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Salem, Ohio: Where Fun and Adventure Meet – The Best Places to Visit and Things to Do!

Salem is flat and compact, and the history is the reason to come here at all. The Historical Society, the Quaker Meeting House and the Masonic Temple all sit within a short walk of downtown. The outdoors is a drive: Guilford Lake State Park to the north, Beaver Creek State Park east, the greenway closer in. Nothing here needs a hard climb. A weekend covers it.

Planning a trip to Salem, Ohio? You are in for a treat. This small city holds more activities and interesting places than its size suggests. Traveling alone, with friends or with family, all three work here.

Salem has a long history going back to the early 1800s. The city played an important part in the Underground Railroad, and the Salem Historical Society is where that record is kept. But Salem is not only history. The downtown area runs shopping, restaurants and pubs, and there are parks and hiking trails around it for anyone who wants outside.

Key Takeaways

• Salem, Ohio has something for everyone, from history buffs to foodies to outdoor enthusiasts.
• The city has a rich history, including its role in the Underground Railroad, which you can learn about at the Salem Historical Society.
• Salem also has a vibrant downtown area with great shopping, restaurants, and pubs, as well as parks and hiking trails for outdoor activities.

History of Salem, Ohio

Salem, Ohio. You might assume this charming little town was always quiet, and that nothing much ever happened here. You would be wrong.

Salem has a history going back to the early 1800s, when it was founded by a group of Quakers looking for somewhere to settle and practice their religion in peace. And these Quakers were no ordinary folks. They were tough and hardy, and they knew how to survive in the wilderness and build a community out of nothing.

Salem grew and prospered over the years, thanks in large part to its location on the Ohio and Erie Canal. The town became a major center of commerce, with merchants and traders coming from all over the country to buy and sell. And with the money came culture and entertainment.

But it was not all easy. The town saw its share of tragedy and hardship. One of the most devastating was the Great Salem Fire of 1865, which destroyed much of the downtown area and left hundreds homeless. And as always, the people of Salem pulled together and rebuilt it.

You can get all of Salem’s history at the Salem Historical Society & Museum of Salem Ohio. This institution holds the artifacts, the documents and the stories of the people and places of Salem. It is where you go to understand the town properly.

And for the historic landmarks, you are in luck. There are plenty of sites to visit, the Quaker Meeting House through to the Burchfield Homestead Museum. So grab the walking shoes and step back in time through the history of Salem, Ohio.

Where to Eat and Drink in Salem

Salem is a small town and it is big on flavor. A hearty meal, a quirky pub, or a glass of wine, all three are covered. These are the best places to eat and drink in town.

Best Restaurants in Salem

Word of Mouth Neighborhood Bistro is the stop for anyone after a good and slightly unusual meal. The menu is full of dishes that hold up. The blueberry buttermilk pancakes are the crowd favorite, and the veggie burger is a strong second.

For Mexican food, El Ranchero Market is the place. The tacos are stuffed with juicy meat and they are the reason to go. And do not skip the selection of sodas.

Quirky Pubs in Salem

Looking for a quirky pub with a good room? Village Tavern. This pub runs a wide selection of beers alongside food that is better than it needs to be. The pasta with butter and cheese keeps the kids happy, and the lobster rolls are the order to make.

For something genuinely different, head to the Salem Witch Museum and the Witch’s Brew Cafe. This cafe does good food and drinks, the famous fried pickles among them. And the spooky atmosphere is the whole point of the visit.

Salem’s Top Wineries

Wine lovers should not miss Salem’s top wineries. The Regatta Pub at the Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites runs a good selection of wine alongside the food. And for something more intimate, Salem Wine Imports, where the staff will find you the right bottle.

Whatever the craving, Salem will satisfy it. So come down and work through the food and drink here.

Fun Activities in Salem

On having fun in Salem, Ohio, there are more options than you expect. A thrill or a relaxing day out with family, both are covered. These are the top activities in Salem:

Salem Fun Center

For games and an afternoon out of the weather, the Salem Fun Center. This family-friendly entertainment center runs skating, arcade games and mini-golf. There is laser tag and there are go-karts. And the parking is easy, which matters more than it should.

Quaker City Motorsports Park

For anyone who loves speed, the Quaker City Motorsports Park is the stop. This motorsports park runs events through the year, drag racing and drifting and autocross among them. You can take one of the driving courses or ride in one of the high-performance vehicles available. It is where the adrenaline is in this county.

Outdoor Activities

For the outdoors, Salem has plenty. Take a leisurely stroll through one of the town’s parks or eat a picnic with family. For something more adventurous, kayaking or fishing on one of the nearby lakes. There is enough here to fill a day outside without much planning.

