Solo Trip to Salem, MA

I wanted to travel to get some time to myself. To get out of my comfort zone and go it alone. While I have traveled alone multiple times, the pandemic had atrophied my comfort around it, and that is precisely why I knew I needed to bust through that discomfort and go on this trip. I knew I would enjoy myself and I knew that past solo trips gave my soul life. When I got an email from Going (formerly Scott's Cheap Flights) to Boston, I knew that was my destination of choice. Actually, it morphed into Salem, MA for the first leg of the trip, and Boston on the back end. A perfect combination of small city and big city in one. The weekend after Halloween, I would be landing in Boston’s airport and hopping on a train to Witch City. Solo trip to Salem, MA: here I come!

My trip started off rocky. It was a super early flight on Delta, which I absolutely abhor (the earliness, not the airline). My Uber driver had on her radio a racial debate at 6 am, which was fraying my already frayed nerves from waking up at the crack of dawn and leaving my depressed pup at the door. The security checkpoint was a breeze, thanks to TSA PreCheck. I don’t know how people do without it! By the time I sat down on the plane, I was raw. My neck would barely turn and I was miserable.

I felt a twinge of regret for even thinking I should go on this trip. Work was exploding, my dog was pissed at me. I felt like I was losing the fun battle. But I was determined not to, though. I worked way too hard to be on that plane headed to my first solo trip to Salem, MA, and I was going to enjoy it, damn it.

Train from Logan Airport in Boston to Salem, MA

By the time I arrived in Boston, I had booked myself a massage appointment with a lady named Daryl. Before my appointment, I had to get to Salem. I hopped on the train to Salem from Boston and find my bed and breakfast and put my bag down, so that is what I did. I disembarked in Salem, and started walking. And I knew Salem was small, but walking the entire city center from the train station with a bouncing piece of luggage on old brick streets was not what I envisioned for myself. I tried to not let my embarrassment take over, and I kept going.

I reached my Morning Glory Bed and Breakfast, dropped my stuff, and went a-walkin. Then I grabbed the best grilled cheese sandwich I think I’ve ever eaten, and had a delicious brew to go along with it. “Don’t Stop Me Now” was playing in my head because I was going to have a good time, damn it.

Daryl and Me - Post Massage

I bopped around Salem a little bit until it was time for my coveted massage with Daryl. She instructed me to meet her at the Witch City Mall at some particular suite, so I did. I was a little creeped out because it looked deserted, but I wanted this massage like a dog wants a bone. I couldn’t strip my clothes off fast enough when I got into the room. My neck and shoulders were at their wit’s end and wanted someone to get really handsy with them. Daryl did not disappoint. She was a phenomenal massage therapist and I truly couldn’t have started out my first night better. I went back to my B&B, got in my comfy clothes, and slept. Glorious!

Modern Millie

My first morning on my solo trip to Salem, MA was peppered with work as well as a lovely breakfast made by the owner and host of the place, Bob. I ate with two others, a married couple, who were 89 and 90 years old. They had been married since their early to mid 20s. It was such a delightful conversation and I was fascinated by them. I hated to see our breakfast come to an end, but time’s a-ticking and Salem was calling me to explore her. Walking around Salem doesn’t take too long. I meandered around, took a bunch of pictures, walked into some shops, and took it all in.

The window display at a clothing shop, Modern Millie, drew me in, with Halloween and fall themed dresses, skirts, and sweaters. I couldn’t resist buying a couple of items while there. The prices were reasonable and, most importantly, the clothing is as unique as I am! The ladies who were working recommended I go to Turner Seafood, located just around the corner from them. I headed over, famished from shopping, sat at the bar, and ordered some seafood chowder. That, some fries, and mussels were enough to make my palate sing. I was as happy as a clam in chowder.

Me at the Peabody Essex Museum

Museums are not a massive draw for me in general, but the Peabody Essex in Salem had a temporary exhibit about the witch trials, so I had to go. I was thrilled to walk around and see many exhibits that were actually quite interesting. The witch trial exhibit was about Alexander McQueen’s relative, who was one of the women hanged for being accused of witchcraft. When he discovered that this was his lineage, he did a whole collection around it. I read almost every plaque, and was fascinated by the whole thing. I even found a plaque with a woman who is a modern day witch from the same city in which I live. What a small world in witchery!

While exploring one of the rooms, I asked a fellow museum-goer to take my photo, and she kindly agreed. We got to talking, discovered that we were on the same tour that was starting shortly, and decided to meet up for it and go together. I want to just note that on this solo trip to Salem, MA, had I not been solo, I would never have met Risa, played tourist with her, and had a fabulous dinner where we talked about so many things we have in common. Our connection was something I didn’t know I needed, but after we parted ways, I took action on some things we discussed, like starting a book club I had been putting off for no good reason, and felt a complete rejuvenation and zeal for life. Traveling solo and all its goodness struck again.

