Massachusetts Travel Info, Recommendations, and Links

Massachusetts

Select a country, state, or city to view information on our favorite places, including must-see attractions, money-saving museum and subway passes, our favorite restaurants/bars/nightclubs, and more...

Europe:
England: London | France: Paris | Iceland: Reykjavík | Netherlands: Amsterdam | Scotland: Glasgow

UNITED STATES

Massachusetts

Boston - Shay has lived in the Boston area for over seven years; Mike has lived here all his life. We've compiled a list of our favorite places in and around Boston for those of you who would like an insider's perspective. If any of you are considering a trip to the Boston area, please let us know!

Tourist Info:

	BostonUSA! - This site is run by the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau and features information on attractions, accommodations, restaurants, and more. Click here to order a free Boston/Cambridge travel planner. If you plan to explore beyond the Boston area, visit the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism web site.
	Online Guide Books - You can find a wealth of information on Boston area sights, accommodations, dining, entertainment, and more by visiting the incredibly useful Frommer's, Time Out, and Fodors online travel guides, as well as The Boston Insider.

Local Transportation:

MBTA - The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (better known as the MBTA, or simply the "T") is the nation's oldest and fourth-largest transportation system, encompassing subways, buses, commuter rail trains, and ferries throughout the Greater Boston area. If you're planning on taking in the sights, we recommend you rely on the T and foot-power, as parking is notoriously expensive and difficult to find in the city. The MBTA web site contains a lot of useful information including schedules, maps, station info, passes, fares, and more. If you plan to ride the T a lot during your stay, consider purchasing a multi-day Visitor Pass (available for purchase online or at a number of locations) or a Sunday-through-Saturday Weekly Combo Pass.

Attractions:

Discount Passes - Visitors to Boston have a couple of different discount pass options (see below). To determine the best value for you, we recommend making a list of the attractions you'd like to see, along with a rough schedule of how many sights you'll visit each day. Then add up the cost of the individual admissions, and compare the total costs against a CityPass or multi-day Go Boston Card.

CityPass - This pass includes admission to six major Boston area attractions, and is valid for a 9-day period (from date of first use). The attractions included are the Museum of Science, New England Aquarium, Skywalk Observatory, Museum of Fine Arts, Harvard Museum of Natural History, and John F. Kennedy Library & Museum. You can purchase a CityPass at several locations in and around Boston, or order it online.

Go Boston Card - The Go Boston Card offers considerably more sightseeing options than CityPass, with 30 attractions and a two-day Beantown Trolley pass included in the price. However, this card is also more expensive than a CityPass - a one-day Go Boston Card costs more than a CityPass (which is valid for nine days), and the two-day, three-day, and five-day passes are progressively pricier. However, if you're planning a fairly intensive sightseeing schedule, this could be a good buy. Visit the web site for details, included attractions, prices, FAQs, and more.

The Freedom Trail - Follow in the footsteps of famous Americans and patriots like Paul Revere. This 2.5-mile walking trail takes you past some of the most historic sights in Boston, the North End, and Charlestown. This web site provides an online tour of the trail, as well as directions on how to get to the starting point at the Boston Common Visitor Center, 147 Tremont Street (phone 617-536-4100). From there, simply follow the red trail marked on the sidewalks! You can find additional information via the Boston National Historical Park web site, including information on free walking tours given by National Park Service Rangers (phone 617-242-5642). (If you're traveling by T, take the green or red line to Park Street.)

USS Constitution - Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston - Also known as "Old Ironsides", this is the oldest commissioned warship in the country. Active-duty and reserve U.S. Navy sailors give free guided tours throughout the year (click here for operating hours). While you're there, be sure to visit the USS Constitution Museum adjacent to the ship. The museum contains over 3,000 original artifacts and artwork and offers a variety of hands-on exhibits. Hours and directions are available online. (If you're traveling by T, take the green or orange line to North Station; it's approximately a half-mile walk from there.)

Boston Tea Party Ship & Museum - Moored off of Congress Street Bridge, Boston - This ship (the Beaver II) is a full-size working replica of one of the three original Boston Tea Party ships. Costumed guides lead you on a tour of the ship and museum while they explain of the history of the Boston Tea Party. Hours, directions, and a downloadable brochure are available online. (If you're traveling by T, take the red line to South Station; exit near the train ticket sales area, then walk one block down Summer Street (toward the waterfront), turn left on Dorchester Avenue and walk one block, then turn right onto the Congress Street Bridge.)

Museum of Fine Arts - 465 Huntington Avenue, Boston - This world-class museum boasts extensive collections ranging from ancient Egyptian artifacts to modern art, and nearly everything in between. The museum also hosts a variety of interesting exhibitions. Visit the web site for admission fees, hours, directions, event calendar, and more. (If you're traveling by T, take the green E line to the Museum of Fine Arts stop.)

