Business – Page 41 – Salem Main Streets

Mystery Dinner Theatre Focuses on The Friendship

Salem Dining, Salem Event No Responses »

Aug 252014

Who would think, looking at the replica of The Friendship at dock on Derby Wharf that it could be related to a murder mystery?

Dinner theatre with a twist is on tap for guests at this Tuesday’s special 7pm production of Murder Mystery at Opus Restaurant, presented by the Salem Theatre Company, in conjunction with Creative Salem.

It’s 1830. Joseph Peabody’s ship The Friendship has been attacked in the East Indies. Only four survivors return. You are on board the boat with the reprisal mission, comprised of Pirates, Rapscallions and Rascals.

The play asks “Who can you trust? Who can you not trust? What really is behind that eyepatch….?”

If you’ve never attended a mystery dinner theater the key is audience participation. Usually there is no stage; the actors move all around so you can see and hear from all seats.

In this particular production “What people are trying to solve is a murder of the brutal (and fictional) ‘Captain Jan Overy’ of The Friendship,” states Matthew Gray, director.

There was an actual incident involving a ship called The Friendship being attacked in 1831.

“Our scenario may be historically based, but is only hysterically realized. While some local references have been made, this is not a historically referential event,” explains Gray.

And in addition to the entertainment, and the food (it is dinner theatre), there is also a prize to the person solving the mystery.

Gray adds, “There is indeed a prize for the winner… A MYSTERY prize!”

This evening of thrills, chills, laughs and mystery is part of the continuing effort by Creative Salem to showcase more than just local bands. The goal is to optimize the nightlife space with diversity, drive and creativity.

Salem has that certain something that we feel makes us a tad bit different than other “theme” destinations. Here you don’t just look, you can also reach out and touch. We are interactive.

For more information on tickets go to the STC website or call 978-790-8546. The Opus is located at 87 Washington Street in Salem. (Food and drink are not included in the ticket price). Opus contact number is 978-744-9600.

Food and Drink are not included in the ticket price however full menu will be available before the performance – See more at: http://www.creativesalem.com/community/2014/8/26/creative-salem-presents-pirates-a-murder-mystery-dinner-theatre-by-salem-theatre#sthash.Ilyy7lQp.dpuf

Prices You Can’t Beat in Salem This Weekend

Salem Event No Responses »

Aug 152014

Tax break time! Not that we ever need an extra reason to attract visitors to our diverse downtown district in Salem, MA, but if you want one, we have it this weekend. The 2014 Massachusetts Sales Tax Holiday Weekend is set for Aug. 16 & 17.

What is that? “Two consecutive days during which most purchases made by individuals for personal use will not be subject to Massachusetts sales or use taxes” reads the recently enacted statute. The current state sales tax is 6.25%.

It continues, “on those days, non-business sales at retail of single items of tangible personal property costing $2,500 or less are exempt from sales and use taxes, subject to certain exclusions. The following do not qualify for the sales tax holiday exemption and remain subject to tax: all motor vehicles, motorboats, meals, telecommunications services, gas, steam, electricity, tobacco products and any single item whose price is in excess of $2,500.”

Did that say steam? In any case, there are many more items that are covered by the exemption. Come to Salem. Look through any store window along Washington St, Essex St, over to Front and Central and Derby Streets. Travel to Pickering Wharf and everywhere in between. You’ll find an assortment of items that lean on the city’s historical, literary, seafaring, and ‘witch-themed’ notoriety.

All are priced to sell nicely, with this weekend’s tax break as extra incentive. Many local businesses are offering promotions this weekend, including 15% off at Treasures Over Time (Saturday only), 20% off at newcomer Edward John Home Decor, and The Urbane Cyclist‘s biggest sale of the year. So get out there and start shopping!

Sounds of the Street, on Essex Street Pedestrian Mall

Salem Event, Salem Festivals, Salem Shopping No Responses »

Aug 082014

Essex Street Fair 2013 – Photo Credit Social Palates

Salem has many interesting sights and locations to serve and service our community. One that offers many uses is the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall. And especially so Aug. 9 & 10 when the 2014 Essex Street Fair will unfold from 10 am – 6 pm.

