auditorium. All ages. Reservations by Nov. 13. Musician/ adventurer Brooks de Wetter-Smith takes you on a photographic journey round- ing Cape Horn, a vast, pristine landscape of ice and stone. 866.745.1876 • pem.org
Peabody Essex Museum Presentation - The Hardest Expedition in the World, with Explorer Conrad Dickinson 2:30-3:45 pm; Morse Auditorium. For adults and teens. Reservations by Nov. 13. Hear Dickinson’s har- rowing tales of his treacherous journey across the frozen Arctic Ocean. A lender to PEM’s exhibi- tion To the Ends of the Earth, Dick- inson will also share his passion for art. 866.745.1876 pem.org
Urban Elements • Feng Shui Basics 6 – 7 pm; 230 Essex Street. Is your bed under the window? Do you know why a bed under the window is considered bad feng shui? Learn more and see the beautiful collection of vintage Asian & Indian home accents. Complimentary Wine & Cheese 978.666.4408, UrbanElementsHome.com.
Sunday, November 16
Peabody Essex Museum Atrium Alive: Extreme North and South All programs in- cluded with museum admission. Experience the Arctic with special events inspired by the exhibitions To The Ends of the Earth and Polar Attractions. Events include work- shops & art activities, family gallery explorations, performance art, artist presentations, concerts & more! Plus, hear harrowing tales from Arctic explorer Conrad Dick- inson! 866.745.1876 • pem.org.
Peabody Essex Museum Presentation - Xavier Cortada at the Poles 1-2 pm; Morse Auditorium. For adults and teens. Reservations by Nov. 13. See Miami-based artist Xavier Cortada’s installation art and paintings and hear about his experiences at the ends of the earth. The artist leads a painting workshop at 3 pm. 866.745.1876 pem.org.
Peabody Essex Museum Multimedia Performance Art - Southern Ice with Brooks de Wetter-Smith 3-4 pm; Morse Auditorium. All ages. Reservations by Nov. 13. Musician/ adventurer Brooks de Wetter-Smith takes you on a photographic journey round- ing Cape Horn, a vast, pristine landscape of ice and stone. 866.745.1876 • pem.org.
Peabody Essex Museum Workshop - Mixed-Media Paint- ing with Xavier Cortada 3-4:30 pm; Art Studios. For adults and teens. Reservations by Nov. 13. Using natural materials gath- ered in Salem by artist Xavier Cortada, create mixed- media paintings in response to his ice paintings on view in Polar Attrac- tions. 866.745.1876 •pem.org.
Wednesday, November 19
The House of Seven Gables Hawthorne’s Haunts in New England by John Hardy Wright 7 pm; 115 Derby Street. Free to members, $5 for general public. A lecture, book signing and ex- hibit of the author’s Hawthorne artifacts. 978.744.0991 x104 7gables.org
Friday, November 7, 2008
Polar Landscapes at PEM
Thursday, November 6, 2008
The weather outside looks gloomy...
With the national holiday falling in Tuesday, we've got a hefty schedule of screenings for all our films. W will play on Friday at (4:50) and 7:30; Saturday and Sunday at (11:40 AM), (2:15), (4:50) and 7:30; Monday at (4:50) and 7:30; Tuesday at (11:40 AM), (2:15), (4:50) and 7:30; and Wednesday and Thursday at (4:50) and 7:30.
Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (PG- 99 minutes) a great new family animated feature from Dreamworks. Variety Magazine loves it, calling it "a notable improvement on its predecessor in every department."
Madagascar 2 will play Friday (5:00), 7:00 and 9:00; Saturday at (11:00 AM), (1:00), (3:00), (5:00), 7:00 and 9:00; Sunday at (11:00 AM), (1:00), (3:00), (5:00) and 7:00; Monday at (5:00) and 7:00; Tuesday at (11:00 AM), (1:00), (3:00), (5:00) and 7:00; Wednesday and Thursday at 5:00 and 7:00.
