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.