Looking for some amazing spots to hit up while you’re here in Salem? Whether you’re here for a weekend or here for an afternoon, here are some personal recommendations I have from a locals perspective!

coffee coffee and more coffee

JAHO

There’s now two Jaho locations in Salem! One down by the wharf and the other on Canal street between downtown and Salem State University. They have a fun seasonal menu always in rotation as well as their regular specialty brews like the nutty professor or oatmeal cookie latte. Their food options even include fresh bagels from the bagel boys, pizza, sandwiches and donuts. Whether you’re stopping in for an early morning coffee to start your day, afternoon pick me up, or even a late night cocktail, Jaho will never disappoint.

COFFEE TIME BAKE SHOP

Just on the edge of town between Salem and Beverly, is Coffee Time! We love to grab a Vietnamese iced coffee whenever we make the trip, and they have wonderful fresh made pastries. If you’re traveling to Salem anytime between early February through Easter, be sure to stop in and grab a packzi (or a dozen just to be safe). These amazing traditional polish pastries are only available then, and are absolutely delish.

SPELLS COFFEE SHOP

Just a little ways outside of downtown, Spells is a hauntingly good place to stop for a cup of coffee. They use locally sourced beans and have local goods and souvenirs if you’re on your way out of town and forgot to pick something up along the way.

BLACK CRAFT COFFEE

This one is an absolute must. Black Craft Coffee is located in the back of the Blackcraft retail store on Essex street. The shop is inside an old bank that they revamped into this magical clothing store. This is one of the most unique places to stop for a quick drink! Their PSL is one of the best I’ve ever had in town.

ON THE GRIND CAFE

On the Grind Cafe is a newer coffee shop just outside downtown! Their frozen cappuccino is better than any other. We love coming here the morning after a wedding or elopement to grab some caffeine to recharge. All their coffees are made with Atomic coffee, another local north shore coffee company.

shopping downtown

HAUSWITCH

If you’re looking for some witchy goodies to take home with your or as a gift from your trip to Salem, Hauswitch is the place to check out. From home spell kits, witchy decor, salem souvenirs, and crystals they have something for everyone in store. They even offer a world of wonderful classes after hours like candle making, Astrology 101, tarot and altar building.

OAK AND MOSS

Are you a plant or home decor girlie? Head on over to oak and moss to spruce up your home with their always changing line up of indoor plants, books, home decor and much much more. They are always stocked with the right kind of gift for you or a friend.

ASCEND

Last year I started a new tradition of doing something new downtown on every November 1st to celebrate the end of busy season, and the first thing I did was sign up to get my aura photo done with a friend. They have plenty of options for events and services that include aura photography, group seances, tarot and reiki.

Fun for all

BIT BAR ARCADE

Bit Bar is here for all of us kids at heart. They have a rotation of arcade games which include pinball, ms. pacman, DDR, and our absolute favorite, skeeball. You’ll feel so nostalgic for all their food and drinks with things like the Princess Peach and Butterbeer cocktails. If you’re looking for something fun at night, they have a wide rotation of events including karaoke nights, RuPaul Drag Race viewing party, and Super Smash Bros tournaments to name a few. Whenever we have a new friend coming in to town to visit, Bit Bar is ALWAYS on our list of things to do! You cannot miss out on this fun spot.

PEABODY ESSEX MUSEUM

If you’re looking for some kind of indoor activity whether to get away from the tourists or weather, the PEM is a great place to stop in. Check out the current Bats exhibit (here until July 2024), the museum garden, or pop outside to check out the blue trees. There are even some historic homes located throughout downtown that are in association with the PEM and can be seen during a walking tour. These include the Quaker Meeting House and of course the Ropes Mansion!

WINTER ISLAND

If you have a car during your trip to Salem, Winter Island Park should be on your list of sites to see. Tucked away from the commotion of downtown, this little park is a beautiful seaside sight. There are plenty of walking paths that will take you through the park, along the beaches (waikiki beach to be exact!) and back towards The Willows.

WILLOWS ARCADE

Another one on the list when you’re looking for that sweet nostalgic feeling. Head on over to The Willows where you can grab a bit to eat from spots that includes tacos, popcorn, ice cream, and pizza. After you’re full up from faire foods, head on over to the arcade to play games and win tickets for your chance to grab an arcade shot glass, t shirt or hoodie. The arcade is a great spot to head to if you’re here looking for some summer fun!