Still drawing big crowds at CinemaSalem is the finale of the film series that defined a generation, High School Musical 3: Senior Year, and it's not because of Dick Cheney's cameo (since there isn't one). The Washington Post wonders why you (yes, you) haven't taken it in: "Despite its own over- processed production values, "High School Musical 3" exudes genuine appeal, thanks to director Kenny Ortega's brilliant choreography and a gifted cast.
HSM 3 will play Friday at (4:30), 7:15 and 9:35; Saturday at (11:30 AM), (2:00), (4:30), 7:15 and 9:35; Sunday at (11:30 AM), (2:00), (4:30) and 7:15; Monday at (4:30) and 7:15; Tuesday at (11:30 AM), (2:00), (4:30) and 7:15; and Wednesday and Thursday at (4:30) and 7:15.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Toy & Wine Night at Crunchy Granola Baby
Or looking for a bargain on quality toys and other great items?
Then join Crunchy Granola Baby on Thursday, November 6 from 4:30 to 8pm for their Friends of Forest River Park Toy & Wine Night!
The night will include a wine tasting, light hors d'oeuvres and a silent auction of HABA toys, as well as other donated gifts and services. Some auction items are listed below, but more amazing items are being donated everyday! Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at Crunchy Granola Baby. Proceeds benefit the rebuilding of the playground at Forest River Park in Salem. For more details, or to purchase your ticket, call CGB at 978.741.0800.
But hurry, tickets are going fast!
1 ½ Hour Massage with Nancy Gebhardt of The Tranquil Garden
1 Hour Massage with Catie of Body & Soul Massage and Wellness Center
$50 Ice Skating Lessons with Colette Loux
HABA Ball Track Trullala
HABA Walker Wagon
HABA Swing Seat Ikarus
Gem & I Necklace
Sailboat Painting from Jill Pabich at The Enchanted Fauxrest
Pastel Kite Painting from Jill Pabich at The Enchanted Fauxrest
Chinese Fan Painting from Jill Pabich at The Enchanted Fauxrest
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
New Menu at Sixty2 on Wharf
Sixty2 on Wharf now features live music for Sunday Brunch! Local impresario Qwill will be impressing diners with his contemporary mix of jazz, soul and funk. Tony and Valerie tell me there is no better way to spend a lazy Sunday morning than groovin' with Qwill while enjoying their Italian-inspired brunch specialties (and I believe them). Cozy up for a plate of piping hot brioche doughnuts or indulge in an amazing champagne cocktails- shaken not stirred of course, by resident mixologist Justin.
(I have to add that the bar staff at Sixty2 is becoming a bit of a legend in Salem. Whether it's dinner time or Sunday brunch, stop by for a cocktail and conversation. Be careful, though, you may find yourself there until last call...)
In addition to adding music to brunch, Sixty2 has also launched a new menu for fall that is rich with items that celebrate the season. Tony's signature antipasti, homemade pastas and rustic entrees feature all the flavors you love at this time of year...sweet butternut squash, earthy sage, glazed chestnuts and roasted apples. Our Fall classics will take the chill out of even the most blustery fall evening.
I'm hungry just from writing the post!
Monday, November 3, 2008
One last post about Haunted Happenings 2008
It was a wonderful, successful weekend. More than 100,000 revelers came to Salem on Friday night to celebrate All Hallow's Eve, and they capped off a month during which more than 102,000 people visited Salem to celebrate fall, Haunted Happenings, and all things Salem.
Haunted Happenings 2008 was blessed with great weather, lots of visitors, and an ongoing enthusiasm for the magic of Salem.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Halloween's Not Over Yet!
- Celebrate Halloween at Crunchy Granola Baby, 3-5pm. 72 Washington Street.
- Chilling Tales on the Friendship, 5-9pm.
- 16th Annual Temple of Nine Wells Samhain Magick Circle, 5:30pm. Gallows Hill Park. tnw-salem.org.
- Sixty2 on Wharf Halloween Cocktail Party, 7pm-midnight, 62 Wharf St.
