With spring comes new additions to Salem’s historic downtown. Take a walking tour with a theme for everyone ranging from the Salem Witch Trials to an a trek through Salem Woods, or check out one of Salem’s newest attractions to learn about pirates, wizards, art and more. Additions to Salem’s restaurant scene include grab-and-go fried chicken sandwiches, pastries, and hibachi, while new shops offer something for everyone with jewlery, candy, and crafting sessions designed especially for little ones.
Here are the newest locations around Salem, MA to add to your upcoming itinerary:
Walking Tours
Better Than Fiction Walking Tours features a 1692: Salem and Witchcraft Tour that takes a deep dive into the events of 1692 as well as a comprehensive look the Puritan religion to better understand the Salem Witch Trials.
To take in local history that began even earlier than the Witch Trials, grab tickets for Inside the Daniels House, an intimate look at original architectural and historical details at the Daniels House, the oldest bed and breakfast in the country built in 1667.
Dynamic History Salem Tours offer small group experiences that bridge the city’s past and present through tours and discussions with a variety of themes including literary Salem, pop culture, and MeetSalem, which offers a great introduction to local history.
For something totally different, join Forest Lore Tours for a trek through Salem Woods, where you can learn about science and folklore alongside Salem’s history while connecting with nature.
Salem Vintage Postcard Tours focus on local history during the Victorian era with an indepth look at events and themes like the Salem Fire of 1914, what tourism in Salem was like in the Victorian era, American military history, Salem Common, and more.
Have questions for a practicing Witch? Try the Wandering Witches Q&A Tour by Tours for Touring Tourists for an unscripted walk around Salem with a practicing witch, or book a traditional walking tour to take in Salem’s history and ghost stories.
Museums & Attractions
The Charter Street Welcome Center is now open with information on Charter Street Cemetery, an exhibit space, and shop stocked with gifts and souvenirs as well as helpful maps of the cemetery. Stop by before your visit to the cemetery at the Pickman House adjacent to the Salem Witch Trials Memorial.
For something on the spookier side, head to the International Monster Museum inside the Witch City Mall. This attraction will take you through lantern lit halls to see all kinds of monsters created by artists from around the world.
On Derby Street, Real Pirates Salem is an all-new attraction that shares the story of the “Witch of Wellfleet,” while showcasing items recovered from the wreck of the Whydah that sank in 1717 off the coast of Cape Cod.
Chagall Performance Art Collective, located on Artists’ Row, hosts live performances while stocking a variety of locally made art including jewlery, accessories, decor, and more.
And, coming soon to Salem’s attraction scene is Professor Spindlewink’s World of Wizardy, with a wizard chamber,the magic forest, a dragon’s lair and more in this interactive experience.
Restaurants
Salem’s dining scene expanded this spring with the opening of Lulu’s Bakery and Pantry offering a wide selection of baked goods alongside sandwiches, soups, salads, coffee and tea.
Ginger Seafood opened in the heart of downtown Salem serving Asian Cajun fusion with a focus on seafood. Stop by to try their seafood boils, specialty sushi rolls, and more.
For a traditional homecooked meal, Salem’s Retreat is now serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with everything from delicious eggs benedict to sandwiches, pasta, and seasonal specials.
On Lafayette Street, Witch City Hibachi is a new addition to Salem’s dining scene offering a full hibachi menu, plus sushi, lunch specials, and specialty cocktails.
Nearby, on New Derby Street, head to the newest Flip the Bird location to pick up fried chicken sandwiches, ribs, biscuits, frappes, and more.
Shopping
Find tarot cards, books, ritual tools, jewelry, candles, and more at Pentagram, located right across from the Witch Trials Memorial, or book a reading with one of the shop’s talented psychics.
For crafts and workshops created especially for kids visit the Good Witch of Salem (and check our events calendar for upcoming workshops during your visit.)
Shop for something sweet for the whole family at Curly Girl Candy Shop right on Washington Street, where you’ll find over 100 different types of candy ranging from sour to sweet and chocolatey, and everything in between.
On Pickering Wharf, Timeless Life Treasures is Salem’s newest jewelry shop that also stocks a variety of gifts and accessories, (perfect to get ahead on Mother’s Day shopping!)
And on Central Street, Salem Historical Tours Gift Shop is full of Salem souvenirs, items inspired by Hocus Pocus, plus unique tees, jewelry, and accessories.
Seasonal Events & Attractions
Many of Salem’s seasonal attractions return in April and May, with outdoor dining kicking off April 1 and the Salem Ferry opening May 14, along with Salem’s harbor cruises returning throughout May.
Check the calendar page, or download the Salem app, for all of the latest events coming up around Salem.
Tags: Family, Things To Do
