The Salem Insider » seasonal

Al fresco dining in Salem

Glen Hughes — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 13:01:32 +0000

There is a new trend for Salem restaurants and its not some magical ingredient or new state mandated rule: it’s going au natural with dining outside.

Al fresco dining in Salem, MA is nothing new. Salem institutions like the Lobster Shanty and Finz have predicated their business model on it. Victoria Station has some great al fresco action overlooking the wharf and Salem Light. Even Capts. with their second floor balcony understands people’s desire to feel connected to the outdoors while refueling the body. However, recently a few things have changed and now everyone is clamoring to get in on the game.

The Lobster Shanty Salem

There was a time, not too long ago, that if you were in down town Salem and wanted to eat or drink outside under the stars (or an umbrella) your options were fairly limited. There was Rockafellas, the Garden at the PEM, the aforementioned Lobster Shanty and, depending on its state of flux, the business now currently known as Murphy’s.

A few years back Gulu-Gulu came to town and added outdoor seating. Other Salem restaurateurs took notice and started playing that game. Some failed miserably like Cafe Graziani who tried to stuff a table or two out their back door in an alley under the constant hum of their kitchen air conditioner (they now have added 3 tables in front on the Washington St. sidewalk). Others, like Fresh Taste of Asia and The Upper Crust, succeed despite not getting direct sunlight during prime dining hours.

Then the game changed again. Tavern in the Square opened in the old Salem News building, eventually adding one hundred seats outside and securing the rights to use the public sidewalk as part of their business much to the dismay of some residents and special interest groups. Like it or not, the president set by Tavern in the Square paved the way for more businesses to steak a claim to public walkways. Maria’s Sweet Somethings has expanded its outdoor seating. Down town new-comer, Puleo’s Ice Cream (next door to Cafe Graziani), has set up shop with tables and chairs on the cramped Washington Street sidewalk.

New outside seating at the Lyceum

The latest restaurants to throw their hats in the al fresco ring are Greenland Cafe, with a sizable brick patio behind their location and a few feet away from the Greenland Cafe in the courtyard behind Church Street, the Lyceum just opened their patio featuring about 25 more seats.

Not to be left out of the quest for fresh air and sun shine, the city of Salem has stepped up and installed a bunch of tables and chairs in the Derby plaza area in front of Old Town Hall and around the East India Square fountain, free for everyone to use 24 hours a day.

I personally love good al fresco dining, when I can sit outside sipping a cocktail, eating a meal, not being distracted by loud noise or obnoxious smells and being treated to a nice view. Now, with patio dining pretty much saturated in Salem we will have to wait till next summer to see what the future holds. My prediction for the next trend in Salem dining…roof decks.

Salem Farmers’ Market 2010

lizzie — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 16:03:01 +0000

The second year of the Salem Farmers’ Market kicked into full gear about a month ago. The success of it’s first year all but guaranteed a second season and most likely was the advent of a new summer tradition here in Salem.

Salem Farmers' Market 2010

The return of the Farmers’ Market is a welcoming site. Not only did it signify that summer was finally here, but that we residents can enjoy the pleasure of what it has to offer. Seasonal produce, farm eggs, fresh cheese, baked breads & goodies, seafood, live music and a generous sense of community (in a timely article by the Salem News, sometime in the future we may also be able to buy wine there as well. But until that happens you can fulfill your wine needs at Pamplemousse or Salem Wine Imports). You will also find some non-food vendors there as well, to round out your overall shopping experience.

Every week there are different musicians for entertainment, rotating vendors and sometimes cooking demonstrations and guest appearances (today features an appearance by Lt. Gov. Tim Murray) to keep the experience fresh and new.

A full list of vendors (including foods and wares available weekly), featured musicians and any timely info is available at the Salem Farmers’ Market website at: http://salemfarmersmarket.org.

The Salem Farmers’ Market happens every Thursday afternoon from 3PM-7PM until October 21st. To stay up to date on the activities, they also has a Facebook page and you can follow them on Twitter @salemfarmmarket.

Oh, and don’t forget to head over to Pamplemousse between 4-7pm today for some cake as they celebrate their 8th anniversary!

Related posts:
Salem Farmers’ Market
Salem Farmers’ Market initial review
Salem Farmers’ Market going strong (some great photos in this post!)

Salem’s Third Annual Salem Spring Fling

Glen Hughes — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:18:15 +0000

It’s that time again to join Magic Hat, 92.5 The River & our friends over at Pamplemousse for the Third Annual Salem Spring Fling!!

Salem Spring Fling is a fun event that we look forward to every year. Like the ancient Bacchanalia this celebration of spring abounds with wine, women and song. It’s also the largest sanctioned Toga Party around!

Third Annual Salem Spring Fling

The low down on Salem’s Spring Fling

Where: Old Town Hall, Derby Square on Front Street in beautiful Salem MA
When: Saturday, March 27th from 6 – 9 pm
What: Join us for our annual Bacchanalia ! A celebration of spring with culinary delights, fine wine and craft beer, music and art! Food and wine/beer sampling included in ticket. Collectable glass to all attendees.

The Beer: Magic Hat, Ipswich, Stone Cat, Cape Ann Brewing, Harpoon, Dogfish Head, Wachusett, Mayflower, Oscar Blues, Cody Brewing and more!

The Wine: A fine selection of wines from around the world hand picked by the Pamplemousse

The Food: Salem Restaurants such as Capts, Finz, Sixty2 on Wharf, Passage to India, Rockafellas, The Lobster Shanty, AJ King Artisan Bakers, Victoria Station, The Upper Crust Pizzeria and great coffee from Cafe Valverde!

The Music: Local favorite, Machine 475 will be performing live.

Other great stuff: Free chair massages provided by Living Well & Laura Lanes Skincare, readings with Lady June (fee) and lots of great art from local artists such as Jeff Bowie, Chris Dowgin, Sue Grillo, Sarah Ashodian, John Viens, Elise
Mankes, Ken Goldstrom, Dirty Witch Soaps, Jack Walsh, & Scott Lanes.

Meet familiar characters from myth and legend and enjoy the goddesses and nymphs that wander the “Garden of Earthly Delights“. Seek out The Oracle of Delphi to hear your fortune. Roman attire is encouraged! Great costumes available at Samantha’s just one block from the event!

Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door and are available at Pamplemousse, threiverboston.com, pmousse.com, localwineevents.com or by calling 978-745-2900.

This is Halloween

lizzie — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 15:21:08 +0000

Cops on Halloween

Today is the big day, Halloween in Salem Mass. Friends who just got into town said that the MBTA Commuter Rail from North Station to Salem was almost 100% full. The streets must be cleared of all vehicles by noon and all traffic will be blocked off by 4pm.

Hundreds of cops from surrounding communities will be patrolling town so be on your best behavior.

Have fun and follow us on Twitter today @saleminsider as we post photos and give updates. Feel free to send us some of your favorite photos and we will do a big photo post tomorrow.

Halloween week fun

Glen Hughes — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:38:56 +0000

Even though there are only a few more days until Halloween there are still plenty of cool things to do. Here are a few events worthy of checking out.

Wednesday October 28th, 2009

SYNTH: 80′s party with Darq

Synth: an 80's Halloween party

Tonight from 8:30-12:30 at Bangkok Paradise we get a special treat and get enjoy a decade with a DARQ twist! DJ Alvis, DJ Zombi and VuDu DJ will spin your 80′s favorites only spookier! And the 2nd annual Halloween Thriller Costume Contest will be held. Cash & prizes for best 80s costume, best non-80s costume & a grand prize for best in show! And best of all: NO COVER CHARGE. More info at myspace.com/decade80snight

Thursday October 29th, 2009

The Dumb Supper: Dinner with the Dead

Dumb Supper

The Hawthorne Hotel plays host to one of the most interesting events of the Halloween season, the Dumb Supper. This dining event presented by the Salem Witches honors the dead with a “sumptuous dinner” observed in silence as touching music plays. The concept behind the Dumb Supper is great, by remaining quiet, you will open your heart and mind to those who have crossed over. However the $100 a head price tag behind this vegetarian only meal will leave foodies an people concerned with the recession perplexed.

For more info about the night including the menu and to buy tickets check out FestivalOfTheDead.com.

Friday October 30th, 2009

The Official Salem Witches’ Halloween Ball

The official Salem Witches Ball

Join DJ Addambombb (you may remember him from last weeks Vampyre Ball) as he spins a mix of pop, rock and goth at the Hawthorne Hotel from 7:30pm – 12:30am. Unlike many Salem events during the Halloween season Witches’ Halloween Ball is an 18+ party. Tickets are an exorbitant $150 but for many this is the best Halloween party out there and only event they will attend. You can also win a $1,000 prize in the mythical monsters themed costume contest.

Sublime Salem sweet sounds and suds sipping

Glen Hughes — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 10:00:24 +0000

The closer we get to Halloween in Salem Mass the more you can feel excitement in the air.

The 3rd annual SALEM HARVEST FEST

Salem Harvest Fest presented by Pamplemousse & Magic Hat Brewing takes place this Saturday, October 24th from 2 – 6 pm at 294 Essex (Salem Y Ballroom) is a grand tasting of over 100 fine wines, craft beers and delicious mead. Local breweries Cape Ann, Ipswich & Stone Cat Brewing, Wachusett Brewing and Magic Hat will be on hand as well as an assortment of international beers from Atlantic and Seaboard Imports. This year, they have local wineries Turtle Creek and Still River Winery participating, as well as a fantastic array of wines from around the world.

Tickets are a well spent $20 in advance and $25 for more info head over to salemharvestfest.com

The DARQ Gala

2009 DARQ Gala

Coming in on the top of the “unique and affordable Halloween evening events” list is the DARQ Gala. When it comes to Salem Balls, Gala’s and Hootenannys, this event always brings out the the well dressed locals and imports from the greater Boston area who enjoy the darker more gothic side of Salem.

This year’s DARQ Gala feature’s live performances by Angels on Acid and Boston’s Ground to Dust. (Bands that Vudu:DJ’s been playing, and Salem has been dancing to…) AND! DJ Cypherpunk will be keeping the aural flow in the times between sets. Tickets are $20 at the door, and $15 in advance, via the link on darqsalem.com.

Bikers Redux

21st Annual Halloween Ride

They were rained out last week but they are rolling in to town this Sunday. The Boston/Salem Harley Davidson MDA motorcycle Ride is coming to town.

Bruce Rossmeyer might be dead but the giving spirit of Boston area bikers is alive and well. For the past 21 years motorcyclists from all around New England have come to Boston and ridden up to Salem for the day. The ride with a $20 entry fee per rider benefits the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Thousands of bikers come to enjoy the sights and sounds of pre-Halloween Salem.

Traffic Warning: Derby and Lafayette streets will be blocked off to bikes only for a few hours (usually 1-3pm) so traffic will be more tight than normal. Also, all those bikes tend to be a bit noisy so if you are near the self appointed “Salem Sound Police” and hear them bitching ask them how much good they have done for the underprivileged today.

Today, Rocky Horrible and Pumpkin Bikers

Glen Hughes — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:53:44 +0000

More jam packed days this weekend in Salem MA, regardless of the impending bad weather.

Today Show in Salem… almost

Today Show Cast in bad pose

You may have heard the rumors that NBC’s Today Show is coming to Salem. Well – sort of… The cast of the Today Show will not be here but crew will be filming a segment here in town and our friends over at Rockafellas are throwing a premature costume party. The Today Show Costume Party, featuring the Open Bar Band, on Friday October 17. Dress as Hoda or Kathie Lee (apparently they are on the late segment), and you may be featured in the segment they are filming.

Rocky Horrible’s?

Rocky Horror and Dr. Horrible

Cinema Salem is blending two cult classics (ok, one cult classic and one internet cult phenomenon) into one night of fun. Tonight Friday October 16th at 11pm they will be showing the Rocky Horror Picture Show which most people are well aware of and Joss Whedon’s (the guy behind Firefly, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel and most recently Dollhouse) Dr. Horrible’s Sing Along Blog. This is sure to be a great night of campy fun and cinematic intergration as you and your fellow movie goers dress up, shout out and sing along with the cast and film in one of Salem’s best bargains, Cinema Salem.

Fun for Kids and plenty of pumpkins

If you have kids you’re going to have a hard time determining what to do this weekend because there are just so many options.

Halloween at Hogwarts
Saturday 9am – 12Noon
Phoenix School 89 Margin Street
Grab your robe, pack your imagination in your trunk, put your owl on your shoulder and head for Track 9 3/4. Using art materials and science experiements, help Harry and his friends solve the mystery of the horcruxes and save the world. Ages 6-11 Admission is $25 with pre-registration required. Free Parking
www.phoenixschool.org

Pumpkin Festival & Food Court
Saturday 10am – 5pm
Salem Common
See a display of pumpkins decorated by Salem and area school children and see if your little ones can find their way through the hay bale maze!
www.HauntedHappenings.org

Family Fun Day at Salem Maritime
Saturday 10am – 4pm
Derby Wharf Area Derby Street
Come in costume or as you are! Join Salem Maritime for a day of free family fun on Derby Wharf! Children of all ages can dance to live musicians, get their faces painted, sail model boats, and earn Junior Ranger badges among many other activities.
www.nps.gov/sama

National Park Service Jr. Ranger Costume Day
Saturday 10:30am – 4pm
Salem Maritime 160 Derby Street St. Joseph Hall 2nd Flr.
Come dressed in costume representing a Person, animal or object connected to a National Park. Do Jr. Ranger activities and prepare to build a ship!Children in costume will also be given Free admission to the shipwright program. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Children 8-12. Adult Admission $5 Children 6-16 $3.00 Children under 6 Free! For ideas on your costume visit www.nps.gov
www.nps.gov/sma

Salem Youth Hockey Pumpkin Festival
Saturday 11am – 5pm
Salem Common
Come decorate a pumpkin and play some games

The Great Pumpkin Carving Contest
Saturday 11am – 4pm
Pickering Wharf
Children from 5-99 may carve/decorate their pumpkin for first, second and third places in age grouped judging.
www.HalloWharf.com

Kids Fun Run
Saturday 11am
Salem Common
Enjoy a fun run with your kids! Prizes awarded for the scariest costume, funniest costume & the most creative costume. Pre-Entry (by October 10): $7.00/child with t-shirt guaranteed. Post-entry/race day: $10.00/child (t-shirt not guaranteed). Ages 2 & under (50 yard dash on grass); Ages 3-4 (100 yard dash on grass), Ages 5-9 (1/4 mile on path around the Common), Ages 10-12 (1/2 mile on path around the Common).

The Bikers are Coming!

21st Annual Halloween Ride

Are you ready?

Glen Hughes — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 10:00:56 +0000

There is so much going on we just can’t devote a post to each item without spamming the heck out of you. So here are a few highlights for Thursday and Friday October 15th & 16th. If you are on Twitter friend us @saleminsider so you can get real time updates and info.

Darq does the Shanty

Local wax spinner / master of the steel wheels, Voodoo:DJ spins tunes from your favorite rock music to spooky goth industrial and Halloween jams. This is a rare opportunity to catch one of Salem’s finest DJs at a free show from 7-11. Plus the Lobster Shanty on Artists Row off of Front Street has a great selection of fall & Halloween beers for your consumption.

Halloween Carnival

Carnival

Carnival is back in town as of Friday the 16th and will be open noon to 9pm. The tall grass has been mowed over at the vacant lot on Derby St. next to the Hess station and the carnies, booths and rides are all loading in.

Witch City Show and Glow Car Show

For the past few years the area on Essex street from Hawthorne Blvd to Liberty St. (in front of Crow Haven, Fools Mansion down to the PEM) has been blocked off for a small car show. The focus of this show will be newer Chrysler’s. Think PT Cruisers, 300′s and the like. If you like cars, neon and fun paint jobs this is a cute oasis in an otherwise commercially spooky desert.

Coming this weekend, “Eeek I’m on lockdown” and “Are we being invaded by bikers?”

Salems Bizarre Bazaar – Haunted BizBaz

Glen Hughes — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 16:07:17 +0000

Each year the Salem Chamber of Commerce hosts the Bizarre Bazaar or BizBaz for short. This year the BizBaz is on Saturday and Sunday October 10th & 11th from 10am – 5pm.

Salem's Super Info Booth

According to their website

Fun for all ages this street festival has something for everyone. Crafts, jewelry, paintings, stained glass, and other unique items will be featured along the Essex Pedestrian Mall. Street performers, face painters, and musicians will entertain all.

So this is what all the insiders know. The Salem BizBaz is an opportunity for scores of vendors to set up shop on Essex Street, Hawthorne Blvd. and Derby Square. Some of these vendors are from local shops while others are from schools, charities and civic organizations, oh and some yummie food purveyors.

