Festive Fridays in Salem for Your Holiday Shopping Needs

 Salem Event, Salem Festivals, Salem Shopping, SMS News  No Responses »
Dec 012017
 

How much do you plan to spend on holiday gifts in 2017? The average for shoppers around the USA is approx. $983 according to the American Research Group, Inc which has been polling people every year since 1985. Nearly $1000 for the kids, spouse, family and friends. And if Black Friday, Small Biz Saturday and Cyber Monday didn’t empty your wallet or fill all the stockings, then consider Festive Fridays in Salem.

Festive Fridays is an effort to make shopping work a little better on your schedule as many of our stores will be staying open later on Friday nights. No need to rush to crowded malls. No need to fight for a parking space that will leave you with a 5 minute+ walk from the parking lot to the building.

And where else but in Salem can you find an eclectic array of stores and eateries from which to purchase products, services or just plain gift cards?

Salem Main Streets is encouraging downtown retailers to stay open late every Friday this December leading up to Christmas to help you with your holiday shopping! Each week, we’ll post a list of businesses that have committed to staying open until at least 8 pm, as well as any great deals or special treats that you can look forward to.

Take a #selfiewithashopkeeper and you could win free parking via the Passport parking app!

This week’s participating businesses include:
– The Artists’ Row – Salem, MA tenants – Grace & Diggs, Hervor Soaps, Ceramics by Sibel, Boston Woodturning, ZBY Gallery, and The Lobster Shanty
– A Sacred Place Wellness Center
– Coon’s Card & Gift Shop
– The Coven’s Cottage
– FreakyElegant
– The Happy Sunflower
– Laura Lanes Skin Care
– Mark Your Spot Salem
– Modern Millie Vintage & Consignments
– Moody Interiors
– Ocean Chic Boutique & Waterbar
– Partridge in a Bear Tree Salem
– RJ Coins and Jewelry
– Salemdipity
– Trolley Depot
– Wicked Good Books
– Witch City Wicks
– Witch Pix
– Ye Olde Pepper Companie

We will update with more as participants are confirmed! We will also keep a light on for you!

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Salem Wants Your Reactions to Recent “Haunted Happenings” Halloween Celebration

 Haunted Happenings, History, Salem Festivals, Salem Shopping  1 Response »
Nov 262017
 

Everybody has an opinion although sometimes people don’t want to hear yours. But we do when it comes to reactions, comments, criticism, and suggestions about Haunted Happenings in Salem Ma.

Gone but not forgotten, our month-long celebration of Halloween (and all things spooky) doesn’t just happen by itself. It takes a lot of planning by a lot of people, groups, merchants and attractions.

To that end, the city of Salem has scheduled an “after action” review of Halloween 2017 for this Thursday, Nov. 30 from 5-6pm at the Salem Five Community Room, 210 Essex Street.

Everyone is welcome: tourists, business owners and most especially residents! We want you to share feedback with Mayor Kim Driscoll, and city officials in the public safety, traffic & parking, and public works departments.

What did you like, what worked well, and what did not work well for you this past October? Parking? Traffic patterns? Noise?

If you are unable to attend, the Mayor’s team still wants to hear from you. Submit feedback to mayor@salem.com or write to Office of Mayor Kimberly Driscoll, Salem City Hall, 93 Washington Street, Salem Ma 01970.

Thousands of people flood our community every weekend during October. They generate a significant amount of revenue for merchants and attractions. But unintentionally visitors also impact the lives of residents. This is your chance to help Haunted Happenings continue to be an event that serves the needs of all of Salem.

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With Over 200 Local Storefronts, Salem Captures Spirit of Small Business Saturday

 Salem Event, Salem Festivals, Salem Shopping  No Responses »
Nov 242017
 

Sandwiched between Black Friday and Cyber Monday is the day that small businesses in Salem and all along Main Street USA really look forward to: Small Business Saturday. First observed in the United States on November 27, 2010, it is a day when communities of shoppers are urged to support the convenience of driving or even walking to their local brick & mortar businesses, instead of fighting the crowds at faraway over-crowded malls.

That kick-off Small Business Saturday was sponsored by American Express, National Trust for Historic Preservation, Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino, and Roslindale Village Main Street. Since then it has grown into a nationwide event, with an estimated 112 million consumers reported to have shopped at small businesses on Small Business Saturday in 2016.

Shopping Local Is An Experience

“Small Business Saturday is so great,” explains Kylie Sullivan, Executive Director of Salem Main Streets, “because it’s not just about the shopping or the things – though with over 200 locally-operated storefronts in downtown Salem, there’s certainly no shortage of gifts and treats to be found! Instead it’s more about the experience of being part of a community, the feeling you get when you’re in a locally-owned business that simply can’t be replicated in a box store or online.”

You can walk into a locally-owned Salem store and actually speak to a clerk with product knowledge of items in the store. Or just as likely, you can chat with the store owner! Ever talk to the owner or even manager of a big box store (unless to complain)?

