There is a certain magic to Salem, Massachusetts, and not just because it was the setting of the historic Salem Witch Trials. The cobblestone streets, friendly small businesses, and pubs where newcomers are greeted like old friends create an atmosphere of bonhomie with a touch of mystery for planners and attendees to enjoy and explore.
It’s apt that Salem is a town with abundant faces, considering throughout its history it has been home to many different peoples. Originally settled by the Naumkeag people, Salem saw the arrival of European colonists in 1629 and was renamed “Salem” (from the Hebrew “shalom,” meaning “peace”). Its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean soon led Salem to become a robust international shipping center and the sixth-largest city in the U.S. by 1790, as well as the wealthiest per capita. Over the course of the next two centuries, Salem amassed significant bragging rights as the birthplace and literary inspiration of author Nathaniel Hawthorne; the site of majestic homes with unique architectural features; and a vibrant waterfront city replete with oyster bars, artisan vendors, walking tours, and live-music cruises.
Today, Salem continues to surprise attendees with its offerings. “Salem is a city rich in history and culture, and first-time visitors should set aside time to explore its many aspects,” advises Whitney Van Dyke, director of marketing and communications for the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem. “I’d recommend exploring several historic streets and neighborhoods, where you can visit sites related to the Salem Witch Trials and experience the city’s rich architectural history.”
She adds that attendees should not miss the opportunity to take a stroll along the waterfront and enjoy a scenic ride on the Salem Trolley, which offers a comprehensive view of the city’s most iconic landmarks such as the Charter Street Burial Ground, the Salem Harbor, scenic Chestnut Street, and the Witch Dungeon Museum. “Planning ahead and using expert guidance from the Destination Salem website is a great idea as Salem can be quite busy during the peak tourism months in the fall,” she says.
Sleep & More
Although Salem bursts with all things old-fashioned, its digs are far from outdated. Smack dab in the middle of the city’s bustling pedestrian mall, The Hotel Salem offers midcentury modern boutique accommodations with artistic design elements such as wallpaper made from magazine pages and amenities like sparkling water on tap and a cozy reading lounge, a welcome respite from the exterior crowds. The energetic staff is terrific at helping newcomers navigate the nuances of Salem, from parking to securing tickets for shows or events to arranging the best tables at the top restaurants.
With four distinctive event spaces, The Hotel Salem has built a reputation on gracefully handling a range of special occasions. “Our spaces are not your cookie-cutter venues,” says the hotel’s Events Manager Olivia Keefe. “Each one can be customized to fit any event, and all include a full-service on-site coordinator and staff who do all the setup and breakdown.” She also notes each space varies in capacity. “If you are looking to host a small event or meeting, The Lounge is ideal, but if you are looking to host a large dinner, then The Cellar would be the best space,” she says.
Equally charming is The Hotel Hawthorne, an old-meets-new establishment with thoughtful touches such as complimentary lemonade in the lobby. Its regal atmosphere has attracted both celebrities and film crews—both the television show “Bewitched” and the Oscar-nominated movie “Joy” have had iconic scenes shot on the property. The Tavern, the hotel’s on-site watering hotel, is perfect for a pre- or post-prandial libation, and its wood-
burning fireplace makes it especially pleasing during generally harsh New England winters. And whether it’s hosting a small staff-appreciation lunch or arranging a large-scale gala, The Hotel Hawthorne also offers one of Salem’s most elegant venues: its Grand Ballroom with crystal chandeliers and arched windows.
Another enchanting, historic backdrop for special events can be found at Hamilton Hall. A three-story opulent structure built in 1805 by architect and woodcarver Samuel McIntire, Hamilton Hall, which takes its name from patriot Alexander Hamilton, was designed for diverse festivities including art shows, banquets, corporate shindigs, and lectures. The venue is particularly popular for fundraisers and other grand celebrations. Those planning to have a dance floor or band at their event will like its large ballroom with a spring-frame floor flanked by antique gilded mirrors and a dedicated space for musicians to play.
Eat & Drink
After a long day of sightseeing, there are few better places in which to relax and refuel than Ledger Restaurant & Bar, where James Beard Award-nominated Chef Daniel Gursha’s culinary visions are manifested in a menu of revamped American classics, such as popovers with green goddess butter and duck breast with cherries and chai parsnip puree. Attendees might complement their courses with a selection from its well-curated wine list of domestic and foreign varietals or a craft cocktail. The Macomber Room is Ledger’s main event space and includes a private bar and picture windows; it can hold 50 seated guests and 80 for cocktail receptions. Planners are encouraged to collaborate with Chef Gursha on the creation of personalized menus.