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum - 280 The Fenway, Boston - This truly unique museum is housed in an Italian-style palazzo that was home to the late Isabella Stewart Gardner. Three floors of galleries surround a garden courtyard that blooms in all seasons. The permanent collection spans ancient art, medieval art, Renaissance art, and art of the 16th through 19th centuries, and it includes such legendary artists as Titian, Botticelli, Rembrandt, Degas, and Matisse. The museum also hosts a variety of exhibitions. Visit the web site for hours and admission fees, directions, and more. (If you're traveling by T, take the green E line to the Museum of Fine Arts stop; cross Huntington Avenue (toward the Texaco gas station) to Louis Prang Street, then walk down Louis Prang Street for two blocks - museum is on the left.)

New England Aquarium - Central Wharf, Boston - The New England Aquarium boasts all kinds of sea life, from penguins to sea lions, from freshwater fish to sharks and other ocean denizens. The aquarium also features a giant-screen IMAX theater. Visit the web site for hours and ticket prices, directions, a virtual tour, and more. (If you're traveling by T, take the blue line to Aquarium station.)

Boston Harbor Cruises - One Long Wharf, Boston - A harbor cruise offers a whole different way to see the city. It's especially enjoyable on a hot summer day, as the ocean breezes keep you cool on the water. Boston Harbor Cruises offers 90-minute historic sightseeing and sunset cruises, as well as a variety of specialty cruises and whale-watching tours. You can also take a BHC ferry to explore the Boston Harbor Islands. (Visit the Boston Harbor Islands web site for more info.) If you're traveling by T, take the blue line to Aquarium station.

Museum of Science - This museum is filled with all kinds of hands-on exhibits, and is great fun for adults as well as children. While you're there, you may wish to spring for tickets to a a movie in the giant-screen Mugar Omni Theater or a relaxing star show in the Charles Hayden Planetarium. Visit the web site for hours and admission fees, directions, services, and more. (If you're traveling by T, take the green line to Science Park.)

Sam Adams Brewery - 30 Germania Street, Boston (Jamaica Plain) - If you enjoy Sam Adams beer, you won't want to miss the opportunity to tour the company's brewery. You'll learn all about Sam Adams ("brewer and patriot"), and see how his namesake brew is made. After the tour, you'll get to sample several varieties of beer. All in all, a fun way to spend an afternoon. The brewery offers tours Thursday through Saturday, with an additional Wednesday tour during the summer months. Visit the web site for tour times and directions (scroll down the page), map, and more...including a virtual tour for those who can't make it in person.

Harvard University - Harvard Information Center, 1350 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge - Harvard is the oldest university in the country, and it has one of the most beautiful campuses of any institution. Visitors are welcome to join one of the free campus tours offered by the Harvard News Office. (Take a virtual tour online to familiarize yourself with the campus before you go.) While you're there, be sure to visit Harvard's widely-acclaimed museums, which include four art museums, the Harvard Museum of Natural History, the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnicity, and several others. (If you're traveling by T, take the red line to Harvard Square station.)

Restaurants: (listed alphabetically by town)

Addis Red Sea - 544 Tremont Street, Boston - Shay loves this Ethiopian restaurant in Boston's South End. If you've never eaten this type of cuisine before, read the Eating Ethiopian review on the web site to prepare yourself for the experience. You can view the full menu and read more about Ethiopian food online. Shay recommends the Ye-Awaze Dabo (bread with red pepper sauce) for an appetizer and the vegetarian combination platter with Atkilt (mixed vegetables in exotic herbs), Butecha (chick pea paste with oil, lemon, and pepper), Mittin Shuro Wat (ground split peas in a spicy sauce), Yemeser Alcha (lentils with turmeric, onions, garlic, and ginger), and Yemeser Wat (lentils in a spicy sauce). Directions are available online, but other parts of the web site appear to be under construction.

Boston Beer Works - 61 Brookline Avenue, Boston - Despite the name, this popular brew pub serves more than just beer. They have an extensive menu; we recommend the incredible sour cream and chives fries or the Mako shark skewers for an appetizer and the fish and chips (Mike's pick) or veggie burger (Shay's pick) for your meal. BBW's ravioli - especially the pumpkin ravioli - are absolutely delicious, but they're not always available on the changing menu. BBW offers a great selection of microbrews to suit every taste; Mike usually goes for a sampler of several different beers, while Shay loves the Blueberry Ale mixed with cider. Note: Boston Beer Works has an additional location at 112 Canal Street, Boston (North Station area) as well as Salem Beer Works at 278 Derby Street, Salem.

