Things to Love About Salem, Massachusetts

1. Halloween. Every year in Salem, Halloween is a month long celebration known as “Haunted Happenings.” The Haunted Happenings celebration bills itself as “America’s Halloween Festival,” and kicks off in early October with a parade known as the “Grand Parade.” It’s not unusual to see people dressed up in costumes any day in October, at any time. Halloween itself is like one big outdoor costume party with street vendors selling Halloween-related items as well as food and drink.

2. Salem is a walk to everything city: the train, the bus, the grocery store, the bank, restaurants and live music, the park, the common, the dog park, the waterfront, you name it!

3. Dogs! Believe it or not, Salem is very dog friendly! You can walk through the city and see that the local businesses have water bowls out for dogs!! Salem has a dog park with a large fenced in area, and many wonderful other parks.

4. Salem has culture! Music and lots of it; Salem is going to have its first annual Soul and Jazz Festival at Salem Willows this summer. The Peabody Essex Museum is a world class museum; we have a thriving art community: art galleries and Artists Row (where local artists have formed a co-op to sell their wares). Don't forget the Picklepot that sells items made by local artists.

5. Tremendous night life. Many Salem bars and clubs have excellent live music. Specific recommendations include Rockafellas, Dodge Street, Edgewater Café, and Bangkok Paradise. For a more low key evening, take in a movie at Salem’s own movie theater, Cinema Salem.

6. Salem has exceptionally wonderful restaurants! Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Seafood, American, Mexican, Italian, and neighborhood restaurants. You name it, Salem’s got it. Specific recommendations include Strega, The Old Spot, Passage to India, The Grapevine, The Lyceum, Finz, Bella Verona, Red’s Sandwich Shop, In a Pig’s Eye, and the Front Street Coffee House.

7. History. Not just the famous Salem Witch Trials of 1692, but also the rich maritime history (including pirates). And don’t forget the colonial history either.

8. Stunning, must-see architecture. Some highlights include the McIntire Historical District and many of the homes located near Salem Common. One great way to view some architectural highlights is to go on the annual Christmas House Tour run by Historic Salem. Be sure to visit the House of the Seven Gables and the Witch House also.

9. The waterfront area, including the Custom House, Pickering Wharf, and Salem’s own tall ship, “The Friendship.”

10. The cobblestone streets give Salem a historic feel.

11. Salem is one of the most affordable communities on the North Shore.

12. Salem Common. Also known as Washington Square, this 9 acre park of public land is primarily used for concerts and other large public gatherings.

13. Convenient transportation options. Salem Ferry runs to Boston. The MBTA Commuter Rail travels from Salem Depot to Boston as well.

14. Education. Thousands of students attend Salem State College every year and it doubles as one of the largest employers in Salem. For younger students, Salem has an abundance of public and private schools. Foundation for Salem Public Education holds an annual Spring Auction each year at the Hawthorne Hotel. This year's date is Thursday, April 5th, 2007. Channel 5 anchor Susan Wornick will return for the 2nd year as the celebrity auctioneer. Silent Auction is from 6:00-8:00 PM and then the Live Auction is from 8:00-9:00 PM.

15. The Essex Street Pedestrian Mall and the many unique shops throughout the city.

16. Winter Street during a snowstorm.

17. Winter Island (Marine Recreational Park).

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The following RE/MAX Advantage agents contributed to this list:

Maggie Gibson
Buyer Agent for the Sullivan Team
Web Site: www.sullivanteam.com
Email: maggie@sullivanteam.com

Jenny May
Web Site: www.jennymay.biz
Email: jenny@jennymay.biz

Karyn Reardon
Web Site: www.megsteam.com
Email: karynreardon@comcast.net

Staff members Nikki and Alice also contributed to the list.

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RE/MAX Advantage Real Estate's Salem, Massachusetts office is located at:
143 Washington Street
Salem, MA 01970
978-740-2333