Exploring Salem, Ma is such a joy because the town is rich in history, holds some of the prettiest First Period houses, and is turning into quite the food scene!  An easy trip from Boston by car, train, or even ferry!

While most people automatically think of the witch trials when Salem is mentioned, however its also known for its maritime history, some of America’s best early architects and it even has an incredible museum! I have visited Salem 3 times now, and I still haven’t seen everything!

New England Weekend Getaway: Where to Stay

|The Hotel Salem | This fun swanky upbeat hotel used to be a high end retail store and there are finishes that acknowledge its background.  Counter, the hotel’s restaurant has floor to ceiling storefront windows flooding the dining space with gorgeous natural light.  The mid-century style decor also pays homage to the past retail space.  With 44 rooms there is something for everyone to choose, whether its a micro room, to a two story loft suite!  Counter is also opening a rooftop deck restaurant set to open later this Spring – sign me up to go back please! And the location is ideal for all of Salem’s activities, right in the middle of Essex Street.

| The Merchant |  Built by one of America’s early notable architects, Samuel McIntire, this hotel is steeped in Salem history.  Built in 1784 The Merchant was originally the home of Joshua Ward, one of Salem’s wealthy shipping merchants, hence the name!  Now this elaborate hotel offers modern luxury while still possessing its historical charm.

New England Weekend Getaway: Sips + Bites

| Counter | As mentioned above, Counter is inside The Hotel Salem, offering great views for people-watching down Essex Street.  Lark Hotels executive chef Justin Perdue creates, yet again, another fantastic menu.  This time focusing on fresh, simple ingredients with regional New England flavors.  The cocktails are also a treat with the bartenders creating trendy modern day concoctions that pay tribute to Salem’s past, such as the Calm Snow.  This rum drink was made with Salem’s shipping history in mind, and it’s quite tasty! I should know as I enjoyed three!

| Koto Sushi | In the mood for sushi? Surprisingly Koto Sushi in Salem is incredible.  The brightly colored interior also draws attention, not to mention their kick ass ramen!

| Ledger | This fabulous eatery used to be a bank, now it has been transformed into a luxurious place to gather with friends and enjoy an amazing meal.  Highly recommend trying this place for brunch, and yes, you have to get the donuts.

| Life Alive | Looking for a healthy lunch option? Then definitely pop into life alive.  With their veggie infused bowls, or even smoothies, this is the perfect pits stop to grab a healthy meal before indulging at dinner.

| Finz | This lively atmosphere is located down at Pickering Wharf and is a classic for any family.  Constantly busy, this place serves up some seafood classics, my vote? Get the mussels with a glass of the sauvignon blanc!

| Brew Box | Time for a coffee break?  Head over to the ridiculously cute cafe Brew Box and try one of their iced cereal milk lattes.  Yes, it’s a thing y’all.

New England Weekend Getaway: Things to Do

| Peabody Essex Museum | Right off of bustling Essex Street the Peabody Essex Museum.  It has lots of beautiful exhibits, but most notably is the “Play Room”.  A room filled with over 2,000 pink balloons.  It’s pure happiness.

| Pickering Wharf |  Take a stroll down Salem’s harbor side shopping village.  Cute restaurants and shops line the waterfront.

| The Witch House | You can’t come to Salem and not see something to do with the witches!  So check out The Witch House, it has self guided or guided tours available.

| The House of Seven Gables | Go check out the mansion made famous by Nathanial Hawthorne’s novel.  It is also one of the oldest surviving timber framed mansions in North America.

 | Chestnut Street District | Take a stroll down Chestnut street, and surrounds, and be immersed in old American architecture.  This area contains a number of homes by one of America’s earliest architects Samuel McIntire.  You will also find numerous First Period homes, built between 1625-1725.  This street has been name one of America’s most beautiful streets for a reason.

What’s in My Bag: Salem Edition

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This trip was in partnership with Lark Hotels.  I’m so thankful to The Hotel Salem and Counter Salem for welcoming me as their guests.  As always, all opinions are my own.