Thursday, December 31, 2009

Start the New Year with a new fortune

You may want to take a glimpse into the future to help you prepare your New Year's resolutions. Here are some of our favorite psychics and readers in Salem.

Angelica of the Angels (7 Central Street) and Angel's Landing (131 Essex Street) are both owned by Reverend Barbara Szfranski. Both locations provide readings, channeling, Tarot, and aura photography of face and body.

Pyramid Books (214 Derby Street) provides Tarot readings daily.

Bewitched in Salem (180 Essex Street, on the pedestrian mall) has two readers on site who practice Angel, astrology, mediumship, and Tarot. You can arrange for a telephone reading with Rick or Helen via the Bewitched in Salem online store.

Crow Haven Corner (125 Essex Street) offers spiritual consultations and Tarot readings with Lorelei, Salem's love clairvoyant.

Hex: Old World Witchery (246 Essex Street) offers readings with Reverend Lori Bruno, who is a psychic, counselor, spiritual healer and medium. Lori's provides many services to guide others to inner understandings of themselves and those whom they love.

The Broom Closet (3 Central Street) offers readings by Lady June, a Celtic High Priestess & Elder who has been doing channelled readings for 40 years, helping many as they follow their path through life.

All of the psychics and businesses listed above are licensed by the City of Salem, many provide phone-readings (check web sites for information), and some do reading parties in your home.

Here's to your future!

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

What's Open in Salem in January

The National Park Service Salem Regional Visitor Center has provided this very helpful list of what is open in Salem, Massachusetts this January. Many of Salem's sites and attractions are closed for the winter, and some of the sites that are open year-round close in January for maintenance purposes.

The Visitor Center, located at 2 New Liberty Street, is open daily 9am-5pm.

For information on places to stay, shop, and dine in Salem, please explore Salem.org.

Saturday, January 2nd and Sunday, January 3rd:

Monday, January 4th:

  • Salem Maritime National Historic Site from 1pm - 5pm

Tuesday, January 5th through Thursday, January 7th:

  • Peabody Essex Museum

  • Salem Maritime National Historic Site from 1 pm - 5pm

Friday, January 8th:

  • Peabody Essex Museum

  • Salem Maritime National Historic Site 1 pm - 5pm

  • Salem Witch Museum

Saturday, January 9th and Sunday, January 10th:

  • Peabody Essex Museum

  • Phillips House

  • Salem Maritime National Historic Site

  • Salem Witch Museum

Monday, January 11th:

  • Salem Maritime National Historic Site open 1pm to 4pm

Tuesday, January 12th through Thursday, January 14th:

  • Peabody Essex Museum

  • Salem Maritime National Historic Site 1 pm - 5pm

Friday, January 15th:

Saturday, January 16th and Sunday, January 17th:

  • The House of the Seven Gables

  • Peabody Essex Museum

  • Phillips House

  • Salem Maritime National Historic Site

  • Salem Witch Museum

Monday, January 18th through Friday, January 22nd and Monday, January 25th through Friday, January 29th:

  • The House of the Seven Gables

  • Peabody Essex Museum (Closed January 25th)

  • Salem Witch Museum

Saturday, January 23rd and Sunday, January 24th and Saturday, January 30th and Sunday, January 31st:

  • House of the Seven Gables

  • Peabody Essex Museum

  • Salem Maritime National Historic Site

  • Phillips House

  • Salem Witch Museum

Many thanks to the Salem Regional Visitor Center for creating this list! And, remember, you can find information on places to stay, shop, and dine in Salem on Salem.org.

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Discounts & Deals on Salem.org

Salem.org/deals features discounts, deals and packages in Salem and the region. Click through to see the accommodations packages. I've copied the attractions, shopping, and dining promotions below. Many of Salem's great retail are offering post-holiday sales, too. It's a great time to browse, shop, and dine in Salem.


Shopping

Bewitched in Salem

180 Essex St., Salem MA 01970

bewitchedinsalem.com | 978-744-9904

Cash Discounts!

50% cash discount on the following: all brass items, all Christmas decorations and ornaments, NEW and collectible books, Harry Potter items.35% cash discount on all Crystal Balls, Points, Towers and Skulls. Sterling Silver: buy one and receive a 50% cash discount on a second Sterling Silver item.

