Six ways to raise your spirits in Salem this weekend

Usually I compile my list of Six in Salem as a recommendation, a thought, food for a whim. But this weekend's programming in Salem is SO OUTSTANDING that I'm writing this one as a "don't miss these six" list.

There's a definite buzz in the air, and the humidity is low, which makes it easier to hear (feel?!) the buzz! Salem's hoppin', so come on over.

1. Essex Street Fair, presented by the Salem Chamber of Commerce. It takes two words to get my family to the Essex Street Fair: Kettle. Corn. But there's oh-so-much more to it than that. Crafts, jewelry, paintings, stained glass, street performers, face painters, strolling musicians, and fun, fun, fun. The Essex Street fair stretches the length of Essex Street from Hawthorne Boulevard to Washington Street, and the hours have been stretched this year to 10am-6pm on Saturday and 10am-6pm on Sunday.

2. Tour the visiting tall ship Peacemaker, docked at Central Wharf until August 22. Tours of this 400-ton barquentine are free to the public between 10am-9pm on the weekends and 10am-7pm during the week. Central Wharf is part of the Salem Maritime National Historic Site. nps.gov/sama

3. The Ninth Annual Phillips House Car Meet is on Chestnut Street this Sunday from 12pm-3pm. There will be a great assortment of cars, including the two Pierce-Arrows and Model A Ford that are part of the Phillips' collection. This is a free event.

4. Improv on the Bricks! Join the Salem Theatre Company for their 3rd annual improv comedy bash. Bring a lawn chair! Bring padding! This is the perfect way to add hilarity to your Saturday. Saturday and Sunday at 3:30pm. (It's worth noting that Maria's Sweet Somethings is RIGHT THERE, next to the bricks, selling dozens of excellent flavors of ice cream. And it's a known fact that ice cream is the perfect accompaniment for comedy.)

5. Crowninshield-Bentley Open House at the Peabody Essex Museum. In conjunction with Heritage Days, the PEM is offering free public tours of the Crowninshield Bentley House every hour on the hours. Period kids games will be presented in the yard ona drop in basis. The PEM opened the 1727 Crowninshield-Bentley House to public tours in June of this year.

6. Eat outside. Have you seen the weather forecast? Find a table street-side at Gulu Gulu Cafe, Caffe Graziani, Green Land Cafe, Asahi, The Lobster Shanty, or Rockafellas and enjoy great food and libation while watching the world walk by. Or, find a table waterside at The Black Lobster, Finz, Capts, or Victoria Station and relax while watching the tide change and the boats make their way in and out of Salem. Ahhhhhh.

These are my pics for the weekend, and there are many more events to choose from. Visit the calendar on Salem.org for more inspiration, or just head down to Salem and see where your mood takes you. It's going to be a great weekend! Enjoy.

My Six for this Weekend

Do you know ANOTHER restaurant just opened in Salem? We have had somewhere in the vicinity of 40 new businesses open in Salem in the past two years, and a remarkable number of them are restaurant and retail. The latest addition to our hot dining scene is Howling Wolf Taqeria on Derby Street. Also new on Derby Street is The Seaport Cafe, down on the corner of Derby and Pickering Wharf. I had a delicious lobster roll there last week.

It would be easy to talk about new restaurants today, but the blog title would imply that I am going to make a recommendation for six things to do in Salem this weekend. There's so much going on, it's going to be tough to pick six, but here it goes...

1. The Maritime Festival... FREE FAMILY FUN! This is an annual favorite. The kids always have fun, and it's free so the parents are happy, too. The Maritime Festival kicks off with a free concert (Afro Latin music by Mango Blue) on Derby Wharf on Friday night and continues on Saturday from 10am-5pm. There will be craft demonstrations, hands-on activities, kids can do tasks to achieve a Junior Ranger Badge, and - for the first time - there will be free sails on the Schooner Fame of Salem, Schooner Thomas E. Lannon from Gloucester, or the Joppa Flats. The free tickets will be given away through random drawings throughout the day. Visit nps.gov/sama for more information.

2. Historic Salem, Inc.'s Second Annual Heritage Days 5K Road Race will be held on Sunday at 9:00 AM. The start is at the Visitor Center at 2 New Liberty Street. Okay, so I'm not a runner (not even a little bit) but I'm coming out to volunteer for the event and cheer on the runners - perhaps some of their ability will rub off on me! This is a really fun way to spend a Sunday morning - if you're a runner, it's not too late to register. If you're not a runner, grab a cup of coffee and come cheer the runners on around the course! The entry fee is $22, and proceeds from the race will be used for ongoing preservation work done by Historic Salem, Inc. within the Salem community. For more information, visit HistoricSalem.org

3. It's Heritage Days. There are dozens of events schedule for Heritage Days. I'm not sure how to pick'em, and they go through next week and into next weekend. I'm looking at the calendar of events, and I think I'll head over to Salem Common from the Maritime Festival tomorrow to check out the Edsel Car Show (part of an Edsel Owner Convention being hosted at the Hawthorne Hotel!). The Best Pizza Competition and Ice Cream Bowl (Monday and Tuesday nights, respectively, both on Salem Common) have my kids' attention. There's so much to do! Here's the schedule for Heritage Days (PDF).

