September 19, 2023

Today’s Forecast

🔮 Spend a spell in the Witch City

Pumpkins outside of the Ropes Mansion in Salem, Massachusetts

Don’t miss the Hocus Pocus recreation at the Ropes Mansion. | Photo by @andy_mutti

Come little tourists, I’ll take thee away.

If you have never been to Salem in the fall, this guide is for you. It highlights everything you need to know, including recommendations for travel, quick eats, and a few of the top attractions.

If you’re ready for a weekend escape as Halloween madness descends upon the town, keep reading for our guide to 48 hours in Witch City.

What to see

Peabody Essex Museum
Get in the spooky mood and explore the rotating Bats + Salem Witch Trails exhibitions.

Bewitched Statue
This bronze statue pays tribute to the TV sitcom “Bewitched.” Use this landmark as a guide to prevent getting turned around on the busy streets.

Derby Wharf Light Station
The lighthouse sits on the waterfront of the first National Historic Site in the US.

BOS-Salem-crystals-shop — Manifest a trip to Ascend to shop the curated selection of crystals, jewelry, and home decor.
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Photo by BOStoday team

Where to shop

Ascend, 192 Essex St.
Shop a variety of crystals, charms, and jewelry. This store also offers aura photography + psychic readings.

Harrison’s Comics, 252 Essex St.
Shop hundreds of pop culture collectibles, figurines, and comics at this store.

HausWitch, 144 Washington St.
As the tagline goes: come for the smells, stay for the spells — shop home goods, paper goods, potions, and more at the woman-owned shop.

The street view of the Ugly Mug Diner in Salem. — This local dinner serves up creative artwork and delicious eats.
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Photo by @hogangabe

Where to eat

Ugly Mug Diner, 122 Washington St. | Grab a stool, sip a handcrafted latte, and feast on a signature menu item like the chipotle brisket hash and the duck confit + waffle. Plus, don’t skip a round of mimosas.

All Soul’s Lounge, 282 Derby St. | Vintage cocktails, gourmet grilled cheese, hot dogs, and an old school jukebox? Yes, please.

Bit Bar, 278 Derby St. | This arcade bar has a wide variety of menu items, from an elk burger served on a donut to chorizo corn dogs.

More Witch City recommendations

Events

Tuesday, Sept. 19

Gallery Night Tuesdays | Tuesday, Sept. 19 | 6-8 p.m. | Liberty Hotel, 215 Charles St., Boston | Free | Support the local art scene while viewing Diana Willand’s works + enjoy complimentary local cheeses.
Foodie Crawl | Tuesday, Sept. 19 | 6-8:30 p.m. | 81 Broadway and 165 Broadway, East Somerville | $10-$40 | Embark on a culinary journey around the world, sampling flavors from Brazil, Italy, France, Mexico, Portugal, and more.
Rancid | Tuesday, Sept. 19 | 7 p.m. | House of Blues, 15 Lansdowne St., Boston | $40-$60 | Rock out with the Berkeley-based punk rock band.

Wednesday, Sept. 20

Hike Boston: Franklin Park | Wednesday, Sept. 20 | 10-11 a.m. | Franklin Park Circuit Drive, Shattuck Picnic Grove, Boston | Free | Learn more about the sprawling Dorchester park on this guided morning hike.
“Scent of a Garden” by Namrata Patel with Karen Winn | Wednesday, Sept. 20 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Beacon Hill Books, 71 Charles St., Boston | Free | Acclaimed local novelist Namrata Patel sits down to discuss her new book with Karen Winn, author of “Our Little World.”

Thursday, Sept. 21

Makers & Brewers Market | Thursday, Sept. 21 | 4-7 p.m. | Athlete’s Park, 100 Guest St., Boston | Free | Shop unique goods from local makers, enjoy local brews and bites + grab some free swag at this open market.
Macklemore | Thursday, Sept. 21 | 7:30 p.m. | MGM Music Hall at Fenway, 2 Lansdowne St., Boston | $38-$58 | This ceiling still can’t hold the party that the “Thrift Shop” rapper brings on tour.

Friday, Sept. 22

Octoberfest Celebration | Friday, Sept. 22-Sunday, Sept. 24 | Times vary | Samuel Adams Boston Brewery, 30 Germania St., Boston | $10 | Tickets include live music, fest food, lawn games, and a souvenir plastic stein.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Sports

The National Women’s Soccer League is returning to Boston + moving forward with a new professional franchise. The local women-led team is set to spend ~$100 million to get the team ready to play by 2026. Celebrations are planned for today at City Hall Plaza. (Boston Globe)

Environment

Gov. Maura Healey announced that Massachusetts state agencies will be banned from purchasing single-use plastic bottles. More details will be announced on Thursday with formalized plans on the Bay State’s new biodiversity goals. (Boston Globe)

Closing

Brookline’s Dok Bua will close its doors on Wednesday, Sept. 27. The Harvard Street restaurant opened 20+ years ago and was known for serving up a variety of Thai street food dishes. (Boston Restaurant Talk)

Biz

State Street’s new glassy One Congress office tower is now open. The bank will occupy 27 floors of the 43-story building. The 1 million-sqft tower will also house a law firm and software company InterSystems. (Boston Globe)

Concert

Mr. Christmas is shipping up to Boston. Brett Eldredge will bring the holiday spirit to MGM Music Hall on Dec. 5 with the return of his annual “Glow Live” holiday tour. General sale tickets begin on Friday, Sept. 22 at 10 a.m.

Eat

Sonsie is getting in the autumn spirit with the Fall Harvest Wine Dinner today, Sept. 19. Visit the Newbury Street eatery for a seven-course dinner party in the wine cellar at 6 p.m. Tickets to the dinner start at $150.

Ranked

No. 1. That’s where the Bay State ranked on a recent report to determine recent grads the best state by Scholaroo. The list examined data from the US Labor Department + Census to rank states on the job market, affordability, and fun. (NBC 10)

Food

🍭 What’s cooking at the Big E

The Ferris wheel at The Big E State Fair.

All is fair at the annual state fair. | Photo by @plaidtink

The Big E is back now through Sunday, Oct. 1 in Springfield. There are 65+ food items to try at the fair and the Big E Bakery’s annual flavor is maple, which you can try in eclairs + original cream puffs.

Bring your appetite — these are just a few of the unique offerings on the menu this year.

What’s new?

Waffleicious — Stuffed waffles on a stick with a variety of toppings
LuAnn’s Bakery — Frosting shots, cookies, and an assortment of cupcakes
Top The Crust — Nashville hot chicken pizza and caramel apple snicker dessert pizza
Ferrindino Maple — Maple bacon hot dogs and maple creemee sundaes

What’s not to miss?

Harpoon Beer Hall — Classic chopped cheese, a soft roll filled with chopped beef, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickle, and a secret sauce
New England Craft Beer Pub — Thanksgiving nachos
Fluffy’s Donuts — Pickle donut
Big Kahuna — Dorito Gyro
Apple Fries — Jolly Rancher extreme slush

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Jessica

From the editor

If this crisp fall-like weather has you pushing play for your annual re-watch of the TV show “Gilmore Girls” then I’ve found a trivia event just for you. Trident Booksellers and Cafe is hosting not one but two more trivia nights dedicated to our favorite Stars Hallow residents.

Get your tickets now for Saturday, Sept. 23 + Saturday, Oct. 14 and prepare your creative team names now before these events sell out.

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