Regularly lined with stores and merchants offering delights to visitors and residents, this weekend our Essex Street Pedestrian Mall will be bright and musical and loud with the life of an annual Street Fair, sponsored by the Salem Chamber of Commerce.

What will you see? Crafters displaying their wares. What will you smell? Food vendors with tasty treats. What will you hear? Artisans discussing their methods.

The is a family friendly event, bring the kids. You will find something for everyone. Even possibly for Samantha the cat and Duke the dog!

This free event will run the length of Essex St. from the Daniel Low Building (Essex and Washington St.) to the Hawthorne Hotel (Essex and Washington Sq W.) The events are part of the Salem Heritage Days festivities.

Salem Mayor Wants to Talk & Walk with You!

Salem Dining, Salem Event, Uncategorized No Responses »

Aug 012014

Recent star of print, broadcast, and the internet, Salem’s own Mayor Kimberley Driscoll will be walking & talking with those of you interested in joining her for an exciting night on the town during our Heritage Days Festival (Aug.1-10)!

That’s right! Salem’s annual Mayor’s Night Out Restaurant Sampler evening is back: Monday, Aug. 4 from 5 pm – 7 pm.

Join Mayor Driscoll on a tour of three of Salem’s hot dining spots, kicking off at Brodie’s Seaport, continuing along to Victoria’s Station, and finishing with a beautiful view of Salem Harbor at Capt’s Waterfront Bar & Grill. The Mayor’s Night Out event, focusing this year on Pickering Wharf, gives residents a unique opportunity to spend time with the Mayor, ask a few questions, chat, hear stories and most tantalizingly a chance to explore and enjoy tasty hors d’oeuvres from a few of Salem’s popular restaurants.

The Mayor’s Night Out Restaurant Sampler costs $20 to participate— that’s $20 for hors d’oeuvres at three locations— with proceeds to benefit Salem Main Streets. We are a non-profit organization with the goal of revitalizing downtown Salem as a vibrant year-round retail, dining and cultural destination. We organize the Salem Farmers’ Market, Salem Arts Festival, and other events in downtown Salem.

Different from most Heritage Days activities which usually (for example) run the length of the Salem Common and attract hundreds of observers, this is a more intimate, interactive gathering wherein participants actually move the event along.

Pre-registration for the Mayor’s Night Out is required. You may obtain tickets in person at the Salem Main Streets office (265 Essex Street), or by phone at 978-744-0004 or email at kylie@salemmainstreets.org.

Do We Know How to Party in Salem?

Salem Festivals No Responses »

Jul 302014

Of course we do — when was the last time you saw a one day festival around here? And the upcoming Heritage Days celebration of “yesterday & today” runs from Aug. 1 to Aug. 10, proving our point. When we want to share the fun and food of our community with friends, neighbors and tourists, we make it last.

“Heritage Days has been a long standing tradition in Salem and this year we have ten days of fun-filled events,” comments Mayor Kimberley Driscoll. “With almost 40 different activities to choose from, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Come join us as we celebrate Salem being such a great place to live, work, and visit.”

In the coming days Salem Main Streets (as well as every other local organization with a mission to promote Salem) will be advising you of the highlights of Heritage Days. For now let’s just point out the “perks” of actually living here (in other words proof of residency gets you the following…):

The Peabody Essex Museum and the Salem Witch Museum are always free to Salem residents.

The Salem Trolley is free to Salem residents through September 30, 2014. Residents can receive a Resident Ticket by providing proof of residency at the Trolley Depot (8 Central Street). Resident Tickets are only available at the Trolley Depot and cannot be purchased on the Trolley itself. The trolley runs daily 10 am – 5 pm.

The Salem Ferry offers 20% discount plus $5 off for Salem residents on their round-trip Salem Ferry ticket.

The Witch House will be free to Salem residents during Heritage Days.

Pioneer Village will be free to residents on Saturday August 2nd.

Forest River Pool—- Red, White and Blue Blowout, Tuesday, August 6th from 6 pm – 8 pm. It’s July 4th in August! Salem residents wear your red, white and blue to the pool and participate in themed games and activities. (the pool is only open to Salem residents).

And that’s not even counting the fun to come, including some of Salem Main Streets’ own interactive ticketed events like Mayor’s Night Out and Ice Scream Bowl! Stay tuned!

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