Things to Do in Salem, MA this Winter

If you need to pick a time to enjoy Salem, MA, don’t limit yourself to summer or October. There are so many things to do throughout the year. Winter is especially great thanks to the crisp air, the reduced crowds, and the incredible food.

Where to Stay

Finding the right accommodations can be tricky, especially during winter. Luckily, The Hotel Salem is a one-of-a-kind boutique hotel designed to suit all kinds. With a stylish mid-century vibe, all 44 rooms, suites, and lofts are comfortable and trendy. From 156 square foot micro-King rooms to the 500 square foot Lark Suite, you’ll find accommodations that suit your size and budget.

Among the amenities, guests receive bath supplies from Lather, free wireless internet, access to the guest lounge, a guest hospitality center on each floor, and a complimentary iPad to use during your stay. Right in the middle of downtown Salem, it’s the perfect home base for your winter vacation.

Visit A Museum

Winter is one of the best times of the year to check out a museum. Even if the weather outside is cold and dreary, you’ll be transported to another time and place for an amazing escape. Spend a few hours or a whole day learning and immersing yourself in culture or history.

Peabody Essex Museum

There is no better way to discover New England’s grand and storied past than with a trip to the Peabody Essex Museum. As Salem was one of the major ports for the colonies, the region had connections to the art and culture of China, Japan, India, and beyond. Come see exhibits featuring early American landscape paintings, historical furniture, original Witch Trial artifacts, and even step inside a 200 year-old Chinese house.

Salem Witch Museum

A visit to Salem isn’t complete without taking a tour of the Salem Witch Museum. Get a dramatic history lesson of the 1692 Salem Witch Trials through life-size stage sets, lighting, and narration. You’ll be challenged to reassess your perceptions of the so-called “witches” and think of Witch-Hunts that might be happening today. The museum is open daily, year-round, with presentations every half hour and is offered in English, French, German, Japanese, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Mandarin and Cantonese

Treat Yourself

When you’re on vacation, you deserve to spoil yourself in some way. For some it’s staying in a nice hotel suite, for others it’s shopping, but in Salem, good food is one of the best ways to treat yourself.

Turner’s Seafood

Turner’s Seafood offers a menu full of classic New England delights like lobster bisque, stuffed clams, Oysters Rockafellas, and lobster rolls. The chef uses culinary mastery and the freshest ingredients to create food fit for royalty. As fine as the dining is, though, Turner’s is far from stuffy, with the high tin ceilings, brick walls, and oak floors giving a welcoming, rustic vibe.

Harbor Sweets

Coming from humble beginnings in 1973, Harbor Sweets always aspires to make “the best chocolates in the world.” They’ve arguably succeeded, with all their confections handmade in their seaside factory in Salem. Purchase an assortment of decadent treats to try, from delectable almond buttercrunch toffee Sweet Sloops to creamy caramel Sand Dollars. Who cares about calories – you’re on vacation!

Don’t fool yourself into thinking winter is the wrong time to take a vacation and visit Salem. You won’t want to miss out on one of the best times of year to book yourself a trip and take a well-deserved break.