- Live Music Around Town - featuring Total Entertainment DJ on Derby Street, DJ Doug on Salem Common, Undercover Band on Front Street, Grateful Ted & Britannica on Hawthorne Blvd. 7-10pm
- Legacy of the Hanging Judge & Spirits of the Gables at The House of the Seven Gables. 7:30pm-9:30pm.
- Witches Commemorative Candlelight Samhain Walk, 7:30pm.
- The Hawthorne Hotel's Car-Evil Creep Show Costume Ball, 8pm-midnight.
- Salem's Witches present A Feast to the Spirits, 8pm-midnight. CrowHavenCorner.net
- Eerie Evenings at the Witch House.
- Halloween at Capt.'s Topsides, 8:30pm. Capts.com.
- Halloween Finale, presented by VDA Productions at Washington & Federal Streets followed by fireworks over the North River. 10:30-11pm
Visit HauntedHappenings.org for complete info.
Arts & Antiques Month... next week!
The Arts & Antiques Month brochure is available. You can pick it up in Salem at the visitor center (2 New Liberty Street), Peabody Essex Museum, Urban Elements, or the Salem Chamber of Commerce.
You can also request one be sent to you by emailing us at info@salem.org with your mailing address.
The schedule of events is online, too (of course!) at salem.org/art
I hope you can join us on November 23 for the Buried Treasure Appraisal Event at the Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites!
Grogan & Company, your fine art auctioneer and appraiser, will be providing verbal appraisals of paintings, silver, estate jewelry, oriental rugs, and decorative arts (glass, china). Photos of large items may be brought, as well. Guests are asked to bring only one item. Items of particular interest may be evaluated publicly, and prizes will be awarded for the most interesting items of the day!
A sampling of Salem restaurants will be provided by Finz Seafood, 62 on Wharf, Capt.'s Waterfront Restaurant, Caffe Graziani, Coffee Time Bakery and others. You can even buy tickets online!
Monday, October 27, 2008
Public Safety on Halloween
City of Salem advises visitors to be safe, use common sense,
and be prepared to leave at the end of the evening
The City of Salem is encouraging participants in Salem’s Halloween night festivities to be safe and considerate during their celebration of all things haunted, spooky and bewitching.
Halloween night is filled with costume balls, festivals, dramatic presentations, ghost stories, walking tours, and parties. Visitors are advised to make reservations for tickets events early, as most will sell out.
The schedule of public events is as follows:
7:00-10:00 pm - Live music around town featuring the Undercover Band on Front Street and Grateful Ted on Hawthorne Boulevard;
10:30 pm - Halloween Finale presented by VDA Productions at Federal & Washington Streets, near the MBTA Commuter Rail station, followed by fireworks over the North River.
11:26 pm - Final train departs to Newburyport
12:38 am - Final train departs to Rockport
The MBTA has added additional train service for Halloween night, and will be adding a temporary loading platform that will enable northbound and southbound trains to service Salem depot simultaneously. Visit MBTA.com for the complete expanded schedule of services for Haunted Happenings.
Those planning to celebrate Halloween in Salem are reminded of the following:
- Omit any weapons – fake and real – from costumes, as they will be confiscated;
- Public consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated;
- Salem is a residential city – please be considerate of private property and downtown residents;
- The finale at 10:30 PM is the conclusion of the public Halloween celebration . Please note that the streets will be closed after the fireworks and in conjunction with the final trains departing Salem . The Police and Public Works Departments will be clearing all streets and sidewalks so visitors should be prepared to depart Salem following the closing ceremony;
- To make the most of the public Salem Halloween experience, people are encourage to arrive no later than 8:30 pm, and should plan to depart after the finale at 10: 50 pm.;
- From October 29 – November 1 citations for illegal behavior – including public drinking, vandalism, and littering – will have tripled fines, up to $300, associated with them..
The Halloween holiday attracts tens of thousands of costumed revelers to Salem to visit attractions and partake in the Fall festivities. While the vast majority of visitors enjoy their time here without incident, there are some that take advantage of this public gathering and end up causing harm to the area, themselves or others. Please know that the City strongly discourages disorderly behavior (such as drinking in public, littering and random acts of vandalism) and will penalize offenders to the maximum amount allowed under the law both civilly and criminally. Please help us maintain a fun and safe downtown environment on Halloween evening!