Salem, Ohio works well for a weekend of doing things. There are enough options that something will fit whatever you came for. So grab friends and family and work through it.

Places to Stay in Salem

So you have decided to visit Salem, Ohio and now you need somewhere to sleep. Salem has a range of options. A romantic weekend or a family stay, both are covered.

Hotels

For a traditional hotel, Salem has a few. The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Salem is the one for staying close to everything, with a convenient location and comfortable rooms. The Comfort Inn Salem is the other, with a complimentary breakfast and a fitness center.

Bed and Breakfasts

For something more intimate, consider one of Salem’s bed and breakfasts. The Timberlanes Inn & Suites is the charming, rustic option, with a complimentary breakfast and an outdoor patio to sit on. The Charles Nelson Schmick House is the other, with elegant Victorian architecture and luxurious rooms.

Vacation Rentals

For a home away from home, consider one of Salem’s vacation rentals. The Salem House is spacious and comfortable, with a fully equipped kitchen and a backyard built for grilling. The Salem Cottage is the other, cozy and a short walk from downtown Salem.

Camping

For anyone who camps, Salem has options. The Salem / Lisbon KOA is the family-friendly campground, with a playground and a swimming pool for the kids. Guilford Lake State Park is the other, with the lake and hiking trails.

Whatever kind of stay you want, Salem has a version of it. So pack the bags and get ready for this charming Ohio town.

Salem’s Points of Interest

For a good time in Salem, Ohio, you have come to the right place. This charming town holds more than you would guess. These are the top points of interest not to miss.

Salem Community Theatre

Fans of the performing arts should not miss the Salem Community Theatre. This local group puts on shows through the year, classic plays through to contemporary musicals. The talent of the local actors and the quality of the productions both surprise people. And the theater itself is a historic landmark dating to the 1920s.

Local Landmarks

Salem holds several historic landmarks worth the walk. The most famous is the Salem Historical Society, which runs a museum on the town’s history. There is also the Quaker Meeting House, which dates to the 1800s, and the Salem Masonic Temple, a fine example of neoclassical architecture.

Salem Historical Society

The Salem Historical Society is the stop for anyone interested in the town’s history. The museum holds artifacts and exhibits telling the story of Salem from its earliest days to now. You get the town’s role in the Underground Railroad, historic photos and documents, and a historic home to tour. And the museum sits in a beautiful 19th-century mansion that is worth seeing on its own.

History buff, theater lover, or someone simply after a day out, Salem covers all three. Work through these points of interest and the town opens up.

The Quakers founded Salem in the early 1800s and the town has never entirely stopped being that place. It was a station on the Underground Railroad, and the Historical Society keeps the documents that prove it. The Quaker Meeting House still stands. The downtown that burned in 1865 was rebuilt, and what you walk through now is that rebuilding. It reads as an ordinary Ohio main street until you know what happened on it.

Visiting Salem During Covid

So you have decided to visit Salem, Ohio during the pandemic. Good for you. You are brave, adventurous, and probably a little bit crazy. But you can still have a good time here while staying safe and following the Covid regulations.

First, check the current Covid restrictions before you set off. You do not want to arrive and find everything closed. That is a real downer.

Once you know what is open, plan the itinerary. There is still plenty to do in Salem even during the pandemic. These are the ideas:

• Visit the Salem Historical Society Museum: Learn about the history of Salem and the surrounding area while staying socially distanced from other visitors.
• Take a hike: There are plenty of great hiking trails in the area where you can get some fresh air and exercise while avoiding other people.
• Go on a ghost tour: What’s more socially distanced than a tour of haunted locations? Plus, it’s a great way to learn about Salem’s spooky history.
• Check out the local shops: Many of Salem’s small businesses are still open and could use your support during these tough times. Just remember to wear a mask and sanitize your hands frequently.

Whatever you decide to do, follow the Covid regulations. Wear a mask, wash your hands, and keep a proper distance from other people. And have fun, because that is the point of the trip.

Salem’s Special Events

Salem runs a genuine calendar of events through the year. Car shows through to seasonal celebrations, and something is always on in this charming Ohio town. These are the special events not to miss:

Buick Event

Car enthusiasts will like the annual Buick event held in Salem. It brings Buick owners in from all over the country to show what they have. You get vintage classics through to modern models. And you meet other people who care about the same thing, which is half the reason to go.

May Fest

May Fest is a beloved tradition in Salem that marks the arrival of spring. This family-friendly event runs live music, food vendors and carnival rides. You can browse local crafts and goods, or sit in the sunshine with a cold drink. Mark the calendar for it.