If you are one of those people who always want to do something to help your fellow man but never seem to get around to it the BizBaz is the time for you to make good. Over by Rockafellas you will find some of the good people who work with Camp Sunshine. Camp Sunshine is a retreat in Maine for children with life threatening illnesses and their families. Donate a few dollars and put a smile on the face of someone less fortunate.

Want to put your money to work a bit closer to home? Salem high school football has a booth set up at the top of Derby Square, trying to raise funds for new uniforms. Further down the street by Fools Mansion you can find a Salem Little League booth and a Salem Police tent.

In an amongst all the a fore mentioned booths you will find jewelry makers, face painters, witch hat vendors, plenty of tee shirt sales, candied apples, kettle corn, magical crystals and all sorts of other fun stuff.

Salem Zombie Walk 2009

Glen Hughes — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:17:21 +0000

Our friend Christine emailed us with a request to “pimp out” the Zombie Walk so how could we resist.

The Zombie Walk, a relatively new tradition in Salem is open to everyone and fun for both participants and onlookers. This event is not run by the city so you wont find it on the official Haunted Happenings website but Salem Zombie Walk has myspace page and a facebook page with info and updates.

Salem MA Zombie Walk

Zombie Walk Salem October 10th 2009

Last year the Zombie Walk was hurried through town by their police escort, it was the fastest moving contingent of zombies I’ve ever seen. This year things will be different (hopefully), one major change is during the middle of the walk, the zombies will break out into Michael Jackson’s ubiquitous Thriller dance.

From their facebook page:

Zombie Day Salem 2009!!! The entire day of 10.10.09 will be zombie day! All zombies meet at Collin’s Cove Field for zombie games like Kickbrain, Capture the Hand, etc…. First, Second, and Third best zombie costume contest, with prizes, so please dress your finest and goriest! Lobster Shanty will be serving actual brains on the menu this day! We will march through the streets of Salem.. Please stay in zombie character the entire time! Sometime during the walk, a group will break out into the Thriller Dance.. please see this seperate event page for details on that http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=138862999291&ref=mf
Zombie after-parties and zombie-like bands at local bars throughout the city!!! Complete zombie day here throughout the entire day, everywhere in Salem. All local businesses will be participating in character, so feel free to disperse throughout the city and experience the eeriness! You must be there. You must experience!!!!

The organizers of the Zombie Walk are scheduling a few dance classes to help you learn the Thriller dance but if you can’t make those thankfully ThrillTheWorld.com has instructional videos. You will find instruction on the different aspects of the Thriller dance, how to walk like a zombie, the shuffle, stomp and a full walk through so you will be prepared for the walk.

Dress up, join in and have fun.

Salem kickes off Halloween season with Haunted Happenings

Glen Hughes — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 16:18:26 +0000

Every year here in Salem the city shifts into overdrive for the month of October as we enter Halloween season and kick off Haunted Happenings.

According to their website:

You are invited to America’s most exciting Halloween festival in the bewitching seaport city of Salem, Massachusetts. A month of fun for the entire family. Discover the magic of Salem for Halloween!

Vampire with Baby

As readers of this blog know there is always something to do in Salem and during Haunted Happenings. Salem in October transforms into a special place that celebrates all things spooky and throws the biggest Halloween party on the planet. Each year the festivities kick off with the Grand Parade, continue with various events through out the month and wrap up with late night fireworks on the 31st.

We will be putting the spotlight on some of the upcoming events that are not to be missed. If you have an favorite event you think our readers need to know about drop us a line.

Haunted Happenings Grand Parade

The Salem Chamber of Commerce does such a great job organizing so many events around town but the Haunted Happenings Grand Parade might be one of their most visible and well attended events. Salem’s students from kindergarten to college, businesses and civic organizations all gather at Shetland park on October 1st at 6:30 and trek through down town (Congress to Derby to Lafayette to Front to Washington to Essex and ending in the Salem Common. This years theme is “Night at the Museum”.

People from all around line the parade routes to watch kids in costume, bands on parade floats, ghost busters, marching bands and the synchronized lawn chair drill team. This is a great way to get you in the mood for the season and is a signal that the hustle and bustle of tourist season is about to commence.

Haunted Happenings Parade road closures

A parking ban will be in effect on 10/1/09 on the following streets between 5pm and 9pm. Any vehicle parked in these areas will be towed.
Congress Street – both sides from Harbor St. to Derby St.
Derby Street – both sides between Congress St. and Lafayette St.
Lafayette Street – both sides between Derby St. and Front St.
Front Street – both sides.
Essex Street between Liberty St. and Hawthorne Blvd.
Washington Sq – both sides in front of the hotel.

The following roads will be closed on 10/1/09 from 6pm until 9pm.
Congress Street will be closed from Harbor Street to Derby Street.
Derby Street will be closed from Congress Street to New Derby Street.
Commuters will not be able to use Route 1A between Dodge St. and Brown Street which includes Derby Street, Hawthorne Boulevard and Washington Square at the Common entrance.
Also closed to traffic will be New Derby Street, Front Street and Washington Street between New Derby Street and Church Street.
Essex Street will also be closed at Washington Street.

Next up the Zombie Walk

Salem Farmers Market going strong

Glen Hughes — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 13:19:02 +0000

In case you missed the frost out there the other night Autumn has now officially arrived. We were given a sneak peak into fall at the most recent Farmers Market held in front of the Old Town Hall Thursdays from 4-7pm.

Take a peek at some of what the Salem Farmers Market has to offer this season. Tomatoes, corn, squash, peppers, gourds, sunflowers, zinnias and a host of other locally grown goodies to get you into the season.

Photos from the Salem Farmers Market

Tomatoes

Fresh baked breadmobile

Salem Farmers Market

Witch

mini pumpkins and gourds

flower power

Pumpkin

Out of my Gourds

Sunflowers

Salem Fall Restaurant Week 2009

Glen Hughes — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 16:47:15 +0000

That grumbling you hear is my belly ramping up for a feast tonight. Salem’s fall restaurant week kicked off yesterday and runs to Thursday, September 17th. As has been the case with previous restaurant weeks, restaurants involved are offering three-course prix-fixe dinner menus, this time around the price is $25 you have to pay for drinks, taxes, and tips.

Fried Snickers

Thanks to the Salem Chamber of Commerce for spearheading this great event. (Although I’m sure its a ploy by the tailors and clothing shops around town to get you into a larger size.) Don’t let these prices pass you by. Check out our Salem restaurant review page if you want more info about the participating restaurants. Also, be sure to let us know what you think.

Current List of Participating Restaurants (As of September 1st)

Black Lobster at Stromberg’s Cove
2 Bridge Street, Salem, MA
978-744-1863

Capt’s Waterfront Grill & Club
94 Wharf Street, Salem, MA
978-741-0555

Cilantro
282 Derby Street, Salem, MA
978-745-9436

Finz Seafood Restaurant
76 Wharf Street, Salem, MA
978-744-0000

Grapevine Restaurant
26 Congress Street, Salem, MA
978-745-9335

The Lobster Shanty
25 Front Street, Salem, MA
978-745-5449

Nathaniel’s at the Hawthorne Hotel
18 Washington Square West, Salem, MA
978-825-4311

Passage to India
157 Washington Street, Salem, MA
978-832-2200

Regatta Pub at the Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites
225 Derby Street, Salem, MA
978-740-8788

Rockafellas
231 Essex Street, Salem, MA
978-745-2411

Sixty2 on Wharf
62 Wharf Street, Salem, MA
978-744-0062

Tavern at the Hawthorne Hotel
18 Washington Square West, Salem, MA
978-825-4342

Tavern in the Square
189 Washington Street, Salem, MA
978-740-2337

Thai Place
Museum Place Mall, Salem, MA
978-741-8008

Victoria Station
86 Wharf Street, Salem, MA
978-745-3400

Weekend warrior

lizzie — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 16:09:56 +0000

The days may be getting shorter, but that just means we get a little more time to enjoy the remainder of our summer nights.

Special Events / Festivals

Salem Jazz & Soul Festival
2 days of free music this weekend!
Saturday, August 15, 10:45 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, August 16, Noon – 6:00 p.m.
(Events will be held Rain or Shine)
Free outdoor concerts at the Salem Willows! Check out free performances, music education classes, kids tent, arts & crafts and more.

Gulu-Gulu presents:

Gulu Anime Month: Serial Experiments Lain!
Every Tuesday in August @ 8PM!
August 4 – Part 1 – Navi
August 11 – Part 2 – Knights
August 18 – Part 3 – Dues
August 25 – Part 4 – Reset

Ongoing Events

The Gulu-Gulu Cafe Open Mic Shindig!
Every Wednesday @ 8PM!

The Gulu-Gulu Café is hosting an Open Mic for all the wild and crazy musicians out there! Every Wednesday night starting at 8PM. Sign up at 7:30.
Hosted by local superstars Jeff Savlon and Brian Donnelly

O’Neill’s

Monday      Monday Night Football -free appetizers- 4 plasmas & big screen
Tuesday      Pub Trivia 8pm win great prizes
Wednesday Open Mic with Delvis. Perform for a chance to win $500
Thursday      **DJ LostDaze 10pm

Rockafellas
Wednesday Northshore latin dance party 8pm Dance lessons & dance to Latin beats until midnight
Thursday Country Music with 102.5 Dj’s 9pm

Music

Friday, Aug 14

Demons Alley w/Tenafly Vipers & Switchblade Suicide @ Dodge Street
Los Sugar Kings (mambo-salsa dance party 9:30pm) @ Edgewater Cafe
DJ Seth 8-11:30 @ Gulu Gulu
Afternoon Blues Jam @ In a Pig’s Eye
Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ Lost Daze (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
High Road @ Rockafellas
Dropzone 8:30 @ Black Lobster (Stromberg’s)

Saturday Aug 15

Phunksion @ Dodge Street
Lush Puppies @Bangkok Paradise
Otis Grove 8 pm @ Gulu Gulu
Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
New Life @ Rockafellas
The Runaround 8:30 @ Black Lobster (Stromberg’s)

Sunday Aug 16

Salem Cigarette Machine (hip-hop/techno) @ Dodge Street
Will Bozarth @ Bangkok Paradise
Jenne Hayden, Hilary Emerson Lay art hanging @ Gulu Gulu
Peter Fedele and friends @ In a Pig’s Eye
Live Irish music 4 – 6 pm. Karaoke at 9pm @ O’Neills

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing the following.

GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra (PG 13)
Fri & Sat: 11:45 2:10 4:45 7:20 9:50
Sun: 11:45 2:10 4:45 7:20

Funny People (R)
Fri & Sat: 12:00 3:00 6:45 9:40
Sun: 2:00 3:00 6:45

G-Force (PG)
Fri & Sat: 11:30 1:30 4:00 6:30 8:15

Examined Life (NR)
Fri & Sat: 12:15 2:30 4:30 7:10 9:10
Sun: 12:15 2:30 4:30 7:10

Teseracte Players of Boston present Dr. Horrible’s Sing-a-long Blog
Saturday 10pm $10

Insider Picks

A no-brainer for us to say, but the Salem Jazz & Soul Festival down at the Willows is the place to be. It is one of the largest, musical events in Salem with lots of talent on deck and the weather should be great.

Hamlet – on tour

Creasey Silo — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 17:07:18 +0000

Salem’s very own Rebel Shakespeare Company, based on Winter Island in Salem, is taking their production of “Hamlet” on tour.

I happened upon a production last year of Romeo & Juliette done by the RSC which was quite entertaining and different from most Shakespeare I had seen in the past. The young actors a preform in contemporary attire with a very “now” feel. If you are looking for Shakespeare with short pants and floppy hats you are in the wrong place.

From their email:

Our high school aged actors, known as the Teen Intensive Program, are traveling all over the North Shore and Boston, with 4 appearances in Salem. Mia Rossi and Frazier Jones, both of Marblehead (Mia is a senior at Phillips Andover, Frazier is a senior at Marblehead High School) are sharing duties of Hamlet, taking turns playing the lead during the tour.

All the shows are free to the public, and they suggest you bring a blanket or folding chair.

July 17, 1pm: Salem Senior Center 5 Broad Street, Salem MA (Indoors — no chair
or blanket needed).

July 17, 5pm: Salem Athenaeum 337 Essex Street, Salem MA
http://www.salemathenaeum.net/

July 22, 11am Mary Jane Lee Park, Prince & Prospect Streets, (off Congress
Street Near Shetland Properties) Salem MA… Featuring a theatre workshop for
neighborhood kids before the show.

July 22, 3pm Salem Common

In addition to the four Salem Shows, they have a few performances scheduled in other towns around the north shore (if you really have a desire to leave Salem for a few hours).

Hot fun in the summer time?

Glen Hughes — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:13:39 +0000

Salem Common durring Snow Storm

Did you hear? It is officially summer. I wouldn’t blame you for not knowing, if you look outside its been gloomy, dreary, rainy and all around craptastic. People have been on the twitters moaning about having only three days of sun in June and how they want to beat up the weather man with a sack full of oranges.

Usually as-soon-as summer arrives I give you a brief overview of some fun things that are happening in Salem. But this year I feel a little guilty telling you about the Rockmore being open when I haven’t even made my first trip over there this year. I wouldn’t want you to get all jazzed up about the Salem Jazz and Soul Festival and their free events around town. It would be sour grapes to talk about the Salem Farmers Market that starts up tomorrow.

Maybe when the weather breaks I can give you more info on a weekly group motorcycle ride starting in Salem. Show you some new photos of life around town. And introduce you to a few new faces in town including one rather famous blogger. Until then enjoy some of the fun things to do in Salem when mother nature is kicking you in the teeth.

Weekend Warrior

Glen Hughes — Fri, 22 May 2009 23:12:12 +0000

Us peeps at the Salem Insider seem to have gotten absorbed in our little microcosms recently and have realized that we haven’t done a
“Weekend Warrior” post in a long time, but with the long weekend and things heating up in Salem what better time to post than now.

The kick-off for summer has reinvigorated us and now that Memorial Day weekend is upon us, there is LOTS of great stuff to do! PLUS, we have an extra night to go out and have some fun.

Special Events / Festivals

The Salem Ferry
A welcome site to see, the Salem Ferry will resume operations on Friday, May 22, 2009. Round trip service to and from Boston – a scenic 45-minute trip of New England coastline on a high speed catamaran with 6-8 round trips daily, 7 days a week. (978) 741-0220

Rockmore Floating Restaurant Opens For Season
Season opening of The Rockmore Floating Restaurant (May 22 – September 7, 2009). Hope to see you there! Catch a launch at The Congress Street Bridge. Launches board from 11:00 am – 9:00 pm daily. 781-639-0600 (seasonal)

Griffen Theatre is hosting comedy shows
Griffen Theatre will host several comedy events at its location at 7 Lynde St. in Salem. For tickets or information call 978-317-1169 or e-mail griffentheatre@gmail.com. Seating is limited in most cases, so reserve tickets early. Friday and Saturday, May 22-23, 8 p.m. Stand-up with New York comic Mike Reardon. Hosted by Erik Rodenhiser. This is a night of stand up with headliner Mike Reardon and other comics from the Boston comedy scene. Tickets are $20 and include complimentary beverages.

Young-adult author event
Steve Kluger, author of “My Most Excellent Year,” will speak on Saturday, May 23, 7:30 p.m., at Cornerstone Books, 45 Lafayette St. Admission is free.

Last spring’s No. 1 Book Sense young-adult pick is now in paperback. Romance, real life challenges and frequent hilarity follow three Boston-area teens in “My Most Excellent Year: A Novel of Love, Mary Poppins and Fenway Park.” Written in a series of school essays, diary entries, e-mails and instant messages, this novel about family, friendships, politics, baseball and musical theater is a heartwarming book for people who hate heartwarming books. For more information, call 978-744-1831 or visit cornerstonebooks-salem.com.

Memorial Day Events:

Sunday, May 24
There will be a wreath laying ceremony at the Veterans Memorial in St. Mary’s Cemetery at 10:30 a.m. At 11:30 a.m. there will be a Memorial Day Mass at St. John the Baptist Church, 28 St. Peter’s St.

Immediately following the Mass, there will be a Ceremony of Remembrance for those Lost at Sea on the Winter Island Pier. After this service, there will be a collation at the Stefan Starzynski Polish Legion of American Veterans Post No. 55, 9 Daniels St.

Monday, May 25
The annual Salem Memorial Day Parade will kick off from in front of North River Cycles, 83 North St., at 10:30 a.m., then will proceed down North Street to Orne Street and into Greenlawn Cemetery.

At the Civil War Monument will be held the Annual Ceremony of Remembrance beginning at 11 a.m. This year’s keynote speaker will be Major Martha L. Ryan, Nurse Corps, U.S. Army Reserves, who has been in the service for 22 years, most recently being assigned to the 323rd Combat Support Hospital in Iraq.

Also expected are state Rep. John D. Keenan and U.S. Rep. John F. Tierney.