4. Tomorrow is a 17th Century Saturday. A few years ago the first Saturdays of each summer month were dubbed 17th Century Saturdays. On these Saturdays an amazing collection of 17th-century homes and properties are open to the public. The remarkable part of this is that many of these historic properties have very limited hours when they are open to the public. 17th Century Saturdays are a great opportunity to get out and explore these old structures. 17th Century Saturdays is a region-wide program. Participating Salem properties include: The Witch House (Corwin House), Gedney House, House of the Seven Gables, John Ward House (in the collection of the Peabody Essex Museum), and Pioneer Village. For more information, visit northofboston.org.

5. We have to eat, right? Nourishment is a good thing. The weather looks great for some dining al fresca. Check out the restaurants on Pickering Wharf with gorgeous water views, including Capt.'s, Victoria Station, and Finz. And don't rule out Sixty2 on Wharf... especially if you don't have kids in tow!

6. On Sunday, after the 5K, wander over the Chestnut Street to check out the Ninth Annual Phillips House Car Meet. The North Shore Old Car Club and Phillips House collaborate on this annual event that features vintage and antique vehicles along historic Chestnut Street. The meet will include the Phillips' collection of carriages, two Pierce-Arrows and a Model A Ford. For more information, visit HistoricNewEngland.org.

Another Salem Six

I love summer.... so many great activities to choose from! Here are six ideas to start your weekend. For a complete list of special events and things to do, visit Salem.org or follow the links below. Have a great weekend!

1. Cruise & Dine on the Salem Ferry. Whether you are cruising to Salem or cruising to Boston, your Salem Ferry is worth a discount (usually 10%!) at restaurants on both ends of the trip. Here are links to the lists of participating restaurants: Cruise & Dine Salem / Cruise & Dine Boston.

2. Stroll along the new South River Harbor Walk, which officially opened yesterday! This beautiful walk connects downtown Salem at Derby Street (across the street from Rouge Cosmetics and Engine House Pizza with Pickering Wharf). The path along the South River includes tables, seating areas, and a playground. Check out the tiles painted by Salem children along the way! Map

3. Discover treasures at The Common Yard Sale, hosted at the Hawthorne Hotel. This community-wide yard sale will feature craft items, oriental rugs, light fixtures and more! Saturday, July 17, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM in the Ballroom.

4. Dip your toes in the water at one of the beaches at Salem Willows, while eating an ice cream cone, of course! This classic amusement park gives you a taste of yesteryear with its arcades, kiddie land, mini-golf, fishing pier, and Hobbs' famous ice cream and popcorn. The Hobbs family was the first to introduce the ice cream cone to America in 1906! Who doesn't love edible history?! SalemWillowsPark.com

5. Check out the Fiery Pool: The Maya and the Mythic Sea and The Kennedys: Portrait of a Family, Photographs by Richard Avedon exhibits at the Peabody Essex Museum before they're gone! Both close on Sunday!

6. Discover the secrets of Curious Punishments of the Puritans and Courting in Colonial America, both special exhibits at The Witch House. This is the only structure with direct ties to the Salem Witch Trials that is still standing in Salem. Tour the home of Trials judge Jonathon Corwin, and learn about Colonial American lifestyle.

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!

Six Ways to Raise Your Spritis in Salem this Weekend

1. Get your pirate on. Visit the New England Pirate Museum, where guides dressed as pirates will lead you through Salem and New England Pirate history. After your tour, test your sea legs aboard the Schooner Fame and set sail aboard this replica wooden schooner that was one of Massachusetts' most lucrative privateers during the American Revolution and War of 1812. Arrh!

2. Oh, the Comedy! There are two great shows on stage in Salem this weekend. The Salem Theatre Company is performing Rounding Third at their new space on Lafayette Street, and Summer Theatre at Salem is featuring Lend Me a Tenor. Rounding Third features the tumultuous, and hilarious, journey of two little league coaches through an entire season. Continue down Lafayette Street to take in the hysterical Lend Me a Tenor on the Salem State College Main Stage.

3. Live Music at Gulu Gulu. From electronica/pop to folk/rock, Gulu-Gulu Cafe has a great music line up this weekend, culminating in their monthly LGBTeaDance on Sunday night. Check out the eclectic beer and wine list at one of Salem's hippest cafes. (If you're hungry, the crepes and panini are quite delicious, too!)

4. Family Fun aboard the Friendship. Climb aboard the replica tall ship Friendship at Derby Wharf in the Salem Maritime National Historic Site and participate in ranger-led family activities. Admission is $5 adults, $3 for kids. Saturday, 10am - 4pm. Check out the online family resources on nps.gov/sama for more park fun for kids!

