Jul 082014
 

Northshore MagazineWhere is one of the great places on the North Shore to get a quick or extended bite to eat (Salem, MA) ? Opinions differ as much as tastes do, (Salem, MA) but according to North Shore Magazine’s readers, many of their favorites (Salem, MA) in the recent Best of North Shore survey are in…. you guessed it, Salem, MA.

And it’s not just food that we scored high in the hearts and minds of BONS responders. Salem establishments in other categories also ranked quite high.

DINE

A&J King – Best Bakery (BONS & Readers’ Choice)

Scratch Kitchen – Best BBQ

The Ugly Mug – Best Breakfast

Red’s – Best Breakfast (Readers’ Choice)

A&B Burgers – Best Burger (Tied? Runner-up?  – with Lexie’s on State)

Passage To India – Best Indian (Readers’ Choice)

62 Restaurant – Best Italian

Brodie’s – Best Lobster Roll (Taster’s Choice)

Longboards – Best Lobster Roll (Taster’s Choice)

Grapevine – Best Mediterranean

King’s Roast Beef – Best Roast Beef

Turner’s Seafood – Best Seafood, Prepared

Opus – Best Sushi

Life Alive – Vegetarian (BONS & Readers’ Choice)

DRINK

Tavern in the Square – Best Sports Bar (Readers’ Choice)

INDULGE

A&J King – Bake Shop, Pastry (Readers’ Choice)

Ye Olde Pepper Companie – Best Confectionery

Harbor Sweets – Best Confectionery (Readers’ Choice)

The Cookie Monstah (featured at Salem Farmers’ Market) – Best Cookies

62 Restaurant – Best Dessert

Coffee Time Bake Shop – Best Dessert (Readers’ Choice)

RENEW

Paxton – Best Barber Shop, New School

North Shore Boot Camp Company – Best Boot Camp (and great pic of Brandi Dion!)

Hawthorne Hotel – Best Hotel (Readers’ Choice)

Rouge Cosmetics – Best Makeup Application (BONS & Readers’ Choice)

Yoga Sakti – Best Yoga Studio (Readers’ Choice)

PLAY

Witch City 5K – Best Community Walk/Run (Readers’ Choice)

Kernwood Country Club – Best Country Club (Honorable Mention)

Salem Willows Park – Best Family Hangout, Indoor (Readers’ Choice)

Haunted Happenings – Best Festival, Fall (Readers’ Choice)

Salem Film Fest – Best Festival, Spring

Salem’s So Sweet – Best Festival, Winter (BONS & Readers’ Choice)

CinemaSalem – Best Movie Theater (BONS & Readers’ Choice)

Peabody Essex Museum – Best Museum (BONS & Readers’ Choice), Best Tourist Attraction (Readers’ Choice)

SHOP

Petite Etoile – Best Baby Clothing

Modern Millie – Best Consignment (Readers’ Choice)

Roost – Best Gifts

Rouge – Best Makeup Selection

Mighty Aphrodite – Best Maternity Clothing (BONS & Readers’ Choice)

The Barking Cat – Best Pet Boutique (Readers’ Choice)

Mud Puddle Toys – Best Toy Shop (BONS & Readers’ Choice)

NEST

Tri-City Sales – Best Kitchen Appliances (Readers’ Choice)

Landry & Arcari – Best Rugs (BONS & Readers’ Choice)

LIVE

Admiral Concierge – Best Concierge (Readers’ Choice)

Green Clean – Best Cleaning Service (BONS & Readers’ Choice)

So when you think about going somewhere for food and more, no need to give a second thought. Salem has it all in a convenient package. Don’t take our word for it. Take the word of lots of people on the North Shore.

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Nov 162013
 

When exactly are things supposed to slow down in Salem?

We just finished Fall Restaurant Week. Well, actually two weeks of fine dining.

We are in the midst of Winter Market, Thursdays (except Thanksgiving week) from 3-6pm at Old Town Hall.

