Not a Dull Moment...

Destination Salem's Photo Contest

It was another beautiful weekend in Salem! Were you here? And did you take any pictures?

Do you have the next cover image for the 2010 Salem Visitor Guide? If you do, submit it to Destination Salem's 2010 Photo Contest!

Visit Salem.org for details and submission information.

The deadline for submissions in 2010 is December 1, 2010. The Destination Salem Marketing Committee will review all submissions and select ten (10) finalists, which will be posted online for a public evaluation and vote. The winning photographs will be announced on December 17, 2010.

FABULOUS PRIZES!

First Prize: $100 and the image will be featured on the cover of the Salem, Massachusetts 2011 Visitor & Travel Guide!

Second Prize: $50 Salem Gift Certificate

Third Prize: $25 Salem Gift Certificate

SUBMISSION INFORMATION

• The deadline for submission is December 1, 2010.

• Images should be submitted in a high-resolution (at least 300 dpi at 5”x7”) digital format.

• Photographs must be submitted in .jpeg, .jpg or .tif format via e-mail to destinationsalem@gmail.com or on disc to Destination Salem, PO Box 630, Salem, MA 01970.

• High resolution scans of photographs are acceptable.

• Each photograph must be accompanied by a submission form.

• Winners will be announced on December 17th, 2010 on Salem.org.

RULES & REGULATIONS

• All amateur photographers – except members of the Destination Salem staff, board of directors, and their immediate families – are eligible. Amateur photographers earn less than 25% of their annual income from their photography.

• All photographs must be taken in Salem.

• All photographs must be of sites that are open to or available to the public.

• All photographs become the property of the Salem Office of Tourism & Cultural Affairs, Inc. /dba/ Destination Salem and may be used in promotional, marketing, and/or advertising materials including, but not limited to, the Salem Visitor Guide, Salem.org, The Guide to Salem Haunted Happenings, and Haunted Happenings.org.

• Photographers will get a photo credit if or when their image is used.

• Minor adjustments including slight color adjustment and minor digital enhancements are permitted. Images should not be significantly altered, however, and may be disqualified if the image does not look authentic.

• The photographer submitting the photograph must hold all rights to the photograph.

• Photographs that feature a recognizable person (or people) must include a model release from the subject or, in the case of a minor, the subject’s parent or guardian.

  

• Images previously published or pending publication or that violate or infringe upon another person’s copyright, are not eligible.

• Each photographer may submit no more than three (3) images. Only one prize will be awarded to any one photographer.

QUESTIONS & SUBMISSION INFORMATION

Destination Salem:

Salem City Hall, P.O. Box 630, Salem, MA 01970.

(978) 741-3252; fax (978) 741-7539; Salem.org

e-mail questions to: info@salem.org

Please email submissions to destinationsalem@gmail.com.

This weekend's six

It's been crazy-busy at Destination Salem lately. We are pulling together Destination Salem's 2010 Guide to Haunted Happenings, talking with cruise lines (Blount Small Ship Adventures is coming to Salem three times this summer!), working on budgets, and talking to travel writers and group tour operators.

AND we've been helping a few visitors who are standing on a corner looking from map to street sign to map in a confused manner. I hope the families and couples I ran into this week found the Witch Trials Memorial, the Witch Dungeon Museum, the Tall Ship Friendship, the visitor center, and the right restaurants for cooling off and chilling out!

Here are a few thoughts for this weekend. The weather report looks a little spotty, but we desperately need the rain so don't let it stop you. (Besides, how many times has the weather forecast been completely WRONG?!) Salem beckons...

1. Take in the free film, To the Farthest Ports of the Rich East at the Salem Maritime National Historic Site, 193 Derby Street. This free (did I mention free?) 18 minute film presents the history of Salem's maritime trade and the traditions it inspired.

2. Make a weekend out of it with a package at the Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites. New packages include Mahi Mahi Cruises or Salem Kayak, so you have a place to stay overnight and a way to see Salem from the water. Packages include an overnight for two, breakfast in the Regatta Pub and either a 90-minute paddling tour with Salem Kayak or a two-hour harbor cruise aboard Mahi Mahi.

3. Find out what happens in "happily ever after" at Summer Theatre at Salem's production of Into the Woods. Characters from various fairy tales take to the stage through July 18th.

4. Don't let the scaffolding scare you away, and visit The Salem Witch Museum, which is open through restoration of the building's exterior. We're really excited to know the Salem Witch Museum is preserving its iconic building, and you should know that the presentations and gift shop are open for business behind the curtain. The Salem Witch Museum's presentations will leave you with lessons of tolerance from 1692 and a new understanding of what the word "Witch" really means.

