10 reasons to visit Salem this weekend

Schooner Fame

The weather forecast is perfect for exploring, for shopping, and for dining al fresco.  Here are our TOP TEN reasons to visit Salem during the Memorial Day Weekend.

1.  The Schooner Fame sets sail for the season this weekend.  Take the the water like a true privateer aboard this replica schooner, which sails daily from Pickering Wharf beginning May 28th.  

2. Pirates! Arrrggh!  From privateers to their inspiration, real live pirates, explore the pirate's cave and learn Salem's pirate history at the New England Pirate Museum. 

3. Wharf Rats. This is the official kick-off to summer, so head to the patio at Victoria Station (and the new Vic's Boathouse) for a Wharf Rat.  It's good that this concoction of a drink comes with a souvenir glass, because you might need a reminder that you drank it once it's down the hatch!

Painting Churches at STC

4. Seeing tall ship Friendship under sail. She's going out for crew training on Friday and Saturday, which means she won't be at dock for tours, but the opportunity to photograph her as she rounds Derby Light or Pickering Light at Winter Island is rare, so grab your camera and find a scenic spot!  She should return on the high tide, which is at about 8:00 PM Friday and Saturday. 

5. Take in our wonderful local theater scene by seeing Painting Churches at Salem Theatre Company.  Get advanced tickets online, though, because the small theatre does sell out!

Tall Ship Friendship

6. Have your cards read! It's the beginning of the season - the perfect time to sit down with a psychic to see what the summer holds.  Looking for love? Looking for money? Salem psychics may be able to shine some light on your life!

7. Stroll Artists Row, which opens for the season this weekend. Visit stalls brimming with local art, including the Salem Arts Association booth and the new Fished Impressions booth where kids can make their fish prints.

8. Visit Salem Willows for popcorn, ice cream, Salem's famous Chop Suey Sandwich, the arcades, kiddie land, and beaches.  It's going to be a perfect weekend to dig your toes in the sand while enjoying an ice cream cone from E.W. Hobbs - the first to sell ice cream cones in New England. 

Artist's Row

9. Check out the new, classic Vincent Price character at Count Orlok's Nightmare Gallery.  If you haven't seen this exquisite collection of characters that document the history of horror cinema, this is a great excuse to stop by for a visit. 

10. Make a weekend of it!  There's nothing better than staying right down town and immersing yourself in Salem for the weekend. Get up early and walk out to Derby Light. Have a delicious dinner and then sample the live music at Rockafellas, Gulu Gulu, Seaport Cafe, Vic's Boathouse.  Idle away the afternoon in the galleries of the Peabody Essex Museum, without a care of having to be somewhere else.  Our accommodations would love to have you!