Today’s adventure took us to the fascinating and storied city of Salem, Massachusetts—a place where early American history, maritime heritage, and the infamous witch trials all converge.

We began the day with a scenic drive north, arriving in Salem mid-morning. Our first stop was the Peabody Essex Museum, one of the oldest continuously operating museums in the country. The exhibits were beautifully curated—mixing New England history with international art and culture. We especially enjoyed the maritime galleries and the historic Yin Yu Tang Chinese house, which offered a truly immersive experience.

After soaking in the museum’s treasures, we made our way to Red’s Sandwich Shop for lunch. The place had a cozy, old-school charm and a solid reputation for hearty fare. True to form, the food was excellent—just the kind of meal we needed before heading back out to explore more of the city.

Once lunch wrapped up, we picked up Lucky, who had been comfortably waiting for us in the air-conditioned car. With Lucky in tow, we joined a two-hour walking tour through the heart of Salem. Our guide brought the city’s complex past to life, from its Puritan roots to the hysteria of the 1692 witch trials, and even touched on Salem’s maritime golden age. The tour was engaging and informative, offering a much deeper understanding of the town beyond its spooky reputation. Lucky, as always, was a hit with fellow walkers and added his usual charm to the experience.

As the sun began to set, we made our way back home to Chelsea, a little footsore but grateful for the day. Salem offered just the right mix of history, art, and walkability—and it gave us another fun and thoughtful chapter in our summer of local exploration.