Adds Elizabeth Rutledge, EVP of Global Advertising and Media at American Express, “People across the country are aware of the benefits that small businesses can bring to the community, and the momentum that was started with the first Small Business Saturday continues to build.”

That is backed up by the Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey, released by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) and American Express. Among U.S. consumers who went out and shopped in-store, total reported spending reached an estimated $15.4 billion at independent retailers and restaurants in 2016.

You will be in good company.

So, a word to the wise, relax on Friday and Monday. And make Saturday your day for walking out of Salem stores with good deals for your holiday and other gift giving needs!

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Salem Welcomes the Holidays with Santa’s Arrival and Tree Lighting

 Salem Event, Salem Festivals, SMS News  No Responses »
Nov 212017
 

When you think of the Holiday season, what comes to mind is snow, Santa, and a tree. While we can’t provide snow, Salem Main Streets and the City of Salem invite you to join our community this Friday, Nov. 24th as we celebrate two of our most beloved annual traditions – Santa’s Arrival and the lighting of Salem’s Holiday Tree

Santa Claus will arrive at the top of the Hawthorne Hotel (18 Washington Square W) promptly at 6:00 p.m. with some special assistance from the Salem Fire Department, of course. Organizers recommend arriving to the Salem Common by 5:45 p.m. to catch the arrival. Bring the whole family out for carols, festivities, and fun!

Santa’s arrival will be followed by a procession down the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall to Lappin Park (next to the Bewitched Statue at the intersection of Essex Street and Washington Street), where we will join Santa and Mayor Kimberley Driscoll for the Holiday Tree Lighting. Participants are encouraged to bring lanterns (store-bought or homemade) to carry in the procession. Safety first, though – electric candles are highly recommended!

“Ever since we combined these two events in 2015, the evening has really taken on a whole new life of its own,” says Kylie Sullivan, Executive Director of Salem Main Streets. “It has truly become the community’s way of welcoming in the holidays together.”

Salem Main Streets is thrilled to welcome the North Shore’s own Angie Miller home for the holidays, as she will lead several holiday songs for the Tree Lighting at Lappin Park.  A previous finalist on American Idol, Miller moved to Los Angeles in 2014 to pursue her dream of being a musician and now enjoys a successful career under the artist name, Zealyn.

Photo Credit – Jack Robert Photography

We took a few minutes to catch up with her career. “There were many good things that came from being on American Idol, but at the same time there were a lot of negative things,” says Miller. “Because of that, I made the decision to start over, rebrand, and release new music under an artist name. Ever since switching to Zealyn, so many more doors have opened, and some really great opportunities have come about – ones that I never would have had a chance to experience before.”

On joining the Tree Lighting this year, Miller says, “I love any opportunity to come back to the North Shore and spend time with my family. I am really looking forward to celebrating the holiday season with everyone in Salem!” (You can stay up to date with Angie’s music career by following ZEALYN on social media and listen to her debut EP, Limbic System, on any streaming platform.

Salem Main Streets would also like to thank the City of Salem, the Hawthorne Hotel, Gigi Gill, Remix Church, and the many other community partners who make these special events possible.

This year’s tree was graciously donated by Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Francis of Salem in memory of their late son Joseph R. Ingemi III, who always loved the beautiful blue spruce that grew right next to their house. The tree was secured and decorated by the City of Salem Tree Department, with assistance from Mayer Tree Service and Spencer Contracting with transportation and installation. Lights and decorations for the Holiday Tree were made possible by individual contributions and donations from a number of local businesses, including significant donations from Salem’s October visitors via Gigi Gill. The tree topper was created by Salem artist Scott Froeschl.

For more information about any of these events, contact Kylie Sullivan, Salem Main Streets Executive Director, at (978)744-0004 or kylie@salemmainstreets.org, or visit http://salemmainstreets.org/festivals/holiday-happenings/santa-arrives-in-salem/ and follow Salem Main Streets on Facebook and Twitter.

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Mayor’s Night Out Trick or Treating

 History, Salem Event, Salem Festivals, Salem Shopping  No Responses »
Oct 052017
 

Trick or treating is a time-honored event in every community in America. But in Salem Ma, home of the month-long Halloween celebration known as Haunted Happenings, we give it a twist: trick or treating with the Mayor!

That’s correct. Kids get to visit local businesses with Mayor Kimberley Driscoll, Friday, Oct. 6th.

Beginning at 3:00 p.m. participating museums and attractions will also be open free of charge to Salem residents. Residents must provide a photo identification showing proof of Salem residency to gain free admission. Students may use a school identification card, bus pass, or a Salem Public Library card.

Mayor’s Night Out Trick or Treat is always great fun for Salem kids and participating merchants look forward to welcoming costumed trick or treaters on Friday evening. Trick-or-treating will begin at the big fountain by the Museum Place Mall at 5:30 p.m. and continue down the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall and around the shops in the Museum Place Mall.