Crunchy Granola Baby

72 Washington Street, Salem, MA 01970

crunchygranolababy.com | (978) 741-0800

Save 15% off your entire purchase when you let us know Destination Salem sent you! (Some restrictions apply)

Maria's Sweet Somethings

26 Front Street, Salem, MA 01970

mariassweetsomethings.com | (978) 825-9111

$0.25 off Ice Cream or Hot Chocolate. Limit one per customer with this coupon.

Hex: Old World Witchery

246 Essex Street, Salem, MA 01970

salemhex.com

10% off all products in HEX if you mention Destination Salem!

Not usable in conjunction with any other offer.


Treasures Over Time

139 Washington Street, Salem, MA 01970

treasuresovertime.com | (978) 745-2330

Witch Ball Promotion! Purchase one colorful hand blown glass Witch Balls and save 10% off, or purchase a combination Witch Ball and a Decorative Ornament holder for the Witch Ball and get 20% off when you mention Destination Salem. (Don't for get to mention Destination Salem!)

Witch City Consignment & Thrift

301 Essex Street, Salem, Mass 01970 (the old Jerry's)

witchcityconsignment.com

Mention Destination Salem and get 10 % off your purchase (not to be combined with other offers).

Visit our web site www.witchcityconsignment.com and get other great deals!


Witch Tee's

Museum Place Mall, Suite 127, Salem, Mass 01970 (the old Jerry's)

witchtees.com | (978) 740-0900

Mention Salem.org and Save 10% off your purchase of $10 or more!

Not to be combined with any other offer. Not valid on $5.00 tees.

Dining

The Black Lobster at Stromberg's Cove

2 Bridge Street, Salem, MA 01970

strombergs.com

NEW! Twin Lobsters for $14.95

For a limited time, enjoy twin lobsters for only $14.95. Sign up for the VIP card and enjoy a 10% discount every time you dine. And, appetizers at our bar are always half-price!

Nathaniel's in the Hawthorne Hotel

18 Washington Square West, Salem, MA 01970

hawthornehotel.com | (978) 744-4080

Happy Birthday from the Hawthorne Hotel!

Celebrate your birthday dinner with us and get our lowest priced entree for free! Call 978-825-4311 for more information.

Sixty2 on Wharf

62 Wharf Street, Salem, MA 01970

sixty2onwharf.com | (978) 744-0062

Neighborhood Nights Menu - $24

Start your week off right with a great 3-course meal - including appetizer, entree and dessert - for not a lot of money! It's a great way to check out the new fall/winter menu. Valid only Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

The Tavern in the Hawthorne Hotel

On the Common, Salem, MA 01970

hawthornehotel.com | (978) 825-4311

Two Dinners for $29!

Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm. Each entree is served with a small mixed green salad or cup of the soup of the day, and the Chef’s choice of dessert.

Health & Wellness

Green Tea Yoga

7A Colonial Road, Salem, MA 01970

greenteayoga.com | (978) 740-9749

NEW! $10 Drop-in Fee

Green Tea Yoga is offering a $10 drop-in rate for any yoga class on their regular schedule during the month of December.Regular price: $12-$15.



Saturday, December 26, 2009

Spend Sunday in Salem with the Family

Lots going on in Salem on Sunday, December 27th:

The Rockafellas' Family Sing-along was postponed from the 22nd to the 27th due to the snow (lots of snow!). $22 per adult, kids under 10 free, and there will be a band, buffet, and Santa! (I know my kids have a few things to thank him for...) That's at 12:00 noon.

The Peabody Essex Museum is doing a family gallery exploration event about, Sharks, Shells, and the Sea - Art of the Pacific from 1-1:30 PM. The exploration is included with admission. Adults $15, Seniors $13, Students $11, Youth (16 and under) and Salem, Mass. residents admitted free, as are museum members.

While at the PEM, check out Trash Menagerie and the Best of the Art & Nature Center. Stop by the Art Studios to play your favorite Art & Nature Center games and try others you may have missed in the past. You’ll find the Aeolian Landscape wind machine, Arctic Tern Migration labyrinth game, Build a Bug assembly station and Clog the Creek water table, plus many more fun activities! Discover what these games reveal about nature and the connections between people and the environment.


Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Urban Elements - Another fantastic shopping option in Salem

Urban Elements, located on the corner of Essex and Washington Streets in Salem at 230 Essex Street, has a great collection of stylish and affordable gifts. And it smells great. (Between Roost and Urban Elements, Salem has cultivated fantastic smelling retail!)