Following the ceremonies, there will be a collation at the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Witch City Post 1524, 95 Derby St.

Music

Friday, May 22

The Intermission, Metavari 9:30pm @ Bangkok Paradise
Neurological Damage & The Force @ Dodge Street
Los Sugar Kings (mambo-salsa dance party 9:30pm) @ Edgewater Cafe
Machine 475 @ Gulu Gulu
Afternoon Blues Jam @ In a Pig’s Eye
Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ Lost Daze (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
Moonglow @ Rockafellas
Phat Maxx 8:30 @ Black Lobster (Stromberg’s)

Saturday May 23

DARQ (goth/industrial) @ Bangkok Paradise
Sour D @ Dodge Street
Standing Wave @ Gulu Gulu
Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
The Spinz @ Rockafellas
Reggae Vision 8:30 @ Black Lobster (Stromberg’s)

Sunday May 24

Salem Cigarette Machine (hip-hop/techno) @ Dodge Street
Elephant House @ Rockafellas
Live Irish music 4 – 6 pm. Karaoke at 9pm @ O’Neills

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing the following.

Night at the Museum 2 (PG 13)
Fri: 4:30 7:00 9:20
Sat: 11:35 2:00 4:30 7:00 9:20
Sun & Mon: 11:35 2:00 4:30 7:00

Angels and Demons (PG 13)
Fri: 3:45 6:45 9:40
Sat: 12:15 3:45 6:45 9:40
Sun & Mon: 12:15 3:45 6:45

Star Trek (PG 13)
Fri: 4:15 7:00 9:40
Sat: 11:00 1:30 4:15 7:00 9:40
Sun & Mon: 11:00 1:30 4:15 7:00

Baby on Board (R)
Fri: 5:00 7:30 9:30
Sat: 12:30 2:30 5:00 7:30 9:30
Sun & Mon: 12:30 2:30 5:00 7:30

Insider Picks

If the weather holds out then an annual trip to the Rockmore is in order. Friday night local rock bad Neurological Damage is always a good time so a trip over to Dodge Street is a must. Saturday DARQ is going to be a mad blowout with special guests and great DJ’s. Sunday (remember you have Monday off so you HAVE to go out Sunday Rockafellas is going to be thumping with the sounds of Elephant House.

Keep an eye here for news on the soon to be happening Murphys (aka Pickled Spirits) and Tavern on the Square. Have fun this weekend and be safe Salem!

Salem Ferry

Glen Hughes — Mon, 04 May 2009 17:27:04 +0000

A good number of Salemites who commute to Boston hop on the rail and ride down to North Station each morning. Others spend their time in the parking lot that is route 128 and 93 or money cutting over the Tobin bridge or through the Ted Williams Tunnel. But from May to November there is another option.

Salem Ferry the Bowditch

As a person who has to travel to Boston more often come June 1st, I’ve been looking at taking the Salem Ferry once in a while. The Salem Ferry is a 92-foot high-speed catamaran with a capacity of 149 passengers. It makes the trip between Salem and Boston in 45 minutes that’s about 10 minutes longer than the commuter rail but if you are going to the financial district your overall trip may be shorter.

As with any method of transportation the Salem Ferry has it’s pros and cons. Aside from a season opening fire a few years back, some of the obvious cons are price, weather and schedule.

The price of a round trip ferry ride is $24 ($20 off season) commuters can get a 10 ride pass (one week) for $54. Compared to the commuter rail which is $163 a month the ferry costs $53 dollars MORE!

If you are a 9 to 5 worker you would have to take the boat at 7am getting you to Long Wharf at 7:55 (that’s 10 minutes longer than they claim it takes, maybe it’s the “new math”). Then heading out of Boston there is a 5:10 or 7:10. It’s like they missed the obvious departure times. For this to be worthwhile to the commuter it should depart Salem around 8am and arrive in Boston around 8:45 then for the evening commute depart around 6 and arrive in Salem around 6:45.

Is the Salem Ferry only for tourists?

It looks like the schedule and time isn’t very conducive for the daily Salem to Boston commuter but what about tourists?

The Boston dock for the Salem ferry is centrally located at Long Wharf, right near the Aquarium, Faneuil Hall, the North End and plenty of other tourist locations, hotels and restaurants. If you are a tourist going to Boston you will no-doubt find yourself near they ferry so it’s quite convenient. Let’s face it, taking a boat through the harbor islands and up along the coast is much more fun than the MBTA’s Orange line to North Station then a commuter train through Everett, Chelsea and Lynn on your way to Salem. Sure it costs a few bucks more but when you get off the boat in Salem you are right by the House of Seven Gables, a big attraction for Salem tourists.

Splitting the difference

If you are someone who prefers a more enjoyable commute but can’t fathom a 7am departure, maybe splitting the difference is the way to go. Why not take the train in to Boston in the morning and then decompress with a leisurely cruise home? We forgot to mention one of the Salem Ferry’s strong points – their on board bar. What would be better than soaking up the late afternoon rays, enjoying the ocean scenery as you zip away from Boston sipping on an adult beverage? Looks like for us Salemites taking the ferry once in a while could be the best of both worlds.

The Salem Ferry opens for service on May 22 with its summer schedule going into effect on June 20. Tickets can be purchased at the ferry or online. Visit salemferry.com for schedule and other info.

Top 10 signs spring has sprung in Salem

Glen Hughes — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 13:31:11 +0000

With the weather here being a veritable roller coaster you might be wondering to yourself, is it spring? The following list should clear up any doubts.

10. Ding Ding. The trolleys have taken their respective corners for the upcoming bout.

9. The lines to get in anywhere Friday night are getting longer while the skirts are getting shorter.

8. The seasonal migration pattern has brought a new flock of homeless to down town.

7. Light poles littered with signs directing you to the local ice cream shops.

6. The Public Works guys draining the water fountains every other day because they were turned into giant bubble baths.

5. Diving out of the way as short-pant wearers peddling pedicabs or riding segways fly down the walkways.

4. Bewildered tourists walking about town at 8AM looking for Dunkin’ Donuts or anything “spooky” open. (Try the local coffee people.)

3. A proliferation of witch and wizard hats paired with flip flops and black socks.

2. Grateful Ted crawling out of his winter hibernation to play out doors.

And the number one sign that spring has sprung in Salem:

1. The triumphant return of outdoor seating; meeting your fellow Salemites under the stars for a frosty adult beverage.

Mojito by Arthur C.

Salem Farmers’ Market

Glen Hughes — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 14:00:18 +0000

It may not be the down town grocery store that many of the residents are asking for but starting June 25th you can get your hands on some fresh produce at the olde tyme Derby market (aka Old Town Hall).

It seems that not much changes in a hundred years or so, our friends over at Salem Main Streets are reviving an old tradition by organizing a Farmers Market. The Salem Farmers’ Market will open Thursday, June 25, 2009 from 4-7:00 pm, and will run weekly through October 29, 2009.

For a full list of all the good stuff that is in season or for more info check out the Salem Farmers’ Market website.

Spring in Salem

Glen Hughes — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 13:16:38 +0000

I realize that the weather still sucks, its cold, rainy and overcast. Get ready to put the winter blues behind you because a sure sign that spring has sprung is right around the corner.

The Lobster Shanty of Salem opens up for the season

The Lobster Shanty Salem

I know I’ve said it before but it’s like the swallows coming back to Capistrano. Sure the Lobster Shanty isn’t 5 star eats but that’s not why the locals flock to this down town hot spot. It’s all about the cheap beer, out door location, live music and hanging out late night with new friends and old.

Lobster Shanty will be re-opening for the season this Wednesday, April 1st at 4:00PM. Their entertainment will be DJ Joe DiFranco and they’re featuring the usual beers as well as a special draft of Harpoon Leviathan Imperial IPA; one delicious and hard-to-find-on-draft beer.

Spring Charity Battle Royale

Glen Hughes — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 15:20:22 +0000

We were planning on running an article about Salem’s Spring Fling today however, we got a last minute email about another event that made us change this post a bit. You might remember a post we did called “Wine Wars” discussing how some notable events in town sponsored by Pamplemousse or Salem Wine Imports always end up going head to head on the same day. Basically the end result is that when two pricey events are pitted against each other neither event wins. People just don’t have the money to attend both so they are forced to choose one or the other. Well guess what? They are at it again this time on March 21st.

The Main Event: Spring Fling vs. Spring Equinox Celebration

In this corner the veteran wearing the light green and white striped trunks, The Spring Fling!

Salem Spring Fling

On March 21st, Salem Massachusetts will host the second annual SPRING FLING: A GARDEN OF EARTHLY DELIGHTS sponsored by Magic Hat at Old Town Hall in the center of this beautiful, historic seaport. The Festival, which is fashioned after the Bacchanalia – a religious festival in honor of the wine god Dionysus or, as the Romans called him, Bacchus – will kick New Englanders out of a long hibernation and jump start Spring by indulging in the finest wines, craft beers and mouth watering food from North Shore restaurateurs.

This modern day version – Spring Fling – will feature a tasting of over 50 fine wines and international and domestic craft beers from Magic Hat, Ipswich, Cape Ann, and Harpoon. Wine professionals will be on hand with an assortment of vino from the US, Europe, South Africa, South America and Down Under. Truly a party fit for Bacchus!

Salem Restaurants such as The Old Spot, Finz, Sixty2 on Wharf, Rockafellas, The Lobster Shanty, AJ King Artisan Bakers, Cafe Grazziani, The Upper Crust Pizzeria, Gulu Gulu and more will tickle and tantalize your palate with delectable culinary delights! North Shore Artists will be offering an eclectic variety of art to please your eye and warm your home! Local favorite, Machine 475 will be performing live. Free chair massages provided by Living Well.

The Spring Fling is on Saturday March 21st from 1-4 at The Old Town Hall, tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door.

And in this corner… the new comer Spring Equinox Celebration to benefit the new playground on Salem Common.

Parents United of Salem (we never hear of them either, but apparently they have been working for a new playground on the Common for about 2 years now) is inviting you to their upcoming Spring Equinox Celebration, to benefit the new Playground on Salem Common. Partygoers will gather at historical Hamilton Hall from 7 to 10 p.m. on the first Saturday of spring, March 21, to sample food and drink from local merchants and bid on an array of auction items. Local jazz trio Bob Kendall & Friends will provide a perfect musical backdrop for munching and mingling and making springtime merry.

Wine tastings from Salem Wine Imports and Market Wine & Spirits; and beer offerings from Boston’s Sam Adams, Salem Beer Works, and fellow North Shore brewers Cape Ann Brewing Company (Fisherman’s Brew) and Mercury Brewing Company, which will provide non-alcoholic Mercury Soda in addition to its celebrated Ipswich Ale. Steve’s Market will supply water. Food will be provided by Sixty2 on Wharf, New England Meat Market, New England Soup Factory, Rockafellas, Salem Beer Works, and Upper Crust. Ben & Jerry’s, Blue Ribbon Bakery, the Hawthorne Hotel, Jacqueline’s Gourmet Cookies, and Ye Olde Pepper Candy Companie will offer sweets.

Next door to the ballroom, attendees will bid on everything from bakery tours to history tours, paintings to parties, and loads of lessons – Spanish, Italian, skating, home staging, and more. Big ticket items, including one week in a New Hampshire ski condo and box seats to a Red Sox/Yankees game at Fenway Park, will be auctioned in the ballroom by local parent Max Burbank. All proceeds from the auction and ticket sales will benefit the new playground.

The Spring Equinox Celebration is on Saturday March 21st from 7-10pm at Hamilton Hall, tickets are $30 each or $50 per couple, PUS members get a 50% discount.

Let’s get ready to Rumble!

You will notice that some of the local restaurants are staying neutral or double dipping but our main factions are once again squaring off against each other. I suppose if you were so inclined and wanted to drop $55 you could attend the Spring Fling in the afternoon and then the Spring Equinox Celebration in the evening. Lets face it though, if these events were spaced out by a week or maybe two more people would go to both and it would be a win for us and a win for them.

Latest Line

Like every good Vegas price fight there has to be some betting odds. What do you think, who will come out on top? Where are you willing to spend your money, on our veteran the Spring Fling or the new kid Spring Equinox Celebration?

Snow Storm Photos

Glen Hughes — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 16:17:41 +0000

The other day via Twitter and myspace we asked people to send us their pictures from this past weekend’s storm. We had a few submissions from readers and picked a few snaps by our own photographer to give you this little gallery of wintery goodness.

Enjoy.

Bicycle in the Snow by Son of Rastabum

Snow Covered Tree Branches by RK

in front of salem Five Bank by Moon*Child

Shoveling Snow

Salem Common durring Snow Storm

We saved our favorite for last. This is was shot by local photographer and regular contributor Forrest Frazier.

Salem Friendship in winter

Thanks to everyone who contacted us with a photo. We always look forward to seeing Salem through your eyes.

Salem Snow Day

Glen Hughes — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 16:12:57 +0000

This morning we woke up to a winter wonderland. One of the first things I did was dispatch our intrepid photographer to capture the beautiful blanket of snow. So while most of you were snuggled in your bed he was out being a shutterbug. We will have a bunch of pix up on our flickr page later but for now here is a cute one.

Samantha statue covered in snow

Do you have some good snow photos? Send us a link and we will include you in tomorrows snow photo round up.

Throwing your own New Year’s Eve party

Glen Hughes — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 19:16:54 +0000

Yesterday we went over a few things to do around Salem, today its all about the DYI NYE.

Legal Disclaimer: First and foremost have fun and stay safe. I know we talk about going out and having cocktails all the time but that’s because Salem is such a great city to walk, that we don’t ever find ourselves behind the wheel. When throwing a NYE party unless all of your guests will be walking or staying over, make sure someone is responsible so everyone can start 2009 off right.

Now on to the good stuff. When you are 21 years old, New Year’s Eve is nothing more than an excuse to get hammered out of your mind. I used to have a ritual where I’d meet up with about 20 friends for Chinese food and scorpion bowls early in the evening then we’d go off to parties and drink champagne and eat cherries soaked in grain alcohol. Sometimes I wonder how I still have a liver but I digress…

There comes a time when spending big bucks on a night out isn’t worth the couple of hundred you will drop. And, if you are reading this then getting Chinese food and nodding off before Dick Clark’s robot proclaims the new year is probably not an option either. So let’s call some friends and have a house party.

Your party should be a marathon not a sprint, that means invite your friends over at 8 and leave it open ended. Since you will be serving some adult beverages, serve some adult food.

Fellow blogger and soon-to-be Salem resident The Hungry Mouse offers some great tips on tasty treats for your party. Her blog should be on your RSS feed since it features Adventures in food and cooking. Fresh content. Every day.

I love New Year’s Eve. From the champagne to the funny hats to the kissing at midnight. Call me a sucker, but I can’t help myself. Here are a few recipes that are short on prep time and long on flavor–so you can spend more time where you belong this holiday season. With your friends.

This Spicy Chipotle Lime Ketchup goes really well with a platter of my
Crispy Sesame Chicken Nibbles.

If you have a houseful of carnivores, my Garlic & Rosemary Roasted Beef Spare Ribs have all the flavor of holiday roast beast, with almost no effort. If your guests swing the other way, this Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Soup is warm, filling–and totally vegetarian if you make it with veggie broth instead of chicken stock.

Round out the evening with a plate of Walnut Butter Ball Cookies, which look like mini snowballs and are fast, easy, and festive.

Hungry Mouse spread

Libations

Our resident Cocktologist, err…Mixologist has some New Year’s Eve bar tending suggestions.

Your guests will most likely bring over a wine, beer or in this case champagne so while I always have some on hand I don’t put my efforts into that. I like to have a seasonal offering so depending on my expected crowd that means a specialty drink or shot. You can’t go wrong with a mulled wine, hot cider or cool egg nog. All of which can be prepared before company comes over and put out in a crock pot or punch bowl, allowing your guests to consume at their leisure.

My cider always comes complete with some Sailor Jerry spiced rum. Sailor is easy on the wallet and since it’s served hot in cider, you don’t need to waste the good stuff. Since grain alcohol is no longer legal in Massachusetts I’ll share with you my holiday Uncle Foroct’s Olde Tyme Apple Pie Shot™ recipe.

50% Apple Juice or a fresh apple cider
40% good quality vodka
10% good quality spiced rum
4 cinnamon sticks
Mix all ingredients. In a non metallic container (think milk jug), store in fridge for a minimum of 12 hours stirring occasionally. Remove the cinnamon sticks, shake and serve in shot glass with a dollop of whipped cream and dash of cinnamon.

Apple pie shot

Champagne and other sparkling wines

Now you have some fine recipes and good beverage ideas but New Year’s Eve is all about the champagne toast. This year I want you to skip going to the packie and grabbing a bottle of Asti Spumante like all the other plebeians out there. Downtown Salem boasts two great shops where you can find your Champagne this year.