For complete information on Salem Haunted Happenings and Halloween night, please visit Salem.com and HauntedHappenings.org.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Arts & Antiques Month
I sent out information about Arts & Antiques Month and The Buried Treasure Appraisal Event, which will happen on Sunday, November 23, last week, but I haven't put the ticket information on Salem.org yet!
Please bear with me while I catch up with myself! If you would like to purchase tickets online, you can do so here.
This week we will post a page on Salem.org that is dedicated to November's Arts & Antiques Month. In the meantime, the schedule of events is available, and you can request one by emailing your mailing address to info@salem.org.
I hope you can join us in November for the lectures, tours, exhibits, open studios, and appraisal events that are being planned. It will be another magical month in Salem!
Friday, October 24, 2008
Salem named on of the nation's 10 best neighborhoods!
This is very cool, and I've excerpted it directly from Mayor Kimberley Driscoll's FYI Salem.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Salem on TV Diner with Billy Costa
Mayor Driscoll was on with Billy Costa, I was interviewed, Finz, Capt.'s, Upper Crust Pizza, The Regatta at the Salem Waterfront Hotel were all featured - among other restaurants. There was also great footage of Salem.
The festival was a lot of fun. Check out the video clips on the TV Diner web site.
These pictures from the festival feature Billy Costa with Mayor Driscoll (top) and with Mike and Rick Rockett, who own the Salem Waterfront Hotel.
Many thanks to TV Diner for putting on such a great show, and thanks to the Salem Waterfront Hotel for pulling the festival together. It was a great day under the tent!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
There are rooms to be had in Rockport!
TUCK INN B&B
17 High St., Rockport
Bed and Breakfast
MIDWEEK: YES
WEEKENDS: YES
BLACKOUT: NONE
978-546-7260 / 800-789-7260
THE INNS OF ROCKPORT
25 Various locations throughout the town.
Inns, B&Bs, Motels, and Hotels
MIDWEEK: YES
WEEKENDS: YES
BLACKOUT: NONE
Various phones as noted on the website below
Monday, October 20, 2008
The Halloween Finale
The 27th Annual Salem Haunted Happenings will conclude with an original sound and light show produced by VDA Productions, Inc., of Somerville, MA. The closing ceremony will combine music, light, and movement soaring into the night sky followed by a fireworks finale over the North River. The entire event will provide a exciting, unique conclusion to Salem’s Haunted Happenings festival and Halloween night.
In addition to the finale, bands and DJs will be situated throughout the downtown on Halloween night, including the very popular Undercover Band on Front Street and Grateful Ted on Hawthorne Boulevard. All public music will end at 10:15, and audiences will be encouraged to venture toward the finale on Washington Street before leaving Salem via MBTA or private transportation at the conclusion of Salem Haunted Happenings and the Halloween Festivities, which will be at 11:00 PM.
Read the story about the Halloween finale in The Salem News.
Friday, October 17, 2008
MBTA has added trains for October Weekends
Set Your DVRs and Start Your Engines
Hundreds of people gathered under the tent last week to watch the filming and sample some excellent food from Finz, Capt's, Upper Crust Pizza, The Regatta Pub (in the Salem Waterfront Hotel), and others. It was a great event, and I for one can't wait to see what makes it into the show and what ends up on the cutting room floor!
And then, on Sunday...
Have a great weekend!
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Buy tickets online for Oktoberfest!
Friday night will feature entertainment by "Charmed & Dangerous" - a cabaret group out of New York that has quite a reputation to live up to!
Saturday and Sunday the stage will be alive with Oompah and Polka music, played by the Bavarian Hofbrau Band and the Buddy Walker Orchestra. There will be dancing, food, Alpine hats (to the first 1,000 guests!), and beer provided by Ipswich Ale.
Buy your tickets now and we'll raise a stein with you next weekend at the Witch City Haunted Oktoberfest.
WitchCityOktoberfest.com for more info.