5. Make Art in the Garden at The House of the Seven Gables. This program is for families with children ages 6 and up, and you will create art using a variety of art materials. The fee includes all supplies, and the program is limited, so do make reservations. 10:00 AM Saturday. Please call 978.744.0991 x.104 to make reservations.

6. Explore Salem by foot. Salem has excellent guided walking tours that will illuminate all sides of Salem's history. Whether you are interested in Salem's architecture, the haunted history, or Witch Trial heritage there's a walking tour for you. Check out the options on Salem.org.

However you spend it, have a wonderful weekend!

Filming in Salem for Fox 61 / CT Now

I was "on location" in Salem with Sarah Cody from CT NOW on Fox 61 yesterday. Here are a few pictures from the day.

We started at the Regional Visitor Center and then walked through the PEM campus to the Salem Witch Museum. Mike, the cameraman, shot b-roll along the way of the Essex Street, Hawthorne Hotel, Roger Conant.


Sarah interviewed Alison D'Amario at the Salem Witch Museum. They had a great discussion about the Witch Trials, what happened in Salem in 1692, and how lessons from the trials are relevant today.

We headed to Pickering Wharf after the Salem Witch Museum, and Mike took some shots of the stores and restaurants. (Note, it was lunch time when we were down there and the restaurants smelled goooood!)


We stopped in at Artemisia Botanicals, where Sarah talked to Teri Kalgren about the shop, about being a witch, and about Salem. I took a few more pictures at Artemisia, which I will post later this week.


Then we headed over the Central and Derby Wharves and Mike filmed some intro spots with Sarah, with the tall ship Friendship in the background. I took this picture with Schooner Fame in the background because it was the first time I'd seen her with her winter wrap off. (Sails start Memorial Day!)
We had great timing at the Salem Maritime National Historic Site, as the riggers were working on the Friendship. What a great day to be hanging from rigging on a tall ship!!


Mike took some shots of the Custom House and Derby Street before we went down to Turner Street and the House of the Seven Gables. The last stop for the day was on Chestnut Street for a few shots of the Federal architecture and stunning streetscape.

I can't wait to see how they boil it down to a two-minute segment! The piece is scheduled to air on Monday, May 17. It will be online after it airs, and I'll be sure to share the link.

New Pages on Salem.org

We have new pages on Salem.org that are worth checking out.

If you are planning a wedding or special event, you'll want to visit Salem.org/weddings to check out some of the venues and services in Salem.

We have updated our "Deals" page with March specials... which run right into Easter. This is a great page to check often, as we are always updating it.

Salem.org/lgbtsalem has gotten a bit of a spit and polish, as well. You will find listings for Salem's two TAG-approved accommodations and other inns that are LGBT-friendly. (I want to note here that a number of Salem businesses owners were stumped by the creation of an LGBT page on Salem.org. "Why wouldn't we be LGBT-welcoming?" they asked. I think we as a community are fortunate to be able to take for granted the diversity of Salem.)

Finally, if you're starting to think about October, you're not alone. New events are being added to HauntedHappenings.org on a weekly basis, and hotel rooms for the weekends are already getting tight.


The 2010 Photo Contest rules and form have been posted on Salem.org/photocontest.

If you haven't requested one yet, you can request your 2010 Salem Visitor & Travel Guide online at Salem.org/form.

If we are missing anything, let me know! I hope these new pages help you plan your visit to Salem - whether you are coming from near or far.

So much going on in Salem

There's an awful lot going on in Salem right now. When I glance at the calendar, I see an incredible range of events - from the Salem Film Fest to wine tastings to lectures to Yoga classes to Girls' Nights - that showcase all everything that Salem is today. The Peabody Essex Museum is preparing for an awfully cool looking exhibit, Fiery Pool: The Maya and the Mythic Sea, and The House of the Seven Gables and Historic New England (in Salem at the Phillips House and Gedney House) are celebrating significant anniversaries this year.

I've been doing the destination marketing for Salem on-and-off 12 years now, and never has Salem had so much to offer, or offered so many reasons to come back again and again. In 1998, Salem was a beautiful, historic town that was worth a trip. Today, Salem is a hip and contemporary destination built up from incredible history that is as much fun for those of us who work and live here as it is for everyone who comes to visit. And, of course, it's still beautiful, with its stately architecture, waterfront, lighthouses, and gardens (which will bloom soon!).