Foodies paradise

AJ KING BAKERY

With two locations, and one in the heart of downtown, AJ King is a great spot to hit if you’re in need of a quick bite to eat, a delicious coffee, or some baked goods to bring home. Their garlic sourdough loaf is one of the most amazing breads I’ve ever had. Once cut and toasted, the garlic spreads like literal butter and there is just nothing better. Their breads taste so good since they have their own mill and bring in locally sourced grains to mill on site. My favorite drink to get is the sticky bun latte.

BARRIO

If you love tacos, run to Barrio. With their made to order tacos you won’t be able to stop yourself from order one, two, three or more since they are just so dang good. They have a monthly food and drink menu in rotation that is always worth checking out. No matter what filling you get, order it in a green goddess shell- flour & corn tortillas, queso, and guacamole.

BELLA VERONA

This is the perfect spot if you’re looking for a quiet date night out. Bella Verona is one of the best authentic Italian spots around and we are so lucky to have it right here in Salem! Make sure to end the night with an espresso or home made cannoli (or both).

LIFE ALIVE

If you’re looking for a healthy spot to fuel your walking tour downtown, you need to check out Life Alive. This organic plant based cafe has everything you need, from coffee, whole grain bowls, salads and kombucha on draft. My go to order is the blonde miso soup with a heart beet juice. And don’t forget to ask for their house made hot sauce!

KOKESHI

If you’re conflicted about what to eat for dinner and just can’t decide between pizza and ramen, look no further than Kokeshi. Bambolina and Kokeshi were two sister restaurants located in Salem that combined their spaces back in 2020. Kokeshi is known for their small plates and ramen dishes, while Bambolina makes amazing wood fired pizzas. If you’re craving warm comfort food- this is the spot to check out. We love their steamed edamame (with matcha and sea salt!) and their back alley bacon or Colonel Sanders ramen. I’m constantly craving this warm bowl of ramen no matter the weather and once you go you will be too.

Sweet Treats

GOODNIGHT FATTY

Do you love cookies? Do you love a secret rotating menu of cookies? Then you need to check out Goodnight Fatty. This late night cookie shop is only open on the weekends- so if you’re here during the week, you’ll have to make another trip up to Salem just for these fatties. Located in the center of downtown at the Carriage house, you can choose a flight of cookies (with milk of course) or soft serve with a cookie or cereal toppings.

MELT

The one thing I really love about Melt is how many ice cream flavors they have that include local vendors. Their salted caramel brownie ice cream includes gluten free brownie bits from another local bakery, Jodi Bees. They always have a large selection of their current flavors as well as some in rotation. Depending on the season, you might be able to grab a scoop or two of margarita, honey lavender, or eggnog. My go to order is a cup of banana nutella with peanut butter cups- yum!

Drinks

FAR FROM THE TREE CIDER

A quick walk from the center of downtown, and you’ll find Far From the Tree Cider. Bring some friends and some food. They have plenty of games to choose from and enjoy either at the bar or outside. My favorite drink to grab here is any one of their slushies!

THE ROOF

Salem’s only rooftop bar, The Roof, is located on Essex Street above Hotel Salem. We love when the weather starts to warm up, since it gives us an excuse to head over to enjoy a quick bite and some drinks outside. The Roof was named “Best Hotel Bar” and “Best Bar for City Views” in Northshore Magazine. With their bomb starters and craft cocktails head on up to The Roof for a unique perspective of Salem.

photo backdrop spooky spots

WITCH HOUSE

When you picture quintessential spooky Salem backdrops, you have to be thinking about The Witch House. They offer tours where you’ll learn all about it’s rich history throughout the witch trials and what life was like back in the 1700’s. If you don’t have time for a tour, you can always take a quick selfie (or book a shoot here and let me do it!) to document the spookiest spot in Salem.

ROPES MANSION

From the PEM’s website: “In 1893, three unmarried Ropes sisters living in Cincinnati decided to move to Salem upon learning that the Ropes Mansion, along with a sizable fortune, had been left to them. The sisters conceived an ambitious plan to transform the mansion into a comfortable home for themselves, and make preparations for it to become Salem’s first historic house museum.”

If you love Hocus Pocus, be sure to add The Ropes Mansion to your list of sites to see, since it was Allison’s house in the film. If you have the time, book a house tour (starting back up in May on the weekends) or if you have less time, make sure to at least check out the beautiful gardens in the back. They are free for the public to enjoy!

OLD TOWN HALL

Another Hocus Pocus Salem staple, head on over to Old Town Hall where you can dance and party along to “I Put a Spell on You”. Old Town Hall was built in 1816 and is no longer in use as our official town hall, but often hosts events and markets inside. From flea markets, craft fairs, as well as our farmers market on Thursdays through the summer and early fall, there is plenty to see and do here.