Things To Do In Salem With Kids
Costumes are always on in Salem, but the city truly becomes Halloween Town through October. While Halloween has historically been packed with revelers, Witch City is always a great destination for an easy day trip or weekend getaway because there’s always things to do in Salem. Take the ferry from Boston to learn the history of the Salem Witch Trials, experience everything from the magical to the macabre anytime of year, and explore family-friendly, hands-on exhibitions at the world-class Peabody Essex Museum. Try an International bevvy of delicaciesincluding choosing your fancy from a full menu of drinking chocolatewalk back in time through Pioneer Village at Forest River Park, stay at the country’s oldest bed and breakfast, and more. It’s easy to promise families year-round fun in this historic walkable town with our list of the top things to do in Salem with kids.
For more fun things to do this October, we’ve rounded up the best kids Halloween events 2021 near Boston and loaded up our Halloween Guide with the best of spooky season.
Dave’s Down To Earth Rock Shop
Not too far from the Bahá’í Temple, were stopping into a quaint little storefront that boasts much more than meets the eye. Located in the Evanstown area, Dave’s Down to Earth Rock Shop has been around for over 40 years, providing a quirky mix of materials of geological materials such gemstones, fossils, and crystals, with friendly information via books or Dave himself on offer to explain it all.
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What tends to take visitors by surprise is the dinosaur-themed museum hidden down in the basement. It offers informative fun for all ages and is touted as a worthy stop for anyone looking to get out of the chaos of Chicago and venture into other areas.
Welcome To Fabulous West Salem Illinois
AMUSEMENTS
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Dinner At Darcys Pint
Its time to learn what a Springfield horseshoe is! We heard of this famous Illinois dish but had never tried it.
Everyone told us Darcys Pint is one of the best places to order one so off we went. And we are so glad we did so we can pass along the great suggestion to you.
The open-faced sandwich is made with thick slices of toasted bread as a base, your choice of meat in the middle, a mega mound of French fries on top, and is doused in a creamy cheese sauce.
Attention: this is not your average order of cheese fries, whatever is in that sauce will cause severe addiction.
If you want to expand your horizons beyond the delicious fry plate, theres an extensive menu to choose from.
Along with authentic Irish fares such as shepherds pie and corned beef and cabbage, DArcys also offers salads, sandwiches, burgers, and pizza.
My guess is you wont be disappointed as we enjoyed everything we ordered.
Address: 661 W Stanford Avenue, Springfield
Springfield Schools To Participate In Writing Challenge About Community Violence For Second Yearyour Browser Indicates If You’ve Visited This Link
Middle school students in the Springfield City School District will participate in the Do the Write Thing program for the second year in a row. In partnership with Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, Springfield was the first school district in Ohio to participate last year in the program.
Springfield News-Sun
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Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum is a must-visit attraction in the city. It is impossible not to be captivated by the holograms, three-dimensional exhibits and life-size dioramas on display.
We have been to a lot of museums throughout the country and have never experienced anything quite like it.
The museum does an excellent job sharing Lincolns life story from boyhood to his death and the important legacy he left behind.
If you want to make your visit extra special, plan your trip around the History Comes Alive summer program. Abe and Mary make an appearance on Fridays and Saturdays at the museum.
Address: 212 N. 6th Street, Springfield
Politics And County Government
Illinois counties have the option of using or rejecting the township form of providing local services. In Illinois, only 16 of the state’s 102 counties have opted out of the township system Menard County is one of the sixteen.
In the years before , Menard was a German Catholic and thus Democratic county, opposed to the pietism of Protestant . in 1904 was the only Republican to carry the county in this time span.
However, resistance against s participatory attitude during World War I allowed to carry Menard County in 1916 by a mere four votes . Since then, as German hostility to Wilson hardened, Menard has become a strongly Republican county. The only Democrats who have carried Menard County since 1916 have been Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1932 and 1936, and Lyndon Johnson in 1964. Excluding the landslide losses of , and , in 1992 is the solitary Republican candidate since 1920 to fail to win a majority in Menard County. Illinois-bred Barack Obama is the only Democrat since 1980 to reach forty percent of Menard Countys vote, but over the last two elections a strong anti-Democratic swing common to all of rural downstate Illinois has taken place.
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Starved Rock State Park
On the banks of the Illinois River is Starved Rock State Park. The park is less than 100 miles from Chicago, which means that it receives plenty of city visitors for the day as well as out-of-town travelers. Starved Rock State Park boasts sandstone canyons that are formed because of glacier melting.