Here are two notable changes in Salem today from Salem in the late 1990's:

1) We get brain cramps when we try to decide where to eat lunch because there are so many awesome options.
2) There are so many things to buy, gifts to give, indulgences to rationalize. There's no need to shop anywhere else (and we have a new prepared food store and a toy store prepping retail space downtown).

One solution for the restaurant-inspired brain cramp: Put the names of all of the restaurants into a bowl and pull one out each time you are suffering dining indecision.

The 2010 Salem Visitor Guide & Map came out in February. I keep one in my car. You never know when you will need a phone number or an address to punch into the GPS. They are great resources for people planning a trip from afar, and those of us who make regular ventures into Salem. They are also quite handy for weddings and special events. If you are planning either, let us know and we can send you the guides in bulk. You can call Destination Salem at 978-744-3663 or email us at info@salem.org. We'd be happy to help you.

There's a lot going on in Salem right now. Nobody can do it all - but I hope you can join us for some of it!

~ Kate

2010 Salem Visitor & Travel Guide

This is one of my favorite times of year. This is when we take delivery of the brand new visitor guide, filled with fresh content, new business listings, awesome pictures, and a rather fantastic calendar of 2010 events. Salem is, as you'll see in the guide, hoppin'!

A few kudos need to be extended regarding the 2010 Salem Visitor Guide. This is my once-a-year "Oscar Speech," so bear with me.

• Kishgraphics, for the graphic design that keeps us current;
• Jared Charney Photography, for the incredible new images;
• Pickering Web Design for making Salem.org look as great as the visitor guide;
• and all of the members of our committee that proofed and proofed and reproofed the content.

You can request your visitor guide at Salem.org.

If you are planning a wedding, conference, or other special event in Salem this year, contact us at info@salem.org and we will be happy to send you as many guides as you need for your group.


February Vacation Programs & Specials

It's February vacation in Massachusetts next week, and there is a lot going on in Salem to keep the family busy. There are special programs at the Peabody Essex Museum and the House of the Seven Gables, there are tours at the Salem Maritime National Historic Site, there are accommodations specials to create the perfect mini-cation.

Visit Salem.org for a listing of great things to do in Salem between February 13-21. It may be winter, but we're still making magic, stirring cauldrons, and raising spirits in Salem. Come visit!

Plan the Perfect Date!

Romance will be alive and well in Salem this weekend, and you should get in on the action. Make your reservations soon, though, because our hip restaurants and fabulous accommodations are sure to book up!

Valentine's Day is on Sunday, so the holiday is begging to be stretched into a weekend of love. Here are a few awesome packages to choose from. Complete details on all of our February specials can be found on Salem.org:

Valentine's Package at the Hawthorne Hotel

Be a hero this Valentine's Weekend! Come to the Hawthorne Hotel and treat your sweet to our romantic Valentine's Package! Package includes: Accommodations for two, dinner for two, Champagne toast, homemade heart-shaped cookies for your room!

Valentines Special at the Northey Street House B&B

Three-night package for one couple includes fresh in room red roses & a special gift. Complimentary snacks and beverages, a hearty delicious breakfast, on-site parking, internet access, and elegant and cozy rooms await your arrival.

Visit for Valentines at The Salem Inn

For that romantic getaway you've been thinking of, spend two nights in a lovely guest room with your choice of a working fireplace or a double Jacuzzi. Champagne and chocolates await your arrival along with two souvenir Salem Inn champagne flutes to remind you of your Valentines in Salem. So you don't have to rush back to the real world, check out has been extended to 1:00pm.

And here is some inspiration for crafting the perfect date... add any of these things to a hotel package, or plan the perfect evening out.

Couples Massage at Body & Soul Massage and Wellness

A delicious treat for yourself and someone special! Relax on heated tables as our experienced massage therapists ease the stress away with chocolate lotion or aromatherapy of your choice.

My Funny Valentine at the Griffen Theatre

Five Stand up comics from the north shore are ready to have your heart break with laughter. For couples, singles, friends, or anyone with a funny bone that needs ticklin'.

Dearest Dove: The Courtship of Nathaniel & Sophia Hawthorne at the House of the Seven Gables

Celebrate romance, literature, great food, and the centennial anniversary of The House of the Seven Gables at this special Valentine’s Day program honoring the Hawthornes’ legendary love. Enjoy a performance of Dearest Dove: The Courtship of Nathaniel and Sophia Hawthorne, performed exclusively at The Gables, and have a delicious meal provided by then new on-site restaurant, Hepzibah's Waterfront Bistro. There are two shows to choose from: Saturday dinner, and Sunday brunch.

