10 things to do in Salem when the weather sucks

Salem, Massachusetts is one of those places where everyone seems to be outdoors all the time. But, what happens if you are visiting on a day when the weather is not cooperating? Here is our list of 10 things to do (in season) when the weather sucks.

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1. Take a trolley ride - It might be a rainy spring or fall day, but the trolleys are still up and running. You can kick back in the enclosed vehicle and still get a great tour and history lesson.
2. Check out the Salem Visitors Center - with free literature, mini-movies, exhibits and a staff of knowledgeable people to help you on your Salem quest. The Visitors Center at 2 New Liberty Street should be one of your first stops regardless of the weather.
3. House of Seven Gables - This historical favorite is open practically year ’round and while you might not want to hit the gardens if the weather is bad, the house tour is well worth the price of admission.
4. Peabody Essex Museum - One of the finest museums in Massachusetts is centrally located right in down town Salem. They usually have temporary exhibits that cover a broad spectrum of interest and their permanent collections are equally intriguing.
5. Salem Maritime National Historic Sites - The National Park Service runs many of the historic sites at the wharf. While some of the sites are outside, 8 are inside-including one of Salem’s hidden treasures the West India Goods Store where all the Salem Insiders come to get great prices on spices. The above link will also take you to a series of free audio tours you can download and put on your ipod.
6. Visit the Witch Museum - Many visitors come to Salem for the witch attractions. The Witch Museum is probably the best place in town to get the full picture of what happened leading up to, during and beyond the fables Salem Witch Trials.
7. Visit the New England Pirate Museum- If witches don’t float your boat or you just prefer sea-men, come here to get the real story of pirates and privateers who swash-buckled their way off the shores of New England in the golden age of sail.
8. Take in a movie at Cinema Salem - You can easily miss their small marquee on the back side of the Museum Place Mall but this movie house is one of the best deals going in Salem. Three screens with recent movies and great prices.
9. Get lost in a read at Cornerstone Books - With plenty of literary events scheduled, it seems that there is always something happening at Cornerstone. You can always escape the bad weather blues in a big comfy chair with a book in hand and maybe run into and author or two.
10. While away the hours in a coffee shop - Salem has a few outstanding coffee shops most with free wi-fi. Bust out your computer and blog about your rainy day or read up on the latest post from TheSalemInsider.com. If you look around you’ll probably see me typing away drinking a half double decaffeinated half-caf, with a twist of lemon writing tomorrows post.

Bonus

• Witch History Museum - If you decided to check out the Witch Museum or the Pirate Museum you can get a combo pass also visit this museum. As a bonus the trolleys stop in front of each location so you can stay out of the weather.
• Shop - Whether you’ve already done the majority of things on this list or they just don’t speak to you,  you can always patronize many of Salem’s fine shops. When all else fails, go shopping!