Hawthorne Hotel Princess Tea

Attention all Princesses!  The Hawthorne Hotel has added a second Princess Tea to their calendar!  Get out your party dress, gloves, and tiaras, because on April 9th at 12 Noon it will be time to celebrate the princess in all of us.

This will be a day of castles and wishes-come-true.  This event is a favorite for little girls (and moms!), and judging by the pictures, it's a Hotel staff-favorite, too! To see more pictures from recent Princess Teas, visit the Hawthorne Hotel's Daily Diary. 

Tickets are $18.50 for 12 and under, $12 for children 3 and under, and $28 for adults.  For reservations, call (978) 825-4311.  Click here for complete information, including the royal menu.

The Witch Dungeon & Witch History Museums Open on Friday

I love, love, love April 1st . It's April Fool's Day.  It's my son's birthday.  It's the day our some of our attractions that were closed for the long, cold winter begin opening for the new season.  Some people look to the budding of crocuses as the sure sign that spring is coming (and even if it snows one more time, it won't stick... for too long), but not I.  I look to the flags that fly outside the Witch History Museum. I look to the visitors posing for pictures in the stocks at the Witch Dungeon.  I look for the red trolley winding its way through the historic streets of Salem.  When I see these things, I know the weather is about to warm and it's nearly time to put the heavy coats away for the summer.  

Beginning this Friday, stories of the Salem Witch Trials will be told once again through the award-winning live reenactment of one of the Salem Witch trials, followed by a guided tour of the dungeon at the Witch Dungeon Museum and through a presentation and life-size scenes depicting stories from 17th-century Salem at the Witch History Museum.  Both are open daily through November. 

The New England Pirate Museum, which usually opens in April, is closed for repair work.  For more information on the Pirate Museum, please call (978) 741-2800. 

Ahhh, spring in Salem.  I can feel the air beginning to buzz and the streets prepare to bustle.

WITCH DUNGEON MUSEUM - REOPENING  APRIL 1
16 Lynde St.   Salem, Ma.
Award winning live re-enactment of a Witch trial followed by guided tour of the Dungeon.
Open daily 10:00am  last performance starts at 5:00pm, April through November.
Contact: 978-741-3570   www.witchdungeon.com 

WITCH HISTORY MUSEUM - REOPENING APRIL 1
197-201 Essex St.  Salem, Ma.
The stories of 1692 are told through a live presentation followed by a guided tour downstairs where you will view 15 life size scenes depicting these stories. Open daily 10:00am last tour starts at 5:00pm, April through November.
Contact: 978-741-7770 www.witchhistorymuseum.com

Tune-Up for Spring at The Urbane Cyclist

The Urbane Cyclist is moving this week (which is very exciting, and we can't wait to see the new store on Washington Street), and while they are closed for the move they are selling a coupon for $20 off their very popular bike tune-up.  This means the Urbane's $65 tune-up can be yours for $45!! 


The voucher is good for sixty (60) days, but it must be purchased by the end of the day on Friday, April 1, 2011.  This special offer is available only through The Urbane Cyclist's secure online store at TheUrbaneCyclist.com.


We are huge fans of The Urbane Cyclist, the bikes they sell, the bikes they rent, and the customer service they provide.  They are fairly new to Salem, so if you haven't checked them out yet, make sure to stop by the new store in April! 

Howling Wolf Opening Night

There are a handful of restaurants in Salem that have seasonal liquor licenses, and thus have not had full bars to share with diners since January.  Well, the season is a-changin', and as of April 1, we will have Sangria, beer and wine at Howling Wolf, lobster martinis at the Lobster Shanty, and 62 Pick-ups at 62 Restaurant.

Here's the line-up for the re-opening of the bar at Howling Wolf.  Perhaps we'll see you there!  

This is a sure sign that spring is coming, even if the jet stream isn't cooperating quite yet. 

A Festival where Roman dress is encouraged!

On Saturday, April 2^nd from 6 – 9pm , Salem Massachusetts will host the fourth annual SALEM SPRING FLING: A GARDEN OF EARTHLY DELIGHTS presented by Pamplemousse at Old Town Hall. The Festival, which is fashioned after the Bacchanalia - a religious festival in honor of the god of wine, Bacchus - will kick New Englanders out of a long hibernation and jumpstart Spring by celebrating the Arts and indulging in craft beer, fine wine, and mouth watering food from North Shore restaurateurs.