Salem Wine Imports

Owner Eric Olson offers a wide variety of champagnes in a wide variety of prices. If everyone at your party is a connoisseur then Erik suggest a fine 1998 La Grande Dame at a mere $170 a bottle, it comes in a beautiful black lacquer and mahogany, commemorative box with chrome and leather details. If, on the other hand, you only drink champagne once a year then a La Mandier ($52) might be more your style. Since Snoop Dog is on my guest list I might just pick up a bottle of Crystal ($250).

1998 La Grande Dame

Champagnes at Salem Wine Imports

Pamplemousse

If you don’t have the big bucks but still want a nice bottle of bubbly, Catherine made some fun suggestions. While they do have some good champagnes there like a traditional Moet ($51) they also feature some sparkling wines from nearby the champagne region in France. Charles de Fere is a nice option as are some of the more economical sparkling wines from around the world.

Sparkling Wines from Pamplemousse

One more thing

This year we are getting a special bonus—a leap second. That’s right, you get one more second to bask in the glow of 2008. Please, don’t waste this valuable second with shoddy food and crappy champagne. Live life to the fullest in that second and know as you kiss your sweetie that for one shining moment this year you truly gave it your all.

Smells like winter

Glen Hughes — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 17:31:07 +0000

One of my favorite things about living in Salem MA during the fall and winter is the wonderful aroma. I’m not talking about the great smells coming from restaurants as you walk around town but the unmistakable smell of people using their fireplaces.

McIntire Fireplace in the Pierce Nichols house

The first apartment I had in Salem was a little one bedroom on Essex overlooking Jerrys Army – Navy. It had a fireplace and one fake log would warm up the place for hours. Last year I moved to a much bigger place and one of the requirements was that it had a fireplace. Since most of the homes and apartments are rather old many of them come with working fireplaces. I now have a large hearth type fireplace that takes quite a few logs to get it up and running.

You hear from various sources that using a fireplace in the winter is a waste as it creates an outlet for the warm air of your house to escape. Yet when you head out on a cold crisp winter evening you can see and smell that plenty of people around town are enjoying the warmth of a fire. I’d like to think that a few hundred years ago Salem may have smelled similar to those nights. I conveniently forget about the modern conveniences of indoor pluming, trash pickup and the conspicuous lack of farm animals roaming our streets.

With the recent ice storm hitting just to our north many people are relying on their fireplace as a necessity. Luckily we in Salem are not forced to do that however, many of us do use it through the winter. For those of you who strike up the fire I’d loke to know why you use your fireplace. Is it only for ambiance during special occasions or do you use it to heat your home or reduce your heating bill?

A season of giving

Glen Hughes — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 19:09:21 +0000

With the economy the way it is these days it seems that everybody is looking for some sort of government bail out. And while we are happy to bail out any of our Insider friends (just ask the SPD) we wanted to do something worth while this holiday season.

This site makes a few bucks, not walking around in a tux with a top hat, monocle and cane type of bucks but enough to buy cocktails for the crew once in a while kind of bucks. You might notice the skyscraper ad to the right of this post (assuming your not reading this through an RSS reader), every time you click that another unloved penny finds a caring home. We also have some ads purchased by local businesses over there as well.

So what. Who cares?

You should, and here is why. I’ve decided that from Thanksgiving to Christmas all monies made though this site will be donated to a local Salem charity. Other businesses in town donate to worthy causes and we always try and help them by promoting and attending their events. So this is our way of giving back or “paying it forward”.

If you are a business and were looking for the right encouragement to get an online ad out to the residents and visitors of Salem we can help, and you can feel good knowing the money you spend is going to help someone. If you find the content of an ad interesting enough to click on it, you can do so knowing that your click just made a difference.

Paying it forward is nice but who gets the money?

We had a few discussions about where the money should go. But honestly it’s your money so you tell us. What charitable organization in Salem deserves a few extra bucks this Christmas season? Who can do the most good here in town?

Tell us what your suggestions are by leaving a comment . Once we have some good options we’ll announce it and do our best to make a worth while donation.

Thanksgiving rolling into Christmas

Glen Hughes — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 16:49:37 +0000

I realize that its the day before Thanksgiving, most people have a short work day. Bartenders on the other hand have their busiest day of they year today. But I digress…

The day before Thanksgiving brings about Salem’s transformation into Christmas season. The Essex Street Pedestrian Walkway is strewn with lights, lamp poles have wreaths and this morning city employees started working on the Old Town Hall.

Olde Town Hall gets wreathed

The big wreath went up via a bucket and crane thingie type truck. Apparently the balmy 30 degree temperatures didn’t dissuade one Rhodes Scholar from wearing his shorts to work this morning.

Erecting Salems Christmas Tree

Seasonal festivities begin this Friday night at 6pm when Mayor Driscoll lights up the Christmas tree.

Editorial Rant:

I know some people refer to the above tree as a “holiday tree” but lets face it, other than Arbor Day what holiday has a tree as a symbol? It’s a Christmas tree people. You are not offending anyone by calling it what it is. Jews, atheists and pagans all acknowledge that the Christmas tree is a Christmas tree and are not offended by it. Each religion has it’s own unique symbol. You wouldn’t call a menorah a “multi branched holiday candelabrum”, would you? The Christmas tree currently happens to be a Christian symbol, having allegedly been adapted from the paganism along with the mistletoe and yule log (which you can watch for free in Salem from Comcast’s on demand menu). So I don’t want to hear anyone referring to it as anything but a Christmas Tree.

If you are looking to get a Christmas tree for your home you can head across the street from Old Town Hall to Artists Row where they will be selling trees and “Shanty Clause” (get it, Shanty as in the Lobster Shanty – pretty clever) will be making an appearance all weekend long.

If Shanty Clause doesn’t do it for you Santa Clause will be arriving in Salem at the Hawthorne Hotel on Friday at 5:30 pm. He makes his decent from the roof and meets up with the mayor before walking down Essex Street to the Christmas Tree lighting. If you miss him on Friday don’t worry because he will be at the Museum Place Mall from noon till 2pm every Saturday and Sunday until Christmas.

Whose got a Halloween Hangover?

Glen Hughes — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 15:10:17 +0000

It’s Monday November 3rd and residents of Salem can once again walk down the streets unencumbered by vendors, tourists, tours, cops and fellow residents.

Mobile Command Vehicle

It seemed like a rather tame Halloween with an estimated 100,000 people coming in to town. More were expected due to the great weather and the holiday falling on a Friday. Perhaps all the hype of a massive crush into Salem kept some revelers away or maybe it was the large number of private parties held around town that kept people off the street. People seemed to have a fun time but there were less people in costume than previous years and of those costumed many less slutty naughty costumes were seen (much to our dismay).

Here are a few photos we took, more are available on our flickr page. If you have some photos you’d like to share drop us a link or post one in the comments.

Good Witch

Misfits

Vampre with Baby

Princess Leia loves PRB

Here come the freaks

Glen Hughes — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 20:41:27 +0000

Salem in October is a freak magnet. Many of us who live here grumble a bit when we need to make our way through town or driving in or out. Parking is a beast. But all those little irritations fade away if like many residents you let yourself get lost in the Halloween spirit.

Satan and the God squad

Tomorrow it will be absolutely bonkers in Salem. The weather is looking good and this year Halloween is on a Friday night. Last year over 100,000 people came to Salem to celebrate and I predict we will get much more than that this year.

If you are coming to Salem for the first time or maybe you are an annual visitor or perhaps a new resident, you might enjoy this little refresher list of do’s and dont’s.

Salem Streets on Halloween

DO come early and take public transportation. The T has added extra commuter rail trains to Salem and extended the hours of those leaving last trains to Boston, 11 to 11:24 p.m.; last trains to Newburyport, 11:26 p.m.; last train to Rockport, 12:38 a.m. DON’T plan on parking anywhere near down town if you drive in after noon. If you have to drive you will be walking a distance.

DO wear something comfortable. I know you want to wear that slutty witch costume with the 8 inch f**k me boots, and we want to see you in it but remember that many of our streets are cobblestone or brick. DO consider the size of your costume as you will be packed in like sardines whether on the street or in a bar. DON’T freak out when you get stopped every 5 seconds because someone wants to take a picture of you looking like a bondage Tickle Me Elmo in a gimp outfit.

Naughty Halloween Costumes

DON’T expect a prime spot at your favorite bar. DO use the opportunity to chat up people so they will give you their bar stool when they leave.

Speaking of drinking, DON’T bring a glass bottle of jagermeister with you. I’ve seen too many people trip over their own costume or someone elses, packing glass is a bad idea. DO patronize your favorite watering hole or have a cocktail at home. If you must bring a beverage with you, use a flask.

View from Bar on Halloween

DO take the time to walk all around down town. The streets will be blocked off from Washington Street from New Derby to Lynde streets; Derby Street from Lafayette to Congress streets; Hawthorne Boulevard from Derby to Essex streets; Washington Square west and south; Essex Street from Barton Square to Union Street. Live bands and DJ’s will be set up on all of the streets with different types of music playing. DON’T stay in one spot, you’ll miss out on so much of whats going on. At least do one jog around town and plop yourself at your favorite spot.

The City wants to close things down at 10:30 pm ,well before you are done partying. DON’T wait to get into a bar or restaurant no lines will be allowed after 10:45. DO plan on being inside somewhere or being moved along by the massive contingent of coppers.

Cops on Halloween

If you are not comfortable in large crowds DO come early and leave early or take a valium. DON’T expect people to make a path for you to move. DO be polite, it will get you much further than being a tool.

We will be out having fun and taking pictures but if you have a great photo you would like to share with us send it over and we will post a bunch on Monday.

Salem’s got Balls

Glen Hughes — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 18:20:31 +0000

The closer we get to Halloween the more the events ramp up. This year one long standing event is moving to another new location while a new event looks to be a more financially desirable alternative.

The Vampires Masquerade Ball

Having long been the premiere event of the Halloween season this ball has moved from venue to venue and this year is descending upon Finz Seafood restaurant on Salems wharf.

It should come as no surprise to anyone that since October is Salem’s busy month, bars and restaurants jack their prices up through the roof for anyone wanting to book space to hold an event. Many of the restaurants that have function rooms are delusional and think that people will bang down their door wanting to have a wedding there in the mist of all the spookiness. From what I have been told, it is due to this and some changes in the organization structure of the Vampire Ball that so much talk about the specifics and price of this event has occurred. I an assure you that as of today tickets for the October 25th Vampire Masquerade Ball are still available on their website for $95.

This is a “dress to impress” event with a $500 cash prize going to the person with the most provocative costume. DJ Addambombb will be spinning the tunes, Black Cat Burlesque will be shaking their stuff and Finz will be supplying some hors d’oeuvres. Local clothier Fools Mansion usually does a fashion show at this event, however as of yesterday when we spoke with them it was unclear if that was going to happen. We will let you know when we hear any news.

The DARQ Gala

DARQ Gala

For those of you who want to save $75 but still put your leather, rubber or pvc on, the unlikely standout of Salem’s club scene, DARQ held at the Bangkok Paradise has upped their game (and price) for a great event and fine alternative to the Vampire Ball. The DARQ Gala also held on October 25th, will feature NYC Industrial Artists Terrorfakt and DJ/Project Tonikom. If you are not familiar with their music go check out their myspace pages at the links provided – we’ll wait. Your host Vudu DJ will also be spinning tunes through out the night.

A strict dress code will be inforced. Wear your goth/industrial/fetish best because this week even basic black and your $20 cover (usually $5 but this is how it goes for special events in October) might not be enough to get you into this industrial Gala.

Octoberfest and pub crawling

Glen Hughes — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 20:07:56 +0000

Yesterday we talked about the Harvestfest, which is going on this weekend. But there are a few other great events for those who want to sample some of Salem’s adult beverages.

Drunken Happenings

Drink em up

Using some whimsical adaptations from the official Haunted happenings an avid group of Pub Crawlers brings you Salem’s 4th Annual Drunken Happenings, this Saturday October 18th starting at 3pm. The crawl involves visiting 7 different bars and drinking the recommended specialty drinks. Six hours later everyone meets up at O’Neills to swap stories and hi-five your new BFF.

Having organized a few Salem Pub Crawls myself I commend the Drunken Happenings crew for getting the word out about being safe. They suggest you crawl with a group, set aside time for dinner and remind you NOT TO DRIVE. They even went the extra mile and included info on the cab company and pedicabs for those who might be in need.

While there was some talk of this event being canceled due to an increased police presence this year, it is still on. I look forward to sharing a drink with many of you who will be crawling and remember – Be Safe Out There!

Octoberfest

Do you like oom-pah Bands? What about cute chicks wearing a drindl? Are you looking for an excuse to dust off the lederhosen in your closet? Then look no further, Octoberfest is coming to Salem.

Octoberfest

I can’t tell you that all the girls that show up will be this pretty nor can I tell you the mugs will be this large but I can tell you they both should.

Here is the low down. This great idea was brought to life by Dianne from Pamplemousse (remember Harvestfest) and it looks to be a lot of fun. A large tent will be set up in the Front Street parking lot on Friday October 24th serving as your Octoberfest headquarters till Sunday the 26th. Local brewery Ipswich Ale will be providing the suds for your consumption.

Now for the bad news.

You have to buy a $20 ticket to enter the tent, similar to the real Oktoberfest (or Wies’n as it’s called in the motherland) where you need to buy a voucher to get a seat in order to be served, however that $20 ticket only gives you a commemorative Ipswich Ale mug and one beer. If the festbier (German for beers sold during Oktoberfest) are 1 liter and the server girls are seriously cute then maybe just maybe $20 is worth it. Keep in mind though if you want any food (New England type food not Germany type food) or an additional beer you are paying for it out of your own pocket.

Proceeds from the event will go to Destination Salem a city department that markets Salem as a tourist destination. Organizers are hoping to walk away with $30,000 profit. While I hope this event is a huge success and they hit their mark something tells me that paying for additional beers of unknown size and price on top of a $20 cover charge might discourage most potential revelers. We will do a follow up to this and let you know how it went.

Wine Wars

Glen Hughes — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 20:05:16 +0000

Not too long ago we wrote a post called the Ice Cream Roundup in light of recent events we should do a follow up called Ice Cream Wars. Which got me thinking – dessert purveyors are not the only feuding factions in town.

The Days of Wine and Roses

With all the subtly of a heavy weight MMA fighter, Salem Wine Imports opened up shop almost a year ago. Even before the first bottle of wine was sold the usual cadre of Salem gum flappers were making quite the hullabaloo. It would appear that the owner of Salem Wine Imports Eric, (whom I personally like) used to be the salesman who sold to Dianne (whom I also personally like) owner of Pamplemousse another shop in town that sells wine.

You can read all about what transpired and come to your own conclusions but now we have two great shops in Salem that have a good selection of wines. We the consumers win.

As with most businesses that have nearby competitors, each shop tries to promote itself and entice new customers with a variety of techniques. Pamplemousse (who should learn a thing or three from our Your Website and You posts - their site has been “under construction” for way too long now) hosts wine tastings most Saturdays from 2-4pm while Salem Wine Imports (who needs to realize that if you have a blog you need to update it once in a while) does tastings on Thursday nights from 6-8. I feel this is a healthy competition which again benefits us the consumers.

The dark side of the cork

We here at TheSalemInsider.com try to keep up on all the events going on around town so you the reader will know whats going on. As such we often get notices and invitations to events happening around town. I’ve noticed a disturbing trend lately which makes me think there’s more than meets the eye in the land of corks and casks.

Take for instance the night of September 25th. The Lyceum hosted Salem’s first Wine Expo. This event presented by Salem Wine Imports, The Salem Athenaeum and Historic New England was announced way back in July.

A few weeks back in my in-box I received notice of another wine event, Women & Wine Tasting. The event held at Laura Lanes Skin Care on September 25th, featured wines specially selected from Pamplemousse. Coincidence? I think not.

This is not the first time a clash of the tannins has occurred. Thankfully neither of these proprietors has sunk to the level of public nuisance or disturbance like our ice cream combatants.

Enough sour grapes, uncork the future and tell me what’s in store.

There are some great beverage related on goings in Salem in the next couple of weeks. What better place to talk about the Salem Harvest Fest than this wine related article.

Salem Harvest Fest

If you like wine, mead or artisnal beers then this is an event for you. For $20 in advance or $25 at the door you will be able to sample over 60 different libations from all around the world over a 2 1/2 hour period. This Saturday October 18th, from either 2:00-4:30 or 5:30-8:00 Pamplemousse along with Magic Hat Brewing Company, The Upper Crust and Rockafellas offer up some great selections at a great location – The Gathering, at 217 Essex Street Salem.

If you DONT like wine, mead or artisnal beers then check in with us tomorrow as we tell you about two other festive events that you’ll need a designated driver for.

