Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Commerce,
62 Pleasant St., Marblehead, MA 01945 (
&
781/631-2868;
www.visit
marblehead.com), include many of them. Check the website, call or write for a visitor
guide, or consult one of the B&B agencies listed on p. 70.
Harbor Light Inn
A stone's throw from the Old Town House, two Federal-era
mansions make up this gracious inn, which is much bigger and more luxurious than
its austere facade suggests. From the wood floors to the 1729 beams (in a third-floor
room) to the swimming pool, it's both historic and relaxing. Rooms are comfortably
furnished in period style, with some lovely antiques; most have canopy or four-poster
beds. Eleven hold working fireplaces, and five have double Jacuzzis. VCRs and free
video rentals are available. The best rooms, on the top floor at the back of the build-
ing, away from the street, have gorgeous harbor views. The undeniably romantic inn,
a popular honeymoon and weekend-getaway destination, shifts gears seamlessly to
attract weekday business travelers with its wireless Internet access and meeting space.
58 Washington St., Marblehead, MA 01945.
&
781/631-2186.
Fax 781/631-2216. www.harborlightinn.com. 21
units, 7 with shower only. $145-$335 double; $195-$375 suite. Rates include breakfast buffet, afternoon refresh-
ments, and use of bikes. Corporate rate available midweek. 2-night minimum stay weekends, 3-night minimum holi-
day and high-season weekends. AE, MC, V. Free parking.
Amenities:
Bar; heated outdoor pool; access to nearby
health club ($5); Jacuzzi; concierge; airport shuttle; in-room massage. In room: A/C, TV/VCR, wireless Internet access,
hair dryer, iron, robes.
WHERE TO DINE
Marblehead has a number of serviceable dining options, plus a ton of bars that serve
decent food. You're probably better off heading to Salem if you want a sit-down meal,
but I prefer sitting down outdoors—for a picnic. You can stock up at a number of
places in Old Town.
Crosby's Marketplace,
118 Washington St. (
&
781/631-1741
),
is a full-service market with a large prepared-food section.
Shubie's,
32 Atlantic Ave.
(
&
781/631-0149
), carries a good selection of specialty foods. Another excellent
option is to hit the road early and have breakfast near the harbor.
Driftwood Restaurant
DINER/SEAFOOD At the foot of State Street, next to
Clark Landing (the town pier), is an honest-to-goodness local hangout that serves
excellent food. Join the crowd at a table or the counter for a mug of strong coffee and
generous portions of breakfast (served all day) or lunch. Try pancakes or hash, chow-
der or a seafood roll—a hot dog bun filled with, say, fried clams or lobster salad. The
house specialty, served on weekends and holidays, is fried dough, which is sort of a
solid doughnut, as crispy as a good New Orleans beignet. At busy times, you may have
to wait outside for a while.
63 Front St.
&
781/631-1145.
Main courses $3-$12; breakfast items less than $7. No credit cards. Daily 5:30am-2pm.
SALEM
17 miles NE of Boston, 4 miles NW of Marblehead
Settled in 1626, 4 years before Boston, Salem later enjoyed international renown as a
center of merchant shipping, but today it's famous around the world because of a
7-month episode in 1692. The witchcraft trial hysteria led to 20 deaths, 3-plus cen-
turies of notoriety, countless lessons on the evils of prejudice, and innumerable bad
puns (“Stop by for a spell” is a favorite slogan).
Unable to live down the association, and never forgetting the victims, Salem
embraces its reputation. The high school sports teams are the Witches, and the
Salem
Evening News
logo is a silhouette of a sorceress. The city abounds with witch-associated
