7 Ways to Celebrate the Season in Salem This Year – nshoremag.com

Salemis ready to serve its visitors during theholiday season, as fewer crowds lead to intimate shopping experiences. Salemhas so much to offer during theholidayseason, says Kate Fox, executive director of DestinationSalem. It is magical to stroll through theSalemCommon and see the lights and enjoy the picturesque backdrop of downtownSalem.

In response to the economic impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on Massachusetts local businesses and communities, the state has launched the #mylocalMA campaign to help drive business and economic recovery to small businesses and Main Streets across the state such as downtownSalem. In addition, economic development catalyzer Creative Collectiveis running a separate hyper-local campaign, #StayLocalSalem and #StayLocal2020.

We are happy to welcome visitors back toSalemfor theholidayseason. The crowds are light this time of year and walking around and accessing shops and restaurants is easy, says Kim Driscoll, Mayor ofSalem. There are new shops and restaurants in the community that are excited to share theholidayexperience with visitors.

While walking between stores,holidayrevelers can grab a decadent hot chocolate from a stop onSalemshot chocolate crawl,and take in some festive photo opportunities such as theholidaytree next to the statue of Samantha fromBewitched.Salemis celebrating the recent opening of many new businesses and expanded offerings from old favorites. Once the shopping is done, enjoy your favorite local museums and restaurants.

Start yourholidayshopping inSalem, where you can find intimate shopping experiences in local shops. For example, the shops at Artists Row feature items by local artisans such as candles, jewelry, and artwork. In addition to the diverse range of stores on Essex Street, including Moodys Home & Gifts, Wicked Good Books, and the PEM Shop, Pickering Wharf offers many options forholidaygifts in stores like Merry and Bright, Partridge in a Bear Tree, andSalemdipity. DestinationSalemhas created lists of ideas for presents such asmasks,ornaments, and overallgiftsfromSalem-based stores and boutiques.

Salemhas many new businesses this year like Beverly Bees in Artists Row, Botanica / Hermetic Arts Center, City Smoke Shop, Coven Beauty Company, GNU Kitchen, Jenni Stuart Fine Jewelry, Pentagram, Sage, Settler, Shindig Studios at Artists Row, the Juicery, and Spitfire Tacos. In addition to the new businesses, many popular locales such asSalemArts Association, District Trading Company, The Boutique, and Jolie Tea Company have expanded their spaces.

Salem is renowned for its food scene and in addition to indoor dining, the culinary community is ready for the cold weather as many restaurants have been outfitted with tents and heaters to extend outdoor dining through the end of November. Enjoy award-winning pizza from Bambolina, local cuisine from Ledger Restaurant & Bar, or the freshest seafood at Turners or Finz.For a list of DestinationSalemrecommended restaurants, visitsalem.org/eat.

Hotels inSalemoffer cozy rooms forholidayvisitors, sometimes even offering in-room fireplaces. The hotels and inns ofSalemare a perfect place to get comfortable inside and plan out the next day for shopping inSalem. There are seasonal specials to consider when booking a hotel such as the historic Hawthorne Hotel and TheSalemInn, contemporarySalemWaterfront Hotel and Suites, mid-century modern gem The HotelSalem, and the new Hampton InnSalem. Clickherefor a list of recommended hotels and inns.

A long-standing favorite, HistoricSalemis adapting to COVID-1 restrictions and hosting avirtual tourof historic houses decorated for theholidays. Peabody Essex Museum is offering aholidayexperience with seasonal decorations and shop specials.Click herefor a list of recommended museums and attractions.

DestinationSalemhas launched a new mobile app to assist visitors toSalemin accessing the latest information. This new app features news, information on walking tours, educational content, and location-based notifications. The app is available for iOS and Android and can be found on the App Stores by searching for DestinationSalem, Mass.

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7 Ways to Celebrate the Season in Salem This Year - nshoremag.com