Café Suisse - Swissôtel, One Avenue de Lafayette, Boston - If you ever find yourself craving a good fondue, this is the place to go! Try the Original Swiss Cheese Fondue, Mediterranean Cheese Fondue, or Chef's Fondue of the Day (it was a yummy PepperJack Fondue the last time Shay went). If you go, be sure to order the delectable Chocolate Toblerone Fondue with fruit for dessert.

The Kinsale - 2 Center Plaza, Boston - This is a great Irish pub right by Government Center. It's a newer place that strives for an Old World look; somehow it works. The food is a mix of traditional Irish fare (like Beef and Guinness Stew, Boiled Irish Dinner, Bangers & Mash, and Colcannon) and international dishes (like Bombay Spring Rolls, Walnut-Crusted Brie, Jambalaya, and New England Clam Chowder); check out the full menu online. The bar features live music several nights a week (scroll down for Kinsale listings). Visit the web site for a location map and additional information, including links to other Classic Irish pubs.

Montien - 63 Stuart Street, Boston (Theatre District) - We both love Thai food, and we're quite picky as to what constitutes a good Thai restaurant. That said, Montien offers among the best Thai food we've ever had. Our favorite dish is the Massaman Curry (with tofu); it has just the right amount of spice, and a nice tangy flavor. Treat yourself to a delicious Thai iced tea or a cold Singha beer. And for a different dessert, try the chilled lychee on ice.

The Red Fez - 1222 Washington Street, Boston (South End) - Years ago, Mike and his parents used to go to this little restaurant to satisfy their cravings for Middle Eastern food. Apparently, it was somewhat of a dive back in the day. Alas, The Red Fez closed over 20 years ago, and the building lay dormant for a long time. But in February 2002, a brand new Red Fez opened for business, with an upscale new look to fit into its trendy South End surroundings, and an enticing menu. Treat yourself to one of their creative "FezTales"...Shay recommends the "Caroline in Madagascar" (vanilla vodka, lime juice, and Prosecco), while Mike likes the "Lost in Space" (Stoli Orange, triple sec, and Tang). The food is excellent, as well. Check out the web site for menus, photos, reviews, hours and directions, and more.

Thai Dish - 257 Newbury Street, Boston - Another good Thai restaurant. Thai Dish is located in the basement-level of a brownstone on swank Newbury Street. When the weather is nice, try to get an outside table...the people-watching is great in this area! Again, we're partial to the Massaman Curry. But be careful if you order your food "extra spicy"...they certainly deliver, and then some!

The Cheesecake Factory - 100 Cambridgeside Place, Cambridge - This incredible restaurant is one of the best reasons to visit the Cambridgeside Galleria. You don't have to be a dessert freak to be dazzled by the menu; in fact, their meals are so satisfying you may be too full to partake of their signature desserts. Try the Sweet Corn Tamale Cakes as an appetizer - yummy! Visit the web site for hours, directions, and other information. Note: The Cheesecake Factory has additional MA locations at The Atrium Mall, 300 Boylston Street, Chestnut Hill, and at The Prudential Center, 115 Huntington Avenue, Suite 181, Boston.

The Elephant Walk - 2067 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge - This restaurant serves up an enticing menu of gourmet French and Cambodian food, including a good number of vegetarian options. We recommend the Vegetarian Rouleaux appetizer and the Tofu Citronnelle, along with a good Gewurztraminer from the extensive wine list. Visit the web site for hours, directions, and other information. Note: The Elephant Walk has another location at 900 Beacon Street, Boston. While the Cambridge restaurant is only open for dinner, the Boston location serves dinner and lunch. Tip: It's generally easier to get a table at the Cambridge location.

Indochine (formerly Poppa & Goose) - 69 First Street, Cambridge - Tasty Vietnamese and Asian cuisine in bright, cheerful surroundings. Located across the street from the Cambridgeside Galleria, adjacent to a parking garage. Your best bet is to go there on a weekday for lunch (11:30am-2:30pm), when Indochine offers a delicious buffet with a variety of meat items and many vegetarian selections...including about six different types of tofu! Current price for buffet is $7.50 per person (plus tax and drinks).

John Harvard's Brew House - 33 Dunster Street, Cambridge - Nestled in the Harvard Square area (just a couple of blocks from the university), John Harvard's Cambridge brew house is a spacious basement-level pub and restaurant. It offers a constantly-changing selection of microbrews and a very appetizing menu. The popularity of this pub/restaurant has spawned a number of other locations in New England and the Mid-Atlantic. Visit the web site for hours and location, a map, an overview of the brewing process, a list of awards, and other information.