Jazz Music & Special Tours at the Peabody Essex Museum

Back by popular demand, the Peabody Essex Museum welcomes the return of Dane Vannatter and His Jazz Quartet, for an evening of Great Songs by the Great Songwriters. Enjoy the music of Duke Ellington, Ira Gershwin, and Cole Porter in the museum’s soaring glass atrium. Dance with your sweetheart under the stars and partake in our unique Valentine’s Day refreshments at the cash bar. Before the concert and during admission, PEM invites visitors on a 15 minute ‘Art of Love’ gallery tour to discover artworks of tender affection on display in our American Art Galleries.

King & Queen of Hearts Costume Ball at Rockafellas

Red and white and the whole night! February 13, 2010: 8:30 PM - 1:00 AM. Prizes will be awarded throughout the night for costumes.

For complete information and even more February specials, visit Salem.org!

Mark your calendars! Plan your Visit(s)!

Mark your calendars and make your plans to visit Salem early and often in 2010! There is so much going on!

Below is a quick-reference list of some of the bigger events happening this year. This is just the beginning. Visit the calendar on Salem.org for all of the wine dinners, walking tours, exhibits, lectures, bands, plays, recitals, and special events.

I look forward to seeing you in Salem this year!

Salem, Massachusetts 2010 Events

February 5-7 | Salem So Sweet Chocolate &Ice Sculpture Festival

February 20 | Princess Tea at the Hawthorne Hotel

February 25 - March 4 | Salem Film Fest

April 10 - January 16, 2012 | Exhibit: Faces of Devotion, Indian Sculpture from the Figiel Collection at the Peabody Essex Museum

April 11 - April 15 | Spring Restaurant Week

April 17 - July 18 | Exhibit: Avedon/Kennedy: Portrait of a First Family at the Peabody Essex Museum

April 24 Junior Ranger Day | Salem Maritime National Historic Site

April 25 | Walk for HAWC

March 21 | 5K Cross-Country Run at Olde Salem Greens

March 21 | Salem 2010: Now and Then Community Birthday Celebration HistoricNewEngland.org, 7gables.org

March 27 – July 18, 2010 | Exhibit: Fiery Pool: The Maya and the Mythic Sea at the Peabody Essex Museum

April 1 – November 1 | Salem Trolley Season

May 22 – June 27 | Narrated Lighthouse Cruises Sat. & Sun.Mornings, Mahi Mahi Cruises

May 28 – November 1 | Salem Ferry Season

June 4 - June 6 | Salem Arts Festival

June 17 – October 21 | Salem Farmers'Market

June 20 | NSMC Cancer Walk

July 2 -August 28 : Twilight Cruise (Fri. & Sat. eve.) Mahi Mahi Cruises

July 4 | Salem Celebrates the Fourth! Family fun, Pops Concert & Fireworks at Derby Wharf

August 6 – 15 | Heritage Days

August 6 –8 | Maritime Festival at the Salem Maritime National Historic Site

August 14 – 15 | Essex Street Fair

August 20 | Derby Street Mile

August 21 – 22 | Salem Jazz & Soul Festival

August 28 – 29 | 28th Annual Antique & Classic Boat Festival

September 14 – January 9, 2011 | Exhibit: Treasures from the Forbidden City, the Emperor's Private Paradise at the Peabody Essex Museum

September 17 – 19 | Lit Fest: Literally Salem

September 17–19, 24 – 26 | Trails & Sails

September 25 | Wicked HalfMarathon

Salem Salem 2010: Now & Then Garden Tours | HistoricNewEngland.org, 7gables.org

October 1 – 31 | Salem Haunted Happenings

October 1 - 31 | Festival of the Dead

October 7 | Haunted Happenings Parade

October 9-10 | Haunted Biz Baz Street Fair

October 8-10,15-16, 22-23, 29-31 | Spirits of the Gables & Legacy of the Hanging Judge at The House of the Seven Gables

