A Break from the City: North Shore of Massachusetts

Salem

North Station from Boston is about a 25-minute train ride to get to Salem. I always found it to be of the most convenient stops on the Commuter Rail, since it's just a short walk to Essex Street. You can enjoy the brick road to explore shops, restaurants and if you're here in October, you'll see firsthand how dedicated locals celebrate Halloween. If you can't or don't want to be in Salem on Halloween, not to worry, every day in October is Halloween in Salem.

Want to try a different mode of transportation to get to Salem? How about getting to Salem on the water? You can take the Salem ferry from Boston, near by Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park. Slightly a little more than a commuter rail ride, but worth the trip. Keep in mind when you travel, the ferry ride is only available from May-October.

Dinner

Sea Level Oyster Bar
94 Wharf St., Salem, MA 01970
I always liked going to places with a view. My favorite restaurant in Salem is the Sea Level Oyster Bar. This two story restaurant has two bars and my favorite spot was upstairs sitting at the left corner. You'll get the view of Marblehead, Salem Harbor, and the little rocky islands in the distance. Want to watch a game? No problem! Depending on the time of year, you'll gain some insight on some Boston sports teams watching NESN with the TVs above the bar.

I do recommend having an earlier lunch or dinner, since it can get crowded. I usually went around 5:00pm and never had to wait. However, you can make a reservation at this restaurant.

Favorite Meal: American Burger. The Sea Level sauce they used always made it an easy selection. If you're a beer drinker, you can't go wrong with trying some local seasonal beers.

Breakfast

Red's Sandwich Shop
15 Central St., Salem, MA 01970
Staying in Salem and looking for a place to eat breakfast? Check out Red's Sandwich Shop! When I had friends and family visit me while living in Salem, this was my favorite breakfast spot to take them. I usually would get an omelet each time I visited Red's and always left full. After eating here, you may even want to skip lunch for the day.

Bars

Finz Salem
86 Wharf St., Salem, MA 01970
If you want to get a little dressed up, business casual is fine, this would be a good place for you. I enjoyed the bar atmosphere when visiting and thought this was another nice place for another drink after dinner. This is a great location if you want to go to with your family and an older crowd.

I've always been a beer guy and liked to try something new that I could not get from the store or back home in North Carolina. Local and seasonal beers where my favorite selections.

Harpoon IPA or a seasonal IPA: Sure you can Harpoon at just about any bar around Boston, but you can't go wrong with an original. If not, Harpoon IPA go for the local IPA and feel like a New Englander.

Longboards
76 Wharf St., Salem, MA 01970
Longboards was another great location for food and drinks at less the cost compared to other local places. I found this restaurant and bar is a good place for young adults, college students, and watch a game.

Domestic Beer: If you prefer domestic beer instead of craft, Longboards may be a good option for you. They do have some seasonal and local beers, but I found they have more domestic beer options here.

The Landing at the Salem Ferry
10 Blaney St., Salem, MA 01970
in the months of May-October, having the opportunity to take the Salem Ferry can be exciting experience to get to Boston by water. If you're not ready to go on a boat, but want to still see a view and have a drink? Look no further! At the dock of the Salem Ferry, there is an outdoor bar with a fantastic view of the Salem Harbor. This is perfect is you want to be outside and enjoy the view. This was my favorite bar to visit in the summer and watch the Red Sox games. Being here in October when the leaves change across the Salem Harbor in Marblehead was even better.

Harpoon Camp Wannamango: This is one of my favorite beers of all time. If you like pale ales and want a tropical flavor, I highly recommend getting this drink when visiting in the summer.

Christina's Pizza
239 Lafayette St., #7, Salem, MA 01970
I may be burger guy, but I won't turn down a Buffalo Chick Pizza. Christina's Pizza is a great place to grab a slice or two or your meal to go. If you plan on taking food to go, I would suggest driving here if you are staying near the waterfront area in Salem. This is a perfect place if you are wanted to stay in for the night and keeping your Friday pizza tradition. It's a small place, so it is recommended to take you order to go, but there are a few tables inside you can stay for your meal. Christina's has a combination of Greek and Italian dishes, so a great combination to try something new.

Favorite Dishes: Buffalo Chicken Pizza
This is my go-to selection when I went. I have had the Buffalo Fingers & Wings, which are amazing as well.

Jaho, (Pickering Wharf location)
197 Derby St., Salem, MA 01970
Although you can't go wrong visiting a Dunkin' during your time in New England, but why not try something local. Jaho is conveniently located near the waterfront in Salem and a good place to start before exploring Salem first thing in the morning.

Caramel Macchiato (Iced): If you need a boost to start the day or want a cold drink, this is an excellent selection at this location.

Outside of Salem recommendations

If you're looking to explore other parts of the North Shore, check out some places to grab a beer and lunch:

Beverly
Fibber McGee's
104 Cabot St., Beverly, MA 01915
One of my favorite things to do when traveling is to is visit places where movies have been filmed, including the Irish Pub, Fibber McGee's. You can get here in one stop from the Salem Commuter Rail station or a quick Lyft or Uber ride. If you've seen Manchester-by-the-Sea, this is one of the first bars Lee Chandler visits in the movie played by Casey Affleck.

Bacon Royale w/Cheese: This is a great selection for burger lovers and a reasonable cost.

Gloucester
1606 Restaurant & Oyster Bar at the Beauport Hotel Gloucester
55 Commercial St., Gloucester, MA 01930
I'd recommend taking the commuter rail here if you plan on spend a few hours in Gloucester. The Beauport Hotel is a beautifully decorated location to go for Sunday Brunch, grab a drink or take your loved one on a special date night, this is an excellent location for you. You can sit outside looking at the harbor in the warmer months, but also still get the view in the winter.

Downeast Cider Seasonal: If traveling to Boston and the area in the fall, the Downeast Cider Pumpkin, is the best cider I have ever had. The mix of pumpkin, apple, and the rim of the glass covered with cinnamon, is a treat.