Brew Box

Hop on the Commuter Rail from North Station and before you know it, you’re arriving in Witch City itself. Start the day at Brew Box on Essex Street. Founded by two female coffee enthusiasts, Brew Box’s goal is to offer coffee as an “experience.” And that experience is customizable depending on what you’re looking for: Purists can expect a perfect cup of filtered drip coffee, while those looking to shake things up can sample the Iced Cereal Milk Latte or another flavored concoction.

    Notch Brewing

After a morning exploring Salem’s spooky sights like the Witch House and the Salem Witch Museum, grab a table at Notch Brewing to lunch on the likes of Bratwurst, German Soft Pretzels with mustard and butter, and Pierogi with sour cream. Notch has a cool, high-ceilinged taproom, but we recommend taking a bench-seat in the spacious biergarten overlooking the South River. The brewery is dedicated to session beers at 5% alcohol or less, making this spot a smart choice for a lunchtime libation.

     Deacon Giles Distillery

After lunch, continue soaking up Salem culture at the Peabody Essex Museum. Book your tickets in advance to see their timely exhibit on the Salem Witch Trials. Then walk off lunch, heading toward Salem’s very own craft distillery: Deacon Giles Distillery. The “Speakeasy Lab” (i.e. the barroom) offers a clear view of the distilling process, with a spirit production line behind a large glass wall. DGD distills gin, vodka, rum, and makes canned cocktails, while you sip craft cocktails like a Sin & Tonic, Deacon Stormy, or Gold Fashioned with amber rum.

    Far from the Tree Cider

After imbibing those local spirits, swing by the nearby Far from the Tree Cider to pick up a pack of local ciders to bring home as the perfect souvenir. FFTT also has a first-come, first-served taproom and patio, which is a great option when other reservation-recommended spots in town are booked up.

East Regiment Beer Co.

On your walk back to the train, refuel at one more New England craft brewer. East Regiment Beer Company is located in the heart of downtown, only a three-minute walk from Salem Station. With a taproom plus a heated and covered patio, this spot is ready for guests all season long. Whether you’re a porter, IPA, or lager lover, there’s a beer—or a flight—for you at East Regiment. Pair it with one of the satisfying slices of pizza to tide you over for the train-ride home.

All photos by J.Q. Louise