Start your planning now!

There are fewer than 175 days remaining between us and Salem Haunted Happenings.  That's five months.  That means it's time to get your planning going!

There are many savvy Haunted Happenings travelers who booked their accommodations as they checked out in 2012.  We appreciate their enthusiasm.  But we want everyone who loves Salem and Halloween to get the chance to visit us in October, so we are gently nudging you now to say - it's time, people. Get on it!

A few Haunted Happenings FAQs...

Where should I stay? 
Well, staying in the center of it all is always the best, so we recommend one of the great Salem accommodations. Choose between full service hotels, cozy B&Bs, or economy accommodations. Weekends book up fast at all accommodations and they will sell-out.  Most have minimum night stays in October, so bear that in mind when making your reservation. 

What's Happening When?
Events are still being planned, but we can tell you this:

• The Grand Parade will be on October 3rd at 6:30 PM
• The Haunted Biz Baz Street Fair will be on October 5 - 6 
• The Salem Open Market will be October 11-13, 18-20, 25-27
• Spirits of the Gables and Legacy of the Hanging Judge at the House of the Seven Gables will run October 11,12, 13, 18, 19, 25, 26, 31
• The Official Witches Ball is October 25
• There are several other balls scheduled for October 26, including the Hawthorne Hotel ball and Wicked Night at the Wharf

How do I get there? 

• If you're driving, check out ParkinginSalem.com for new parking rules, rates and regulations.
• Take the train from Boston's North Station - the MBTA Commuter Rail will get you here in 30 minutes.
• Ride the Salem Ferry from Long Wharf in Boston to Salem. That's the arrival with the best view! 

Can I request a schedule of events? 
You can! We would love to send you a guide. Submit the form on Salem.org and check of October and/or Haunted Happenings, and we will send you the Official Guide to Haunted Happenings as soon as it is available in August.  If you don't need the Salem Guide, too, you can note that in the comment section.  In the meantime, we are populating the calendar on HauntedHappenings.org with events as we receive them, so continue to check the web site.

We are in the process of updating HauntedHappenings.org, and we appreciate your patience as we create a better, easier, site for you to use.  In the meantime, you are always welcome to contact us at info@salem.org with your questions. We are happy to help!

2013 Salem Guides now available

At the time of writing this post on February 22, there are 223 days until the Haunted Happenings Grand Parade kicks off Haunted Happenings 2013.  No need to sulk, however, because the 2013 Salem Guide is now available, so, if you haven't started already, you can start your planning today.

You can flip through the pages of the 2013 Salem Guide online, or complete the form at Salem.org/Guide and we will happily send you one.  Make sure you indicate that you are interested in visiting in October and/or Haunted Happenings so we know to send you the Guide to Haunted Happenings as soon as it is available. 

HauntedHappenings.org is undergoing some updates and improvements this winter, but we are populating the calendar at Salem.org with October events as they are sent to us. 

If you have any questions about planning your trip for October, you can post them here or on our Facebook page and we will gladly help!  

Salem is SO sweet!

The 11th Annual Salem's So Sweet Festival returns February 8 - 14

A decadent tradition of delectable chocolate, sparkling ice sculptures and Valentine's Day shopping returns for its 11th year.  Kicking off with a Chocolate and Wine Tasting on Friday, February 8th, the week-long festival will feature chocolate tastings, shopping promotions, chocolate-infused menus at local restaurants, and the annual Golden Ticket drawing for a fabulous Salem So Sweet gift basket.    

The luscious Chocolate and Wine tasting event will be held at Colonial Hall at Rockafellas, a location that is fully-accessibly, and will feature wine and chocolate samplings from premier Salem restaurants, stores and sweet shops.  Tickets are $25 and can be purchased in advance at the Salem Chamber of Commerce, 265 Essex Street Suite 101 starting January 16th. This event is the highlight of the season and is anticipated to sell-out.

More than 16 large ice sculptures will be installed around downtown Salem on February 9, and restaurants and retailers will be offering chocolate samplings and great discounts throughout the weekend, with some promotions continuing until February 14th.  Ice sculptures will include an engagement ring, the Taj Mahal, The Salem State University Viking, an octopus, a Valentine Teddy, and others.  

The Salem Trolley will offer trolley rides around the festival route, weather permitting, on February 9 & 10 from 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM. Adult rides will cost $1, and children are free. Pick up locations include the Salem Visitor Center, Pickering Wharf and Washington Street near Eastern Bank.

With more than 60 places to eat downtown Salem is the perfect place to plan a romantic dinner or casual lunch.  In celebration of the chocolate weekend, many of Salem's finest restaurants will feature special chocolate offerings on their menus, including desserts, cocktails, and inventive sauces.  Participating Salem retailers will offer in-store promotions, innovative displays and items geared toward chocolate and Valentine's Day ranging from a chocolate fondue fountain to Valentine inspired dog treats.  

Golden Tickets will be available for a chance to win a Salem's So Sweet Gift Basket.  Pick up your Golden Ticket at participating businesses or the Salem Chamber of Commerce, and have it validated at participating businesses (no purchase necessary). Validated Golden Tickets can be returned for entry into a drawing for a Salem's So Sweet gift basket which features many fine items from area retailers.

Salem So Sweet is presented by The Salem Chamber of Commerce, Salem Main Streets, and local retailers, restaurants and businesses.  Visit Salem.org for more information.