Massachusetts

Scenes from Salem, Massachusetts

Some of our favorite outtakes from Yankee’s September/October 2017 “Could You Live Here?” story on Salem, Massachusetts.

By Heather Marcus|Aug 17 2017| Print icon

Historic buildings along the Salem Maritime National Historic site includes the Custom House at center.

Credit: Mark Fleming

Take a stroll down Essex Street in the heart of historic Salem, Massachusetts, and you’ll quickly pick up on a somewhat spooky vibe. There are tarot readers, psychics, haunted tours, and magic shops at virtually every turn. Come Halloween, this is ground zero for the crowds who flock to the town made infamous by the witch trials held here in 1693 and 1693.

But Salem is about much more than the dark deeds of its long-ago Puritans leaders. Chestnut Street, a magnificent avenue of Federal-style mansions, stands as testament to Salem’s seafaring heyday in the 1700s, when this was the wealthiest town in America. Down by the waterfront, maritime history breathes through the alleyways. Today’s 42,000 residents live amid a profusion of grand old buildings, top-notch restaurants, and cultural attractions that include one of the great museums in the country. Factor in a seasonal ferry that sprints between Salem and Boston Harbor in less than an hour, and it’s easy to see why so many have decided that yes, they can — and want to — live here.

The following are some of our favorite images by Yankee senior photographer Mark Fleming for the “Could You Live Here?” feature on Salem, Massachusetts, that appears in the September/October 2017 issue of Yankee.

SCENES FROM SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS

Derby Wharf and the sail shed in early morning light. The harbor's most famous ship the Friendship of Salem after undergoing routine repairs is due to be returned to Salem in the winter of 2017.
Derby Wharf and the sail shed in early morning light. 
Credit: Mark Fleming
Stately brick architecture and quiet signs of autumn along historic Chestnut Street.
Stately brick architecture and quiet signs of autumn along historic Chestnut Street.
Credit: Mark Fleming.

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Chris Silva owner of Front Street Coffeehouse, a coffee and sandwich spot in town since 1996.
Chris Silva, owner of Front Street Coffeehouse, a popular coffee and sandwich spot in Salem, Massachusetts, since 1996.
Credit: Mark Fleming
Collection of figureheads, antique wooden figures that originally adorned the prow of sailing ships, displayed in the East India Marine Hall at the Peabody Essex Museum.
Antique figureheads on display in the East India Marine Hall at the Peabody Essex Museum.
Credit: Mark Fleming
Outdoor sculptural art installation on the Crowninshield-Bentley Lawn at the Peabody Essex Museum. Stickwork was created by artist Patrick Dougherty bending and weaving saplings into architectural structures related to the landscape and built environment.
A stickwork art installation by Patrick Dougherty on the Crowninshield-Bentley House lawn at the Peabody Essex Museum.
Credit: Mark Fleming
Gravestone of John Emerson, aged 58, at Burying Point Cemetery on Charter Street.
Gravestone of John Emerson, aged 58, at Burying Point Cemetery on Charter Street.
Credit: Mark Fleming
Statue honoring Salem born author Nathaniel Hawthorne. Some of his most notable works include The House of Seven Gables and the Scarlet Letter.
A statue honoring Salem-born author Nathaniel Hawthorne, whose most notable works include The House of the Seven Gables and The Scarlet Letter.
Credit: Mark Fleming
Historic buildings along the Salem Maritime National Historic site includes the Custom House at center.
Historic buildings along the Salem Maritime National Historic site, including the Custom House, center.
Credit: Mark Fleming
Ryan Conary in the Hooper-Hathaway House at the House of Seven Gables campus. Ryan is on the administrative staff at the house and is co-founder of the Salem Historical Society.
Ryan Conary in the Hooper-Hathaway House at the House of Seven Gables campus. Ryan is on the administrative staff at the house and is cofounder of the Salem Historical Society.
Credit: Mark Fleming
Doneeca Thurston in the Maker Lounge at the Peabody Essex Museum where she is the Creative Engagement Producer.
Doneeca Thurston in the Maker Lounge at the Peabody Essex Museum, where she is the creative engagement producer.
Credit: Mark Fleming

Have you ever explored Salem, Massachusetts? Have you ever dreamed of living there? Let us know!

SEE MORE:
Halloween in Salem, Massachusetts
Historic Salem Walking Tour | McIntire Historic District
Christmas in Salem House Tour
Top Salem Attractions | Witches, Wharves & Wandering

Heather Marcus

Heather Marcus is the senior photo editor for Yankee. She works closely with the art director and contributing photographers to tell our stories about people and place in a compelling way. Living and growing up in New England, she continues to be inspired by the communities, the landscape, and the wonderful visual opportunities the region affords.

More by Heather Marcus

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