20th Annual Halloween Ride

Glen Hughes — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 12:44:31 +0000

There are so many great events in Salem during October that its almost hard to keep up with them all. This year marks the 20th year that motorcyclists from the greater Boston area have been raising money for Jerry’s Kids with a charity ride for the Muscular Distrophy Association.

Witch City Motorcycle Run for MDA

Last year we reported that Boston Harley-Davidson (the ride organizer) had been purchased by Bruce Rossmeyer (a big deal in the Harley world) and that he had breathed new life back into the old ride. As you know, Rossmeyer recently opened the Salem Harley shop on the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall. This year he along with a few celebrity’s will be leading the parade in what promises to be a large and impressive ride.

The parade route is supposed to be similar to last years with the procession making its way down Lafayette to Derby around 2pm this Sunday October 19th. The streets get lined with onlookers early so stake your claim. I’m looking forward to seeing some great photos and video from this years ride.

Since the weather is predicted to be great for riding plan on an additional 4000 plus people in town. Also, keep in mind that getting lunch or dinner in Salem will be a bit tighter than a normal weekend day in October so make your plans with that in mind.

I like Turtles

Glen Hughes — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 15:43:00 +0000

We all know that Zombies like turtles, but did you know that in addition to last weekend’s Zombie Walk there are more fun filled zombie festivities in Salem this October Halloween season?

Salem MA Zombie Walk

Salem State College is participating in “Thrill The World“, a 25th anniversary commemorative event celebrating Michael Jackson’s Thriller – perhaps one of the best videos of all time. If you want to participate all you need to do is learn the dance, dress like a zombie and head over to Veterans Hall on the SSC campus Saturday October 25th at noon. More info is available on their website. Just to get you in the mood here are 1500 Philippino Prisoners busting out the moves.

If organized zombie dances aren’t your thing you might want to check out round 2 of the Zombie Walk.

On November 1st after the crazyness has died down a bit a second Zombie walk will commence. Leaving from Collins Cove and making its way to Cinema Salem where there will be a special showing of Die You Zombie Bastards. As many Salem Insiders know this film was writen by a Salem State professor and shot locally.

Oh and if you want to see a few more pictures from the first Zombie walk in Salem you can head over to our Flickr page.

Official Halloween kick off

Glen Hughes — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 15:10:21 +0000

Tonight at 6:30 the official Haunted Happenings Grand Openings Parade will make its way through down town signaling that life as you know it is over for the next month.

If you are new to Salem or are just coming for a visit please note that most of the streets in the down town area will be on lock down tonight.

According to the Salem PD:

A parking ban will be in effect along the parade route streets beginning at 5pm and roads along the route will be closed from 6pm until 9pm.
On Thursday, October 2nd the Grand Opening Parade will begin at 6:30 p.m. The parade route is as follows: From Congress Street at Shetland Park, the parade will take a left onto Derby Street, a right onto Lafayette Street, a left onto Front St., a right onto Washington Street, a right onto the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall, a left onto Washington Square and into the Salem Common.

A parking ban will be in effect on 10/2/08 on the following streets between 5pm and 9pm. Any vehicle parked in these areas will be towed.
Congress Street – both sides from Harbor St. to Derby St.
Derby Street – both sides between Congress St. and Lafayette St.
Lafayette Street – both sides between Derby St. and Front St.
Front Street – both sides.
Essex Street between Liberty St. and Hawthorne Blvd.
Washington Sq – both sides in front of the hotel.

The following roads will be closed on 10/2/08 from 6pm until 9pm.
Congress Street will be closed from Harbor Street to Derby Street.
Derby Street will be closed from Congress Street to New Derby Street.
Commuters will not be able to use Route 1A between Dodge St. and Brown Street which includes Derby Street, Hawthorne Boulevard and Washington Square at the Common entrance.
Also closed to traffic will be New Derby Street, Front Street and Washington Street between New Derby Street and Church Street.
Essex Street will also be closed at Washington Street.

In other event news

Painting at Witch City Ink

Art Fusion at Witch City Ink

Friday night there will be a public event intended to increase awareness of the tattoo artist’s capacity for fine art. The night will offer insight into the nature of tattoo fine art for the general public and any viable media source. Tattoo Artist and Artists from all other mediums will be welcome to come and work in a creative open studio atmosphere every Friday night in October. So if you are an artist or just enjoy watching art happen, head on over to Witch City Ink.

Zombie Walk Salem T-Shirt

Zombie Walk

Sunday – As you may have heard the Zombie Walk is getting much attention by “the man” and event organizers are being strong-armed into paying for permits and having police details. This is changing from its original intent of being a spontaneous spooky happening to a disneyfied-official-in-the-guidebook event. While we are not too happy with city officials we still fully support Steve in his effort to do something fun and formerly free. If you would like to find out more info about Sundays Zombie Walk or support this effort by either buying a killer t-shirt or making a donation head over to their Zombie Walk Salem myspace page.

Batten down the hatches – Halloween season is upon us.

Glen Hughes — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 14:53:22 +0000

Just like the swallows returning to Capistrano each year, Salem has annual signs that Halloween season is about to begin.

Corn Stalk Decorations

This morning I saw our intrepid city workers carting out trucks full of fresh cut corn stalks and tying them to every available light post and street sign they could find. Just think in a mere 36 days they will be dry enough to turn into flaming pop-corn dispensers by drunken revelers.

This year Halloween in Salem (and everywhere else for that matter) is on a Friday. It’s going to be a freaking mad house! There are so many great parties going on all through the month, starting with our Insiders Open House and coming to a climax with over 100,000 people swarming Salem’s down town on October 31st.

We will keep you abreast of all the great on goings in our fair city but be forewarned this is the first big weekend. Perhaps the rain will keep some people away however, look for parking to go into lockdown with higher prices at the lots, more enforcement at the meters and resident parking stickers reqired on most streets. You can head over to our parking primer for more details.

Hungry? It’s Fall Restaurant Week.

Glen Hughes — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:00:51 +0000

You’ll have to pardon me being one day late on getting the word out about Salem’s Fall Restaurant Week. Now that it’s football season I slave away over the grill or stove all day until game time when I plop down on the couch crack a beer and pig out. This weeks gastronomic delight was killer bbq ribs with inspiration taken from fellow blogger (soon to be fellow Salemite maybe) The Hungry Mouse and fellow nerd, chef and motorcycle rider Alton Brown. But I digress back to the show…

Salem Fall Restaurant Week

Twice a year Salem restaurants offer a price fixe menu so we can see what they have to offer and not spend too much cash in the process. It’s a little marketing technique learned from the crack dealers in the 1980′s who gave you free samples because they knew you would be back. Unfortunately there isn’t a restaurant rehab for us to go to once were hooked.

lobster ravioli

This week from September 14th to September 18th 2008 (sorry no weekend bonus for you) at participating restaurants Pricing for a three-course dinner is $20.08 (get it? 2008 – the year – clever huh?). Those restaurants may also offer an additional exclusive $30.08 dinner option.

Many of the restaurants that are in on this deal have been reviewed by us, the others are on our “to-do” list. Click the links below for a review. If you take advantage of this deal chime in and let us know what you thought of your experience.

The Black Lobster at Stromberg’s Cove
2 Bridge Street
Tel.: 978-744-1863

Caffe Graziani
133 Washington Street
Tel.: 978-741-4282

Capt.’s Waterfront Grill & Club
94 Wharf Street
Tel.: 978-741-0555

Cilantro
282 Derby Street
Tel.: 978-745-9436

Finz Seafood
76 Wharf Street
Tel.: 978-744-0000

Grapevine Restaurant
26 Congress Street
Tel.: 978-745-9335

Lyceum Bar & Grill
43 Church Street
Tel.: 978-745-7665

Nathaniel’s
18 Washington Square West
Tel.: 978-744-4080

Passage to India
157 Washington Street
Tel.: 978-832-2200

Regatta Pub at Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites
225 Derby Street
Tel.: 978-740-8788

Rockafellas
231 Essex Street
Tel.: 978-745-2411

Sixty2 on Wharf
62 Wharf Street
Tel.: 978-744-0062

Spirits at 300 Derby
300 Derby Street
Tel.: 978-744-8889

Strega Restaurant & Lounge
94 Lafayette Street
Tel.: 978-741-0004

Tavern at the Hawthorne
18 Washington Square West
Tel.: 978-744-4080

Thai Ginger
335 Lafayette Street
Tel.: 978-607-0060

Thai Place
Museum Place Mall
Tel.: 978-741-8008

Weekend Warrior: Labor day weekend 2008

Glen Hughes — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 18:31:35 +0000

Special Events / Festivals

Jocelyn Callahan Benefit - This Friday night The Gulu-Gulu Café in Salem is hosting a fundraiser to help the Callahan family deal with their tragic loss. Machine 475 will be heading the evening. Donations of any kind are welcome (we will be hosting a live auction that evening). Cover charge will be $10 and all proceeds from the evening will be given to the family.

Music

Friday August 29th

Suzanne Perel (jazz 6-9) Mamadou (rock 10pm) @ Bangkok Paradise
Starlight Grey (rock) @ Dodge Street
Los Sugar Kings (mambo-salsa dance party 9:30pm) @ Edgewater Cafe
Machine 475 (electronica, pop, rock 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
Dave Retros (rock 8pm) @ The Lobster Shanty
Ted Solovicos (blues 8pm) @ The Lyceum
Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ Lost Daze (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
The Hangovers (dance, rock, pop, 80′s) @ Rockafellas
Matt Tentindo (singer / guitar) @ Spirit’s at 300 Derby
Elle Gallow Band @ (8-11:30pm) Strombergs

Saturday August 30th

Karen Cameron (jazz 6-9) Speakeasy (10) @ Bangkok Paradise
Wicked Hawt Magazine CD Release party (rock) @ Dodge Street
DJ Zati (10pm) @ Fresh Taste of Asia
Acoustic Jam (2-5) Ross Livermore (acoustic 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
Lee Harvey @ The Lobster Shanty
Ted Solovicos (8pm) @ The Lyceum
Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ Cee Block (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
Wildfire (dance, rock, pop, 80’s) @ Rockafellas
Dis n’ Dat @ (8-11:30pm) Strombergs

Sunday August 31st

Jazz Jam (jazz 6-10) @ Bangkok Paradise
Big Shoes to Phil (jazz) @ Dodge Street
Eric Reardon & Sarah Seminski (3pm) @ The Lobster Shanty
Wildfire Labor Day Party (dance, rock, pop, 80’s 9:30pm) @ Rockafellas
BAND-Lee Hawkins @ (8-11:30pm) Strombergs

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

The Longshots (PG)
Friday, Saturday & Sunday at 11:45 AM, 2:10, 4:30, 7:15 and 9:30

Pineapple Express (R)
Friday, Saturday & Sunday at 12:15, 2:35, 5:00, 7:30 and 9:45

Star Wars; The Clone Wars (PG)
Friday, Saturday & Sunday at 11:15, 1:30, 3:45, 6:45 and 9:15

Insider Picks

Friday night whether you knew Jocelyn or not, swing by the Gulu and put your $10 toward something worth while, you will gain mucho karma points. Saturday get out there and party party party let DJ Cee Block kick your weekend into high gear with some fine beats over at O’Neills. Remember that you have Monday off so keep the weekend rolling on Sunday, I’m going to make my annual pilgramige to the Rockmore for some day drinks then check out a set with Big Shoes to Phil at Dodge Street followed up by a little Labor Day party with Wildfire over at Rockafellas. Monday you can find me In a Pigs Eye for a little hair of the dog with one of the best Bloody Marys around.

Keep up with us on Twitter!

Ice cream round up

Glen Hughes — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 15:01:19 +0000

Much talk latley in the frozen desert realm has revolved around the NKOTB Rita’s, you might remember we did a review of them a little while ago. But the pinaccle of cool and delicious has to be Salem’s great ice cream palours. Each of these shops deserves their own post and in time will probably get one but since Labour day weekend, the unofficial end of summer, is right around the corner I wanted to make sure you know your options.

Maria’s Sweet Somethings
26 Front Street
978.825.9111

Independantly owned
Great hard ice cream in a variety of flavors
soft serve available
extensive chocolate & goodies shop
located next to the old town hall

Captain Dustys Ice Cream
143 Derby Street
(978) 744-0777

chain shop
average hard ice cream above average portions
soft serve available
located in the wharf neighborhood by the House of 7 Gables

Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shop
60 Washington Steet
978.744.7500

corporate owned hippyfest
all the flavors you know and love and find in your grocers freezer
located in down town by the court house

E W Hobbs
207 Fort Ave
978.745.7691

independently owned, historically significant ice cream shop
home made hard ice cream
Located in the Salem Willows

Dairy Witch
117 Boston Street
978.744.5413

independently owned
hard ice cream
soft serve
destination shop

Puleo’s Dairy
376 Highland Avenue
(978) 745-6455

independently owned ice cream shop is part of restaurant and dairy
wide variety of hard ice creams made on premises
low fat and sugar free options
accessible by driving

Do you have a favorite Ice Cream Shop?

Tell us where you like to go for ice cream in Salem. Maybe you’re quote will make it in a future article about each shop listed here. Or if you like to go somewhere not listed in this article, comment below and tell the world.

Weekend Warrior: for the weekend starting 8.8.08

Glen Hughes — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 14:23:04 +0000

Special Events / Festivals

Essex Street Fair – Downtown Salem & Pickering Wharf this Saturday, August 9 and Sunday, August 10 from 10 am – 6 pm Fun for all ages this street festival has something for everyone. Crafts, jewelry, paintings, stained glass, and other unique items will be featured along the Essex Pedestrian Mall. Street performers, face painters, and musicians will entertain all.

Berklee Summer Concert Series – Manami Morita on Derby Square, Saturday, August 9 from 5 – 7 pm

Salem Jazz and Soul Festival - The Nat Simpkins Band Featuring Henri Smith at the Museum Place Mall Fountain, Essex Street, Sunday, August 10 from 1 – 3 pm and The Boston Horns with Barrance Whitfield from 2 – 4 p.m.

Heritage Days - Tons of activities going on through out the city. Check out their complete listing here.

Music

Friday August 8th

TBA @ Bangkok Paradise
Neurological Damage (alt, metal, funk) @ Dodge Street
Los Sugar Kings (mambo-salsa dance party 9:30pm) @ Edgewater Cafe
DJ Seth (indie, 80′s, pop, alternative 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
Three Toad Sloth (rock 8pm) @ The Lobster Shanty
Janine Graham Jazz Group (jazz 8pm) @ The Lyceum
Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ Lost Daze (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
Ritchie Rich and the 24K funk band (dance, rock, pop, 80′s) @ Rockafellas
Matt Tentindo (singer / guitar) @ Spirit’s at 300 Derby
Groove Therapy @ (8-11:30pm) Strombergs

Saturday August 9th

TBA @ Bangkok Paradise
Cherry S/T (rock) @ Dodge Street
DJ Zati (10pm) @ Fresh Taste of Asia
2nd Saturday Bluegrass Jam (2:30-5:30) 500 Plastic Dragons (indie, pop, country 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
Grateful Ted @ The Lobster Shanty
Brian Maes Solo (piano rock 8pm) @ The Lyceum
Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ Cee Block (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
Razen Kane (dance, rock, pop, 80’s) @ Rockafellas
Mystafine @ (8-11:30pm) Strombergs

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

The Mummy: Tomb of the dragon emperor (PG-13)
Friday, Saturday & Sunday at 11:30, 2:00, 4:30, 7:00 and 9:00

The Dark Knight (PG-13)
Friday, Saturday & Sunday at 11:45 AM, 3:15, 6:45 and 10:00

Step Brothers (R)
Friday, Saturday & Sunday at 12:30, 2:45, 5:10, 7:30 and 9:45

Insider Picks

Once again this weekend is chock full o’ free goodness. All the freee music should be excelent but do yourself a favor and make sure you see Barrance Whitfield in the Essex St pedestiran mall by the fountains on Saturday. Friday our friend and excelent vocalist Janine Graham will be singing over at the Lyceum, if you haven’t had the pleasure of seeing her yet get over there. Saturday there is a plethora of free music around town. Saturday night Cherry S/T rocks the house over at Dodge Street. Remember the Essex Street Fair is on and Heritage Days wraps up, check the links above for more info on all those activites.

Let the photo contest voting begin.

Glen Hughes — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 12:41:48 +0000

The submissions are in for our second photo contest Summer in Salem, and I’m pleased to say we have some great photos. Thank you to everyone who took the time to send over a photo. A big thank you goes out to all the businesses who stepped up and donated prizes. Now it is up to you, the readers, to weigh in and cast your vote determining who will win our prize pack consisting of:

2 passes to Five Funny Females comedy show a $50 value given by Drinkwater productions
$25 gift certificate to Spirits at 300 Derby
2 passes to DARQ
2 tickets to the Crow Brothers 9pm Vampire tour

The following images are presented in the order received. Once you view the images please use the poll to the right of this post to pick your favorite (voting ends on Friday).