Caffe Italia - 150 Meridian Street, East Boston - Delicious Italian food that rivals any of the restaurants in Boston's renowned North End...but without the parking hassles! The menu is extensive and very reasonable. Try the grilled portabella appetizer and the pesto tortelloni, or one of the exquisite pizzas. And treat yourself to the best cappuccino you'll find anywhere in the Greater Boston area. Note: There is a second location - Caffe Italia II - at 1012 Bennington Street, East Boston.

Dalí Restaurant and Tapas Bar - 415 Washington Street, Somerville - One of our all-time favorite restaurants, Dalí offers delicious food in a festive atmosphere. We recommend the Esparragos Blancos (Spanish white asparagus), Queso de Cabra Montañes (baked goat cheese with tomato and basil), Buñuelos de Vedura (cauliflower/broccoli/cheese puffs), and Setas al Ajillo (sauteed "meaty" mushrooms)...along with a pitcher of their yummy Sangria. View the entire menu (including tapas, main dishes, desserts, monthly specials and drinks) online. Visit the web site for hours, directions, photos, and more. Note: The owners of this restaurant also run two others: Tapéo (266 Newbury Street, Boston) and Cuchi Cuchi (795 Main Street, Cambridge).

North Shore - A few good restaurants near where we live:

	Carrabbas - 1A Newbury Street (Route 1 North), Peabody - A very good Italian restaurant chain. The food is tasty and very filling; check out the full menu online. While you're there, be sure to treat yourself to a pitcher of Carrabba's delicious red or white sangria! Hours, directions, and map are available online.
	Kowloon - 948 Broadway (Route 1 North), Saugus - Kowloon offers Cantonese, Szechuan, and Thai cuisines in a Polynesian-themed restaurant. You can dine in the Thai Grille or the Mandarin Room, or request a table in the popular Volcano Bay Room or Tiki Lagoon areas. The prices are reasonable and the food is quite good. Visit the web site for menus, directions, and more.
	Maggio's Restaurant - 306 Revere Street, Revere - A no-frills family restaurant serving good Italian and American food at low prices - two can enjoy a filling meal for well under $20. Maggio's offers a decent Italian-style pizza (far better than the greasy Greek-style pizzas that are so prevalent around here), as well as a wide selection of entrees that come with salad and a side of potato, rice, or pasta. And the bread that accompanies all meals is molto delizioso!
	Polcari's - 92 Broadway (Route 1 North), Saugus - Another good Italian restaurant, bringing a little bit of the North End to the North Shore. In addition to a wide variety of Italian dishes, Polcari's serves up Pizzeria Regina's signature brick oven pizzas. Try the Baked Four Cheese Penne, or a classic Margherita pizza. And save room for one of the tempting desserts! View appetizer, entree, pizza, and lunch menus online, along with directions.
	Seaside at the Beach - 492 Revere Beach Boulevard, Revere - A very good seafood restaurant with reasonable prices. Located near the northern end of Revere Beach, with great views of the ocean and Nahant.

Clubs & Bars:

	Goth Clubs - Boston used to be a great town for the goth scene. In fact, we first met at a certain goth club called May Ray, at Central Square in Cambridge. But Man Ray has gone downhill in the years since we frequented it, and rumor has it that the club will close soon. Another goth night, Ceremony, is held Monday nights in Boston (835 Beacon Street)...but because it's on a weeknight, we haven't been able to get there yet. There used to be a goth lounge night called Reverie, but it is currently on hiatus until it finds a new home. Keep an eye on the International Goth Club Listing for new club nights!
	Boston Beer Works - 61 Brookline Avenue, Boston - This bar/restaurant has an amazing selection of beers, all of which are brewed on the premises. Whether you like ales, lagers, or stouts, you'll find something to suit your taste. If you can't decide which beer to get, order a sampler with several selections in mini glasses. Shay's favorite is the Blueberry Ale mixed with cider. In addition to the extensive beer menu, they offer an excellent food menu, as well. *Note:* Boston Beer Works has an additional location at 112 Canal Street, Boston (North Station area) as well as Salem Beer Works at 278 Derby Street, Salem.
	Bukowski Tavern - 50 Dalton Street, Boston - A wonderful little bar tucked under the Dalton Street parking garage (adjacent to the now-defunct Loews Cheri Theatre). Offers the most amazing selection of beer in the area. Sign up for the Dead Authors Club and attempt to drink your way through the 100-item beer menu (not all in one night, of course!). If you succeed, you'll get your very own beer mug engraved with the name of your favorite dead author; it will be hung above the bar in a place of honor. Bukowski's also offers some great bar food, with a number of vegetarian-friendly selections.
	The Druid - 1357 Cambridge Street, Cambridge - A true Irish pub located in Cambridge's Inman Square. Great atmosphere, friendly people, good drink selection (including Irish cider - yum!). Stop by on a weekend afternoon; weekend nights can get very crowded. The Druid serves lunch and supper, as well as an excellent Sunday brunch. It's also a great place to catch free live music; visit The Druid's events page on DigitalCity for more info.
	The Field - 20 Prospect Street, Cambridge - Another good Irish pub. This one is located just a stone's throw from the Central Square T stop. Lots of great beers on tap and an atmosphere that transports you to the auld sod. Web site is a bit outdated; visit DigitalCity for additional info.
	The Hong Kong - 65 Chatham Street (Faneuil Hall), Boston - We like this place not because of the food or the ambiance or the upstairs nightclub, but because of their delicious and intoxicating Scorpion Bowls! (See also the CitySearch review.) *Note:* The Hong Kong also has a larger location at 1238 Massachusetts Avenue, at Harvard Square in Cambridge.
	John Harvard's Brew House - 33 Dunster Street, Cambridge - John Harvard's Cambridge brew house is a spacious basement-level pub and restaurant near Harvard Square. It offers a constantly-changing selection of award-winning microbrews as well as a very appetizing menu. Visit the web site for hours and location, a map, an overview of the brewing process, and more.
	The Kinsale - 2 Center Plaza, Boston - This is a great Irish pub right by Government Center. The bar features live music several nights a week (scroll down the schedule page for Kinsale listings), and the restaurant boasts a wide variety of tasty offerings (check out the full menu online). Visit the web site for a location map and additional information, including links to other Classic Irish pubs.
	The Kirkland Café - 425 Washington Street, Somerville - This great little pub is located right next door to our favorite restaurant (Dalí); we discovered it one evening when there was a two-hour wait and a huge crowd at the bar in Dalí. What a find! Great atmosphere, wood décor, even a shelf full of books you can browse through. The food is good and they offer a terrific drink selection, including Shay's favorite cider - Strongbow! The bands can be hit or miss; check out the events listing online.
	Redbones Barbecue - 55 Chester Street (Davis Square), Somerville - Some (like Mike) go for the barbecue, some (like Shay) go for the drinks. The extensive food menu relies heavily on barbecue but also includes great apps and sides such as nachos (*tip:* get the toppings on the side for less mess), hushpuppies, corn fritters, catfish fingers, succotash, and fried okra. The upstairs bar and Underbones (downstairs) offer an extensive drinks menu and around two dozen draft offerings. If there's a Belgian lambic on tap, give it a try...or ask for a bottle of New Glarus Kriek (25.4 oz., $12). If you can't decide, ask the bartender to spin the wheel for you. Visit the Redbones and Underbones web sites for information (hours, directions, etc.) and interactive fun (try the Redbones beer taps and Underbones puzzles).

Accommodations:

Sheraton Boston Hotel - 39 Dalton Street (Prudential Center), Boston - A very nice chain hotel in a great location, with interior access to the shops and restaurants of the Prudential Center. Elegantly furnished guest rooms; many have excellent views. Unfortunately, we haven't stayed in any other local hotels, so this is the only one we can provide our personal impressions of. If you'd like to compare rates and amenities of other local hotels, try these web sites: @ Boston Hotels, Boston4Less, Boston HotelGuide, Discount Boston Hotels, or the hotel search engines on QIXO and SideStep. (For B&Bs, try Bed and Breakfast Associates and the B&B listings on Boston Online.)

Salem - Home of the infamous witch trials, this historic town offers many interesting attractions as well as a number of great bars and restaurants. In our opinion, it's definitely worth a visit!

Tourist Info:

	Destination Salem - This site is run by the Salem Office of Tourism and Cultural Affairs and provides a great deal of useful visitor information, including the history of Salem, a calendar of events, directions, and an online visitors guide (including accommodations, attractions, restaurants, and more). You can also order a free Salem Visitor Guide online. You can find additional information via the SalemWeb City Guide.
	Beyond Salem - If you plan to explore some of the other picturesque seaside towns nearby, visit the web sites of the North of Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Essex National Heritage Area for more information. If you'll be traveling to other areas within the commonwealth, visit the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism web site.
	Online Guide Books - In addition to the web sites mentioned above, you can find more information on Salem sights, accommodations, dining, and shopping by visiting the Frommer's online travel guide.

