{"id":6417,"date":"2018-12-11T16:36:11","date_gmt":"2018-12-11T21:36:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thingstodoinsa.wpenginepowered.com\/?p=6417"},"modified":"2018-12-11T18:45:49","modified_gmt":"2018-12-11T23:45:49","slug":"how-to-live-your-best-life-during-an-october-visit-to-salem-ma","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thingstodoinsalem.com\/index.php\/2018\/12\/11\/how-to-live-your-best-life-during-an-october-visit-to-salem-ma\/","title":{"rendered":"How to live your best life during an October visit to Salem, MA"},"content":{"rendered":"

We all want to be living our best lives, right? Planning an October visit into Salem can be chaotic, so the following are the ways you can enjoy your visit the most, in my opinion.<\/p>\n

Before you get there\u2026<\/h3>\n

Plan ahead. I know I\u2019ve said that before, but I\u2019ll say it again here. Plan as much as you can, ahead of time. Buy or download a map of Salem, get your hands on a few guides<\/a>, work your way through my Countdown to Salem<\/a> workbook, follow accounts on social media that deal with travel and tourism in Salem, etc. October is a very busy time in the witch city and those that plan will have an easier go of it.<\/p>\n

Book your hotel early. Salem is home to many accommodations<\/a>, so figure out which ones you\u2019re interested in and book your room as soon as reservations are available. Sign up for newsletters, follow their accounts on social media and keep your eyes open.<\/p>\n

Map it out. I suggest at least looking over a map of Salem ahead of time to sort of understand how it is laid out. During my first visit into the witch city I remember walking the same loops over and over again!<\/p>\n

Once you\u2019re there\u2026<\/h3>\n

Now the fun begins.<\/p>\n

First, in order to live your best life in the witch city, you\u2019d need to book a hotel room IN Salem. None of that travelling back and forth stuff or moving the car. To make it an easy vacation, stay right in the city.<\/p>\n

Wake up bright and early and walk to the Ugly Mug Diner for breakfast. Drink some coffee out of a mismatched mug and relax while you (and the city!) wake up. I personally really like their omelettes.<\/p>\n

Next, while you\u2019re waiting for all of the businesses in Salem to come alive for the day, hop onto the Trolley. It takes about an hour and will loop you around to many historic sites and landmarks in the area. While you\u2019re aboard, make note of the ones that stand out to you so you can revisit them once the Trolley ride is done. This is also a good way to get an idea of the layout of Salem and what attractions are close by, etc.<\/p>\n

The other attraction I pretty much always suggest (besides the Trolley) is the House of the Seven Gables. I think the tour guides do such a great job and I have learned something new each time I\u2019ve visited. The property is so pretty and I really like their gift shop. Once you\u2019re off the Trolley, I recommend stopping by the Gables for a tour! Once you\u2019re done there, you\u2019re super close to the Wharf. Take a walk down to the Derby Wharf light or stop into the shops along the water.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re a fan of seafood, grab a table at a restaurant where you can see the wharf. Sea Level is always a popular choice and it\u2019s\u00a0right there<\/em>. If you\u2019re not a fan of fish (like myself) I\u2019d suggest stopping into Brodie\u2019s for a burger. They have one of my favorites in Salem which is called the Brodie Burger.<\/p>\n

Grab some coffee from Jaho and if you\u2019re able to, hop onto the Schooner Fame! I went out on the water with them a few months ago and had such a good time, you guys. Seriously. It was so relaxing and I had a blast, truly.<\/p>\n

Once you\u2019re done on the boat, walk up to Jolie Tea Co. for a drink and a scone! I love the whole vibe of the place. If you\u2019d rather a macaron, I\u2019d suggest heading to Caramel French Patisserie for a lemon one. They\u2019re my favorite in Salem!<\/p>\n

Now that you\u2019re refueled, I\u2019d suggest wandering the attractions that caught your eye while you were on the Trolley. Take your time and enjoy walking around to Salem\u2019s gorgeous and historic sites. Take in some good people watching, enjoy everyone\u2019s costumes and have fun taking pictures.<\/p>\n

When dinner time rolls around I\u2019d say a stop into Rockafellas is in order. Their food is average \u201cAmerican fare\u201d, however it\u2019s the window booths that I am always after. Especially near Halloween, when people are walking around in costume! Relax, have some dinner and a drink and take in the scenes of Essex street.<\/p>\n

I think following up dinner at Rockafellas with a drink at The Roof is an awesome way to wind down the night. The Roof is located atop the Hotel Salem and offers a nice view of the city. Hang out, have some chips or snacks if you want something to pick at and enjoy.<\/p>\n

Lastly, you wouldn\u2019t be living your best life without cookies from Goodnight Fatty to wrap it up. Serving on the weekends, they can be found slinging the most delicious cookies in Salem.<\/p>\n

I hope this helps! My little run down of an awesome day in the witch city is based on my own opinions and preferences of course\u2026feel free to comment below with your picks. Enjoy!! <3<\/p>\n

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