You may vote only once and any duplicate votes will result in all of your votes being thrown out.

Essex Street Mall by Amanda L

Crow cooling off by Stephen C.

Rock Lobstah by Liz F.

Bike by Ryan M.

Concert on the Common by Stephanie H.

Salem Willows looking toward Beverly Harbor by Lisa C.

Summer Sunset at the Willows by Keela B.

Apples on Bridge by Jason H.

Mojito by Arthur C.

NOTE: View the winning photo here on our follow up post.

Weekend Warrior: August 1st

Glen Hughes — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 17:15:48 +0000

Special Events / Festivals

TheSalemInsider.com Photo Contest – Contest deadline is Sunday at 11:59pm get all the details including info on our great prize pack here.

Mayors Night Out – We ran into her honor the other night having an Italian Ice and she reminded us to join her Friday from 5 -7 for some drinks and apps as she kicks off Heritage Days

Heritage Days - Tons of activities going on through out the city. Check out their complete listing here.

Salem Arts Association and Aepril Schaile present The ART of Bellydance - Saturday, August 2nd from 1pm to 2pm on Artists Row

Music

Friday August 1st

* Entrain (rock, blues, calypso, zydeco, jazz and funk) free – @ Derby Wharf by the Friendship
TBA @ Bangkok Paradise
Demons Alley / Sins of America (rock) @ Dodge Street
Los Sugar Kings (mambo-salsa dance party 9:30pm) @ Edgewater Cafe
DJ Ondrej! (house, trance 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
Three Toad Sloth (rock 8pm) @ The Lobster Shanty
Tom Pittman @ The Lyceum
Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ Lost Daze (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
The Spinz (dance, rock, pop, 80′s) @ Rockafellas
Matt Tentindo (singer / guitar) @ Spirit’s at 300 Derby
Night Owls Band @ (8-11:30pm) Strombergs

Saturday August 2nd

TBA @ Bangkok Paradise
Taboot (Phish cover band) @ Dodge Street
DJ Zati (10pm) @ Fresh Taste of Asia
DJ John (8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
Lee Harvey @ The Lobster Shanty
The Merge @ The Lyceum
Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ Cee Block (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
New Life (dance, rock, pop, 80’s) @ Rockafellas
Mystafine @ (8-11:30pm) Strombergs

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

The Mummy: Tomb of the dragon emperor (PG-13)
Friday, Saturday & Sunday at 12:05, 2:30, 5:00, 7:30 and 9:50

The Dark Knight (PG-13)
Friday, Saturday & Sunday at 11:45 AM, 3:15, 6:45 and 10:00

X-Files: I want to believe (PG-13)
Friday, Saturday & Sunday at 11:30 AM, 2:00, 4:20, 7:00 and 9:20

Insider Picks

You know how we roll over here, if it’s free it’s for me. So Friday take yourself down to the Wharf and check out Entrain – you have nothig to loose it’s free and it’s early. That gives you plenty of time to grab some dinner and check out The Spinz at Rockafellas. We’ve heard varing opinions of them (if you know something we don’t drop us a comment) so get in before they charge a cover and if it sucks head to the Shanty to enjoy the good weather and fun tunes put down by Three Toad Sloth. Saturday if the weather is agreeable, enjoy some of what Heratage Days has to offer then go visit our friend DJ Cee Block for some Saturday night booty shakin.

Salem CultureFest 2008

Glen Hughes — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 19:36:54 +0000

The 3rd annual Salem CultureFest will be held on Saturday and Sunday July 26 & 27 on the Salem Commons in Salem, MA. This festival hosted by African Development through Drum & Dance (A3D, inc.) will provide fun for the whole family!

The Salem CultureFest runs on Saturday July 26th from 10a.m. to 8p.m. and Sunday July 27th 10a.m. to 6p.m. Salem CulturFest schedule offers a cross cultural blend of world-fusion dance music including and diverse performers coming from many world traditions Unique Arts, crafts, colorful clothes and ethnic food will be available for purchase. Parents and children can enjoy a wide range of entertainment & hands on participatory art activities. There will be a Moon Walk/Bouncy Thing, clowns, games and more.

The not for profit organization A3D has a vision to open a multicultural center in Salem, Massachusetts with the Salem CultureFest being a platform to invite citizens of Salem and the greater North Shore area to experience the festivities for themselves and to get interested and involved in the idea of a multicultural Center.

In addition to using the monies raised at the festival to fund A3D goals, 10% of the proceeds from the Salem CultureFest will be donated to the Salem School Foundation to assist raising much needed funds for Salem’s public schools. Any additional funds raised at the Salem CulturFest will help A3D’s humanitarian efforts in Senegal, West Africa. Through the Salem CultureFest, A3D’s wish is to bring true meaning to the phrase: “act locally and think globally.

” For more information on how to volunteer for the Salem CultureFest go to: www. a3dinc. org and friend them on myspace at myspace.com/salemculturefest.

Witchstock this weekend

Glen Hughes — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 20:18:02 +0000

So you have your Independence Day all planed out. Maybe it’s going to the Esplanade to see the Pops or perhaps you’ll stay close to home and watch the Salem fireworks from the Willows where you can catch surrounding town explosions as well. That’s great but have you though of what your going to do on Saturday?

Thankfully for you I have just what you need – an all day long music fest.

Witchstock

We wrote about Witchstock a few months back but wanted to remind you now that they have all their events finalized.

Witchstock is large-scale free, non-profit, all ages, outdoor music festival held right here in our very own Salem Willows Park Amphitheater on Saturday July 5th from 2pm-10pm. And continuing festivities from 10pm till close over at Dodge Street.

In addition to eight great rock, alternative, reggae, funk, hip-hop, electronica, jazz, and soul bands (many from around here) there will be plenty of family friendly things to do like free face-painting, temporary tattoos, stuff for kids and the kid in all of us.

For the full line-up and to get any other information about this great event check out the Witchstock myspace profile.

Caddys on the Common

Glen Hughes — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 01:19:28 +0000

There was an unsubstantiated rumor going around this weekend that Salem Common was going to be the host to of a group of Classic Cadillacs. Being an antique automobile enthusiast myself, I rolled out of bed, grabbed some coffee and made my way to the Common by 9am to investigate the rumor.

Thankfully the weather was spectacular so I sat under a tree watching the joggers circle around the park and took in life so early on a Sunday morning. A total of six classic cars showed up and of them the only Cadillacs were a 1932 La Salle and the above pictured ’55 Fleetwood.

Even though the showing was poor, I still shot a ton of photos (it’s one of my things), which got me thinking. I often go to shows, see exhibits, or find fun things in Salem to photograph but only a fraction of those images ever make it in this blog. So… I decided to fire up a flickr page. I’ll work get a decent selection of photos in there over the next week or so for your Salem photo fix.

Weekend Warrior: May 23rd, Memorial Day Weekend

Glen Hughes — Fri, 23 May 2008 13:44:44 +0000

Special Events / Festivals

Are you kidding me? It’s the beginning of summer.

Music

Friday May 23rd

Alanna Manning (jazz 6:30-9:30pm) Speakeasys (rock, punk 10pm) @ Bangkok Paradise
Neurological Damage (alternative, metal, funk) @ Dodge Street
Los Sugar Kings (mambo-salsa dance party 9:30pm) @ Edgewater Cafe
Machine 475 (electronica, pop, rock 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
Grateful Ted (classic rock 8pm) @ The Lobster Shanty
Tony Gallo (jazz, r&b, pop 9pm) @ Lyceum
Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ Lost Daze (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
Search Party (dance, rock, pop, 80′s) @ Rockafellas
Matt Tentindo (singer / guitar) @ Spirit’s at 300 Derby
Close to Home @ (8-11:30pm) Strombergs (new listing)

Saturday May 24th

Sandi Bedrosian (jazz 6:30-9:30pm) Terri Lee ( world 10pm) @ Bangkok Paradise
Fair Warning (Van Halen Tribute) @ Dodge Street
DJ Zati (10pm) @ Fresh Taste of Asia
HAPPY SPRINGALLOWEEN!!(blues 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
TBA @ The Lobster Shanty
Santarella – Kimball Duo (folk rock) @ The Lyceum
Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ Cee Block (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
Wildfire (dance, rock, pop, R&B) @ Rockafellas
TBA @ Spirit’s at 300 Derby
Wishful Thinking @ (8-11:30pm) Strombergs (new listing)

Sunday May 25th

Jazz Jam! (jazz 6:30-9:30pm) @ Bangkok Paradise
Big Shoes 2 Phil (Jazz) @ Dodge Street
Gulu Sunday Morning Brunch featuring Eric Doucette (acoustic guitar 11am-2pm) @ Gulu Gulu
TBA @ The Lobster Shanty
Traditional Irish Music (4-7pm) @ O’Neill’s
Lisa Love Experience (dance, rock, pop, 80′s) @ Rockafellas
High Tide Party @ (2-6pm) Strombergs (new listing)

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (PG-13)
Friday & Saturday at 11:10AM, 1:45, 4:25, 7:15 and 9:50
Sunday & Monday Memorial Day at 11:10AM, 1:45, 4:25 and 7:15

Ironman (PG-13)
Friday & Saturday at 11:10 AM, 1:45, 4:35, 7:20 and 10:00
Sunday at 11:10 AM, 1:45, 4:35 and 7:20

Prince Caspian (PG)
Friday, Saturday & Sunday 11:00AM, 2:00, 5:00, 8:00

Insider Picks

The cute weather girl on TV tells me its going to be a stellar weekend so lets plan on some out door fun.

Insiders know that when the weather gets good we all gather at the Shanty. You can meet all sorts of Salemites there and everybody is usually friendly. Kick off the long weekend with a true Salem fixture Grateful Ted. Cheap food, warm beer, lousy waitresses and classic rock older than you are. Saturday the HAPPY SPRINGALLOWEEN!! event is going on at Gulu-Gulu Dan Blakeslee as Dr. GASP, Orange Nichole, and our personal friend Monster Reusch (why he doesn’t live in Salem I don’t know) will all be preforming in a kooky ode to Halloween party. Newcomer to our musical offerings is Strombergs, this Sunday they will be having a High Tide Party and if it’s as good as their previous events you are in store for some fun, grab your fiends and head on over. Monday looks to be the best day yet weather wise so where better to spend your time than on the water. Since you probably wont be going to Bakers Island – do the next best thing and take a ride out to the newly opened (noon today) Rockmore. And for you slackers who want to take it easy, Salem Cinema has the new Indiana Jones flick (we saw it last night) its well worth your $6.

Witchstock Music Festival

Glen Hughes — Wed, 14 May 2008 13:33:31 +0000

I realize that it’s a bit early to be talking about a July event but a recent commenter asked if Salem had music other than jazz so I had to put the word out.

Lately there have been some great jazz vocalists and bands playing in Salem so they have garnered a few write ups and some insider picks on the Weekend Warrior (what to do this weekend) posts. Salem’s musical offerings are of a much broader spectrum than only jazz. On any given week you can find hip-hop, experimental, dance/pop, R&B, rock, folk, blue grass, punk and soon to be goth shows around town.

Taking the musical ball and running with it, the Witchstock Music Festival is now entering it’s fifth year as one of the premier summer music events around.

From their myspace page:

WITCHSTOCK is a FREE, all ages, outdoor music festival founded in 2004 by myself (Madison) and Scott (The 80′s Man) which takes place every July at the Salem Willows shell stage overlooking the harbor…Salem, Massachusetts…designed to spotlight local, musical talent and enjoy a beautiful venue!

This summer 2008: 5th Annual Witchstock Date: Saturday July 5th (4TH OF JULY WEEKEND!!) (Raindate on the 12th) Hours: 2PM – 10PM (We Extended the hours this summer into the night so we can do a light show!) We are showcasing 8 bands from Boston, New Hampshire, New Jersey, and North Shore Area favorites!! Also…It’s an all ages show!! So there will be some free, fun stuff for the kiddies in the earlier part of Witchstock(2pm -4pm), face painting, temporary tattoos!….and some free stuff for the adults in the later hours as well.

If you are interested in being part of the action Madison is looking for some volunteers. You can contact her via the Witchstock myspace profile. If you just want to come and enjoy the music I suggest you come early, bring your chair-in-a-bag or blanket and get a nice spot where you will be comfortable for the long haul. Also this year, the fun doesn’t stop at 10PM. Dodge Street Bar and Grille will continue the extravaganza till 1am. And if I know anything about Salem in the summer – there will be a kickin’ after party till the sun comes up on Sunday morning.

Stay tuned for more info on this great event as it comes in.

Summer internship

Glen Hughes — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:23:04 +0000

Things are starting to ramp up at TheSalemInsider.com and we are looking to take on a summer intern. This is the opptunity you have been waiting for. Where else can you make your own schedule, go hear live music, have some cocktails, take some pictures and get college credit?

TheSalemInsider.com Summer Internship Program

TheSalemInsider.com seeks undergraduate & graduate applicants for our 2008 Summer Internship Program. Interns will work in all areas — account service, public relations, field reporting and op-ed. Applicants are required to submit writing samples and photography / graphic design knowledge is a plus.

A summer intern will work with a blog author or contributor and be responsible for publishing a minimum of one article per week. Ideal candidates will be 21+, residents of Salem, have general working knowledge of blogging, have an interest in music or the arts; as reporting on Salem’s night life is a major focus.

2008 Summer Internship Timeline

4/24 – 5/17 Applicants are required to contact us with small bio and writing samples (no more than 3 can be in word format or links to online samples)
5/18 – 5/24 Finalists are interviewed
6/9 Internship program starts
8/15 Internship program ends

To apply or for more information contact us.

Fresh Locally Grown Food

Glen Hughes — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 10:00:54 +0000

Just because we are smack dab in the middle of restaurant week doesn’t mean we can’t talk about your cooking your own food at home (maybe next week sometime). The number one thing that all chefs will tell you is that in order for your meals to go from good to great you need to have the freshest ingredients possible. Treehuggers on the other hand, will tell you that in order to save the planet you need to buy locally grown foods to keep the transportation pollution to a minimum. Now in Salem you can help the environment and promote gastrointestinal goodness.

(c) Forrest Frazier

Chris Crandall over at In Season is offering a great service to the people of Salem who are interested in getting some locally grown / harvested food. They have New England suppliers for fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread and dry goods and deliver it to down town Salem each Saturday. All you need to do is log on to their website, click on the shop links and find what you want. Saturday you mossy on down to Pamplemousse where they will be set across the street from 11am to 2pm and pick up your fresh food.

This time of year there is not too much in the way of fresh fruits and veggies but I’m assured that is soon to come in the warmer months. For now, check out their other selections including meat, dairy, breads and jams.

April 1st Salem changes

Mr. Salem — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 18:58:13 +0000

The face of Salem starts to change today on April 1. Many of the tourist related museums are scheduled to open back up. If you checked out our earlier post you know that street sweeper start clearing the winter sand from the roads. But more importantly cheap and expensive beer is once again flowing.

The Lobster Shanty

Is back in action. Starting today warm beer, lousy food, rude bartenders, surly waitresses, cranky cooks and rowdy regulars have their summer home back. Look for cheap beer, live music and Salem friends new and old to be hanging out on Artists Row.

Gulu- Gulu Cafe

Our friends over at G2C are back in full force with a brand spanking new liquor license and fun new hours. Open till 10pm Sunday – Wednesday and till 1am Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Bring on the beers!

No, this is not an April fools post. It’s the real deal baby.

Trolley Tours in Salem Massachusetts

Glen Hughes — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 17:18:33 +0000

Spring is here and that means the hibernating tourism establishments are coming out of their winter slumber. The first notable sign is the local trolleys coming back to our streets.

See Salem from a Trolley Tour

There are two tour company’s that operate in Salem, City View Trolley Tours and Salem Trolley. I noticed both companies were out this past weekend. City View has taken up residence in an empty retail space on Essex Street and is looking for employees if you need a cool April through October job. Both Companies start their regular schedule next week, in the beginning of April.

Salem Trolley
8 Central St.
978.744.5469

Salem’s original narrated Trolley Tour, the red Salem trolleys that you see around town have been here since 1982. For a flat fee you can board this trolley and take a one hour 8 mile ride around town. One reason tourists love the trolley is because with your ticket you can get on and off the trolley all day long. It is so convenient for someone who isn’t familiar with all the side streets of Salem and still wants to maximize their sight seeing time.

Salem Trolley’s fleet consists of two handicapped accessible trolleys and two traditional ones. Their service runs from 10am to 5pm and a map of stops and times is available here on their website. You can also charter a trolley if you are having an event in Salem.

Ticket prices (available at select locations in town)
Adults $12
Seniors $10
Kids $3
Toddlers free when accompanied by an adult so don’t let your 1 year old ride the trolley by himself.
They also have a variety of combo packages.

