Take in local history at 3 of Salem's top attractions.  At the Witch Dungeon museum, enjoy an award winning live re-enactment of a Witch trial followed by a  guided tour of the Dungeon.  The stories of 1692 come alive at the Witch History Museum through a live presentation followed by a guided tour downstairs where you will view 15 life size scenes depicting these stories.  Or, experience the adventures of New England sea-robbers, board a pirate ship, and explore an 80ft cave at the NE Pirate Museum.   More info

Get your weekend started right with Far From the Tree Cider!  Enjoy live music on Thursdays, followed the next day by a "Friday Fright Flight," which features frighteningly limited October ciders.  On Saturdays, watch their cider-makers grind and press apples and then relax with "Sunday Funday" (family and pups are welcome!).   More info

Dusk transforms the city of Salem.  As the city of renowned 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.   More info

Twenty-plus schooners of all sizes will strut their stuff in the Parade of Sail, past Stacy Blvd. in Gloucester on Sunday morning, on their way out of the harbor for the race. Downtown Block Party on Friday night. Shoreside events on Saturday include public lobster bake, Maritime Gloucester Heritage Day, Boat Parade of Lights and fireworks.   More info

Essex County is home to an extraordinary collection of homes, buildings and artifacts from America's First Period(1625-1725) of European settlement. Explore these architectural treasures and discover what it was like to live in Essex County during America's first century. Join us for 17th Century Saturdays from June through October on the first Saturday of the month.   More info

Experience food and art from around the world and celebrate the ethnic diversity and labor history of Lawrence, Massachusetts at the 31st Annual Bread & Roses Heritage Festival.  Every year the festival includes performers from around the region and the globe to celebrate the importance of people from all walks of life coming together.  Learn from discussions, lectures, and displays about labor history and current issues facing movements for social justice. More info

Make your way through an eight-acre labyrinth at the Marini Farm Corn Maze this fall.  After you make your way out, check out the many terrific activities and events (including apple cannons, hayrides, jumping pillow), refreshments from the new Farm Stand Bakery, and more!   More info

Newburyport's newest festival, Savor Newburyport, features 10 days of celebration and highlights the coastal city's exceptional food, drink, shopping, and cultural experiences.  Enjoy various events throughout the festival; including innovative dining experiences with unique restaurant and shop parings.   More info

Explore Essex County's historic, cultural and natural sites during two weekends of 150+ FREE events.  Enjoy a variety of guided walks, sails, historical tours and other adventures for all ages, skill levels and interests, that will connect you to the spectacular places, history and heritage that define the Essex National Heritage Area-the 34 cities and towns of Boston's legendary North Shore.   More info

Dozens of chefs, vintners, and distillers from across the region will showcase their specialties and vie for your vote in the Best Chef and Best Beverage competition at Taste of the Gables.  Set along the beautiful Salem harbor front on the lawn of the House of the Seven Gables, the night will feature a silent auction, with original pieces of art and other exciting items lining our beautiful garden paths.  This event is a benefit to raise money for the House of the Seven Gables important preservation projects and education initiatives.   More info

Buffalo Tom headlines a day of American music, including bluegrass, funk, and folk, along with a variety of farm activities.  Watch Vintage Base Ball played by 1861 rules, try your hand and win prizes at corn husking, enjoy a wagon ride through brightly colored autumn fields, build scarecrows, go on a pumpkin treasure hunt, make fall crafts, and much, much more!   More info

Celebrate Wearable Art (CWA) is a half-day event that showcases hand-made, one of a kind art-to-wear for sale and for show. The event has two parts - a "sale" of locally made clothing and accessories and a runway show that combines art-to-wear, fashion, and sculptural, functional wearable art by local artists.   More info

No one could have predicted the impact the filming of the Bewitched TV show in Salem would have on the city in June of 1970.  Join author and Salem State teacher Peter Alachi as he follows the journey of the Bewitched cast and crew through Salem and Gloucester and examines the impact the show had on Salem.  Light refreshments served.  At the conclusion of the program step outside the museum and watch the Salem Haunted Happenings Parade wind its way to the Salem Common.   More info

A festive celebration of Halloween and fall in New England, more than 250,000 people come to Salem Haunted Happenings each year. Events include a Grand Parade, the Haunted Biz Baz Street Fair, Family Film Nights on Salem Common, costume balls, ghost tours, haunted houses, live music, and chilling theatrical presentations.   More info

A tradition for nearly 200 years, the Topsfield Fair is an Essex County staple.  The oldest fair in America, the Topsfield Fair is 10 days of fun for the whole family.  From the record-breaking giant pumpkin contest and sand sculpture exhibit to the mouth-watering food, countless rides, and concerts by your favorite artists, this year's fair is not to be missed!   More info

Discover the charming lifestyle and traditions of one of the oldest towns in the United States by going inside some of the most beautiful homes on the North Shore. The 2015 tour will showcase many of the wonderful features of Ipswich, including its scenic countryside, salt marshes and historical places.   More info

This leisurely behind-the-scenes tour of Henry Davis Sleeper's summer retreat allows plenty of time to explore each room, including passageways, closets, and other spaces not usually open to the public. Guides highlight their favorite objects and share stories about Sleeper, his friends, and staff. Light refreshments included.   More info