Then families venture on their own to visit other participating businesses across the downtown district. This year several businesses are also joining in on the fun on Derby Street and at Pickering Wharf. Check www.salem.com for the complete listing of participating businesses. Costumes are encouraged! Trick or Treat bags will be provided by MAGIC 106.7. Once again, the Salem law firm of Mazow | McCullough, PC will be distributing safety flasher lights to help keep little trick or treaters safe and seen, especially during neighborhood trick or treating on October 31st.

“Mayor’s Night Out and Trick or Treating has become a great tradition for Salem residents,” said Mayor Driscoll. “October is a busy time for our businesses and this is their way to say thank you to our residents, offering a day that lets our locals enjoy this festive season in their own community. Salem’s many small businesses have really embraced this program and are offering several new specials and events this Friday. I hope everyone will come downtown on Friday and take part!”

New this year, Salem Historical Tours & Haunted Footsteps Ghost Tours is offering a free tour to residents at 7:30 p.m on Friday. The tour will be approximately one hour and will touch upon seaport, Revolutionary, and witch trials history, with a ghost story thrown in as well. Call 978-745-0666 or email thesalemhistoricaltours@gmail.com to reserve in advance. Open to the first 50 Salem residents (proof of residency required).

Other merchant specials include: Victoria Station/Vic’s Boat House at Pickering Wharf is offering a free chocolate mousse desert with your meal if you mention ‘Mayor’s Night Out’; The Jolie Tea Company at 105 Essex St. will hold a tea tasting from 2:00pm-5:00pm, serving tea and sweets for free; Notch Brewery on Derby St. is offering free skeeball game for kids, with the purchase of an adult beverage from 3pm to 7:30pm and the Salem Arts Association is hosting a free exhibit “Cheers to our Volunteers” and “Faint of Art” at 211 Bridge St. They will be serving refreshments and a buffet of snacks from 5:00pm to 8:00pm.

Participating  Museums and Attractions

House of the Seven Gables
115 Derby St.
Always Free for Salem Residents
Open until 7pm
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New England Pirate Museum
274 Derby Street
Free for Salem Residents 3pm-5pm
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Peabody Essex Museum
East India Square
Always Free for Salem Residents
Open until 5pm
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NEW THIS YEAR!!!
Salem Historical Tours & Haunted Footsteps Ghost
8 Central St.
7:30 PM – Free Tour for Salem Residents
The tour will be approximately one hour and will touch upon seaport, revolutionary & witchcraft history with a ghost story thrown in also. Pre-Registration required. Call 978.745.0666 or email thesalemhistoricaltours@gmail.com to reserve in advance. Open to the first 50 Salem residents (proof of residency required).
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The Salem Museum
Old Town Hall – 32 Derby Square
Always Free for Salem Residents
Open until 5:30pm
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Salem Wax Museum
Frankenstein’s Laboratory
288 Derby Street
Free for Salem Residents 3pm-8pm
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Salem Witch Museum
19 ½ Washington Sq. North
Always Free for Salem Residents
Open until 10pm
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Witch Dungeon Museum
16 Lynde Street
Free for Salem Residents 3pm-5pm
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Witch History Museum
197 Essex Street
Free for Salem Residents 3pm-5pm
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Witch House
310 Essex Street
Free for Salem Residents 3pm-5pm

Participating Trick or Treat Businesses (at posting time)

• A Sacred Place Wellness Center
• Angelicas Angels Landing
• Army Barracks
• Aurora Restaurant Bar & Lounge
• Beverly Bank
• Captain Dusty’s
• Coven Cottage
• Coon’s Card & Gift Shop
• Eastern Bank
• Emporium 32
• Essex New York Pizza & Deli
• For Kids Only Afterschool
• Freaky Elegant
• Gallows Hill Theatre (with special guest: The Grinch!)
• Gulu Gulu Café
• Haunted Happenings Magazine
• Ledger
• Longboards Restaurant & Bar
• Lotus Gifts
• Mack Park Neighborhood Association
• Mazow ∣ McCullough Attorneys At Law
• Maria’s Sweet Somethings
• New England Dog Biscuit Company
• Pamplemousse
• Peabody Essex Museum
• Popped Gourmet Popcorn
• RJ Coins & Jewelry
• Salem Beer Works
• Salem Flatbread
• Salem Common Neighborhood Association
• Salem Moose Lodge
• Salem Witch Museum
• Sea Level
• Thai Place
• Trolley Depot
• Turtle Alley Chocolates
• Witch Pix at Salem’s Vintage Photography
• Witch Tee’s

As part of Mayor’s Night Out the Museum Place Mall Garage and the South Harbor Garage will offer free parking to Salem residents after 4:00 p.m. (proof of residency will be required when you exit the garages).

Please check www.salem.com under City News for an updated list of participants.

 

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