If you are looking for a large-ticket item that is an investment more than a gift, Kim has beautiful furniture. Urban Elements also has great jewelry, home decor, candles, and belts (see below).
The vases above are made of recycled magazines. Very cool.

The candles above are the source of the fantastic scent. Urban Elements also carries room and body sprays.


Above are a selection of customizable belts. They are very cool, and on sale. You buy the belt (left) and the buckle (right) and both are reversible - so it's like having four belts! And, they're on sale for $35. These are way cool. I won't lie to you. I want one.

Urban Elements also carries some cool owls (yes, I said owls), rice bowls, salt-and-pepper shakers (the glass birds were my favorite), and handbags.

If you haven't been in to Urban Elements in a while - I hadn't - check it out again. The store has expanded and changed quite a bit.

Last Minute Christmas Shopping

Treasures Over Time at 139 Washington Street, Salem MA, has some great ornaments, jewelry, vases, men's ties (there's a great constellation tie, witches balls, and prints.

These adorable cards (the picture of which is loading sideways. I can't figure out why - something to do with my phone, I'm sure) are $2.95. A perfect gift-topper.


I'm a huge fan of the National Parks and block prints. These are individually done, and cost less than $50 each.

There are gifts for every budget at Treasures - including these great items for less than $50. The square candle holders are under $10! Buy a few!

Cinema Salem showtimes for this week

Cinema Salem has four great films to complement your holiday celebrations, so here goes!

SHERLOCK HOLMES opens on Christmas Day, and The New Yorker can't wait: "Downey and Law are terrific together. For me, watching them act is the movie's principal pleasure." CinemaBlend concurs: "Guy Ritchie combines his kinetic direction with the limitless charms of Downey Jr and Jude Law to come up with terrific entertainment that's equal parts brains and brawn."

SHERLOCK HOLMES opens Friday at (1:45), (4:30) and 7:15; Saturday at (11:00 AM), (1:45), (4:30), 7:15 and 9:50; and Sunday-Thursday at (11:00 AM), (1:45), (4:30) and 7:15.

Also new this week is Meryl Streep and Alec Baldwin in IT'S COMPLICATED, which AO Scott of "At the Movies" loves: "Streep and Baldwin are terrific, and if you like your romance bittersweet you won't want to miss this one." But how does Urban Cinefile feel? "Divorce has never been so much fun in this smart and funny romantic comedy about getting back together (or not) long after the happily ever after scenario has dried up." And Rex Reed pulls up the rear: "A silly but mostly delectable holiday confection guaranteed to put a smile on your face and keep it there."

THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG, which Roger Ebert loves with a vengeance: "This is what classic animation once was like! No 3-D! No glasses! No extra ticket charge! No frantic frenzies of meaningless action! And...good gravy! A story! Characters! A plot!"

TP&TF will screen on Friday at (2:00), (4:15) and 6:45; Saturday at (11:45 AM), (2:00), (4:15), 6:45 and 9:00; and Sunday-Thursday at (11:45 AM), (2:00), (4:15) and 6:45.

In the Screening Room is ONG BAK 2: THE BEGINNING, a startlingly beautiful martial arts film with exhilarating action. Sky Movies writes: "Some of the most exhilarating martial arts action to hit screens in recent years. Ong Bak: The Beginning is a showcase for Tony Jaa's abilities." The Stranger is mesmerized: "Head-thumping nirvana ... By the time a dude in a bird suit starts fighting on top of a moving elephant, it seems like a logical, completely awesome progression."

ONG BAK 2 will screen Friday at (2:10), (5:15) and 7:40; Saturday at (12:00), (2:10), (5:15), 7:40 and 9:45; Sunday and Monday at (12:00), (2:10), (5:15) and 7:40; Tuesday at (12:00), (2:10) and 7:40; and Wednesday and Thursday at (12:00), (2:10), (5:15) and 7:40.

If you need one more holiday gift, don't forget about CinemaSalem Movie Cards, which can be purchased at our Box Office today from 4-8pm and tomorrow from 11 am-4 pm

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Winter Images of Salem

Here are some wonderful images of Salem in winter that were submitted to Destination Salem's photo contest. Happy winter! Happy Solstice! Happy holidays!
The Gazebo in Salem Common, photographed by Richard Wise.
The "Samantha Statue," photographed by Sara Lodi.