October 23 | Stop by for a Spell Costume Brunch, HawthorneHotel.com

October 30 | Hawthorne Hotel’s Annual Costume Ball

October 31 | The Devil’s Chase 6.66 Mile Run

October 31 | Halloween Finale

November 1 – 30 | Arts & AntiquesMonth

November 7 – 11 | Fall RestaurantWeek

November 25 | Wild Turkey 5Mile Run

November 25 | Thanksgiving Buffet Brunch

November 27 | Santa's Arrival & Tree Lighting

November 27 | December 23 A Trolley Christmas Carol

November 26 - 28 | 38th Annual Antiques Show at the Peabody Essex Museum

November 27 - December 25 | Holiday Happenings

December 3 - 5 | Christmas in Salem Private Home Tours

December 4, 11, 18 | A Classic Christmas at The House of the Seven Gables

December 24 | Caroling with Julie Dougherty at the Hawthorne Hotel

January 1, 2011 | Frosty Four New Year’s Day Race

A few photographic honorable mentions

Here are a few pictures that were submitted to the 2009 Destination Salem Photography Contest that didn't make the final round, but are beautiful just the same.

The 2010 Salem Visitor & Travel Guide will be out later this month, and we used quite a few of the images submitted to the photography contest.

Friendship and the Rigging Shed by Terry Wild.

East India Marine Hall, Museum Place Fountain, by Henry Zbyszynski

Roger Conant statue, by Ashley Trotter

Wedding in the gazebo, Salem Common, by Abbie Pinkham

Thanks to all of the photographers who submitted to the contest. We're doing it again for 2010! More than 160 images were submitted, and they were great. I'll let you know when the rules and submission form are posted... probably sometime in March.

Salem's So Sweet... this weekend!

Here's a summary of what's happening in Salem this weekend for Salem So Sweet, presented by Salem Main Streets. You can download the brochure, or pick it up at the Salem Chamber of Commerce or any participating retailer. (I noticed Rouge Cosmetics is stuffing their bags with the brochure. Quite handy!)

Salem's So Sweet Chocolate & Wine Tasting

Friday, February 5 | 6:30- 8:30 PM

Hamilton Hall, 9 Chestnut Street, Salem, MA
SalemMainStreets.org | 978.744.0004

Join some of Salem’s best chocolatiers for this perennial favorite! Salem So Sweet is a decadent evening of chocolate sampling and wine tasting. This event does sell out, so tickets ($20) are a must!

Salem's So Sweet Ice Sculpture Festival

Friday, February 5 - Sunday, February 7

SalemMainStreets.org | 978.744.0004

In celebration of the chocolate weekend, many of Salem’s finest restaurants will feature special chocolate offerings on their menus, including desserts, cocktails, and inventive sauces. Participating Salem retailers will offer in-store promotions, innovative displays and items geared toward chocolate and Valentine’s Day. Pick up your Salem So Sweet Brochure prior to the event which will have a Golden Ticket. Have your Golden Ticket validated at 8 participating businesses and be entered to win a Salem's So Sweet Basket. Click here for the brochure.

Don't miss the ice carving demonstration at 1:00 PM on Saturday, February 6 at 1:00 PM on Pickering Wharf!

J.Mode

Friday, February 5th, 5:30 – 8:00 PM

17 Front Street, Salem, MA 01970

JModeFashions.com | 978.744.7007

Ladies Night Out

There will be gifts, Champagne, chocolates & cheese. Meet greet Jenny Johnson from NECN’s TV Diner, and receive a J. Mode $25.00 gift certificate that can be used on any purchase of $100 or more thru Feb 28th

Phillips House, Historic New England

34 Chestnut Street, Salem MA 01970

HistoricNewEngland.org | 978.744.0440

Salem So Sweet

During the Salem So Sweet celebration sponsored by Salem Main Streets, you are invited to see an ice statue of Prince, the Phillips family dog, carved by local artist Josh Gerloff in the Phillips House garden. On February 6 and 7, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., tours of the house will be offered at the special rate of 2-for-1 admission, and all visitors are welcome to enjoy a cup of cocoa in Stevie’s playroom. When: Friday, February 5 through Sunday, February 14. Admission: Free to Historic New England members, $5.00 nonmembers for tours. Donations suggested for refreshments. Museum is only open for tours Saturday and Sunday in the winter.

The Salem Inn

7 Summer Street, Salem MA 01970

SalemInnMa.com | 800.446.2995

Sweet Stay in Salem, February 5-7, 2010

Come visit Salem and the Inn at a time when the hectic pace of the holidays has slowed down. This popular festival starts Friday, February 5th with a delicious Chocolate and Wine tasting at Hamilton Hall, included with your 2 night stay. During your stay, stroll downtown and enjoy beautiful ice sculptures, window displays, fantastic discounts, a golden ticket contest and much more! After your busy day, unwind and relax in the serenity of a cozy guest room complete with your choice of a working fireplace or a whirlpool bath. A hearty continental breakfast is included each morning. All this for the sweet price of $299, plus tax for 2 adults. Package valid February 5-7. Chocolate and Wine tasting on February 5th at 6:30 based on availability and double occupancy. Must be requested at time of booking and not valid on previously booked reservations. Cannot be combined with any other offer.