The soon to be Turner’s Seafood Restaurant will be opening this week (or next, everything needs to be just right). Yes, another different flavor of dining comes to Salem. Described in their own words, “Salem experiences the heritage, dedication & expertise of our family’s four generations… sourcing, preparing & serving the freshest, best tasting seafood at our authentic New England seafood restaurant & market in storied Lyceum Hall.”

Brunonia BarryBrunonia Barry (The Lace Reader and The Map of True Places) noted author from Salem —a New York Times Best-selling author we may add—  Baccante award winner & Strand Fellowship recipient will close out the 2013 “Seven Lectures at Seven Gables” series at (where else) the House of Seven Gables, Wednesday at 7pm.

CinemaSalem is running a special double feature this Thursday on the 8pm premiere of Catching Fire by preceding it with the original Hunger Games movie at 5pm.

Another celebrity comes to town on Thursday, when Jenny Johnson, the Emmy Award Winning producer and television host of TV Diner visits J. Mode for a “Girls Night Event,” 6-8:30pm. The evening’s guests will enjoy wine, small bites and a beautiful spread offered by Pretzel Crisps, plus of course shopping. Space is limited and the first 25 guests will receive a swag bag filled with surprises. Attendees will also be treated to a raffle and the opportunity to earn double points in J. Mode’s customer loyalty program.

But before that you might want to visit the Peabody Essex Museum for Members’ Appreciation Day. This holiday season, the Museum Shop wants to thank members for their support with a special gift and additional discounts. Visit the shop and receive your exclusive PEM swag bag!

Join then from 1-3pm for a book signing with Benneville Strohecker, founder of the Salem-based Harbor Sweets. He’ll sign copies of his new children’s book, The Day the Ocean Changed to Chocolate. Also meet a representative from Tea Forte, and sample delicious teas.

Close out the evening with the latest in the PEM/PM after hours gathering. This month Anime and Manga; these are Japanese comic books and animation that have taken America by storm. Come celebrate this fascinating medium from 6:30-9:30pm with a visual music performance, drawing with professional graphic artists and an engaging conversation organized by the Tannery Series. Members and Salem residents (with ID) free, non-members $10. Cash bar. Refreshments available for purchase in the Atrium Cafe.

And that is just this week.

On Nov. 30 we take part in Small Business Saturday, but that’s another blog.

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Oct 172013
 

Oh to be a kid in Salem Ma during Haunted Happenings. We’ve had Family Days on the Common. The Big Draw in front of the Peabody Essex Museum. There is a Carnival on Derby Street. And not a week goes by that one of our Downtown stores or organizations isn’t offering some activity focusing on children.

Just look at what is on this weekend’s horizon.

Sat./Sun. 11am-noon: Professor Wunders’ School of Magic. This is promoted as a fantastic event for families, with fun special effects and audience participation! Learn the basics of magic, and cast exciting spells with Professor Wunders. Every child receives a magic glow ring as a gift before the show. Free pictures with the Wizard on stage after the show. 7 Lynde St (Gallows Hill Museum Theater) For ticket prices: 978-825-0222 or GallowsHillSalem.com/

Sat./Sun. 11am-5pm: Ask a Witch & Make a Wand. You are invited to stop by and make a wand with the Witches Education League. Ask questions about Witches and Witchcraft. This is the 20th anniversary of Ask A Witch. All proceeds go to charities. Artemisia Botanicals, 3 Hawthorne Blvd ArtemisiaBotanicals.com

Kid's Day on the Common

Sat./Sun. 11am-5pm: Salem Common Fun Days. Where else can you find nteractive inflatables, games, entertainers, fun foods, contests and more other than on the Salem Common. Brought to you by New England Parties. A portion of proceeds will benefit non-profit partner Salem Common Neighborhood Association. Salem Common

Sat. Noon-3pm: Annual Children’s Halloween Parade & Costume Party Children ages 3-10 are invited to Salem Common in costume. From there the parade travels down Essex Street to a costume competition in Derby Square. Parade Registration at 11am, parade begins at noon. Costume party from 1pm-3pm at the Phoenix School. Rain location: 89 Margin St. Salem Common PhoenixSchool.org

Sat./Sun. Noon-10pm: Haunted Happenings Carnival Once again Fiesta Shows builds something out of nothing, creating andelight for all the senses for kids of all ages. takes over while visiting Salem and act your age somewhere else! Games, rides and all the fun rolled up in one! Derby St.

