Halloween is my favorite holiday. I’m so sad when it’s over, and I wait each year for it to return! I don’t dress up. And I don’t trick-or-treat. But I still love it. And I love the people watching. The pets. The revelry. The changing leaves. The excitement around my hometown.
I’m from Salem, Massachusetts, so Halloween is our day. It’s actually our month. Haunted Happenings in Salem runs all of October. Costume parades. Dog costume parades. Dressed-up 5Ks. Witch hats. Goth dressing. And delightful chaos. Our city comes alive. My friends who still live here complain about the traffic and tourists and everything else. I don’t blame them. But for me, Halloween in Salem is something I look forward to each year. And it’s always worth the wait.
For anyone venturing to Salem, Massachusetts, this year (or any year), here are a few places to check out:
Fancier Restaurants (for Salem)
- Settler
- Ledger
- Bernadette’s
Local Favorite Restaurants (that double as bars)
- Trade House
- Mercy
- Dube’s
- Tin Whistle
- Maitland’s
Bars
- Longboards
- Sea Level
- Finz (yup, you read that correctly: an ironic Z)
- Ferry Landing bar
If You’re a Tourist
- Avoid the Witch House. It’s boring. Not worth it.
Definitely Visit
- The House of the Seven Gables
- Peruse a few witch shops, like HausWitch
Look for a Laurie Cabot sighting. She’s not out and about much these days, but she’s our Official Witch of Salem. Head down to the Willows and play some Skee-Ball. And grab the best popcorn in the world at Hobbs, in both regular and flavored blocks. They also make some of the best ice cream. You can also dive off the Willows pier if you’re looking for a quick cold plunge, then swim back to shore. The Salem Witch Museum is pretty silly, but it’s kitschy and fun. The Peabody Essex Museum is my favorite museum in the world. The exhibits are really well curated, and the permanent collection, including the China House, is spectacular. Head to Forest River Park for a lovely walk and some exploring. If you’re brave enough, grab a cardboard box to slide down the cement slides.
Off the Beaten Path
Head to Marblehead for some seafood and strong cocktails. The Barnacle, Three Cod Tavern and Maddie’s Sail Loft are not to be missed. Billionaires rub shoulders with fishermen, college kids and locals. Hard to tell who’s who. Try a famous North Shore roast beef. Modern Butcher in Danvers is probably the best, but they only serve the famous sandwich one day a week, and you can expect a lengthy line. Try Nick’s Famous Roast Beef, Jamie’s or Superior. Local legend Andy Ferg has created a North Shore beef Facebook page and app to help you find the best. I’d suggest ordering a junior beef three-way. It’s the only way to order it. Get fried clams at Farnham’s in Essex or the Clam Box in Rowley. Or make it a fried clam tour with a few friends.