City View Trolley Tours
PO Box 729
Salem MA 01970
978.594.0969

City View is the new kid in town and is easily recognized by their silver trolleys. Their business has been running in Boston for over 25 years, but they just came to Salem a few seasons ago. With nine stops, including one at the Salem Ferry, the City View tour is a one hour narrated historical ride. Like it’s competition, you can get on and off all day at whichever stop you wish. Unlike it’s competition, City View offers service to the ferry and MBTA Commuter Rail station. A full map of stops is available here on their website.

Ticket prices (available onboard or online)
Adults $12
Students & Seniors $10
Kids $5

Seeing Salem MA from a different perspective

Regardless of which Trolley company you decide to try, they are an excellent way to learn more about Salem. I always suggest to new visitors and locals alike to give it a ride at least once a year. Each driver has a different perspective and is knowledgeable about different aspects of Salem’s history. One driver might know more about the maritime history where another might have a better understanding about the early settlers and witch-related items. Either way you slice it, seeing things from a new angle is always a treat.

Corned beef and car bombs

Mr. Salem — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 06:00:09 +0000

I, like many people who live in the greater Boston area, consider myself “Boston Irish”. My grandparents generation came over from Ireland and I grew up eating boiled dinner, bubble and squeak and fried tomatoes with my blood pudding. It should come as no surprise that I am all in favor of St. Patrick’s day being a national holiday and that I make it a point to exploit my heritage on March 17th.

Most years I go to the Southie Parade then spend the day pub crawling through Southie and Dorchester. Once night falls my crew makes its way to see the Dropkick Murphys then end the night at JJ Foleys. The past few years I’ve spent a good chunk of my St. Paddys day in Salem. This year things are a bit different so I’ll be your guide to making the most of your time in Salem on this fun holiday.

First things first, you need to have a plan.

In my days of massive pub crawls its the planning that separates the men from the frat boys. By focusing that you are in it for the long haul (10am to 2am) you prepare for a marathon rather than a sprint. Its not drinking your face off, its about socializing, having fun and keeping your head. Drinking water during your pub crawl and eating something at every other stop assures that you will be more prepared to handle a long night of meeting new people and being thrust into different situations.

Salem doesn’t offer an endless string of Irish bars, and while there are a few great pub crawls (TheSalemInsider.com sponsors one every year) St. Patrick’s day is a bit more laid back here than it is in Boston. With less options it’s easier to make a good solid plan.

1. Bring a buddy
St. Patrick’s day is one of the big three bar days (the others being Wednesday before Thanksgiving and New Years Eve) so it’s best to head out with a friend. Someone to grab the next round when it’s your time to break the seal or to hang with if you are waiting in line to go in somewhere.

2. Dress for Success
Are you Irish? Show it with a cool t-shirt that tells the world. Not Irish, get in the spirit by wearing green or busting out your favorite Guinness shirt. A scally cap or even a shamrock pin will give you some air of authenticity.

3. Know where to go
In Salem there are a couple of options, I usually start out over at The Old Spot then head over to O’Neills. Both will be packed but you will also have the best times here.

4. Think about what you drink
I personally stick to Guinness but there are other acceptable beverages to consume on St. Paddys day. The most well know stout is of course Guinness, but Murphy’s Irish stout is delicious and a bit smoother for the novice stout drinker as is Beamish. If you prefer something lighter, Harp larger or Smithwick’s (pronounced ‘smith-icks’) ale. There is some debate on whether a Black and Tan (Guinness and Harp) or a Black Velvet (Guinness and hard cider) are acceptable. They are served in Ireland but are a pain to build so for this outing I would keep my order simple to keep my bartender happy.

Beer is not the only beverage to be enjoyed on St. Patrick’s day. Irish whiskey is also a smooth, easy libation. Irish whiskey differs from Scotch whisky because it is distilled more than Scotch and peat moss is not used in the firing of mash. What does that mean to you? A smoother less earthy tasting beverage. Some Irish whiskeys you will find in Salem are Bushmills, Black Bush, Jamesons, and Tullamore Dew.

5. Eat your fill
One thing about Irish food, corned beef and cabbage or New England boiled dinner in particular, is that it’s comfort food. There’s nothing like coming home to the smell of a giant pot with corned beef, potato, turnip, carrot, and cabbage all boiling up. People with other heritages may find this food a bit bland but if it’s cooked correctly and seasoned with some malt vinegar, boiled dinner is heaven. The key to success in your boiled dinner is pink corned beef not gray and not over-cooking your veggies.

Not everyone can spend the day hanging out listening to Irish music, singing with new friends at the pub and watching the girls to their Irish step dancing. Some people actually have to work. When I had to do the 9 to 5 thing on St. Patrick’s day, I would meet up with some of my friends afterwards and we would have a toast with an Irish car bomb then head out for some dinner. This would inevitably lead to more late night car bombs. What is an Irish Car Bomb you ask? It’s liquid candy.

Irish Car Bomb
3/4 pint Guinness stout
1/2 shot Bailey’s Irish cream
1/2 shot Jameson Irish whiskey

Add the Bailey’s and Jameson to a shot glass, layering the Bailey’s on the bottom. Pour the Guinness into a pint glass 3/4 of the way full and let settle. Drop the shot glass into the Guinness and chug. The Bailey’s will react with the Guinness making it curdle so it’s best to drink this very quickly.

While the Irish have a reputation for being hard drinkers, the celebration of St. Patrick’s day is not a celebration of drink but a feast that celebrates St. Patrick and all things Irish. Unfortunately it can turn out to be amateur hour at the bar, so if you go out keep a good disposition and focus on having fun. Keep yourself and your friends safe and don’t do anything stupid. The best night you can have is the one where you build long lasting memories and get home safe and sound.

Send us a picture of your St. Patrick’s Day celebration in Salem and we’ll post it later this week.

Seasonal jobs in Salem

Glen Hughes — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 18:53:48 +0000

One sure sign that the bad weather is almost over is the proliferation of seasonal job opportunities. Recently I received an email that made me wish I was a bit younger and had more free time.

Witch City Rickshaw is looking for drivers for the upcoming season. If you are 18, responsible, hardworking and active this is a great seasonal job. Mr. Chris is hosting an open house to give you the ins and outs of the pedicab business.

Interested? You can RSVP via MySpace or swing down to 63 Jefferson Ave in Salem on Monday Apr 07, 2008
at 7:00 PM.

Photos of the Chocolate & Ice Sculpture Festival

Glen Hughes — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 14:54:14 +0000

Salem’s 6th Annual Salem’s So Sweet Chocolate & Ice Sculpture Festival went pretty much as predicted with the weather playing a major role in its outcome. This year it was warm with intermittent snow and rain. Even through the poor weather conditions we were able to grab some photos. You can blame mother nature for the dilapidation of the ice.

This sculpture in front of the PEM was by far the best

due to the weather many sculputures like this one in front of New Civilitea met an untimely demise

We photographed all the sculptures and will get them up on our flickr page shortly.

Chocolate & Ice Sculpture Festival

Glen Hughes — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 18:55:50 +0000

6th Annual Salem’s So Sweet Chocolate & Ice Sculpture Festival
February 8-14, 2008

I’ve seen the sculptures for a few years now, it’s a total crap shoot due to weather. Hopefully it will be cold and dry so the ice can survive a few days.

As for the chocolate, if you have a sweet tooth you will be in heaven.

According to the Chamber of Commerce press release:

The Salem Chamber of Commerce, Salem Main Streets and local retailers, restaurants and businesses will host the 6th annual Salem’s So Sweet, Chocolate & Ice Sculpture Festival, February 8- 14th. The festival’s focus will continue to be on decadent chocolate, sparkling ice sculptures and Valentine’s Day retail. The festival is free for all to attend

The whimsical ice sculptures can be found at 15 locations throughout downtown Salem, and Pickering Wharf on Saturday, February 9th & Sunday, February 10th. Local merchants, restaurants and attractions sponsor ice Sculptures. Designs for this years’ ice sculptures include Sophia Peabody Hawthorne, a bride, a witch, a child reading a book, a teapot, and the Salem Waterfront Hotel.

In addition to the free temporary art in the down town area you can pick up a “golden ticket” and be eligible to win a gift basket containing swag from many of the participating shops.

Calendar of Events

Friday, February 8, 6.30 p.m.
Chocolate & Wine Tasting at Hamilton Hall

Saturday, February 9 – All Day
Salem’s So Sweet Chocolate & Ice Sculpture Festival – Chocolate samples, events and promotions at participating businesses.
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Red Cross “Give From the Heart” Blood Drive in Old Town Hall Free chair massages for blood donors by Body and Soul Massage and Wellness Center.

Sunday, February 10 – All Day – Salem’s So Sweet Chocolate & Ice Sculpture Festival – Chocolate samples, events and promotions at participating businesses

Thursday, February 14 – Valentine’s Day

Chocolate & Wine Tasting
Friday, February 8: 6.30-8.30 p.m.
Hamilton Hall, 9 Chestnut St., Salem. $20.00 Admission
Tickets for Sale at Salem Chamber of Commerce, 265 Essex Street, at the door or by calling 978.744.0004.

A Special Note

A few years ago one of theSalemInsider.com’s frequent contributors was involved in a bad motorcycle accident and required over 40 units of blood. If it wasn’t for the great care he received and the available blood, he would not be with us today. Many people need blood. This Saturday a wonderful way for you to help your neighbor is to give blood at the old Town Hall. It’s quick, relatively painless and a simple way for you to do something helpful for others. Who knows, someday you might be the person in need.

Secret Salem Real Estate – Bakers Island

Mr. Salem — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 15:47:38 +0000

I know it’s just February 1st and that we are in the middle of winter but I’m already thinking of my summer getaway. I’m looking for a rustic summer home or small cottage on a secluded island. I’d like beautiful vistas in a picturesque Norman Rockwell New England setting. I also want it to be fairly private but close enough to civilization so I can have access to the world if I need it. At first I was thinking of Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket but they are too overpopulated and not very rustic. Next I thought about an island off the coast of Maine or maybe a cottage on a lake island in New Hampshire or Vermont. Those places are nice but I need to be closer to home. Then I hit the jackpot. I found exactly what I was looking for, a hidden real estate gem right in our own back yard, Bakers Island.

What the heck is Baker’s Island?

Most people are familiar with Salem’s 8.1 square miles of land but know nothing about our 10 miles of water or what exists out there. Salem maritime properties include Children’s Island, Ram Island, Cunney Island, Tinkers Island, Great Misery Island, Little Misery Island and Baker’s Island. While some of them have summer homes none are inhabited year round.

The 60 acre Baker’s Island lies 3.5 miles off shore. In addition to its one light house (visible from the Salem Willows) the island is home to 55 cottages most built in the late 1800′s to early 1900′s. The island also has a store, fire house, meeting hall (Sherman C. Burnham Hall), and gift shop known as Driftwood. Baker’s Island it’s Massachusetts’ largest residential island north of Boston.

History of Baker’s Island

During the golden age of sail, Salem was the wealthiest city in the States all because of her port but there were no major aids to navigation to help mariners past the islands and rocks outside her harbor. A conical day beacon erected in 1791 was 57 feet tall, painted red, and topped by a two-foot diameter black ball. Unfortunately this beacon was not much help at night or in the fog and after three wrecks in 1796 killing 16 men the Salem Marine Society sent a message to Congress stating they needed to replace the beacon with a lighthouse.

That much of the property and many of the lives of their fellow citizens are almost every year lost in coming into the harbour of Salem for want of proper lights to direct their course… This calamity can, in the opinion of this society be prevented only by erecting a lighthouse on the northern end of Bakers Island . . .

Congress authorized $6,000 for the establishment of twin lights on Baker’s Island which first lit up on January 3, 1798. The two towers were located on top of a two-story keeper’s house, about 40 feet apart at either end of the building with four lamps being fueled by whale oil. In the early part of the 1800′s there were some configuration changes to the light houses, one was shortened then later restored to its previous height after some confusion with Boston light. In 1926 one of the lights was removed and by 1938 the sole remaining light was electrified.

Baker's Island Light c. 1929

In addition to the light house (set on 10 acres) the remainder of the island was privately owned. In 1888 a homeopathic doctor from Salem named Nathan Morse built a hotel/spa on Baker’s Island called the Winne-Egan. It had 50 guest rooms and catered to seekers of “health, pleasure and needed rest.” In addition to island activities such as sailing, fishing and swimming, guests could play tennis, or even shoot a short round of golf on the hotel’s six-hole course. Like many of Salem’s old buildings the hotel met its demise in 1906 when an accidental fire burned it to the ground.

Baker’s Island real estate; old money, private sales and coastal views.

There is not an abundance of information available about properties on Baker’s Island. No rentals what-so-ever and according to my real estate agent “There hasn’t been a public sale (in MLS) of anything on the island since 1999 – all private sales, and at that only a few”. I examined Salem’s GIS (Geographical Information System) viewer and found most parcels of land have been owned by family’s since before 1900.

Homes on Baker’s Island

Today access to the island is limited to residents and their guests. The islands one pier is where all visitors arrive and depart. Many residents have their own boats but a water shuttle the Double Eagle, is available from Salem harbor.

a view from the pier at sunset

Final thought

I am still looking for my summer retreat. Many Salem residents visit this site, so if you have a place out on Baker’s Island contact me, I would love to learn more about what is in our own back yard. And for all my out of town readers, if I get the opportunity to go over there, walk around and shoot some photos, you can be sure to find them right here at theSalemInsider.com.

Photo Op

Glen Hughes — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 13:20:16 +0000

I went out last night and took a bunch of photos, Salem like many places looks so pretty when covered in the white stuff. This morning however I was walking down by the PEM and saw this, it just made me chuckle.

His and hers park bench

Salems first snow storm of 2008

Mr. Salem — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 20:21:18 +0000

Today the people of Salem woke up to the first blizzard of 2008. It’s blustery and the snow is still falling. Piling up is some of the best snowball snow you can find. Wet but not too slushy.

A month ago I wrote about how to deal with your snow day in Salem. Since its a little too early to head out for a pint I think I’ll head over to the Army Barracks and pick up a snow hat.

What are you doing New Years Eve?

Glen Hughes — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 15:06:45 +0000

With New Years Eve a few days away the time has come to nail down your plans for the big night.

Gulu Gulu is hosting a bash featuring DJes spinning Jazz / Funk / Trance / House (no $ info)
You can get your hippie grove on with Taboot a phish cover band playing over at Dodge Street (no $ info).
Over at Nathaniel’s and Sophia’s in the Hawthorne hotel you can have an elegant four-course, prefixed dinner. Live Jazz music (no dancing). . Price is $75.00 per person.
Rockafellas is having dance band The Lisa Love Experience for a $20 cover or you can get the limited dinner special for $65.00 per person.
Strega is having an Old Skool dance party with DJ Chuck, tickets are $10.00 In advance and $15.00 at the door

As for The Salem Insider crew, we will be doing a mini-pub crawl followed by a late night party.

Have a safe one.

Snow Emergency Smackdown

Glen Hughes — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 18:16:58 +0000

With the threat of an impending Nor’easter Salem has enacted a snow emergency to go into effect from noon today until further notice.

photo from the February ’06 blizzard

So there’s a snow emergency, I know what your thinking – “I need to run to the grocery and get some bread, milk and eggs.” Why? Are you planning on eating French toast for the duration? Calm down and I’ll talk you through this harrowing time.

First, look up. Do you see those street lights with the flashing blue lights on them? If you do, you are seeing a reminder that all vehicles must be totally removed from the street. So if you live in any of the areas within a walking radius of down town and your parking situation is at all questionable, get over to one of the municipal lots and park your car for free. When the blue lights are on any resident can park in any municipal lot for up to 24 hours after the emergency is over.

Okay, now that your car is safely nestled in one of the garages it’s time to enjoy what mother nature has thrown at you. Instead of being all miserable and complaining as you trudge through the muck and slip through the slush on your way home, make a pit stop.

Best places to go in Salem during a storm:

Rockafellas – You get a great view of downtown and there will always be a bunch of people hanging out watching the weather whip down the street.
O’Neils – Warm yourself by the fire with a hot toddie and a bowl of shepards pie.
The Old Spot – Super cozy (now that they have their heavy winter drapes up) grab a pint and some toad in the hole, there’s no better place to be than in an Irish pub when the snow is pounding.
Witches Brew – If you’re down by the wharf this neighborhood melting pot is always welcoming and serving when the flakes are flying.

After a few pints, a full belly and some good Christmas cheer with your neighbors, walking home in the snow becomes a treat. That snow that falls down the back of your neck no longer irks you, but makes you laugh and remember that time you went sledding as a kid. Take the time to enjoy the sparkle that those crisp snowflakes make as they dance across the air back lit by street lamps.

Remember, it’s going to stink getting up for work tomorrow morning so have fun tonight!

