This winter, we launched a major refurnishing project at The House of the Seven Gables. Fresh wallcoverings and paint now enhance the Dining Room, Parlor, and Great Chamber of the Turner-Ingersoll Mansion, reflecting the historic periods we interpret. Every update is guided by research and authenticity, ensuring our exhibits remain engaging and accurate for visitors.

The Dining Room (1790-1810) illustrates the lifestyle of the prosperous maritime family, the Ingersolls, during Salem’s Great Age of Sail (1790–1813), when Captain Samuel Ingersoll and his family thrived through global maritime trade. The previous 1920s silk wallpaper and green woodwork were not accurate for this era. Scientific paint analysis showed cream was historically correct, and the wallpaper was replaced with hand-block-printed Plymouth Stripe and Vine, based on a late 18th-century American pattern. No fragments of wallpaper remain in the room, so this design was chosen after extensive research into period styles from comparable houses. In this case, the design originated from paper found in the Jackson House in Plymouth, MA.

In the Parlor (1840s), visitors can step into the lively social world of Susannah Ingersoll, a prominent Salem woman, and her acquaintances of the 1840s. This space highlights her close family ties to her cousin, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and his wife, artist Sophia Peabody. The narrative of the Parlor unfolds through three notable paintings: a sweeping landscape by Sophia, a portrait of her painted by Joseph Alexander Ames, and a youthful depiction of Hawthorne. These artworks help reveal how the house inspired Hawthorne’s renowned novel, The House of the Seven Gables.

Previously, the Parlor featured wallpaper and paint colors from the wrong era. Paint analysis reveals that a yellow cream color was present during the 1840s, not the green color that had been displayed. Again, no historic wallpaper fragments exist for the Parlor. After researching 1840s styles, we chose Kennebunk Foliate, which was found in the Simpson House in Kennebunk, ME. Our new wallpaper captures the style of the era and allows the artwork to truly stand out, enriching the story of the Ingersoll-Hawthorne connection.

The Great Chamber brings the visitor to the 1740s and the world of the wealthy Turner family. The room reflects the Georgian style, with fine, symmetrical, high-style paneling considered some of the finest in America. As with the Parlor and Dining Room, no wallpaper fragments existed, and paint analysis confirmed a tan/cream finish. In 1740s America, wallpaper was typically imported from England and France, and the Turners likely adorned their bedroom with luxurious imported wallpaper and expensive bed hangings. For our restoration, we installed a hand-block printed wallpaper found in the Webb House in Wethersfield, CT. The paper has a flocked flowering vine with a diaper pattern, closely matching the fashionable look of the time.

Visit us this spring to experience the newly restored rooms at The House of the Seven Gables in person! Plan your visit today at 7Gables.org

The post Refurnishing The House of the Seven Gables: Before and After appeared first on Destination Salem.

If you are searching for where to stay in Salem, MA, and want something beyond a standard hotel experience, the Stepping Stone Inn offers a stay that feels distinctly personal.

Set at 19 Washington Square North, this Salem bed and breakfast puts you exactly where you want to be. It sits across from Salem Common and just steps from the Salem Witch Museum. Even better, the inn offers free on-site parking, which is a major perk in Salem. You can park once, leave your car behind, and explore the city entirely on foot.

Inside, the inn blends historic charm with thoughtful comfort. The house dates back to 1846, and you will still find original details like plaster ceiling medallions and antique light fixtures. The six guest rooms are designed with modern travelers in mind, each with a private bath, free WiFi, and details like locally made Gardner mattresses and easy-to-find charging outlets.

What makes the Stepping Stone Inn stand out among places to stay in Salem is its personality, which starts with the innkeepers themselves.

Matt Baldassarri and Kelly Romanski bring an unexpected and memorable story to the experience. Matt, a North Shore native and Emerson College graduate, went on to host a national radio show on XM Satellite Radio before returning home. Kelly grew up in Monterey, California, and worked as a concierge at Pebble Beach Resorts before heading to Washington, D.C. The two met in 2005 in a way that feels fitting for Salem — Kelly called into Matt’s radio show to request a song, and that moment turned into a relationship that eventually brought them together to the North Shore.