House in the McIntire District in Salem, MA

Risa and I thought about grabbing breakfast, but since my B&B served breakfast and she wanted to move on to her next destination, we decided we would keep in touch (which we have) and felt like our meeting each other was more than just a coincidence. It was fate and something we both delighted in. My cup was full, and had my trip ended there I would’ve been perfectly content. But, it wasn’t over and I had most of the day to explore before heading back to Boston, and explore I did! The day was sunny, cool (maybe even cold), and all mine to play around with photography and visit the sights I missed before.

I went to see the replica of the merchant ship, walked all over the McIntire Historic District that the tour guide had pointed out the night before, and lastly paid some respect to the memorial erected in honor of the Salem Witch Trials. My time in Salem was now coming to a close.

There is no shortage of good places to eat in Salem. While I couldn't eat at all of them, I did find several that I liked and ate at them. While I am not a huge foodie, I do appreciate good food, so I'm going to share with you where I'd go if I were in Salem.

The Tavern at the Hawthorne Hotel

My first stop in Salem was here because I was starving and I saw that they had a grilled cheese on the menu. I sat my rear end at the bar and ordered said grilled cheese and a beer. It was absolutely divine and I highly recommend it. The grilled cheese is seasonal, so you can go and not get it again if you're there in a different season.

Turner Seafood

What a delightful spot! Again, being a solo traveler, I sat at the bar and enjoyed the conversation with the bartender, who was so incredibly friendly. My idea of a good meal is seafood chowder and fries, so that is exactly what I got. Likely with a beer or wine, completing the deliciousness.

Adriatic

On the trip, I met a woman who was also traveling solo at the Peabody Essex Museum during the day. We happened to be on the same ghost tour that evening. After the ghost tour, we went to dinner at the lovely Adriatic Restaurant and had a delicious meal, yes, at the bar. It's a time I will never forget, and years later my friend and I are still friends!

Sea Level Oyster Bar

For some good Salem ambience, head over to Sea Level Oyster Bar to get yourself some food and beverages. You will be overlooking the Friendship of Salem merchant ship replica, which is a lovely view at anytime of the day, but particularly at sunset. Go for the view, stay for the food!

Rockafellas Restaurant

The tour guide from the tour I went on recommended this place, as he said it was a classic place in the town of Salem. In my typical fashion, I went there for a basic sandwich and beer and enjoyed myself and my meal. It was a festive environment and I did enjoy it. I wasn't blown away, but I was happy with it.

Salem, MA is an adorable town. There are so many places to explore and eat and shop. I truly enjoyed sauntering around the town looking in shop windows and seeing if there was anything I wanted to purchase. Me being me, of course there were, and I will share some of the cool shops in Salem.

Pamplemousse

The cutest wine and other alcohol shop in town. I spent a little while perusing the wines that had haunted and witchy names, and it was simply delightful. Its location is in the heart of the town, on Essex Street, and you can't miss it with its colorful sign. Definitely wander around and pick something up to take home.

Modern Millie

If you like fun and funky clothing, this is the store for you. No kidding, I could've taken one of everything home. I did settle on a couple of items that I was overjoyed to take home with me, and am very proud to wear. Modern Millie also has an online store, so anything you see you can purchase through them. Expressing my weird never felt so normal.

Coven's Cottage

If you're looking to be a full-on witch, this shop is for you. I walked through with reverence for all of the items in there that people use in their witchery. While I am not into this type of practice, I was fascinated with all of the things that one could purchase here. From cauldrons to crystals to candles, you are well stocked, my witchy friend.

Ye Olde Pepper Candy Companie

I did not misspell this, this is how they spell the name of the store. They are touting themselves to be the oldest candy company in America, so as good Americas, we should give it a whirl. You can purchase anything from taffy to bark to caramel corn from here. It's a neat pastime, and one that is special to our country.

Witch Pix

Feeling especially festive on this trip to Salem? Get yourself into Witch Pix for your own personal photo dressed as a witch. Fly on a broom or boil something in your cauldron. It's a great way to commemorate your trip to Salem. Something to get you laughing on your own or with your group.

Morning Glory B&B

This solo trip to Salem, MA was phenomenal. I rocked it and felt complete liberation being on my own schedule, popping in and out of stores, museums, streets, and restaurants. I went at the perfect time of year, in my opinion. The foliage and crisp air were exactly what I needed to hit the refresh button in my body. From getting the massage on the first night to having dinner with a new friend, my trip contained all the magic that the Witch City could ever offer. I can’t recommend this town enough. And I will definitely be back.

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