December in Salem

The season is a good time in Salem, and December in Salem is how the town marks it. The event runs a festive parade, a tree lighting ceremony and other seasonal activities. Take a carriage ride through the town, visit Santa Claus, or simply look at the decorations. Local or visitor, it works either way.

Whatever time of year you visit Salem, Ohio, something is on. Check these special events and time the trip around one of them.

Accessibility in Salem

Salem is a charming city with activities and attractions for every visitor. Traveling with a disability or simply looking for accessible options, Salem has both. These are the tips that help:

Service Dogs Welcome

Salem is a pet-friendly city and service dogs are welcome in most public places. So traveling with a service dog is not a problem here. Just bring the necessary paperwork and identification for them.

Accessible Attractions

Salem holds a range of accessible attractions for visitors of all abilities. The Salem Witch Museum through to the Willamette Heritage Center, there are plenty to choose from. Many offer accessible entrances and accommodations, so ask when you arrive.

Salem welcomes all visitors. Traveling with a disability or simply looking for accessible options, the town covers both. So pack the bags, bring the service animal, and go.

Salem in Comparison

Wondering how Salem stacks up against other cities in Ohio? Here is how it compares to Boardman, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus and Columbia.

Salem Vs Boardman

Boardman may have more shopping with its large centers, and Salem has its own charm in the historic downtown. Salem also has the famous Y Bridge, a landmark Boardman cannot match. And Salem’s Mabel Hartzell Historic Home is the one for history readers.

Salem Vs Cincinnati

Cincinnati may have the Bengals and the Reds, and Salem has the Salem Quakers. Salem also runs its own cultural attractions, the Salem Historical Society Museum and the Salem Community Theatre among them. And the food holds up, with the burgers at BB Rooners as the example.

Salem Vs Cleveland

Cleveland may have the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and Salem has the Y Bridge. Salem also runs attractions of its own, the Salem Second Saturday Market and the Salem Fun Factory among them. And for nature, Guilford Lake State Park.

Salem does not have the fame of Ohio’s bigger cities, and it has a charm and a set of attractions that make it worth the trip on its own terms.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some hidden gems in Salem, Ohio that most tourists miss?

We cannot give away all the secrets, and here are a few. Have you been to the Leetonia Beehive Coke Ovens Park? It is a good place to hike and to pick up some local history at the same time. The other is the Salem Historical Society Museum. It is small and the exhibits in it are genuinely interesting.

What’s the craziest thing to do in Salem, Ohio?

We do not have anything too crazy, and we do have some unusual experiences. Have you heard of the Salem Second Saturday Market? It is a farmers market, a craft fair and a flea market in one, and you never know what turns up. The other is a tour of the Salem Car Wash. Yes, a car wash, and also a museum of sorts, with vintage cars and memorabilia on display.

Can you recommend any haunted places to visit in Salem, Ohio?

Of course. We are known for the spooky history. Check out the Salem Historical Society’s Ghost Trolley Tour, which is a guided run through the most haunted places in town. The other is the Burchfield Homestead Museum, said to be haunted by a former resident.

What are the top-rated restaurants in Salem, Ohio?

There are good options here for anyone who takes food seriously. For Italian, Ezio’s Italian Restaurant. For a cozy pub and good burgers, BB Rooners. And for Mexican, El Paso is the place.

What are some outdoor activities to do in Salem, Ohio?

There are plenty of options for outdoor enthusiasts. Hike at Beaver Creek State Park or take the Salem Greenway Bike Trail. And for golf, there are several courses, the Salem Hills Golf and Country Club among them.

What are some unique events or festivals that happen in Salem, Ohio?

One of the most popular events is the Salem Super Cruise, a car show and cruise that takes over the town for a weekend in June. There is also the Salem Farmers Market every Saturday from May to October, and the Salem Second Saturday Market from June to September. And the Salem Jubilee, which is the festival that celebrates the town’s history and community.

Frequently asked questions about Salem, Ohio

What is the Salem Historical Society actually worth?

An hour and a half, and rather more if the Underground Railroad material interests you. The collection runs artifacts, historic photographs and documents covering the town from its earliest days, and there is a historic home on the site to tour as well. The museum itself sits in a 19th-century mansion. Go there before you walk the rest of the town.

Which Salem park is worth the drive?

Guilford Lake State Park, for the lake and the hiking trails around it, and it is close enough to do in an afternoon. Beaver Creek State Park is the harder walking and it sits further east. The Salem Greenway Bike Trail is the flat option and it starts in town. All three of them cost nothing.

When is the best weekend to be in Salem?

June, for the Salem Super Cruise, which is a car show and cruise that takes the whole town over for a weekend. May Fest runs earlier in the spring with live music, food and carnival rides. The Salem Farmers Market runs on Saturdays from May to October. December in Salem handles the other end of the year.

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