A snow-covered path in Salem Common, photographed by Richard Wise.

Tall ship Friendship at Derby Wharf, Salem Maritime National Historic Site, photographed by Mark Wade.


The House of the Seven Gables, photographed by Kate Burgess.




Friday, December 18, 2009

Wicked Good Ways to Ring in the New Year

From romantic hotel packages to celebratory menus, Salem is offering a full plate to celebrate the New Year by night and by day.

The restaurants and accommodations of Salem, Massachusetts plan to ring in the new year with style, and hope you will join them. Depending on the party you choose, festivities include champagne, chocolate-dipped strawberries, masquerade balls, lobster and lots of live music. If you prefer to usher in 2010 quietly, hibernation fireside is encouraged at some of Salem’s historic accommodations.

Here are some ideas to inspire your plans to end this year and begin the next. Please make advanced reservations, because many of the parties and packages will sell out.

Get your Glam On

Whether your celebration will be intimate or en masse, make sure you look fabulous with a make-over at the award-winning Rouge Cosmetics. Appointments for New Year’s Eve day are limited, so book yours today. A complete makeup application costs $50, Lashes and Lash Application costs $20. Book your appointment at 978-740-1044 or info@rouge.com.

End 2009 with Lobster and Wine

Lobster is on the menu and Julie Dougherty will be on stage Capt.’s Waterfront Grill & Pub on Pickering Wharf. Celebrate the evening with water views and yacht club ambiance. There will be a balloon drop, prizes, and complimentary champagne. Make your reservations for the 5pm or 9pm seating at 978.741.0555 or capts.com.

The chef at Finz on Pickering Wharf is preparing a celebratory menu that will be fresh and delicious, and The Mystics will be performing from 9:30 pm – 12:30 am. There’s no cover charge for the evening, but reservations are recommended. Hipfinz.com


If you thought costumes were only for October, you will be pleasantly surprised by the Gulu Gulu New Years Eve Masquerade Ball, which will feature music by Big Blue Octopus, appetizers, and a midnight champagne toast. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 the day of the party, and they will sell out, so don’t wait to book this hot date. gulu-gulu.com

Sit down for an elegant, four-course, pre-fixed dinner at the Hawthorne Hotel, from 6:00 pm -10:00 pm. There will be live Jazz music (don’t panic, no dancing!) in Nathaniel's and Sophia's. Call 978-825-4311 for your reservation. hawthornehotel.com

Chef Tony Bettencourt at Sixty2 on Wharf will be serving a four course dinner with paired wines, as well as Sixty2’s regular menu. There will be two seatings, and reservations are a must. Stay for midnight and enjoy a champagne toast at midnight! Make reservations at (978) 744-0062. 62onwharf.com

Bobby Vee will be spinning tunes at Victoria Station, where there will be dancing, free party favors, and a free champagne toast at midnight. There is no cover charge. Make your reservation at Victoria’s Station by calling 978-745-3400 or visiting VictoriaStationInc.com.

Make an Overnight of It

Book your New Year’s Eve at the Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites and you could wake up in 2010 in luxury! Rates start at $159 for two and include breakfast, chocolate covered strawberries, a bottle of champagne and a complimentary appetizer in the Regatta Pub in the hotel. Book your reservation at 978-740-8788. salemwaterfronthotel.com

Stay at the Salem Inn on New Year’s Eve and they will take care of your cover charge at Rockafellas Restaurant. Make a reservation to enjoy Rockafellas’ four-course dinner, party favors, live music, and a champagne toast. After you dance the year away, you are a one-block walk from a cozy room with a working fireplace or Jacuzzi (your choice!) at the Salem Inn. A hearty continental breakfast awaits you on January 1st, as does a kinder, gentler check-out time of 1:00 PM. $179.00, plus tax. saleminnma.com

2010 Begins with Brunch

If you didn’t spend New Year’s Eve at the Hawthorne Hotel, plan to start the New Year with them. The Hawthorne will be serving a glorious a la carte brunch from 12pm - 3pm. Chef Ken O'Keefe's creative New Year's Day Brunch menu will start your new year off right, with course after course cooked to order. For reservations call 978-825-4311. hawthornehotel.com

Make your resolution to spend more time in historic, hip Salem, Massachusetts, where there is magic, culture, and history to discover around every corner. For complete information on visiting and exploring Salem, visit Salem.org.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Historic Federal Street Image Wins Destination Salem Photography Contest!