Situated in the heart of Salem’s square, Rockafellas Restaurant provides a prime people-watching location, and its signature seafood dishes attract a steady stream of groups eager to chat over a pint of locally made beer, a plate of fish and chips, and a bowl of seafood chowder. Rockafellas’ homey atmosphere and diverse dining options have made it a sought-after spot for groups. The restaurant also can arrange private space and catering for team-bonding happy hours and other corporate events. For a repast with a view, Sea Level Oyster Bar offers alfresco dining on the waterfront. Oysters on the half shell are its house specialty, and baked stuffed lobster is also available. Larger groups might reserve a second-floor event space and take advantage of the customizable catering menu.
Explore & Discover
The House of the Seven Gables is an oceanfront colonial mansion that served as the setting for Nathaniel Hawthorne’s 1851 Gothic novel of the same name. Today, the house is home to community programs (e.g., English as a second language classes) and, according to some, a handful of ghosts haunt the halls, including the spirit of a small boy and Sussanah Ingersoll, one of Hawthorne’s cousins. Group tours of the expansive house and stunning gardens are available.
Salem’s labyrinthine streets might be a dream for wandering attendees. Planners might book a guided stroll with Witch City Walking Tours, which boasts more than a half-dozen different jaunts with themes, including “Murders and Mysteries,” “Hocus Pocus Filming Locations,” and “History and Hauntings.”
Such perambulations tend to pique one’s curiosity and might serve as a good precursor for a primer on New England paganism at the 1692 Salem Witch Museum, where large group tours for 15-plus might be organized upon request. The museum explores the confluence of factors that led to the infamous witch trials, as well as highlights the lesser-known figures involved—the museum provides likely one of the most comprehensive introductions to a very scrutinized event in American history. The exhibits, which comprise re-creations, legal documents, testimonials, and material objects associated with the accusers and victims, give rise to an informative and chilling depiction of small-town panic gone awry.
Established in 1799, the nearby Peabody Essex Museum was founded by the East India Marine Society to house what it called “a collection of natural and artificial curiosities.” Two hundred years later, the museum, with over 850,000 works of art and culture plus rotating exhibitions, upholds this legacy by serving as one of the preeminent art and cultural spaces in New England. Here, attendees can get lost (in a good way) pondering the intricacies of European portraits, Chinese pottery, and more. And those beautiful cavernous halls do double duty. “For everything from corporate gatherings to fundraisers and banquets, the museum offers a variety of unique modern and historic spaces that can accommodate various group sizes and event formats,” outlines Van Dyke. “For instance, the East India Marine Hall is a grand, historic space perfect for large receptions, while the museum’s striking Main Atrium offers a more modern, open environment ideal for networking events and cocktail receptions. Additionally, the museum’s galleries are available for private viewings and educational tours, offering an exclusive and memorable experience for participants. The museum’s staff is experienced in event planning and execution, ensuring that all logistics are handled smoothly, from catering to audiovisual needs.”
Another option is The Witchery, which hosts book- and broom-making classes (private parties by arrangement) during which instructors patiently guide participants through constructing and adorning their witch-inspired projects. Also available is the Salem Willows Arcade, where old-school entertainment in the form of Skee-Ball, air hockey, Pac-Man, and Wiffle Ball batting cages await attendees. Large parties are welcome here, with pizza-and-play packages available.
Giovanni Alabiso, president of Historical Tours Salem, another company in the city offering historical education for groups, notes, “Salem has 400 years of history, including the infamous 1692 witchcraft trials, and so much more to offer with its great attractions, events, excellent restaurants, and ocean views. It’s a great destination for events.” Alabiso suggests planners book at least six months in advance for October events, noting that gatherings in other months of the year are a bit easier to secure.
7gables.org
hamiltonhall.org
hawthornehotel.com
larkhotels.com
ledgersalem.com
pem.org
rockafellasofsalem.com
salemhistoricaltours.com
salemwitchmuseum.com
sealeveloysterbar.com
witchcitywalkingtours.com
thewitcherysalem.com