Some of the canyons, specifically Wildcat Canyon and French Canyon, even have waterfalls. Hiking is a great way to experience the Starved Rock State Park, and the best view in the park is accessible via a trail that leads to the Lovers Leap Overlook. As you hike, be on the lookout for deer and migrating birds.
Historic Museum Of Torture Devices
Sitting smack bang on the Mississippi River, just north of St Louis, Missouri, is the little town of Alton, which sports a population of just under 30,000. For anyone whos venturing through the area, theres a rather odd collection of bizarre and ouch-worthy items waiting to be checked out.
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While the Historic Museum of Torture Devices now officially changed its name to the Curiosity Museum , there are still plenty of stabby, killy and punishy torture devices from all corners of the globe on display on its shelves. Thankfully, the entry fee isnt too painful.
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Salem Maritime National Historic Site
The Salem Maritime National Historic Site includes about nine acres along the waterfront and twelve historic buildings preserving Salem’s late 18th- and 19th-century maritime history, which helped establish economic independence in the fledgling United States. This is also the permanent home of the tall ship Friendship, a reconstructed 18th-century commercial sailing vessel, which you can tour in the summer.
At the historic site, you can view exhibits watch two free orientation films and glimpse into the lives of author Nathaniel Hawthorne or America’s first millionaire, Elias Hasket Derby, during hour-long, free guided tours. Derby’s 1762 home is also open to visitors.
Address: 160 Derby Street, Salem, Massachusetts
Best Things To Do In New Salem Illinois
Have you ever visited a new place and felt wow about it? For many visitors, it happens at New Salem.
New Salem may not be as popular as other cities in United States, but dont let that fool you. New Salem is a smaller but beautiful upcoming tourist destination that is worth a visit. You will be surprised by some of the unique things to do and places you can explore at this hidden destination.
You might wish to revisit it someday again, to take a break and relax at New Salem.
If you have plans to visit United States and are not sure if New Salem should be included in your itinerary, keep reading. In this list, we have put together some of the things to do in New Salem and around. We have a hunch that if you include this city in your travel plans, you will be thrilled you did so.
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The Ghost Town Of Cairo
Despite the huge size of Illinois, most people narrow it down to Chicago and Chicago alone, which means that it generally receives a fast-paced and bustling association. If thats your idea of a worst nightmare, then weve got a solution:
Nestled deep in the southern part of the state, Cairo sits on the intersection of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. Back in the day when the Mississippi River was used as a common ship route, Cario acted as a port town and was booming as a result. These days, however, its nothing more than an eerie ghost town. Its a rather surreal experience to see a fully-functional locale completely abandoned, and is a worthwhile stop if driving through the region.
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Fun Things To Do In Lincolns New Salem
Since 1986 the Town Planner Calendar has been keeping families across America up-to-date about events and other fun things to do right in their hometown.
Delivered free of charge every December to millions of homes across America, our full-sized, full-color calendar is a time-tested and beloved tool for helping families stay organized. The large date blocks are not only loaded with lots of nearby events and fun things to do, there’s plenty of room for you to record your own family’s important events like birthdays, anniversaries, parties — anything you have planned — so everybody in the house can see them whenever they go to the fridge, out the front door, or wherever you choose to display it.
But there’s more! Every calendar is full of coupons from popular local merchants, so you can save money while supporting small businesses right in your hometown.
And don’t miss our beautiful full-color photography! Every month you’ll recognize a new photo from someplace close to home, submitted to us by a local photographer. If you’d like to have your own hometown photos included in our calendar, please contact your local publisher for more information.
If there’s something happening close to home that folks in your neighborhood need to know about, why not submit it to us today? Please note that publication of your event is subject to approval by your local Town Planner publisher.
Lincoln Home National Historic Site
Now that youre fueled up, time to explore the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, the only home Lincoln ever owned. He lived here with his family for 17 years from 1844 to 1861 before moving on to the White House.
The free 25-minute tour provides an intimate look into their daily lives with many pieces inside the home originally belonging to the family.
Afterward, take a stroll and walk in the footsteps of what many consider the greatest leader our nation has ever seen.
The four blocks in the neighborhood is pedestrian-only and well-preserved with other restored homes a few open to the public.