5. Swing, Run, Play. The new playground on Salem Common is open for play! This state-of-the art new playground features climbing structures, slides, and swings. It has all the ingredients for free family fun!

6. Shop! The fabulous J.Mode on Front Street is celebrating its third year in Salem with a summer sale. While you are on Front Street, check out roOst, The Behive, and Maria's Sweet Somethings (among other wonderful shops), and don't forget to go around the corner onto Washington Street to discover Treasures Over Time. Visit Salem.org for more shopping inspiration.

Six ways to raise your spirits in Salem this Weekend

It's gonna be a hot one!! Here are six ways to stay cool in Salem this weekend.

1. Eye Spy at the Peabody Essex Museum
Saturday, 10 am - 4 pm | pem.org
Enjoy a fun-filled day of magic, illusion and art in celebration of the opening of Eye Spy, Playing wiht Perception in the interactive Art & Nature Center. Participate in a magic show, investigate optical illusions, meet featured artists, and create your own illusion-inspired art. Free with admission.

2. Living Green & Renewable Energy Fair Saturday, 10 am - 3 pm | Salem-Chamber.org
Visit with exhibitors, learn about green living, hang out in the Kids Zone at Old Town Hall. Cinema Salem will screen "Fresh the Movie" at 10am, and the Green Speaker Series will feature lectures at the Gathering, 217 Essex Street.

3. Picnic at Winter Island
Saturday, 4 pm - 7 pm | Facebook.com
Head down to Winter Island for a fundraiser to benefit the maritime park that will feature live music by Black Dog Brother, Lucas Custer, Hannah Cranton, Clay Ventre, performances by The Rebel Shakespeare Company, sailing and fun. Bring your own picnic or buy delicious food from Rothwell Catering. $10 donation, Children free.

4. Laugh at Lend Me a Tenor
June 17 - 27, Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 7:30 pm, Sunday at 2:00 pm | SalemState.edu/arts Summer Theatre at Salem kicks off it 16th season with Lend Me a Tenor this weekend. Don't miss this hysterical evening of plot twists, mistaken identity, and double entendres.

5. Celebrate the Solstice
Sunday, 11:30 am - 4:30 pm | tnw-salem.org
The Temple of Nine Wells will host a celebration of the Summer Solstice and all-day Witches' Midsummer Gathering at the Pavilion at Winter Island on Sunday. Events include children's crafting, Ocean blessing and healing rite, guided path working, face painting, raffles, live music, and a Magick Circle Ceremony at 4:30 pm. Entrance donation is $10 per person (6 and older), and they will be collecting canned foods for local shelters.

6. Free Admission for Fathers at the Phillips House
Sunday, 11 am - 4 pm | HistoricNewEngland.org
Celebrate Father's Day with a tour at the Phillips House! This 1821 mansion is home to five generations of the Phillips family's art, antiques, and furnishings. The carriage house features two Pierce-Arrows, a 1929 Model A Ford, and five of the family's carriages. Admission is free for fathers of all kinds! Otherwise, admission is free to Historic New England members and Salem residents, and $5.00 for adults.

Six ways to raise your spirits in Salem

The forecast for this weekend looks awfully good. Here are six ways - of many - to raise your spirits in Salem this weekend.

1. Dine Outside! Grab a table in front of Rockafellas, Caffe Graziani, or Gulu Gulu Cafe and watch the world walk by on Washington Street or sit harbor side at Finz, Capt's or Victoria Station on Pickering Wharf for a maritime view. Find the perfect restaurant for your taste at Salem.org.

2. Take a Lighthouse Cruise aboard Mahi Mahi Cruises. This weekend kicks off Mahi Mahi's summer cruise series. The two-hour lighthouse cruise will take you out and around the historic lighthouses of Salem Sound, including Beverly's Hospital Point, Marblehead Light, Derby Light, Pickering Light, and Baker's Island Light. MahiCruises.com

3. Eat Ice Cream. Stop by Maria's Sweet Somethings or Ben & Jerry's and get an ice cream cone, and eat it fast because it's going to melt all over your hands. Don't forget the jimmies.

4. Slow down, Stretch, and Breathe. Stop by Green Tea Yoga and find a calmer state of mind for your weekend. Classes range from high intensity Forrest Yoga to a gentler Hatha Mix. GreenTeaYoga.com

5. Be inspired by the Maya. The Peabody Essex Museum "Atrium Alive" Series will celebrate Fiery Pool: The Maya and the Mythic Sea with family programming on Saturday and Sunday. pem.org

6. Unplug. Fretless, an a capella quintet will be performing in the Cornerstone Books Cafe on Saturday at 7:00 pm. This is a cover-free show in the Cafe. CornerstoneBooks-Salem.com