Step into a world of beautiful paintings, intricate jewelry, delicate pottery, and everything in between while taking a rare look into a world of inspiration and creativity as you navigate through the Artisans' studios during Cape Ann Artisans' Fall Tour.  The tour is self-guided and follows the coastline around Gloucester and Rockport.  Just follow the magenta flags!   More info

The annual Essex Clamfest has everything the small town is known for including pony rides, arts and crafts, K-9 demonstrations and, of course, the ever popular clam chowder competition. Nearly 1,000 people tasted the best of the best in 2014, each voting for their favorite in the People's Choice Award, while nine esteemed judges helped to select the winner of the Judge's Award.   More info

"It's Baaaack...." Enjoy a spooky fun filled evening here at the festively decorated estate with fellow ghouls and goblins. With the décor, delicious food, and fantastic dancing, there is little surprise that this event has become one of the most popular Halloween parties on the North Shore.   More info

If you have not been to the Halloween Party at the Hawthorne, you have not really experienced Halloween. A tradition for over 20 years, this party sells out every year and is the "place to be" in Salem on All Hallows' Eve.  The Hawthorne Hotel's annual Halloween Party is the biggest and best Salem has to offer. Enjoy three floors of food, fine costumes, live music, DJs, dancing, psychics, and of course the big Hawthorne costume contest.   More info

Join the sea chanty singing Salem pirates for some tricks, treats, and treasures at Historic New England's Phillips House in Salem, MA on Halloween night.   More info

"Sister Act" is the feel-amazing musical comedy smash based on the hit 1992 film that will have audiences jumping to their feet! When disco diva Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in one place the cops are sure she won't be a found: a convent! Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with both the rigid lifestyle and uptight Mother Superior. Using her unique talents to inspire the choir, Deloris breathes new life into the church and community.   More info

Roll up your sleeves and get ready for this Thanksgiving addition to the popular Appleton Cooks! series.  Learn to prepare updated versions of some holiday classics such as Sausage, Apple, & Herb Stuffing; Roasted Onion Gratin; and Cranberry-Pomegranate Relish.   More info

Political satire gets a musical makeover with the uproarious comedy troupe Capitol Steps.  Adapting familiar pop hits to skewer both sides of the political spectrum, the Capitol Steps revel in sardonic songs, side-splitting puns and over-the-top impersonations. No one is safe.   More info

The Festival of Trees has been a marvel of the Merrimack Valley for over two decades. Start the holiday season with this family celebration of the sights and sounds of the holidays. Featuring over 240 trees, wreaths and displays that you could win, the Festival of Trees has something for everyone.   More info

Get ready for a giant maze of sparkling holiday trees, stage and ice skating performances, visits with Santa, a Giant Gingerbread House display, and more at the 3rd Annual Sea Festival of Trees!  This annual holiday fundraiser is designed to raise funds for designated local charities, and establish a fun holiday tradition for families and the general public.   More info

Join us for this monthly walk series featuring: Bog Ecology, Butterflies, and Bay Circuit Trail. Enjoy this emerald quilt of fields, romantic hiking trails, and extraordinary views from the Ward Reservation (the highest point in Essex County).   More info

The finest New England artisans present exceptional quality handcrafted gifts at this festive holiday craft fair.  Pick up unique presents for the holiday, hostess, and home. Participating artisans generously donate 20% of their sales proceeds to benefit the Wenham Museum.   More info

All are invited to Salt Marsh Antiques' Holiday Open House!  Join owner/host Bob Cianfrocca for a lavish buffet featuring baked ham, chowder, delicious baked goods and more. Browse and socialize while enjoying live music by Rowleys Mark Maravale and his live band. This annual event was recommended by Early American Home magazine as one of the ten best ways to get into the holiday spirit.   More info

Join us in the kitchen of the Compass Rose for a wonderful evening of fine food and fun. These intimate 2 1/2 to 3 hour classes include a hands-on cooking experience while learning creative recipes, professional tips, cooking techniques, and methods.  Then, enjoy luxurious accommodations at one of the Inn's five suites.   More info

Get an inside view (and taste) of Appleton Farms, the Inn's sister property in Ipswich and the oldest, continuously running farm in the country. Visit the farm for their popular Appleton Cooks program. This event will include a tour of the cheese kitchen and dairy barn as well as culinary demonstrations using farm products. Come back to the Inn and enjoy a wine and cheese tray with products from the farm.  Select dates only.   More info

Combine your overnight stay at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston North Shore with one day of fun at CoCo Key Water Park for up to four (4) people, a one-hour narrated tour for four aboard the Salem Trolley, and four passes to tour the Salem Witch Museum.   More info

Whether in town on business or leisure, enjoy staying at the Hampton Inn Haverhill and experience everything you've come to know and love when staying at a Hampton. When booking this package, you will receive a $25 gift card for your choice of either The Olive Garden or the 99 Restaurant.   More info

Relax and enjoy two nights in a romantic Honeymoon Suite, complete with a private bath and whirlpool tub. Chocolates and champagne with two keepsake Salem Inn flutes await your arrival. This getaway also includes a $50 gift certificate for a romantic dinner at the intimate Italian Ristorante Gioia and a continental breakfast each morning. Added to the romantic ambience is a bouquet of roses.  This "suite" package is available through September 30, 2015.   More info