Address: 413 S. 8th Street, Springfield
Dinner at Obed and Isaacs Microbrewery and Eatery
Whether you are sitting in the historic mansion where local art hangs on the walls, outside on the quiet patio with lights strung overhead, or at a picnic table next to the chill bocce beer garden, Obed and Isaacs Microbrewery and Eatery is a fabulous option for a meal.
Along with the horseshoe, the local favorite, expect salads, flatbreads, burgers, and wrap options on the menu.
Our delicious picks were salmon filet on a bed of red beans and rice, hand-breaded chicken and buttermilk waffles, a cheeseburger with Angus beef on a pretzel roll, and a turkey club with creamy homemade mac-n-cheese.
And to wash it all down, adults can order a flagship beer like our favorite hoppy Isaacs IPA or a rotating seasonal like Blueberry Wheat or Oktoberfest.
Address: 500 S. 6th Street, Springfield
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Where We Stayed Crowne Plaza Lodging
I cant tell you how many times, weve seen the imposing Crowne Plaza while driving down I-55 on our way to St. Louis. And we finally got to stay there!
With 288 guestrooms on 14 floors, the Crowne Plaza is a huge hotel with a conference center and meeting rooms as well. We stayed in separate rooms so we had the opportunity to experience two different types.
The two-room executive king suite has a lot of extra space in the living room with a pullout sofa, table, refrigerator and half bath. A sizable bathroom is attached to the bedroom that also has ample space with room for a desk.
Its always a bonus to go back to a comfortable room after a long day. And thats exactly what we found at the Crowne Plaza. The double queen room is spacious as well with comfy beds and a desk.
Both rooms have plenty of outlets and are nicely decorated.
One of the coolest features at the hotel is the rooftop terrace where you can take advantage of the indoor pool, hot tub, sauna and the Springfield skyline view.
Conveniently located just minutes from all the major attractions, Crowne Plaza is a great option for families, couples, or solo travelers.
Address: 3000 South Dirksen Parkway
Tunnel Hill State Trail
In the southern tip of the state is the Tunnel Hill State Trail, a lesser known but incredible destination in Illinois worth checking out. The trail is just under five miles, and it passes through a number of long tunnels.
Much of the area that the trail covers is reclaimed strip mines or agricultural land, and there is some terrific scenery. Whether you walk, jog or bike the crushed gravel trail, you will pass through gorgeous ravines and alongside streams and bluffs. To get to the trailhead, begin in the town of Vienna.
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Where To Stay In Salem And Cape Ann For Sightseeing
Most of the tourist attractions in Salem, Rockport, and Gloucester, as well as restaurants and shops, cluster close to their historic harbors. But the entire coast is dotted with scenic points, parks, and sandy beaches, so anywhere you stay on Cape Ann will be near plenty of things to do. These highly rated hotels in Salem and Cape Ann are convenient for sightseeing:
Gloucester Hotels:
- sits on Gloucester’s rocky shore, with sea views, a large pool, free breakfast, parking, free bicycles, and Wi-Fi.
- Also with a large pool, Beauport Hotel sits right on the beach overlooking Gloucester harbor. Both hotels are within walking distance of the main places to visit in Gloucester.
Rockport Hotels:
- Watch the surf break on the rocky shore from the long porch of the historic The Emerson Inn in Rockport. There’s a pool, free breakfast, free parking, and sidewalks all the way to the harbor and shops, as well as a scenic cliff path to Halibut Point State Park. The inn’s Pigeon Cove tavern serves outstanding seafood in the summer, on the verandah overlooking the sea.
- Sitting atop a craggy bluff that overlooks the Atlantic is the Yankee Clipper Inn, an Art Deco mansion built in 1929. This inn has housed many famous guests over the years, from Bette Davis to JFK, and boasts a lovely garden, a sun terrace, and an ocean-view gazebo, as well as a saltwater pool.
Salem Hotels:
Interesting Things To Do In Illinois
People tend to associate Illinois with the Windy City of Chicago, but it has a lot more to offer. Here are some awesome things to do there!
Go ahead and name another city in Illinois that isn’t Chicago. Tough task, isn’t it? While the Windy City has bucketloads to be proud about, from its diverse foodie scene to its diehard sports fan and eclectic arts culture, it certainly doesn’t deserve all the attention. The Chicago spotlight tends to sweep the rest of gems scattered across the remainder of the state under the rug, but not for long.
There’s picturesque natural parks, unique museums, and novelty roadside attractions that you can’t help but chuckle at. So, let’s forget about Chicago for a minute and explore a little more of the great Midwestern state of Illinois.
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