Historically, the Bacchanalia was held in the Spring and priests and priestesses adorned with garlands of ivy would carry wine, honey, and cakes throughout Rome, celebrating and expressing themselves freely through music and pleasure.

This modern day version - Spring Fling - will feature a tasting of craft beers and beautiful wines from around the world. Truly a party fit for Bacchus! Guests will sample fine wines from Pamplemousse and Market Wine & Spirits and craft beer from Magic Hat, Harpoon, Cape Ann, Mayflower, Cody, Narragansett, Ipswich, Stone Cat, Clown Shoes, Notch Session Brewing and Left Hand Brewing.

Spring Fling will kick off Salem’s Restaurant Week with tastings from Sixty2 on Wharf, Gulu-Gulu Café, Café Polonia, Greenland Café, Tavern In the Square, Victoria Station, The Lobster Shanty, Upper Crust Pizzeria, Comida, Lakay Island and Rockafellas. Enjoy coffee and ice cream from Café Valverde and Ben & Jerry’s. Salem Arts Association members will be on hand with fabulous hand crafted works and Art Throb will be launching their new art magazine!   Groove to the Beantown funk of Big Ol' Dirty Bucket and their unique blend of Funk, Rock, R&B, Soul, Jam Grooves, Trip Hop, Latin Step, and Blues.

Meet familiar characters from myth and legend and enjoy the goddesses and nymphs that wander the "Garden of Earthly Delights." Seek out The Oracle of Delphi to hear your fortune. Roman attire is encouraged! Experience the intoxicating power of this celebration on April 2nd from 6 - 9pm at Old Town Hall on the Pedestrian Mall in Salem, MA.

Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door and are available at salemspringfling.com, in person at Pamplemousse, Salem Cycle, Roost and The Picklepot or by calling 978-745-2900.

Salem Spring Fling is presented by Pamplemousse (Purveyor of Fine Wines, Beer, Kitchen and Homegoods) in association with Magic Hat Brewing, Salem Chamber of Commerce, the Salem Arts Association and Art Throb.

Art Can Make a Difference!

Here's a great night out for families that celebrates the elementary school art.  Mark you calendar for Wednesday night!

Celebrate Women's History Day in Salem

Mayor Kimberly Driscoll has proclaimed Sunday, March 27, 2011 Salem Women’s History Day. In celebration of this proclamation, you are invited to join Historic New England’s Phillips House, the House of the Seven Gables, and the Witch House for a special community open house on Sunday, March 27, 2011 from noon – 4:00 p.m. Each property will be open for free to Salem residents with proof of residency and will feature tours and stories relating to the ladies of each house museum.

The Phillips House is located at 34 Chestnut Street and will have guided 45 minute tours that show what daily life was like for Anna Phillips and the Irish domestic staff who kept the household going. These tours will leave on the half-hour. If you would like more details, please contact the Phillips House at 978-744-0440.

At the House of the Seven Gables discover how Hawthorne’s Cousin Susanna Ingersoll and museum founder Caroline Emmerton changed the course of history on this waterfront site, located at 115 Derby Street. A special exhibit detailing Emmerton’s life and work will also be on display. Tours are available continuously. Please call 978-744-0991 for details.

The Witch House will be featuring a display on 17th century female novelist Aphra Behn. She is widely considered the first English woman to earn a living by her own pen. Self-guided tours are available through the afternoon. The Witch House is located at 310 ½ Essex Street. Please call 978-744-8815 for details. 

Each site will also have additional information about the Salem Women’s Heritage Trail, featuring local sites where women have made an impact over the past four centuries of Salem’s history. To download information before starting your tour, please visit www.salemwomenshistory.com.

Angels Landing to Open on Saturday

Barbara Szafranski, who opened Angelica of the Angels on Central Street 21 years ago, will open Angels Landing at 192 Essex Street on Saturday, March 26th from 2:00 - 6:00 PM.  All are welcome to the opening celebration!

A Medium, Psychic, Channeler, Spiritual Counselor, Teacher, Inspirational Speaker, and Positive Coach, Barbara brings a message of Love and Peace to Salem.   

Angels Landing will offer private readings, classes, workshops and lectures in the metaphysical field.  The store will feature Angels, greeting cards, candles, incense and other gifts.  All are invited to visit Angels Landing and Angelica of the Angels to learn more about the magic and love of the Angels.

Rev. Barbara Szafranski cuts the ribbon on the new Angel Landing!

