Socially Distanced Fall Fun in & around Salem, MA
While this fall may be different, there are still a host of safe, socially distanced activities to enjoy in and around Salem this year. Whether you’re ready to engage in indoor experiences or prefer to remain outdoors (for as long as the weather holds!), we’ve got you covered with this local list of adventures to consider as we head into Fall 2020.
Get Spooked or Catch a Flick
Peabody Essex Museum: Check out the “Salem Stories” and/or “The Salem Witch Trials 1692” exhibitions at the PEM. To allow for safe physical distancing, a limited number of visitors will be allowed inside the museum and its galleries at any time. More on ticket info here!
October in downtown Salem, MA
Tales & Tombstones Trolley: Dusk transforms the city of Salem. As the city of renown seafarers and distinguished architecture fades into the shadows, a new Salem of the occult and paranormal emerges. Visit scenes of grisly murders and ghastly executions, hear tales of ghosts, both mischievous and malevolent, of Salem’s haunted hotels and restaurants, of long forgotten underground passageways, ancient curses, and legends of ghost ships and haunted islands. Reservations & masks (though not the Halloween type!) are required & occupancy is limited to 50% capacity. More on ticket info here!
Topsfield Drive-In: The fairgrounds have put their space to a new use this fall. This 225-space drive-in movie theater located on the grounds of the Topsfield Fair shows movies seven nights a week. Here’s how it works: Visit TopsfieldDriveIn.com to view upcoming showtimes for the next week & to buy tickets online. The ticket price—$27—is per car, not the number of passengers. Either print out your ticket or hold up your smartphone to show at the gates, which open at 6p. Parking is first-come, first-served, so arrive early to get a good spot; do note that parking attendants will direct you based on the size of your vehicle. Outdoor concession stands—which require masks—sell family-friendly fare like pizza, burgers, chicken fingers, French fries, and mozzarella sticks, along with movie theatre staples like popcorn, candy, and soft drinks. Those who want to get their fix of “fair food” can enjoy fried dough, fried Oreos, and corn dogs.
Out on the Farm
Brooksby Farm: Brooksby Farm is a 270-acre farm and apple/peach orchard located in the heart of neighboring Peabody. The farm offers seasonal pick your own fruits, a farm store, barnyard animals and their own vegetables. Brooksby is currently strictly adhering to mandatory CDC regulations. Social distancing & proper mask wearing are being enforced; and hand washing stations are available to use before entering the picking fields. The picking fields are currently open from 10a-4p Tuesday through Saturday, and the farm store is open from 10a-5p Tuesday through Saturday. At this time, Brooksby cannot accommodate large groups due to current capacity restrictions.
Brooksby Farm in Peabody, MA
Connors Farm: Located in neighboring Danvers, Connors Farm is open 7 days/week from 8a-6p until November 1st. The farm is encouraging customers to buy tickets online; with your general admission, you’ll receive access to the notorious 7-acre corn maze and farm-themed play areas. To comply with CDC guidelines, Connors Farm is: requiring that all guests 3 years & older wear masks at all times, enforcing social distancing, providing many hand washing stations, and limiting capacity.
Life’s a Journey, Not a Destination
Danvers-Wenham SwampWalk: Looking for a wildlife gem? The SwampWalk is a wooden, pile-supported walkway across the southern portion of Wenham Great Swamp and Ipswich River Basin that straddles Danvers and Wenham. It boardwalk loops about a third of a mile through a remote tussock marsh area, crosses two small islands, and includes an open viewing platform with a picnic table and benches.
Essex Coastal Scenic Byway: This 90-mile roadway links 14 communities, offering scenic beauty from Lynn all the way up to Salisbury. Hop in your car on a day when the temps inevitably drop and enjoy a beautiful, relaxing drive complete with an array of fall foliage for all of you leaf peepers out there. Learn more about how to explore the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway!
Stavros Reservation: For some of the area’s best hiking, visit 74-acre Stavros Reservation in Essex. Along with some beautiful foliage, you’ll get to see panoramic views of Crane Beach and the Essex River Estuary at the top of Whites Hill.
Ravenswood Park: Head up to Gloucester to experience all the colors of fall at 600-acre Ravenswood Park, which features 10 miles of crushed-stone carriage path trails that meander throughout the park. If it’s warm enough, pack a picnic, make a day of it & enjoy the scenery while it lasts.
Whatever you opt to do with family and friends this throughout Fall 2020, we encourage you to enjoy your outings safely and with proper social distancing. We’re in this together!
