The Best of Salem, Massachusetts

When I plan a trip, I am always looking for the best places to shop, the best places to eat, and the best places to visit. Salem, Massachusetts is no different. This small city, known for its storied past, is home to world-class restaurants, shops, attractions, and museums. I’ve shared my tips to visiting Salem in October, as well as where to see Hocus Pocus filming locations. Now, keep reading for my picks for the best of Salem, Massachusetts. 

Best Breakfast

Red’s 

Housed in what was once the London Coffee House (circa 1698), Red’s is famous for its plate-sized pancakes. However, locals will argue that everything at Red’s is good. The saying is that if you’ve been to Salem and haven’t stopped at Red’s, you haven’t really been to Salem.

Best Bakery

Coffee Time Bake Shop

Coffee Time Bake Shop is a bit out of the way from downtown, but it’s delectable pastries and doughnuts make it well worth the trek (also, they have their own small parking lot). My favorite time to visit Coffee Time is right before the beginning of Lent when they have pączkis (pronounced “puhnch-kee” ), a filled doughnut from Poland. 

Best Coffee

Jaho Coffee & Tea

Jaho has amazing coffee all year round, but during special times of the year, they offer specialty drinks like their Candy Corn Latte and their Midnight Pumpkin Mocha Latte. They also have delicious treats and coffee cocktails!

Best Tea 

Jolie Tea Co.

If you’re like me and you love tea, then you will love Jolie Tea Co. This tea room isn’t just Instagram-worthy, they have so many teas you won’t be able to choose! And with fun names like “Witch’s Brew” and “I Put a Spell on You,” you’ll feel so festive as you sip on your afternoon cuppa. 

Best Boutique Hotel

The Coach House

The Coach House may have been around since 1879, but this is not your grandma’s B&B. Under new management, this gorgeous old sea captain’s home has been recently renovated. It’s design is a fusion of old world charm, with modern, high-tech touches (think self check-in and smart TVs) and a witchy vibe. I cannot wait for our stay at The Coach House this November so stay tuned for my review next month!

Best Major Hotel

Hawthorne Hotel

The Hawthorne Hotel is located in the heart of the city, right off of Salem Common, so it has a great location and amenities. But it’s also haunted and has been the subject of many a ghost tour guide’s tale. Even Syfy’s Ghost Hunters visited the hotel in 2007 to investigate claims of hauntings in Room 325, Room 612, and the sixth floor where a ghostly woman has been spotted walking the halls. Also in spooky news, the hotel held a séance in the Grand Ballroom in 1990 to try and contact Harry Houdini. 

Best Museum

Peabody Essex Museum

I have shared my love for the Peabody Essex Museum over and over. They have amazing exhibits, including their new wing, and several historical properties around Salem that you can visit like The Ropes Mansion which was featured as Alison’s house in the original Hocus Pocus.

Best Witch Shop

HausWitch

I’ve always been interested in the occult, but found many shops to be a little too dark or commercialized for my liking. Hauswitch has an amazing assortment of crystals and other witchy items, but in a more welcoming environment. 

Best Book Shop

Wicked Good Books

I love a good bookstore and Wicked Good Books is a good book store. Filled with tomes on the witch trials, Halloween books, and great gift items, you could get lost in this small book boutique.

Best Vintage/Consignment Store

Modern Millie’s

I’ve been visiting Modern Millie’s since it stood in a tiny storefront along Washington Street and it only sold second-hand clothes. Now it occupies a much larger, more crowd-friendly space on Central Street and is filled with vintage treasures, handmade pins, vintage-inspired clothing, and shoes. 

Best Souvenir Store

The Trolley Depot

If you’re looking for gifts to bring home from your Salem trip, The Trolley Depot is where to go. You’ll find fun tees, spooky books, Christmas ornaments, novelty items and postcards.

Best Pizza 

Flying Saucer Pizza Co.

Whenever I have business in Salem, Alex always asks me to bring home a pizza from Flying Saucer Pizza Co. They have some of the most interesting pizza combinations, all named after SyFy characters and movies,  many vegan-friendly and gluten-free. I love the Audrey II with the prosciutto on one side (since I don’t eat meat), but I’m dying to try the Vegan Nick Fury!

Best Activities with Kids

Salem Willows 

I recently took Arielle to the Salem Willows for the first time and I had to promise to bring her back, she loved it that much. The Salem Willows was named after the willow trees that had been planted in the area in 1801, but the amusement park and arcade didn’t open until 1880. It has obviously seen updates since then, and it remains a fun place for kids and couples to visit. There have been rumors that it will eventually be torn down to make way for condos. I hope that doesn’t happen anytime soon!

Best place to meet friends for a Drink

Gulu Gulu Cafe & Rockafella’s

For this category I decided it was a tie between Gulu Gulu Cafe and Rockafella’s, it really just depends on the vibe you are looking for. Rockafella’s has more of your typical bar vibe, but it’s located in one of the most haunted buildings of Salem which adds an unusual thrill to your get-together.

I happen to love Gulu Gulu’s for its unique offerings like John Denver’s Breath (hot chocolate spiked with absinthe and topped with whipped cream and cocoa), Czech Chai (chai latte becherovka, cinnamon, and sugar), and the Dublin Fog (earl grey tea, steamed milk, Irish cream, and vanilla syrup), you’re bound to stay warm even on the chilliest of October nights.

What are your favorite Salem haunts? Send them my way!