Local Transportation:

MBTA - The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (better known as the MBTA, or simply the "T") offers service from Boston to Salem via commuter rail (trains stop at Salem Commuter Station) and bus (routes 450 - Salem Depot to Haymarket or 455/459 - Salem Depot to Haymarket or Downtown Crossing). Visit the MBTA web site for schedules, maps, passes, fares, and more. Once you're in downtown Salem, you'll find most of the major sights are within walking distance of the city center. (The Salem Trolley is an option for those of you who don't care to hoof it, or who wish to visit further-off sights like Salem Willows Park.)

Attractions:

Salem Witch Attractions - Salem is probably best known for the seven-month witch hysteria that occurred in 1692 and claimed 20 lives. Today, visitors to Salem can lean about the town's witch trial history as well as present-day witchcraft through museums and other attractions, including:

	The Witch House - 310 Essex Street - Unlike many of the other kitschy witch attractions, The Witch House gives visitors a true glimpse into Salem's past. This was the home of witch trials judge Jonathan Corwin, and it is the only structure still standing with direct ties to the 1692 trials. The fascinating guided tour provides insights into 17th-century lifestyles, furnishings, and architecture. Directions and hours are available online.
	Old Burying Point and Salem Witch Trials Memorial - Charter Street (adjacent to the Salem Wax Museum at 288 Derby Street) - The Burying Point is the oldest burial ground in the city of Salem; interred here are a Mayflower pilgrim and Justice John Hathorne, ancestor of author Nathaniel Hawthorne and one of the judges in witchcraft court. The Witch Trials Memorial, dedicated in 1992 during the 300th anniversary of the witch hysteria, features stones dedicated to the victims of those terrible trials. Both sites are free and open to the public every day, dawn until dusk.
	Witch Dungeon Museum (16 Lynde Street), Witch History Museum (197-201 Essex Street), and New England Pirate Museum (274 Derby Street) - The witch museums tell the story of the witch trials through live presentations, while the Pirate Museum allows visitors to view artifacts and treasure, stroll through a recreated dockside village, board a pirate ship, and explore an 80-foot bat cave. Visitors can purchase admission to individual sights, or a combination ticket to all three sights. These attractions are open April/May through October/November; see web sites for details.
	Salem Wax Museum of Witches and Seafarers (288 Derby Street), and Salem Witch Village (282 Rear Derby Street) - These attractions are grouped together not only for their proximity to one another, but because you can purchase a discounted Hysteria Pass that provides admission to both attractions. The wax museum depicts notable figures in Salem's history, from its founding in 1626 to the Witch Trials in 1692. The Witch Village provides a look at witchcraft through the ages, separating myth from fact. Ticket prices, hours, directions, and more can be found online.
	Salem Witch Museum - Washington Square (diagonally across from Salem Common) - This museum, housed in a former church, evokes the witch trials through wax figures and stage sets. Visitors are seated in a darkened theatre, where spot lighting and narration are used to recreate a number of chilling scenes as the story unfolds. Provides a good overview of the history of the Salem Witch Trials. (However, the dusty mannequins and overly dramatic voice-overs may prompt more giggles than terror among adult visitors.) Directions, admission fees, hours, and other information are available online.
	Cry Innocent - Old Town Hall, Derby Square - A live reenactment of the witchcraft hearing of Bridget Bishop, the first person to be hanged in the Salem witchcraft trials of 1692. The actors respond in character to all comments and questions, and the audience serves as Bridget's grand jury and votes to determine the outcome of the trial. This live event runs mid-June through late-August; visit the Cry Innocent web page for performance dates and times, admission fees, and other details.

House of the Seven Gables - 54 Turner Street - The Turner-Ingersoll mansion, better known as the "House of the Seven Gables" from Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel of the same name, is the oldest surviving 17th-century wooden mansion in New England. Costumed guides will take you on an informative tour, where you'll discover a secret hidden staircase and see how people lived over 300 years ago. You'll also have an opportunity to explore the property's seaside gardens as well as Nathaniel Hawthorne's birthplace. And if you're able, save some time to visit Salem 1630: Pioneer Village (Forest River Park, off of West Avenue), which is a recreation of a 17th-century fishing village. Established in 1930, it is one of America's oldest living history museums. Individual or combination tickets are available to to these historic sights. See the Seven Gables web site for hours and admission, directions, and other information.

Peabody Essex Museum - East India Square - This museum explores art, architecture, and culture collected over two centuries. It offers visitors thirty galleries of world-renowned collections, stately mansions, and tranquil gardens. The museum's extensive collections include maritime art and history; Asian export art; Native American art; American decorative arts, folk art, and costume; Asian art; Oceanic art and culture; African art; architecture; photography; works of art on paper; and the Phillips Library. The Peabody Essex Museum also hosts a variety of interesting exhibitions. Visit the web site for admission fees, hours, directions, map, event calendar, and more.

