Salem Guide: Eat, See & Shop in the Witch City! 🧙‍♀️

Salem is essentially one charming street + one scenic waterfront — perfect for a relaxed day trip. Stroll the street in the morning, enjoy a meal, and unwind by the sea in the afternoon. 🏮 The Street: Essex Street 🏯 Yin Yu Tang Part of the Peabody Essex Museum, this is a full Qing Dynasty Huizhou-style house transported piece-by-piece from Anhui, China, and rebuilt in Salem. The restoration is breathtaking — you can even play mahjong inside! A powerful blend of history and cultural preservation. 🖼️ Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) Explores the Salem Witch Trials and their impact on American justice. Don’t miss the stunning light installation “All Flowers Are for Me” 💡🌺 — inspired by Pakistani textile art, symbolizing sunlight seen through a woman’s veil. The grand hall features eerie music and a tragic love story — hauntingly beautiful. 🌳 Essex Street Itself The heart of Salem! Lined with cafes, souvenir shops, and street performances. Look for the Blue Trees installation near PEM — an eco-art project raising awareness about rainforest loss. 🌱 Not Ya Mama's Vegan Cafe A tasty vegan spot recommended by a friendly local! Try the Steak Bomb ($19) or Turkey Sandwich ($15) — both made with plant-based meat. Portions are huge — one sandwich is enough for a meal. Great flavor, though a bit pricey. Worth it if you love creative vegan food! 🌊 The Waterfront: Salem Maritime Historic Site ⚓ Custom House Where Nathaniel Hawthorne once worked. The staff here is super friendly — one gentleman gave us a passionate tour! Funny signs on the walls quote Hawthorne’s snarky comments about hating his job and coworkers 😂. 🏠 The House of the Seven Gables Hawthorne’s childhood home. Entry requires a ticket — skip it unless you’re a die-hard fan. The exterior is photogenic enough! 🧸 Souvenirs Most shops sell typical trinkets, but one standout is “That Witch Shop” — cute name, better quality! Salem is small but full of stories — perfect for a laid-back, culture-filled day. #Salem #WitchCity #DayTrip #TravelUSA #PEM #VeganSalem #HistoryLovers