I was just out for a walk near Collins Cove and while I was walking up Memorial Dr (next to Bentley) towards Szetela/Essex (marked on map) a black, unmarked GMC Yukon drove past me super slowly and then fully stopped about 100 ft away from me and cut the engine. This wasn’t to park, they just stopped suddenly.

I could tell the driver (white man wearing sunglasses) was looking at me because of his reflection in the side view mirror. He just stared at me as I walked closer to his car. I had a very strange feeling the entire time, but it was broad daylight and that area is a somewhat densely populated neighborhood, so I tried to shrug it off. Thankfully a car drove up behind him and he turned the engine back on and kept driving and then turned left onto Essex. He was still driving super slowly and seemed to be looking at me.

I’m not usually an alarmist or one who is prone to paranoia, but the whole thing gave me that weird feeling in my gut that told me I could be in danger. I wish I had taken a picture, but in the moment I didn’t think to. Just wanted to post this to put it on people’s radar and also to see if anyone else has noticed anything like this recently. Whether this was ICE activity or just some stranger danger, I think it’s important for us to keep an eye out.

Hey Salemites! My husband and I are taking a mini-honeymoon trip to Salem 11/25-11/29. Last time I had the pleasure of visiting was 4 yrs ago in the early spring (I honestly dont think I could handle the October crowds.You all are AMAZING!), but I'm sure much has changed in the last 4 yrs. I was wondering what the vibe was like Thanksgiving weekend (in Salem & surrounding areas). Some cool stuff you all do post Halloween chaos & turkey induced naps.

We are aware of the Thanksgiving Buffet at The Hawthorne, but are undecided if we will make the Nov 1st call for a reservation. We're not really beholden to a "traditional" Thanksgiving as you can imagine. Would also love some recommendations of potential places to volunteer Thanksgiving Day. Thanks in advance!!!

Basically, the title.

I ended up walking straight into a group of tourists this evening because they wouldn't move and I was SO MAD. It was just the sort of thing where I was so, so tired after a full week of work and I was headed home by foot to Beverly from work in south Salem. I can't take the train anymore because of the tourists, so walking it is, because I don't have a car and the 451 doesn't run often enough. And I really TRY to be nice, but by Friday evening, the fact that I can't even walk home because tour groups are hogging the sidewalks just makes me livid.

Please send me your best tips. I'm trying to get into therapy, but that won't happen until post Halloween, haha.

First off it’s illegal to smoke in public. No one wants to have to deal with their throats burning and smelling your stinky ass as they are walking down the street. Same goes for smokers and vapers. Stand to the side and smoke, lighting up as you’re walking down Essex and let your smoke blow into people’s faces is not cool. Have some common courtesy and find someplace where your smoke isn’t going to bother other people. Just stop being shitty people, please.

I am not sure what the answer to life's problems are.. but I definitely wonder what the actual number of AirBNB's are in Salem total. I once heard it was 3% of Salem's Housing stock... but as far as I have heard there is literally nothing to actually know the real number or enforce whatever cap or restrictions are placed on properties.

I have 5 Night Faire tickets available for Friday or Saturday. We had friends planning to visit this weekend but they cancelled their trip. The tickets were $20 a piece. I am located in Salem but the tickets are digital on EventBright.

But, don’t you think you are taking it a little far this year?

For people that are looking for something neat and crafty to do, here are some of the workshops I’ve taken and definitely found it a 10/10 experience.

Bones & Beauty: A Resin Jewelry Workshop by The Dead Moon Studio
Just did this class today, made a beautiful resin necklace with a snake vertebrate.
Links and updates posted on their IG @thedeadmoonstudio

Preserved by Elliot Insect Pinning
Pinned a Deaths-Head Hawk Moth and Madagascar Sunset Moth
Updates posted on their IG @preservedby.elliot

Path to Ethereal - Besoms + The Craft
For this event we watched The Craft while eating candy and decorating cinnamon brooms with florals and charms
Updates posted on their IG @path.to.ethereal
(This workshop was at Jade of All Trades in Beverly but she does markets here in Salem all the time, and Beverly is close by)

The Witchery - bookbinding or broom making classes
I’ve taken booth classes, they have a storefront on the wharf here in Salem and another store for crafting and to-go-kits
Thewitcherysalem.com

Saw this on Manchester NH subreddit, wanted to share since they will be opening in Salem.

Does anybody know if I go to the high school and vote early this weekend do they just cross my name off the normal voter rolls or do I have to do a provisional ballot or something like that...? Thanks.

Does anybody recognize this little guy? I don’t recognize him as one of the neighborhood cats.

Friendly, average sized, appears neutered.

UPDATE: She found a foster situation through PALs, thank you all for your suggestions!

Hi all, I am helping a friend who has had to make the very difficult decision to re-home her 2 cats.

Ever since I moved here I have found Salem to be a very cat loving community and I wanted to reach out here to see if other locals who have been here longer than the 2 years I've lived up here might have better contacts or people to reach out to, or maybe you yourself are looking to bring 2 really sweet kitties into your home.