Spring has sprung at the Picklepot

If you're looking for local art, you need to be looking at The Picklepot on Pickering Wharf.  Featuring more than 50 local artists, the Picklepot is a contemporary craft gallery filled with jewelry, ceramics, hats, clothing, photography, sculpture, glass, handmade paper, soaps, cards, and more.  

They are always adding new artists, most recently welcoming the turned wooden bowls and bracelets of Shawn David, and Mermaids and steamy princesses by Karen Hallion.  Featured items run the gamut from cards and jewelry from Headcase Press (becasue sometimes we all need a card that says, "That sucks!") to hippy baby clothes from Collaborative Artworks.   

SALE!  The Picklepot is doing some spring cleaning to make room for new work!  So, you can save 40% off all Nature in Iron work and 40% off all Collaborative Artworks adult clothing.

If you are your own artist, following your own whim, pull up a stool at the Picklepot's Bead Bar.  Go solo, or bring friends for a night out.  Or, if your creativity thrives in the privacy of your own home or studio - grab a bag and go take-out!  


Whether you're shopping for gifts, for art, or for beads, the Picklepot on Pickering Wharf should be on your list!

Washington Square Fire Relief Fund

There was a horrible four-alarm fire in Salem on Friday evening, which destroyed a lovely nineteenth century building on Salem Common, and the twenty-one apartments within.  We are so grateful that no people were physically injured, however, the residents now have the daunting task of recovering from this horrible event. 

Green Land Cafe is holding a Fire Relief Fund event on Thursday, March 24th.

 

For a list of other businesses that are working to help the victims of the fire, visit Salem Patch.

Spring Restaurant week expands to ten days!

Salem Spring Restaurant Week will kick off on Sunday, April 3, featuring the best local cuisine at value pricing.  For 10 days only, participating Salem area restaurants will offer either a two-course prix-fix dinner menu for $15, or a three-course prix-fixe dinner menu for $25, or both (note that this price does not include drinks, taxes or gratuities).

Salem has become a culinary destination and people really look forward to this event. Expect a wide variety of delicious foods - from steak to seafood, American to ethnic, there is something for everyone. 
 
Restaurants offer multiple choices for appetizers, entrees as well as deserts.  Reservations are encouraged, please contact the restaurants directly. Mention "Restaurant Week" when making your reservations. 

Visit Salem-Chamber.org to see the list of more than twenty participating restaurants, which includes  (to name a few!):

• 62 Restaurant and Wine Bar
• Adriatic Restaurant and Bar
• Bella Verona
• Capt's Waterfront Grill & Pub
• Cilantro
• Finz
• Green Land Cafe
• The Lobster Shanty
• The Lyceum
• Nathaniel's at the Hawthorne Hotel
• Regatta Pub at the Waterfront Hotel 
• Rockafellas
• Seaport Cafe
• Thai Place
• Victoria Station

Restaurant week is produced by the Salem Chamber of Commerce, and we appreciate it! 

Sensational India at the PEM

Each year the Peabody Essex Museum celebrates Indian culture during one fantastic weekend of dance, music, art, workshops, film, and family program.  This year, Sensational India arrives in Salem on April 2nd and 3rd.

Visit pem.org for complete listings of events, and make reservations and buy tickets as appropriate.  Some of the programs have already sold out.  If you're looking for some good old fashioned (hah!) Bollywood entertainment, don't miss the Sensational Bollywood Dance Party on April 2nd. 

If you cannot make it in April, celebrate India year round through the PEM's incredible collection of Indian art and culture.  The permanent collections are extraordinary, and include contemporary and traditional Indian art, textiles, ceramics and metalwork.  Click here to learn more.

Get your Green on at Witch Tee's

Witch Tee's on Essex Street is boasting their best Boston Irish Green this week.  

 

 I particularly like the "Girls Night Out / Shamrocktini Time!" t-shirt in Pink!

They have lots of Salem shirts, too, but these would look awfully good on March 17th!

Witch Tee's has two locations: 

1. Museum Place Mall, Suite 127
2. 173 Essex Street on the Pedestrian Mall 

Happy St. Patty's Day!

Spring Brunch & Fashion Show at Signatures

Spring must be on its way, because the Signatures Spring Fashion Show is coming up... this Sunday! 

This is a great way to check out the new spring fashions from French Dressing Jeans, Tribal, Duak, Avalin, and all of the lines Signatures carries. 