More than 170 images were submitted and nearly 200 people voted in the first annual competition for the cover of the Salem Visitor Guide

An image of the historic brick sidewalk and fencing along Federal Street taken by Jane Stauffer of Salem, Massachusetts, has won Destination Salem’s first annual photography contest. The image will be featured on the cover of the 2010 Salem Visitor Guide, which is distributed internationally to promote travel and tourism to Salem.

More than 160 images were submitted to the contest, which ran from July until December 2009. Destination Salem’s marketing committee selected seven images that were posted on Salem.org and on Destination Salem’s Facebook page for a public vote. Nearly 200 people voted, and Stauffer’s image won with 36% of the vote.

An image of The House of the Seven Gables taken by Lisa Poehler of Springfield, Massachusetts, took second place with 32% of the vote. 24% of the vote and third place went to an image of the Tall Ship Friendship of Salem, which was taken by Len Burgess of Danvers, MA.

Destination Salem plans to use many of the images submitted to the contest in its visitor guide and on Salem.org in 2010. "The caliber of images submitted was excellent,” says Destination Salem executive director Kate Fox, “We really wanted to see Salem through our visitors’ perspective, and the contest has allowed us to do just that. We will now share that perspective with future visitors through our 2010 publications.”

Destination Salem will produce 300,000 visitor guides in 2010. They will be distributed to domestic and international consumers through direct mail, visitor centers, hotels, trade shows, and conferences. An electronic version of the guide will be downloadable on Salem.org, the official tourism web site for the City of Salem.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Your Giving Guide to Salem

The heat is on. There are eight shopping days until Christmas, and even fewer if you are shopping for Solstice or Hanukkah gifts. Yesterday I found three great gifts for three "people who have everything" right here in Salem. No mall traffic. No searching for parking in the outer realm of the mall lots. And the gifts I found are unique and rather awesome.

I'd tell you what I got, but at least one of the recipients read this blog. Ask me in January.

Here's some inspiration for you and your perennial gift hunt. Where's your favorite spot to shop in Salem?

For the historian
National Park Service Regional Visitor Center Book Store
Salem Witch Museum (especially if your historian is interested in the 17th century history of Salem or modern witchcraft)

For the Romantic - Getaway with a package!
The Hawthorne Hotel
The Salem Waterfront Hotel
The Salem Inn

For the Explorer
Discover Salem Passport - explore the House of the Seven Gables, Peabody Essex Museum, and the Salem Witch Museum.

For the Gift that Gives All Year
The House of the Seven Gables membership
Peabody Essex Museum membership

For the Sweet Tooth
Ye Olde Pepper Companie
Coffee Time Bake Shop
Ben & Jerry's
Maria's Sweet Somethings

For the Foodie
Asahi
Cilantro
Finz
Nathaniel's in the Hawthorne Hotel
Sixty2 on Wharf

For the home
Landry & Arcari Oriental Rugs
roost urban country design

For her
J. Mode
Rouge Cosmetics
Sophia's

For the family
Crunchy Granola Baby
Reds Sandwich Shop
Caffe Graziani

For the dog and the cat
Penelope's Pet Boutique

For Health
Artemisia Botanicals
Body & Soul Massage & Wellness Center
Living Well
Salem Cycle

For the Boss, the Host, the Secret Santa
Salem Wine Imports
Pamplemousse

For the Teacher
Cornerstone Books
Pyramid Books

For the Witch in Everyone
Awakening Guild
Crow Haven Corner
Hex: Old World Witchery
Nu Aeon

For the Collector
Glass & Etc. antiques in Museum Place Mall
Witch City Consignment

For the Future - A reading at...
The Broom Closet
Angelica's of the Angels

For Stuffing Stockings and more
Salemdipity on Pickering Wharf
Trolley Depot
Witch Tee's

For Wrapping it all Up
Coon's Card & Gift Shop, 226 Essex Street

And, for relaxing after you've crossed everyone off your list:
Capt.'s
Gulu-Gulu Cafe
The Lobster Shanty
Rockafellas
Victoria Station

For more information on shopping, dining, and exploring in Salem, Massachusetts, visit Salem.org.