When I originally found out that I’d be in the New England area over Halloween, I immediately latched onto the idea of going to Salem on Halloween.  I’d been to Salem a few times before but what town is MORE creepy on Halloween than Salem???  My friend that’s local tried to talk me out of it a smidge but she kindly gave in and we started to make some plans.  Then I found out about Alison Arngrim’s show and decided that I would much rather do that and the Ghosts & Gravestones tour than combat the crowds in Salem and would instead do Salem on November 1st.

I had one soul purpose for going to Salem… Aroma Sanctum.  If you are in the New England area, you MUST go here!  You can get custom created scents and they are quite reasonably priced.  Over the years I’ve amassed quite a collection of custom scents but that’s all part of the fun of going.  The downside is you HAVE to be there in person to create the scent because everyone’s body chemistry treats scents differently.  After the initial order though, you can order your scent over the phone and it’s a complete breeze.  They also have numerous house blends available to buy online and in the store.  Each time I go in there’s always a new concoction that she’s got that I love.  My personal favorites are May Dew, Mermaid, October Moon and Mykonos.  You can buy the perfume oils or have a variety of body products infused with the scent (including custom ones).  I really really want to try the Shea Shower Cream but sadly she was out when I was there.  It will be tried soon though!  I know I sound like a walking salesman for them but I swear they have no clue who I am outside of that crazy lady from Ohio that comes in sometimes and wants a million custom scents.

After we were smelling divine we wandered around Salem a bit and decided to hop on the trolley tour.  I’m really glad that we did!  It was really fun to know the history behind things other than JUST the witch trials and I’m a huge history nerd so I like knowing the backstory behind things.  It was a bit chilly so we didn’t get off at many stops but we were able to hop off for a second on Winter Island (which you normally can’d do) and I got to add another lighthouse to my lighthouse picture collection and the images are some of my favorites from the trip!  Yee haw!

After Salem my friend had things to do (boo to real life!) and I headed back to the XV Beacon and ate dinner at their in house restaurant Mooo.  Oh my goodness was it ever good!!!  I was so wowed over by this food!  I am SO glad that I made the time to eat here!  Have I used enough exclamation points yet??  LOL.  Seriously though, if you find yourself in Boston, please put Moo on your list.  You will comment here later thanking me.  I had their filet (I’m a steak girl) and a side of their squash brulee (DIVINE! Here is the recipe if you’d like to make it!) and it came with the most delectable fresh baked rolls I’ve ever ate in my life.  To top it off I had some martinis that were on their cocktail list that were simply delicious – Lemon Basil and Vermont Maple Syrup.  Again, please go here.  Your tummy will thank me.

I wish I could tell you what house this was but I have completely forgotten.  I do know that it is awfully pretty and you know how I adore historic homes 🙂

 

I DO know that this was Nathaniel Hawthorne’s house and that there was a special side entrance built so that he could come/go without having to talk to anyone that was paying his wife a social visit in the parlor.  I guess he wasn’t too keen on most people.

 

A reproduction of The Friendship tall ship.

 

Fort Pickering Light on Winter Island.  Fun fact: John Harris became a keeper of this light in 1882 and at his retirement in 1919 at seventy-five he had only missed five days!

 

Another image of Fort Pickering Light.  It was threatening to rain the entire day and the clouds were ominous.

 

A peek inside my room at the XV Beacon… I LOVED this bed, especially the cashmere throw on top.

I am also the worlds worst bed maker, I apologize!

 

The fireplace that is at the foot of my bed.  It was quite cozy to have since it was cold and damp a few days that I was in Boston.  I don’t have a fireplace at home (YET!) so I love indulging in using one whenever I stay somewhere else.

 

A quick shot of the bathroom which I absolutely loved!  I was really looking forward to the heated towel rack inside but sadly mine didn’t work (sniff!) but it was still such a lovely bathroom that I forgave it… lol.  I loved the sink and I especially enjoyed the vast array of toiletries that were offered including lip balm (I’m a bit of a lip balm addict).

 

Finally I have to share an image of the delicious Vermont Maple Syrup Martini that I took with my iPhone.  It was heavenly!