And there's brunch, too!! 

Doors open at 11:00 AM, Brunch will be served at 12:00 noon, and the fashion show is at 1:00 PM.  Come see real women model great clothes while enjoying a lovely brunch.

Don't forget to enter the raffle for a free pair of French Dressing Jeans! (These are great jeans. If you don't have them, you'll want them.)

Signatures is on the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall at 181 Essex Street.  Call (978) 825-0015 for reservations or information. 

A creative take on St. Pat's

The Lyceum is doing St. Patrick's Day as only the Lyceum could... with a food pairing dinner!  This sounds like a great way for us foodies to get our green on come this Thursday!

St. Patrick's Day specials, created by Chef de Cuisine Lee Fannon, will include Rabbit with Mustard & Leeks with Roasted Root Vegetables and Irish Stout Lamb and Barley Stew.  These specials have been created to pair with O'Hara's Irish Red and Irish Stout.  These specials will run through the weekend, and will be joined by the classic Corned Beef & Cabbage on the 17th.

We always recommend making reservations, which you can do by calling (978) 745-7665.

Bienvenue au 62

Chef Antonio Bettencourt Revisits His Culinary Roots for Special Prix Fixe Wine Dinner at 62 Restaurant & Wine Bar

WHAT:                      Chef Antonio Bettencourt has been racking up accolades and awards for his modern take on regional Italian classics at his restaurant 62 Restaurant & Wine Bar in Salem, MA. But Bettencourt’s culinary roots actually began in regional French cuisine. Working with Chef Amanda Lydon, first at Metro Brasserie and then at Upstairs on the Square, where he served as the executive sous chef to both Lydon and Chef Susan Regis, Chef Bettencourt was distinctly French-focused before moving to Italian cuisine later in his career.

                                   

On Sunday, March 27^th, 2011 from 6:30PM-8:30PM, Chef Bettencourt will return to his culinary roots as he presents “Bienvenue au 62” a special Burgundy wine dinner in partnership with the French Cultural Center of Boston and Destination Salem. The three course food & wine pairing will take guests on a virtual gastronomical journey to the French culinary hub. Guests can learn more about French culture with information provided by the French Cultural Center, and for those new to Salem, MA, Destination Salem will be providing information to guests about what’s on tap this spring and summer for the seaside town.

This 3-course dinner includes all paired wines and is $75 per person + tax and gratuity. Reservations are required by calling (978) 744-0062.

                                   

MENU:                      First Course:

Seared sea scallops, haricots verts, warm hazelnut vinaigrette and lamb’s lettuce

Domaine William Fevre 2009 Chablis Champs Royaux Chardonnay

Second course:

Crispy pork trotters avec persillade, toasted baguette et moutarde

Domaine Heritiers Comte Lafon 2008 Macon Villages Chardonnay

Third Course:

Cote de Boeuf, sauce marchande au vin, wild mushrooms

Domaine Philippe Roty 2007 Cotes de Nuits Villages Pinot Noir

Fromage:

Assortment of cheese and accoutrements

Domaine Bouchard 2006 Savigny Les Beaune Pinot Noir

WHEN:                     Sunday March 27^th, 2011 from 6:30PM – 8:30PM

WHERE:                   62 Restaurant & Wine Bar, 62 Wharf Street, Salem, MA

INFO:                        $75 per person + tax and gratuity. Reservation can be made by calling (978) 744-0062

Dead Man's Cell Phone

An incessantly ringing cell phone in a quiet café. 

A stranger at the next table who has had enough. 

And a dead man—with a lot of loose ends.

Dead Man's Cell Phone is our latest must-see show at the Salem Theatre Company.  Written by Sarah Ruhl and directed by John Fogle, the play has been called, “a fresh and humorous look at the times we live in” by Variety and “vital” in its “lyrical and biting takes on how we behave” by the Washington Post.

Ruhl’s play is satirical look at how we “connect” in today's wired world. It is the comic odyssey of a lonely woman who, looking for love in all the wrong places, embarks on an adventure involving smuggling, international intrigue and time-travel… and triumphs!

The production will feature an original score by Salem-based Richard Lewis (Machine 475).

 

The show runs March 10 - April 2 at the STC Theater at 90 Lafayette Street in Salem, MA

Thursday - Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

Sunday at 3:00 p.m.

Adults: $22.00

Seniors: $18.00

Students: $12.00

Tickets on sale now.