Today, they run the inn as a true family operation. Their son Bobby, who arrived just ahead of Salem’s busiest season in 2016, has been part of October in Salem ever since. And then there are the cats, who are very much part of the experience. Friendly, social, and often ready to greet guests, they add to the feeling that you are staying somewhere lived-in and welcoming.

That sense of personality carries throughout the inn. Each guest room is named after a place meaningful to Matt and Kelly, from Big Sur and Monterey to Boston and Salem. The design reflects those places in subtle ways, through books, artwork, and small details, without feeling overly themed. It is curated, but never crowded.

During your stay, you’ll experience moments uniquely “Stepping Stone.” You might hear music drifting through the house from a vintage radio that now streams curated playlists. In the morning, you will find “Matt’s Famous Coffee” waiting in the dining room, something guests specifically look forward to. On the right evening, you might even catch an impromptu jam session in the parlor.

For travelers planning a visit during Haunted Happenings, the inn’s location becomes even more valuable. With more than one million visitors coming to Salem in October, staying within walking distance of major attractions can completely change your experience. Here, you are close to the action, but still able to step back into a quieter, more relaxed space at the end of the day.

Rates vary seasonally, with peak demand in October, and select rooms are pet-friendly with advance notice. Booking directly is encouraged for the best availability and pricing.

For those looking for a Salem, MA bed and breakfast that combines location and comfort, the Stepping Stone Inn offers something memorable. It is not just where you stay in Salem: it becomes part of the story of your visit.

The post A Stay at The Stepping Stone Inn appeared first on Destination Salem.

May in Salem brings the city into full bloom, from the flowering paths of the Ropes Mansion Gardens to sunny strolls along Pickering Wharf. Whether you’re treating Mom to brunch, setting sail on the Salem Sound, or spending the day exploring museums, shops, and events, May offers endless ways to enjoy Salem this spring.

Hello Day: Salem Says Hello… Again – May 1
Originally celebrated in 1971, Hello Day returns to Salem with a focus on connection and community. Join in this citywide moment to gather and say “Hello”. Festivities are from 5:30 – 7:30 pm brought to you by the Creative Collective.

Beltane Sea Witch Ball Workshop – May 1
A hands-on workshop with Sea Wych Salem celebrating the season between spring equinox and summer solstice through a one-of-a-kind Beltane sea witch ball. Create you own one-of-a-kind Salem souvenir!

Full Moon Yoga – May 5
Experience an evening yoga session set against the historic backdrop of The House of the Seven Gables. This outdoor class invites participants to move, breathe, and unwind in a peaceful coastal setting as the day transitions into night.

Mother’s Day Tea – May 9
Celebrate Mother’s Day weekend at Colonial Hall with an afternoon tea inspired by Bridgerton, featuring classic tea service alongside spritzes, local vendors, and a bouquet-building experience.

Mother’s Day Brunch Buffett – May 10
Spend Mother’s Day at the Hawthorne Hotel, where a brunch buffet is served from 10 am to 3 pm. Featuring a generous selection of brunch favorites, seasonal offerings, and sweet treats. A memorable way to celebrate Mom!

DIY Stained Glass Workshop – May 21
Get creative in this hands-on workshop at the Lost Library’s Black Box Theater, where you’ll design a stained glass–inspired wall hanging using simple, no-cut techniques. All materials are included for an easy, imaginative experience.

Salem as Muse: Lucy Cleveland, Author and Textile Artist – May 23
Part of the Peabody Essex Museum’s Salem 400+ programming, this talk highlights a Salem-born author, textile artist, and abolitionist, and her ties to the city’s maritime and cultural history.

Unicorn Spa Day – May 30
A whimsical children’s workshop at The Good Witch of Salem Spell Studio, where young guests can create unicorn potions, make crystal wishes, and enjoy a sparkly, spa-inspired experience. With hands-on activities and a touch of magic throughout, it’s a fun and imaginative way for kids to spend an afternoon in Salem.

