10 things to do in Salem when the weather rules
Written by Glen Hughes on July 10th, 2008 1 Comment
A while back we brought you 10 things to do in Salem when the weather sucks . Now that the weather has changed for the better we turn tides and bring you good weather activities.
- Frolic in the Common - The Salem Common is 9.5 acres of open space park in central Salem. The park which dates back to the 17th century has been used for a variety of things over the past 300+ years. Take a peek at the plaque under the flagpole for some history you might not know about. Today people play sports, listen to music or just catch some rays in this convenient Washington Square location.
- Forest River Park - A short ride away from down town Salem, Forest River Park boasts walking and bike riding trails, a public pool, shoreline, swimming, and the occasionally open Pioneer Village America’s first living history museum.
- Ropes Mansion Garden - Nestled behind the Ropes Mansion (318 Essex Street), a 1727 Georgian style home renovated in 1894 in the Colonial Revival style is one of the most beautiful gardens open to the public on the North Shore. The Ropes Garden was designed and laid out in 1912 by John Robinson. It is a Colonial Revival garden—open to the public free of charge.
- Trolley Tours - We’ve talked at length about the great trolley tours available in Salem. Rain or shine its a fun way to see Salem. It’s especially fun in the nice weather because you can jump on or off all day and walk from stop to stop if you wish.
- Salem Willows Park - Back in 1858 the peninsula at the tip of Salem harbor became a municipal park known as Salem Willows. It had a wooden horse carousel, the Charleshurst Ballroom and beautiful weeping willow trees. Today the ballroom is long gone but in its place is an arcade, plenty of food options and that same 175 year old carousel.
- Walking Tours - Readers of this site know that Salem scored a 98 for “walkability” so it just makes sense that there are some great walking tours of our fair city. You can download 4 different tours free from the National Park Service or walk over to the Visitors Center and pick them up. You can also just follow the red line on Salem’s sidewalks. This red line goes through many of the historical and retail districts in town eventually looping back to where you started.
- Ride a Bike - Over the past few years Salem has become quite bike friendly adding bike parking racks at a few bars/restaurants and a series of single racks through out town. With Salem Cycle leading the charge bike paths have been instituted with discussions in the works for a cohesive multi-town path. If you don’t have a bike of your own rentals are available by the hour, day, weekend or week.
- Take a Schooner ride - One of the best ways to see Salem and it’s islands is from the water. Luckily the Schooner Fame operates from late May to Halloween offering daily sails. The Fame of Salem, is a replica of the successful privateer from the War of 1812. Tickets may be purchased at their ticket booth outside the Victoria Station restaurant on Wharf Street with sails lasting approximately one hour and forty-five minutes.
- Discover a Fort and Lighthouse - Winter Island Marine Park is home to Fort Pickering and the Fort Pickering Light. The park is easily accessible via trolley and offers self guided walking tours where you can discover the remnants of Fort Pickering built in Execution Hill the scene of several hangings in the 1800’s and Fort Pickering Light erected in 1871. Looking for someplace to camp in Salem, Winter Island Park offers RV and tent camping from late April till Halloween.
- People Watch - Dean Martin used to like to stand on the corner but in Salem sitting on the corner of Washington and Essex is one of the best ways to spend your good weather time. Many of the restaurants offer great out door seating. This activity shouldn’t be limited to just the center of town, watching the people and boats over at the wharf or taking in a band at Spirits or the Shanty are some of the best things to do in Salem when the weather rules.
Do you have a favorite good weather activity we didn’t list here? If so, tell us about it.
Hey pallie Glen, great post man and like thanks so much for rememberin’ our Dino…never was, never will be anyone as cool as the King of Cool….oh, to return to the days when Dino walked the earth….