Sat.1-3pm: Jedi Knight Training will be held on the Common Children between four and nine years of age will have a chance to interact with a real Jedi Knight. And this interactive performance is geared for both boys and girls! Children are led through a series of challenges including Jedi Force Magic, the Laser Balloon Barrage and Jedi Teamwork culminating in an epic lightsaber duel with the JePumpkinsdi Master himself. There is no admission fee and costumes are encouraged! Salem Common.

One other item to mention is the Sixth Annual Pumpkin Decorating Contest. Strictly for people on the younger side, it is set up with three age groupings: 6-year old and under, 7-10 year old and 11-14 year old. Their pumpkins will be on display for family, friends and tourists to view during October on Salem Common. Objects, paper, and materials of any kind may be pinned or glued to pumpkins. Participants may also draw or paint on their entries. They are to deliver finished works of art to the Common Oct. 18 from 4-7pm and Oct. 19 from 11am to 2pm. Judging will take place Oct. 20 at 11am. For full rules go to Salem Patch.

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Jul 152013
 

What is one of the first things you see when looking at houses in Salem Ma? Shutters? Doors? Windows? Mostly likely it is a colorful window box. Salem is well known for this lively bit of exterior appendage to our structures. And to encourage as well as honor those who go the extra mile to dress up the city, Salem has been holding an annual Window Box Competition since 1993.

This year the Salem BeautificationWindow Box Sample Committee, The Salem Garden Club, and Mayor Kimberly Driscoll are inviting all of you residents to once again help beautify the city and show off your gardening talents. Registrations are required by Friday, July 26.

Ellen Talkowsky, Special Projects Coordinator for the City’s Department of Public Services, tells Salem MainStreets “We have a residential and a business category plus a ‘new entry’ category for participants who have not entered the competition before. Winners receive an award certificate, prize ribbons to put on their window boxes and a framed picture of their award winning box.”

 Judging takes place July 27-29 with the Awards Ceremony & Reception to take place on a day during Heritage Days. Interested participants should call 978-619-5676 or email etalkowsky@salem.com by putting “Window Box” in the subject line. Include your name, street address and telephone number in the email.

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Feb 282013
 

We have an exciting Salem First Friday on tap this Friday night March 1st!  Over 30 stores are staying open later than usual just for you!  Do you believe in magic— well of course you do if you live in Salem— close your eyes, tap your heels and join us for a magical night!

Downtown and Pickering Wharf businesses host special events including cooking demonstrations, live music, art showings and all manner of creative events!  And (did you note our reference to tapping heels?) we have a special added attraction of an “Oz the Great and Powerful” scavenger hunt with prizes,  special extended movie preview at Cinema Salem, live Spanish Flamenco dance and guitar demonstration in Museum Place Mall, face painting at Cinema Salem as well as sales and promotions in many of the stores and restaurants.   Most events begin at 5pm.

“Oz The Great and Powerful” Scavenger Hunt

Check into at least 8 of the 30-plus participating businesses on the Salem First Friday listing and bring your completed card (available online or in the stores) to Cinema Salem between 6:30-8:30pm that night to enter a special drawing for an “Oz in Salem” prize package. Additional prizes will be drawn including special 3D pre-screening tickets and swag!

For more details, times and a printable list of participating businesses please visit Salem First Friday on Facebook and on the web!

No purchase necessary and you do not need to be present to win. Enjoy!

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