North of Boston Tourism Conference

On Friday I spoke about social media, specifically Facebook, and destination marketing at the North of Boston Tourism Conference. It was a pleasure to present in a session with Juli Lederhaus (on the left) from the Hawthorne Hotel and Judi Window (in the middle) from The Granite State Ambassadors. We had a lot of fun talking about social media and using it to connect with you, our visitors and guests.

Juli writes an amazing blog - and was the catalyst for this blog - about the Hawthorne Hotel. She also writes the Hawthorne's wedding blog, so if you're planning a wedding in Salem check that out for great ideas and inspirations. Judi has started AskNH on Twitter, which was inspired by 'Twisitor Centers" that are popping up on Twitter. AskNH is different insofar as it relies on you, the visitor, Tweeting your questions about NH and then you will get responses from Granite State Ambassadors. If you're going to New Hampshire, it's a great new resource. (New Hampshire, by they way, is less than one hour north of Salem.)

I spoke about Destination Salem's presence on Facebook (are you a fan?). We are also on Twitter, and you can subscribe to this blog if you don't already. Let me know what you think about all of our social networking. Send me your questions and I'll happily answer them. Send pictures and I might even post them. I can be reached at kfox@salem.org, or you can comment on this blog post.

The entire conference was excellent, with sessions on making historical destinations relevant, group travel, international travel, understanding your customers, and how the tourism industry is adjusting to the new economy.

Without getting into too much industry speak, I want to send out a THANK YOU to all of you who have continued to travel - even if (especially if!) you have modified your travel habits because of the the economic instability of the past 18 months. Wherever your travel takes you, and for whatever reason, it is appreciated. And if you haven't visited Salem in a while, come check it out. There's an awful lot going on in this bewitching seaport.

Happy Anniversary to the historic Hawthorne Hotel!

Celebrating 85 years as a legend on the North Shore in 2010, Hawthorne Hotel certainly knows what it is like to have some history! In 1923, the Salem Chamber of Commerce and the Salem Rotary began arrangements to build a “modern hotel for Salem.” After more than half a million dollars worth of stock was sold, construction began on the hotel, designed by architect Philip Horton Smith. At the time, it was the largest Colonial Revival structure in Salem. Some of the notable architectural features include: corner quoins, 18' Palladian windows, and recessed arched windows – designs popular in Georgian and Federal-style buildings.

Today, the Hawthorne Hotel is recognized by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as a Historic Hotel of America.

Named after celebrated Salem author Nathaniel Hawthorne, who wrote The House of the Seven Gables and The Scarlet Letter, the hotel has been home to book signings and many poetry and book readings. With modern stories like The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry (published in 2008 by HarperCollins) that include the Hawthorne Hotel within its pages, our connection to the literary world has been sealed.

Over the years, the Hawthorne Hotel has hosted many well-known personalities including
newsman Walter Cronkite, actress Betty Davis, General Colin Powell, former Presidents
George Bush and Bill Clinton, and New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick. In 1984,
Vanessa Redgrave made the hotel her home for a month while making Three Sovereigns
for Sarah, a PBS movie about the Salem Witch Trials.

It was the television series Bewitched that brought the Hawthorne Hotel the most notoriety. In 1970, Elizabeth Montgomery, her real-lie husband and the show’s producer Bill Asher and the rest of the cast and crew stayed at the hotel for several weeks while filming episodes in and around Salem.

Just recently, two television shows were filmed in the hotel—the popular Canadian show Chris & John to the Rescue stayed at and filmed segments for their reality series "Halloween Superstar" at the hotel, and TLC’s What Not to Wear held the Reveal Party for fashion victim Leanne in the 2010 season opener.

And the Hawthorne Hotel has already got a lot going on in 2010. Renovations, including new carpeting (which you'll notice in the pictures of the Tavern and the lobby), TVs and more, are being done, and the hotel has that special "spit and polish" look of a grand dame celebrating a big year!

You can follow the Hawthorne Hotel online via blog, Twitter, and Facebook. Watch for specials and promotions celebrating this significant year.

Happy Anniversary, Hawthorne Hotel!!