Salem Maritime National Historic Site - 174 Derby Street - Salem Maritime, the first National Historic Site in the National Park System, was established to preserve and interpret the maritime history of New England and the United States. The site consists of about nine acres of land and twelve historic structures along the waterfront as well as a Visitor Center in downtown Salem (2 New Liberty Street). In addition to the Visitor Center, the site also features a waterfront Orientation Center and Ranger-guided tours of the Friendship, a full size replica of the 1797 Salem merchant vessel; 1819 Custom House; 1762 Derby House; and 1670 Narbonne House. Visit the web site for operating hours, directions, admission fees, tour map, and more.

Restaurants:

	Bangkok Paradise - 90 Washington Street - A laid-back Thai restaurant with an extensive menu, large portions, and very reasonable prices. Although the décor is a bit dusty and dated, the food is excellent and the service is both fast and friendly. Shay recommends the veggie rolls appetizer and Spicy Tofu Pad Thai. Mike likes the glass noodle soup and Tofu Ga Paw, washed down with a glass of Thai Iced Tea. Visit the web site for hours and directions, lunch and dinner menus, and photos.
	Bella Verona - 107 Essex Street - This charming little Italian restaurant features homey décor, delectable dishes, and a nice selection of wines. We happened to stumble across the link to this restaurant in the listings that appear on SalemWeb; and we're very glad we found this hidden gem...we'll definitely be repeat diners here. The restaurant is located across from the Hawthorne Hotel. Visit the web site for additional details.
	Derby Fish and Lobster - 215 Derby Street - A popular seafood restaurant (and fish market) near Salem's Pickering Wharf area. The dining room is fairly small, so you may have a wait. View the menu online.
	Finz - 76 Wharf Street, Pickering Wharf - An upscale restaurant with a modern yet cozy atmosphere. The gourmet food is excellent. Be sure to try some creative concoctions from the bar...the Key Lime Martini is heavenly! Lunch menu, dinner menu, hours (scroll to bottom of page), and directions are available online.
	The Grapevine - 26 Congress Street - Voted as one of the North Shore's best restaurants by Zagat's readers and one of the top five Boston-area restaurants by Globe columnist Alison Arnett. Offers expertly-prepared gourmet dishes with a good selection of vegetarian options. The menu, wine list, directions, and hours are available online. (You can also read reviews from the Boston Globe and Zagat Boston on The Grapevine's web site.)
	In a Pig's Eye - 148 Derby Street - Delicious food at reasonable prices in a friendly, casual environment. In a Pig's Eye offers lunch (Monday - Saturday), dinner (Wednesday - Saturday), Mexican (Monday - Tuesday, and lunch), Sunday brunch, and a full bar featuring beer and cider, wines, and spirits. While the name may imply a meat-eater's kind of place, the restaurant is actually quite vegetarian-friendly. Directions and entertainment information are available online.
	Passage to India - 157 Washington Street - Much to Shay's delight, this excellent Indian restaurant recently opened in Salem. (Indian is the one food type that we had been sorely lacking on the North Shore.) Shay tried out the restaurant for lunch shortly after their opening, and was very pleased with the the quality of the food and service. The owner, a Scotsman named Hugh, was tending bar and chatting with his customers; he seemed genuinely interested in his guests' feedback and satisfaction. The menu has a lot of variety and is quite reasonably priced. Shay can attest that the matter paneer and naan bread were both very good, and she hopes to sample some different items during her next visit. *Note:* Passage to India has a second location at 1900 Mass. Ave., Cambridge, in the Porter Square area.
	Red Raven - 75 Congress Street - A funky little restaurant located a few blocks from downtown Salem. Its colorful décor has paintings that seem to have been inspired by Picasso. They offer a great selection of interesting cocktails and martinis from their bar (the "Love Noodle Lounge"), and a variety of creative gourmet dishes. Visit the web site for a sample menu, directions, specials, and more. *Note:* The restaurant is quite small, so it's a good idea to make reservations.
	Red's Sandwich Shop - 15 Central Street - This award-winning restaurant has won Salem's Best Breakfast 14 years running. Located in the Old London Tea House building, which dates back to the 1700s, Red's serves up breakfast and lunch seven days a week. The restaurant's menu - featuring breakfast foods, eggs, omelets, grilled sandwiches, burgers, roll-ups, hot sandwiches, open-faced sandwiches, club sandwiches, salad plates, pasta, sautéed dishes, and beverages - can be viewed online.
	Salem Beer Works - 278 Derby Street - Despite the name, this popular brew pub serves more than just beer. They have an extensive menu; we recommend the incredible sour cream and chives fries or the Mako shark skewers for an appetizer and the fish and chips (Mike's pick) or veggie burger (Shay's pick) for your meal. SBW's ravioli - especially the pumpkin ravioli - are absolutely delicious, but they're not always available on the changing menu. SBW offers a great selection of microbrews to suit every taste; Mike usually goes for a sampler of several different beers, while Shay loves the Blueberry Ale mixed with cider. *Note:* You can also visit Boston Beer Works at 61 Brookline Avenue (near Fenway Park) or at 112 Canal Street (North Station area).
	Thai Place Restaurant - Museum Place Mall, 1 East India Square - Another good Thai restaurant, conveniently located in the Museum Place Mall. The service was very good; our orders were taken by a sweet, cheerful woman (the proprietress?), and food and drinks were brought out promptly. We ordered our usual: tofu triangles and veggie rolls as appetizers, and Massaman curry with tofu for our main dish. All items were very tasty...and quite reasonably priced, too!
	Victoria Station - Pickering Wharf - A popular dining establishment offering good food, lovely waterfront views, and a uniquely British décor featuring railway cars, red phone booths, and pictures of the British railway system. Menu, hours, and directions are available online.