Salem Open Studios Tour

Glen Hughes — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 16:30:41 +0000

Last weekend a collection of Salem’s old and beautiful houses were open to the public, this weekend we get to see how the other half lives and works with the Salem Open Studios Tour.

The Salem Arts Association puts on this walking arts show each year. You can see some of the work from our diverse arts community and check out where they make the magic happen. Many of the participants are local artists living and working here in town.

Take some time this weekend to support Salem artists, you might even find that Christmas present you were looking for.

Salem Christmas house tour review

Forrest — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 15:38:02 +0000

The houses on this year’s tour consisted of condos in historic buildings, charitable organizations, museum collections, and private mansions; all of the homes were amazing. Below I have noted some standout features. Honestly, I could write a book about the beautiful and historically relevant homes, architectural features and furnishings I saw this weekend (and perhaps I might), although there are already a few out there. I can’t possibly remember everything I saw but I did take some photos and some notes.

Gideon Tucker House
Once a single family home this was converted in the 1900′s to condos. I was pleased to see that much of the original feel of a McIntire home was still in this now modern condo. The beautiful fireplaces and great use of space made this an outstanding home. Turning what was probably an unused or underused area (walkway) into a dining nook added much charm to this elegant condo.

Gardner-Pingree House
Owned by the PEM, this house was a treat to tour because it has been restored to its original 1805 grandeur. With no lighting and no heat you were able to better understand how life may have been two hundred years ago. Too many hand carved items to list.

photographer and date unknown

The Emmerton House
Known as the Woman’s Friend Society, formed in 1876 to help girls and women in need, is a charitable organization still helping people (and still accepting donations and volunteers). When I walked in I instantly recognized the home, it is discussed at length in a few books I own. One of it’s most notable features are the two McIntire stair cases.

John Hodges House
There was just too much to take in at this home. One of the stand out features was the staircase with it’s hand carved spindles from the workshop of Mcintire. Three different spindles per step with the base being made of two spindles one set inside the center of the other each carved as opposing spirals.

White-Silsbee House
Once again I walked into a house I have never been in but knew like the back of my hand. Most of the photos I have seen of this home were taken in 1930 but all of the relevant features have been preserved. The parlor and sitting room oppose each other with fireplaces at either end, the rooms being sectioned by a three panel foldout door. Also of note the original stove. The dining room however was magnificent. With the original wood mantle being discarded in the Victorian era, a black marble mantle was put in it’s place. Vastly surpassing the fireplace was the original 18th century French wall paper depicting the four climate regions of the earth. Having been in many of the great homes in this country I can tell you this is a rare treasure, one which needs to be preserved. It simply is breathtaking.

Forrester-Peabody House/Bertram House
Known as the Home for Aged Men, this is another example of a historically relevant home being used for charitable purposes and keeping much of it’s architectural value. I was impressed with how warm and inviting the large rooms were. It gave you a sense of how the architect envisioned the usage of space. The most impressive feature of this home had to be the massive dining room. I wonder if it originally was used as a dining room or perhaps a ballroom. The dining room ceilings had to be at least 18 feet high (the guide did not know the height) with over 1 foot high crown moldings surrounding the room. Once again I was simply awestruck. It reminded me of the Red Room in the White House which has a ceiling height of 20 to 22 feet (depending on who you believe).

Pierce-Nichols House
McIntire’s first commission at the ripe old age of 24. There is a wealth of information about this home available. It is a must see for any student of the Federal period.

Benjamin Carpenter House
Unfortunately this is the only house on the tour where I felt someone dropped the ball. While the home was beautiful, the volunteers knew nothing about any of the rooms or the pieces in those rooms. Not to dwell on the negative, the library was both comfortable and livable while also being a fine showpiece.

Cottington-Smith Assembly House
Did I happen to mention it was bitterly cold this weekend? Thankfully this house which is used as a lecture hall and meeting place was set up to serve hot tea and coffee. George Washington once danced and dined here.

Cook-Oliver House
Some wonderful examples of McIntire’s woodcarvings, both on the exterior and interior of this home. The parlor features hand-cut chair rail and the quintessential McIntire wheat sheath mantle. The original crown molding was removed in 1902 (I believe) and sold to the Metropolitan Museum in New York. If you pay attention in this home you will notice quite a few examples of modern art, an interesting juxtaposition. This home was last opened 50 years ago for the 200th anniversary of McIntire.

Dodge-Shreve House
Again we find a strong oriental influence in this home. The dining room in addition to beautiful origami swans on the dinner settings was papered with Chinese tea paper, original to the home.

Johnathan Hodges House
The only house on Chestnut Street to be built by McIntire. The volunteers in this home did a great job of explaining many of the details of this home. I was amused by the story of Capt. Hodges near demise. The use of large antique mirrors made the already spacious rooms look even bigger.

sketch of floor plan by McIntire

Robinson-Little House
Standing out from other homes on the tour the first floor of this house was remodeled in the early 19oo’s. It features a rich mahogany interior, unique as it is not wood paneling but wood veneer laid out over stretched fabric with the cross molding pieces set atop the veneer. Also standing out from other homes on the tour, the McIntire fireplaces were not monochrome but had the relief painted “Wedgwood” blue on two of the fireplaces. A bonus feature for people on the tour, the owners had a few printed out sheets and old photos describing the history of the home and a few of the relevant pieces inside.

Hamilton Hall
This year the great space of Hamilton Hall was consumed by a Christmas fair. Luckily this building is open much of the year and available for private functions.

photo from this past summer’s walking tours

Loring-Emerton House
Another condo that just changes how you think about condos. The McIntire influence on this home is evident. Walking through the portico into the foyer you are greeted by a staircase featuring the same spindle work as the John Hodges house. Once in the home I was blown away by the domed bedroom ceiling, not to mention the seamless integration of a modern bathroom and kitchen into a classical interior. One of the best features had to be the one person seating/reading nook tucked in one of the rear rooms.

Final Thoughts

As is the case each year, I had a great time. I learned so much an was inspired by what I saw. A big thank you goes out to Historic Salem Inc., all the home owners who graciously opened their homes and all the volunteers that made the event a success.

I would love to know what you thought about this years house tour.

Lighting up the town

Glen Hughes — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 04:10:59 +0000

Every morning for a week when I walk through the Essex Street pedestrian mall I see the town guys working on the Christmas lights. I’d say they are almost done.

Christmas in Salem home tour

Forrest — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 13:09:26 +0000

If you live in Salem or have ever been here then I’m sure you have walked by some of the beautiful old houses and wondered what they are like inside. Well… this weekend is your chance to find out.

For the past 28 years, Historic Salem Inc. (the people responsible for those cool plaques on our homes) has been organizing a walking tour of historic homes to help raise money for their organization. Let me say right up front that I am a member, choosing to join after attending a series of walking tours this summer. I felt it was $40 ( for a household membership) well spent. They do a great job for the community so please don’t be put off by their website www.historicsalem.org.

Two years ago I went on the house tour and walked through 15 homes (only 14 were on the tour but someone left a door open and next thing you know 50 people walked through their house). Most were private residences but some were public and/or notable, like the House of Seven Gables and the Home for Aged Women (a McIntire home). It is a true pleasure to see how some of the historical homes you walk by every day look inside. I often get inspired by how some people have kept up or restored their homes. I also am bewildered by some of the other things that people do to their houses. Either way its a win win for me and Historic Salem.

This years tour keeps the summer walking lecture series alive by focusing on Samuel McIntire.

McIntire: Mansions and More will be the theme of the 28th annual Christmas in Salem house tour sponsored by Historic Salem Inc. This year’s event will showcase the work of Samuel McIntire, Salem’s renowned Federal period architect and carver, in the 250th anniversary year of his birth. Fifteen of Salem’s finest properties, designed or inspired by McIntire, will be featured on this tour, which will be located in the Washington Square/Salem Common area as well as in the Federal and Chestnut Street neighborhoods which make up the aptly named McIntire District.
- Historic Salem Inc.

I know that Salem is a walking city and this walking tour is a prime example of a great way to spend a weekend day here in town. The tour runs from 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday December 1, 2007 and 11:30 am to 4:30 pm on Sunday, advanced ticket holders get a Friday night bonus of five homes open just to them from 5 pm to 8 pm.

Advance tickets can be purchased at the following retailers before Thursday Nov. 29th at 5:00pm. Ticket prices are $20 in advance, $18 for HSI members and seniors.

A Touch of the Past, 83 Washington Street, Salem
Borders Books & Music, 151 Andover Street, Peabody
Peter D. Barter Gift Shop, 201 Derby Street, Salem
Waters & Brown, 281 Derby Street, Salem
Waters & Brown, 14 Elliott Street, Beverly
The Trolley Depot, 191 Essex Street, Salem

Tickets may be purchased the day of the tour (Saturday & Sunday) for $25 at:

Hamilton Hall – 9 Chestnut St,
Treasures Over Time – 131 Essex Street #4

Note:
Usually when I contribute to this site I stock the post with photos, unfortunately I am on the road now and don’t have access to last years images. I will do a follow up to this post with a selection of pictures from this years tour so stay tuned!

Staying in Salem – the lodging lowdown

Glen Hughes — Sun, 04 Nov 2007 15:14:23 +0000

So you want to come to Salem but don’t know where to stay? Want to save some money but still be in a good location? Perhaps you’re looking for the best hotel room in Salem at the least expensive time of year. Read on, book early and come often.

With Salem being one of the top tourist destination cities in the US for a variety of reasons, there are plenty of places for the traveler to stay. We have two large hotels, inns, a motel and a plethora of Bed & Breakfasts. For you thrill seekers, some rooms and houses are even said to be haunted.

Where to stay in Salem

Full Service Hotels

Hawthorne Hotel
18 Washington Square
Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites
225 Derby Street

Inns

The Salem Inn
7 Summer Street

Motel

The Clipper Ship Inn*
40 Bridge Street

Bed & Breakfasts

Amela Payson House
16 Winter Street
Coach House Inn*
284 Lafayette Street
Henry Derby House
47 Derby Street
The Inn on Washington Square
53 Washington Square North
Morning Glory Bed & Breakfast
22 Hardy Street
Northey Street House
30 Northey Street
Stephen Daniels House
1 Daniels Street
Stepping Stone Inn
19 Washington Square North

RV / Camping

Winter Island Marine Park*
50 Winter Island Road

* Not within 10 minute walking distance to down town

When to come to the Witch City

As with every other destination when you come determines what you pay. Since Halloween and all things spooky are why many people come to town, October is the most expensive month. What you might not know is Salem visitors start coming in April and don’t slow down until November. The hotels, inn and motel are open year round. If you are interested in a B&B check their sites because many close down November through January or November through April.

Room prices vary from an off season quaint B&B room for under $75 to a King Suite with a wet bar in October for over $300. Here is a simple chart to help figure things out.

January $
February $
March $
April $$
May $$
June $$
July $$
August $$
September $$$
October $$$$
November $
December $

Weekday rates are less expensive than weekends and reservations are recommended (required by most) in September and October.

Other things to consider

Salem is a walking city. With few exceptions ( see above) all of the accommodation’s are in walking distance to all of the attractions. There is no need to drive anywhere in town once you get to Salem. If you are planning to stay at one of the larger hotels parking is included. If you are thinking about a B&B you should call ahead and ask about parking availability. In the off season Salem has plenty of parking but starting in the summer parking gets tight. During October the city enacts a parking ban allowing only residents to park in many of the neighborhoods.

Food for thought

Regardless of where you decide to stay, seeing all that Salem has to offer requires you to keep your energy level up. If you want to stock some food in your room for when you get the late night munchies, keep in mind that Salem has one grocery store in the down town area (and one 24 hour quickie mart). We have many other markets in town but they are not within walking distance.

The hotels have restaurants serving round the clock and the Salem Inn has a dining room with limited service hours. Fear not because Salem is blessed with a variety of great restaurants, cafes and sandwich shops. If you don’t visit some of them you’re Salem trip will really be missing out.

Make sure to bring some good walking shoes and a hearty appetite. You’ll be sure to leave with a smile on your face and some great memories!

Halloween night in Salem

Forrest — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 18:20:17 +0000

WOW, what a night. I didn’t think this year would be that big early on in the day since things got off to a slow start. About noon I walked around and there were a few people in costume but nothing major. After school got out the streets started to pick up and performers gathered to find the key spots. I ducked inside about 4pm to get my costume on. When we emerged things had picked up significantly.

The police had sectioned off all of the down town area from Derby St. to the Common down to the train station and over to the post office. All available space was being used with bands and DJs set up on Hawthorne Blvd., Derby St., and Washington St., and a food court set up in the Common.

People were all decked out in their finest costumes. All the traditional Dracula, werewolf, Frankenstein, and mummy’s made an appearance. But the overwhelming costumes for women, or should I say girls was the slutty “fill in the blank” of note were, cop, witch, nurse, pirate, umpire, vampire, fireman, candy corn, devil, wonder woman, cat woman, rainbow bright, gangster, prison inmate, and last but not least slutty nun. The adult entertainment industry can rest assured that the next generation of performers is ready and willing to step up.

Not to be left out of the fun, a cadre of fundamentalist Christians were patrolling the streets with giant signs and bullhorns. I think their warnings of eternal damnation fell on deaf ears. Satan showed up and gathered quite a crowd when he was hanging out with the God squad.

Shortly after 10pm the fireworks started up on the water adjacent to the commuter rail station. It was a half hearted attempt at topping off the night, unfortunately they seemed to drag on uneventfully for a half hour. When the fireworks had wrapped up the police had sectioned off the area and started pushing people out of town, beginning with the pedestrian mall. By midnight Salem once again was returned to its former self, with all the vendors and tourists just a memory.

This morning it seemed almost sad.

Halloween and Carnies

Glen Hughes — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 14:43:00 +0000

There was much talk this year about adding a carnival to the Salem halloween experience. At first the mayor wanted to put it on the common but that idea was shot down by the residents. They ended up putting it on Derby Street in a vacant lot, a great location and a great use of the space.

The carnival consists of about 5 rides and 3 games of skill/chance. It’s way over priced ($4 for a ride on the ferris wheel) and probably a waste of your time. Unless you have kids or want to break your tooth on a candied apple you can avoid this attraction.

In other more exciting news; Today is the Big Day!

If you are still thinking of coming into Salem, take the train. All the parking lots are full already (its 10:30 am). The parade starts at 9 and fireworks are at 10. Salem Insiders know to get a good spot at one of the local watering holes or outside areas to watch the freakshow as it explodes after school and after dark.

Tomorrow we will have a bunch of great photos recapping the madness that is Salem on Halloween.

Halloween in Salem

Glen Hughes — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 15:27:05 +0000

The flood of people has arrived. This photo taken in the pedestrian mall the other day gives you a taste of how October looks to the average Salem resident. People and vendors as far as the eye can see.

On a separate note- I’ve spent some time retrieving some of the old articles from the database crash. But the most recent backup was too long ago and we will never recover everything.

Halloween Witch Ride

Forrest — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 15:11:45 +0000

I know what you are thinking but sorry, no actual witches were ridden during the witch ride. It was the 19th annual Harley ride from Boston to Salem with all the proceeds going to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. About 4000 bikes attended the one hour ride up to Salem and the weather was a perfect 72 degrees and sunny.

This year Boston Harley has a new owner, Bruce Rossmeyer. And he has made some major changes over there. One of which was to bring back the old parade route. The past few years the ride has been a mess, starting late, riding the highway to make up time, a general state of disorder. This year the ride was prompt and wound up 1A with the lead police motorcycles shooting down LaFayette and onto Derby at a few minutes past 2pm. It took about an hour for all the bikes to finish filing in with many riders in costume and some handing out halloween candy to the crowd of thousands lining the streets.

Every food joint or place to grab a drink from the wharf to down town was slammed from 3pm on. Sightseers were ogling the bikes as much as the amusements, cemeteries and other attractions.

If you are a fan of motorcycles and are going to visit Salem only once during the season (you would be missing out big time) come for the Witch Ride, you wont be disappointed.

The Lobster Shanty

Mr. Salem — Sat, 18 Aug 2007 14:42:33 +0000

The Lobster Shanty
25 Front Street
978 745.5449

NOTE: The Shanty still opens in April but now closes on January 15th and is apparently under new ownership.

The Lobster Shanty is a no-frills restaurant and bar with a really laid back attitude. If your looking for some local food don’t come here on Monday, the kitchen is only open Tues – Sun till 9pm. But if you’re looking to grab a cheap beer and chill out, grab a seat at the bar or sit outside and enjoy the summer air.

Along with the limited food they have a limited schedule, The Shanty is seasonal and opens in April(?) and closes up in November. But if you’re in town on a nice night in the summer this is the place to be. Live music fills the night air and the locals stay up past their bed time eating nachos and drinking $2 beers.

Food: D
Drinks: C
Value: A
Fun Factor: A