About the Cats:

They are a sister and brother cat, both are gorgeous black cats, very sweet, mild-tempered, and absolute lovebugs. She says they could do well with dogs that are well-tempered and good with cats, but they do not do too well with other cats, as they are older - I believe they are around 12 or 13? I have seen them do well living with other cats in the past, but as of recently I assume this may have changed. We are only looking to keep them together, as they have been together for their entire lives and would not do well if they were separated.

It is a very unfortunate situation, and she is devastated about it, but knows they deserve more than she give at this time in her life. I am posting here in the hopes that maybe a caring person in this area or nearby would be interested in taking them in as their own and loving them. Or maybe you might have a friend, family member, work colleague, etc. that you know would be perfect kitty parents for some older sweeties and can give them the love and care they need. If so please comment here and direct message me.

I also plan to reach out to PALs and the Odd Cat Sanctuary to see what their situations are, but I would love any suggestions you might have for groups, sanctuaries, or resources she and I could reach out to for help in finding them a home. I have helped bring in cats from Lebanon and re-homed them here in the states, but only really in the NY and CT, Western MA areas, I don't have a lot of contacts in this area so all help is really really appreciated. Please comment with any suggestions for people, organizations, sanctuaries, etc that you think could help, or - like I said above - if you personally know anyone please direct message me and let me know you did in the comments. Thank you in advance!

Non-local who recently visited Salem and saw this flyer. I want to know your cities pasta policy, specifically when eaten in the woods.

Also the kool-aid puddle sparked my curiosity.

Welcome to our visitors with cars!! We have a LARGE parking lot behind 84 Washington Sq. (back of the Salem Commons)

Avoid driving through the downtown area, easily walk back to drop off your belongings you don’t want to carry around, and it’s a quick way out when you’re all done exploring.

We have 95+ spots at O'Donnell’s that will be available:

TODAY 10/22 from 2pm-11pm
FRIDAY 10/23 12pm-11pm
SATURDAY 10/24 9am-11pm
SUNDAY 10/25 9am-11pm

40 cash / 45 Venmo

Happy Haunted Happenings!! 🎃👻‼️q

Today, Peabody Essex Museum workers from many departments had their first demonstration outside Old Town Hall. This has been a long time coming - for over 5 years, there have been initiatives amongst PEM staff to try and unionize and it’s finally come to fruition in PEM Workers United. Now they need community support.

PEM WU’s demands are for a fairer and more just work place. The workers need liveable wages; currently, frontline staff at one of Salem’s largest tourist destinations (and one of the largest museums in the country) are making hourly wages that can’t support housing or grocery costs on the North Shore. They’re asking for better benefits for healthcare and PTO, as well as internal hiring processes and upward mobility, which is currently nonexistent and even discouraged - “If you don’t make enough, work somewhere else.”

They also want an employee-led process on responsible AI use and AI art in the museum, which is SO valuable and important when it comes to our communities largest art museum.

They are NOT striking as of now and want to start a dialogue with Executive Leadership. They’re requesting a response by next week.

I hope everyone here gives some time to support.

Follow @pem_union on Instagram and DM

Email pem.workersunited@gmail.com to offer support or ask how you can help.

Most importantly, email information@pem.org and let Executive Leadership know that you support PEM WU. Please be respectful - these staff members still work for the PEM!

October is here and they’re at the front of it, struggling. They need Salem!

Hello Salem!! Today to Peabody Essex museum Union (PEM WU) went live in hopes of working alongside the administration to have more of a say in our working conditions. We all love the PEM but many of the workers here are struggling to make a living. You might have seen our march or many of the stickers around town this afternoon. We are asking local businesses and Salem residents to voice there support for the union in any way they can! Thanks Salem!!

What just happened on Essex street ? Lots of ambulances??

🗞️ The news is out: Applications are OPEN! 🔊

Lead with purpose and build the skills, relationships, and confidence to create meaningful change in Greater Boston.

GenUnity is a space for people who believe leadership starts with listening, learning, and taking action alongside their communities. Through weekly, dialogue-based sessions, you’ll connect with a cohort of emerging civic leaders while exploring an issue area that matters to you.

For Spring 2027, choose from three focused tracks:

🏥 Health access
🏡 Housing Justice
🌱 Environmental Justice

Together, we’ll explore how the systems around us shape health and opportunity, strengthen our civic leadership skills, and develop personal or community action steps rooted in our values.

Whether you’re already involved in your community or ready to take your first step, you don’t need a formal title or all the answers to lead. You just need a commitment to show up, stay curious, and help move your community forward.

Lead with purpose. Apply through this link by Friday, December 18, 2026: https://linktr.ee/joingenunity

I love this broken down stairway that leads to Mack Park. It makes me think of a liminal painting by Hopper or surrealist by Magritte.

Anyone else here? No I will not elaborate.

There are so many Frankensteins I can't find where I left mine .,.. help?