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Things to Do

Mahi Harbor Cruises
Set sail with Mahi Cruises this season and escape the everyday! Starting May 15th, Mahi is back, offering harbor cruises, sunset cruises, and live music on the water. Whether you’re lounging with a boat drink, enjoying a fresh-off-the-grill burger, or soaking in the views, it’s the perfect way to unwind.

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The New England Pirate Museum 
Pirates Are Back in Port! The New England Pirate Museum reopens May 1st – just in time to set sail through Salem’s swashbuckling past. Want even more thrills? Snag a combo ticket with the Witch Dungeon Museum and Witch History Museum and save $8 while diving into three epic experiences!

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Photo by George Bekris

Sunset Sail
Home to the historic schooners When And If and Malabar X, Sunset Sail offers a distinctive way to experience the beauty of Salem Sound. As the wind fills the sails, take in views of island-dotted waters, working lighthouses, and the rugged shoreline that defines this stretch of New England coast. It’s a memorable way to step into Salem’s maritime story. Set sail May 22nd.

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Coast to Coast Paddle
Get out on the water with Coast to Coast Paddle, offering a hands-on way to explore Salem’s coastline by kayak or paddleboard. Glide across Salem Harbor at your own pace, taking in open water views, passing boats, and the rhythm of the shoreline from a uniquely up-close perspective. It’s an active, on-the-water experience that connects you directly to Salem’s coastal setting. Season opens May 23rd!

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Looking for fun things to do in Salem that go beyond the usual stops? Step inside The Trolley Depot, where shopping turns into an experience and every visit feels like a discovery.

A longtime Salem favorite since 1991, The Trolley Depot has been completely reimagined — it’s part retail, part immersive environment, and part starting point for your Salem adventure. Whether you are visiting for the first time or returning to a familiar favorite, this is a stop that invites you to slow down, look closer, and explore.

The moment you walk through the door, you know this is not your typical souvenir store. Overhead, a moving trolley circles the space on a suspended track, bringing the shop to life with motion, storytelling, and tiny details that reveal themselves the longer you look. It is playful, a little unexpected, and instantly memorable.

The layout is designed for wandering. Wide, open pathways make it easy to browse without feeling crowded, whether you are visiting during Salem’s busy fall season or a quieter weekday afternoon. Every turn offers something new, encouraging you to explore at your own pace and discover hidden gems throughout the store.

The design blends Salem’s historic charm with a creative, slightly offbeat twist. Think vintage-inspired textures, industrial touches, and layered details that feel collected over time. Subtle sound effects and music add to the atmosphere, creating an experience that feels lively without being overwhelming. It is the kind of place where you will want to linger.

Planning to take a Salem Trolley tour? The Trolley Depot is also your go-to place to purchase trolley tickets, making it one of the most convenient and engaging starting points for sightseeing in Salem. Grab your tickets, snap a photo at the trolley-front display, and get into the spirit before heading out to explore the city’s historic streets.

Of course, the shopping is just as much of a draw. The Trolley Depot offers one of the best selections of Salem souvenirs, with more than 50 original t-shirt designs, locally inspired gifts, glassware, and easy-to-pack keepsakes. Many items are created exclusively for the store, so you can bring home something you will not find anywhere else in Salem.

Art lovers will also find something special here. The shop features work from local Salem artists, including prints and original pieces that reflect the creativity and character of the city. It is a chance to support local talent while taking home a meaningful piece of your visit.

Throughout the space, you will also find thoughtful nods to The Trolley Depot’s history. Small details and design elements pay tribute to its past, creating a sense of continuity that longtime visitors will appreciate while still offering something entirely new.

The Trolley Depot proudly calls itself “a strange little store in a great little city,” and that spirit is on full display. It is one of the most fun places to shop in Salem, blending history, creativity, and a sense of discovery into one unforgettable stop.

If you are building your list of must-see Salem attractions, add this one near the top. Step inside, look up, and take your time. The Trolley Depot is more than a shop. It is an experience you will be talking about long after your visit to Salem ends.

The post All Aboard: An Immersive Shopping Experience at The Trolley Depot appeared first on Destination Salem.