The most hippie city near Boston has a reputation for being quirky. Salem is a must-visit destination for history buffs, Wiccans, and anyone who appreciates a visually-appealing, oceanfront town. This North Shore community is one of the most progressive and open-minded places in Massachusetts, making it a hippie hotspot.
Ironically, it’s Salem’s history of persecution that continues to draw free-spirited folks to the city. You can’t visit without coming away understanding more about the witch trials. This tragic aspect of Salem’s past has spawned both gimmicky and thoughtful museums and stores. Many of the city’s attractions focus on alternative belief systems and New Age ideas that overlap with the peace-loving, counterculture features of the hippie movement.
Start your visit by rebalancing your mind and body at The Salty Buddha, a yoga studio tucked inside the Hawthorne Building. You can attend classes on a drop-in basis.
Facebook/The Salty Buddha Address: 201 Washington Street, Suite 206, Salem
Once you’re feeling centered, it’s time to browse through Salem’s indie stores.
Facebook/Pyramid Books Duck into Pyramid Books, your source for “enlightened books and gifts.”
As you investigate the shelves, you’ll spot everything from volumes on dream interpretation to adult coloring books. The store also carries lots of candles and crystals.
Facebook/Pyramid Books Address: 214 Derby Street, Salem
Browse through teas, flower essences, alternative remedies, and herbs at Artemisia Botanicals.
Facebook/Artemisia Botanicals
If you’re interested in learning more about Wicca, you can pick up supplies here.
Facebook/Artemisia Botanicals Address: 3 Hawthorne Boulevard, Salem
Feeling peckish? Life Alive is a restaurant that focuses on serving organic, chemical-free whole foods and following environmentally-friendly practices.
Tripadvisor/Kristos T
You can feel virtuous without sacrificing flavor as you tuck into grain bowls, salad bowls, or smoothies - try The Adventurer.
Facebook/Life Alive Urban Oasis & Organic Cafe Address: 281 Essex Street, Salem
Round off your meal with some artisan ice cream!
Facebook/Melt Ice Cream Melt is seasonal (it’s usually closed during January and February) and the ice cream features local ingredients. The maple bourbon will have you pressing your nose to the window, hoping for seconds.Address: 60 Washington Street, Salem
Unwind with a treatment at one of Salem’s day spas.
Facebook/LivingWell Salem LivingWell Salem is located at 207 Washington Street in Salem.
If you gravitate toward Eastern culture, are a travel junkie, or a fan of art, definitely stop by the Peabody Essex Museum.
Flickr/Mr.TinDC Sailors from Salem established trading routes with countries around the world, and the art and artifacts they amassed are on display at this museum.
The museum contains an entire Chinese house! The Yin Yu Tang is more than two hundred years old and was shipped to the U.S. and reassembled here.
Flickr/Larry Lamsa Address: 161 Essex Street, Salem
The hippie movement is closely tied to harmony with nature. Get your fill of the sights and sounds of nature with a stroll by the ocean at the Salem Maritime National Historic Site.
Flickr/Mark Address: 160 Derby Street, Salem
If you need accommodations during a trip to Salem, your options range from staying at the character-crammed Hawthorne Hotel to sleeping on a boat!
Facebook/The Salty Buddha
Address: 201 Washington Street, Suite 206, Salem
Facebook/Pyramid Books
Duck into Pyramid Books, your source for “enlightened books and gifts.”
Address: 214 Derby Street, Salem
Facebook/Artemisia Botanicals
Address: 3 Hawthorne Boulevard, Salem
Tripadvisor/Kristos T
Facebook/Life Alive Urban Oasis & Organic Cafe
Address: 281 Essex Street, Salem
Facebook/Melt Ice Cream
Melt is seasonal (it’s usually closed during January and February) and the ice cream features local ingredients. The maple bourbon will have you pressing your nose to the window, hoping for seconds.Address: 60 Washington Street, Salem
Facebook/LivingWell Salem
LivingWell Salem is located at 207 Washington Street in Salem.
Flickr/Mr.TinDC
Sailors from Salem established trading routes with countries around the world, and the art and artifacts they amassed are on display at this museum.
Flickr/Larry Lamsa
Address: 161 Essex Street, Salem
Flickr/Mark
Address: 160 Derby Street, Salem
Whatever draws you to Salem, you won’t regret spending a day or more in this fun and funky city. Have you visited this happy hippy community? Where’s your favorite spot to recenter and relax? Share your suggestions in the comments below!
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