Welcome to Salem!

A unique seaside community, Salem, Massachusetts is a small, dynamic city of 41,000 people.  We welcome nearly one million visitors each year, and are home to a changing population of students at Salem State University.  Featuring an active art and culture scene, visitors and residents enjoy local theatre, music, comedy, art, and excellent dining.

Boutique shopping and unique dining will round out your Salem experience.  Our shops range from wine to witch balls, home goods to herbs, accessories to antiques.  Salem has a diverse restaurant scene as well - whether you need to grab sandwiches for the family on the fly or have time to linger over creative cocktails and a raw bar, Salem has a restaurant to suit your palate.

Salem has an annual calendar of festivals, summer theatre, and special events.  Notable festivals include Salem Holiday Happenings in December, Salem Film Festival in February, Massachusetts Poetry Festival in May, Salem Arts Festival in June, Salem Lit Fest in September, and - of course - Salem Haunted Happenings in October.  And don't miss our two restaurant weeks - April and November - when restaurants strut their stuff with delicious prix fixed three and four course meals!

Salem's culture and heritage includes early American, maritime, and military history, architecture, literature, art, and theatre.  The world-class Peabody Essex Museum has incredible permanent collections and a schedule of changing exhibitions.  A perfect destination for families seeking out the stories of America and New England, Salem is also a popular cultural escape, romantic getaway, and destination wedding location.

Events

  • Pride Kickoff!

  • Friday, June 8 - 8pm-1230am
  • Summer is near and we are gearing up for the biggest OUT Night party yet!! On the eve of Boston Pride, we will be returning to Vic's with two rooms, dance floor and the open patio to welcome the warm weather and celebrate the growing momentum for equality! Event sponsored by Go Out Loud.
  • facebook.com/events
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  • Moving Equality Forward with Special Guest Barney Frank

  • Thursday, June 21 - 830-1030pm
  • In the wake of President Obama's endorsement for same-sex marriage, Pride Month has taken on a whole new meaning. Please join us for a cocktail reception honoring special guest speaker US Congressman Barney Frank with remarks by US Congressman John Tierney and other notable community leaders with music by The Dejas. Proceeds of the evening will benefit North Shore Pride organization in ramp up to the first-ever North Shore Pride parade in Salem, Massachusetts on Saturday, June 30.
  • Together, we can move equality forward.
  • Suggested donation is $35 in advance, $45 at the door. Tickets go on sale Tuesday, May 15.
  • Purchase:
  • http://movingequalityforward.eventbrite.com
  • facebook.com/events
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  • The Second Annual Salem Out Night

  • Thursday, June 21, 2012
  • Businesses will be staying open late, offering promotions, and celebrating summer.  Join the Peabody Essex Museum for an after-hours exploration of their three photography exhibits, shop at the Farmers' Market and in the unique boutiques throughout town, and linger over dinner in one of our fabulous restaurants.
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Accommodations

  • Coach House Inn
  • May 1 - November 30
  • 284 Lafayette Street, Salem, MA 01970
  • 978.744.4092 | 800.688.8689
  • CoachHouseSalem.com
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  • Morning Glory Bed & Breakfast
  • Year-Round
  • 22 Hardy Street, Salem, MA 01970
  • 978.741.1703
  • MorningGloryBB.com
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  • Northey Street House B&B
  • Year-Round
  • 30 Northey Street, Salem, MA 01970
  • (978) 397.1582
  • NortheyStreetHouse.com
  • The Salem Inn
  • Year-Round
  • 7 Summer Street, Salem, MA 01970
  • 978.741.0680
  • SalemInnMa.com
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  • Stepping Stone Inn
  • April through November
  • 19 Washington Square North, Salem, MA 01970
  • 978.741.8900
  • TheSteppingStoneInn.com
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Museums & AttractionsOld and Bold at the House of the Seven Gables by Kevin Letourneau

Everybody is welcome at all of Salem's attractions and museums (Of course! Seems silly even writing this.).  The organizations, attractions and museums below, however, have made extra effort and done outreach and programming with and for LGBT guests.   For complete listings of things to do and places to explore in Salem, explore all of the pages of Salem.org. 

 

Links of Interest

Salem Out Loud

 

 

 

 

LGBT Massachusetts