Clubs & Bars:

	Dodge Street Bar and Grill - 7 Dodge Street - A small but lively bar and restaurant with a good selection of drinks and munchies. It features live music every night, and there is never a cover charge. (Needless to say, the place fills up fast...get here early if you want a table.) Dodge Street Bar and Grill is located near downtown Salem (it's a side street off of 1A/Lafayette Street), and is within easy walking distance of the many bars on Derby/New Derby and Pickering Wharf...so it makes a good stop on any Salem bar crawl.
	Finz - 76 Wharf Street, Pickering Wharf - An upscale restaurant with a bright yet cozy lounge - lots of windows bring in natural light, while a fireplace adds a touch of warmth. Have a seat at the inviting copper-topped bar, and order one of Finz's creative concoctions...the Key Lime Martini is heavenly! Directions and hours (scroll to bottom of page) are available online.
	O'Neill's Pub - 120 Washington Street - A nice Irish pub with a comfy Old-World feel and a well-stocked bar. Open mike every Monday night, karaoke every Tuesday night, and live Irish music on Fridays (6-9pm) and Sundays (4-7pm). A DJ spins dance music every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night from 9pm until close. O'Neill's serves Irish and American food seven days a week from 11:30am to 9:30pm. For more information, call O'Neill's at 978-740-8811. (Unfortunately, the pub does not have a web site and does not yet appear in any online city guides; the link above goes to the restaurant listing on SalemWeb.)
	Rockmore Dry Dock and Rockmore Floating Restaurant - 94 Wharf Street, Pickering Wharf and Salem Harbor - Rockmore Dry Dock features two restaurants: The Yardarm Saloon and The Essex Room. The Yardarm Saloon features 20 draft beers, a seasonal outdoor deck, and great waterfront views. If you really love the water, hop aboard one of Rockmore's red launches (departing from Salem or Marblehead) and head out to the Rockmore Floating Restaurant, in the middle of Salem Harbor. The Floating Restaurant is open Memorial Day to Labor Day. Visit the Rockmore web site for more information.
	Salem Beer Works - 278 Derby Street - This bar/restaurant has an amazing selection of beers, all of which are brewed on the premises. Whether you like ales, lagers, or stouts, you'll find something to suit your taste. If you can't decide which beer to get, order a sampler with several selections in mini glasses. Shay's favorite is the Blueberry Ale mixed with cider. In addition to the extensive beer menu, they offer an excellent food menu, as well. *Note:* You can also visit Boston Beer Works at 61 Brookline Avenue (near Fenway Park) or at 112 Canal Street (North Station area).
	Victoria Station - Pickering Wharf - A popular dining establishment offering good food and lovely waterfront views. The bar has the feel of a British pub, and it makes a perfect addition to a Salem bar crawl. Hours and directions are posted online.

Accommodations:

Hawthorne Hotel - 18 Washington Square West - A lovely historic hotel located next to Salem Common. Completed in 1925, the hotel was named after Salem's native son, Nathaniel Hawthorne. The guest rooms are tastefully decorated with 18th-century reproduction furnishings, yet they boast modern amenities such as cable TV and phones with an extra jack for dial-up Internet access. The hotel also offers two elegant restaurants, Nathaniel's and The Tavern at the Hawthorne, which are popular with locals and visitors alike. Visit the web site for directions, rates and reservations, getaway packages, calendar of events, and more.

Note: There are a lot of links throughout this section. Although we try to maintain these pages on a regular basis, web site pages go up, come down, and change addresses at a staggering pace. So if you happen to notice any bad links, please contact us so that we can update our listings. Many thanks!