Sightseeing in Massachusetts
Salem: 20 minutes from Sheraton Colonial Hotel
Pioneer Village
Step back in time to 17th century New England at Salem's oldest living history museum. Discover Salem 1630: Pioneer Village. It is a recreation of the English colony established by Roger Conant and his intrepid band of settlers. From these humbling beginnings the seeds of Revolution were planted.
House of Seven Gables (115 Derby Street)
When you arrive at The House of the Seven Gables professional guides will warmly greet you for an unforgettable historical experience. Outside, spectacular seaside gardens await you. Built in 1668, this is the oldest surviving 17th century wooden mansion in New England. The House of the Seven Gables inspired author Nathaniel Hawthorne to write his legendary novel of the same name.
New England Pirate Museum (274 Derby Street)
Relive the adventures of Captains Kidd and Blackbeard, who roamed freely offshore plundering merchant ships. Participate in an educational, historically accurate and entertaining, live walking tour with a qualified guide who encourages student participation and questions.
Peabody Essex Museum (161 Essex Street)
Journey through New England's grand and storied past through the eyes of Americans first global entrepreneurs. As patrons of the arts, they left behind an extraordinary cultural legacy that reflects the emerging power and status of a young nation. PEM's American art galleries feature art, [paintings, textiles, costumes, and one of the finest collections of maritime art and culture in the country.
Salem Wax Museum (288 Derby Street)
This compelling museum is composed of eerily life-like London made wax figures that depict Salem's vivid history from its founding in 1626 through the terrifying Hysteria of 1692.
The Witch House (310 Essex Street)
The Witch House, home of Judge Jonathan Corwin, is the only structure still standing in Salem with direct ties to the Witchcraft Trials of 1692. As a local magistrate and civic leader, Corwin was called upon to investigate the claims of diabolical activity when a surge of witchcraft accusations arose in Salem and neighboring communities. He served on the Court of Oyer and Terminer, which ultimately sent nineteen to the gallows. All nineteen refused to admit to witchcraft and maintained their innocence.
Witch Dungeon Museum (16 Lynde Street)
The mood is set from the moment you enter the Witch Dungeon Museum. You are there - in Salem Village in 1692, and you are guaranteed a unique educational experience with a chill or two. You'll experience the acclaimed performance of a Witch trial adapted from the 1692 historical transcripts.
Witch History Museum (197-201 Essex Street)
The stories of 1692 are told through a historically accurate live presentation and tour downstairs, where you will walk thru the forest, meet Tituba in Rev. Parris' kitchen, visit Old Salem village and view 15 life size scenes depicting these stories.
City View Trolley
Salem, Massachusetts is one of America's oldest and most interesting cities. A history known not only for the infamous "witch trials", but for its sailing, literature, and influence on colonial culture. One can literally spend days, by land and sea, experiencing its charm and beauty. Visitors and locals alike frequent the many shops and restaurants which help make it one of the Northeast's most vibrant and cultural destinations. CityView Trolley Tours is proud to bring its 30 years of experience in Boston to serve this community. We will make your trip to Salem affordable and filled with great memories.
The Salem Trolley Tour
The Salem Trolley is the best way to see Salem and to experience the Witch City's unique and colorful past. Since 1982, Salem Trolley has set the standard for sightseeing tours and exceptional transportation north of Boston. The Salem Trolley provides visitors with a narrated one hour tour and all day shuttle service through beautiful and historic Salem. Explore Salem's witchcraft trials of 1692 or travel beyond the witchcraft hysteria into the fascinating realm of Salem's literary and maritime history.
Gloucester: 30 minutes from Sheraton Colonial Hotel
Cape Ann Museum (27 Pleasant Street)
Cape Ann - which includes the city of Gloucester as well as the towns of Rockport, Manchester and Essex - has also been a leading center for artists since the 19th century and the source of granite for building projects up and down the East coast. The Museum maintains and exhibits material relating to these major themes.
Hammond Castle Museum (80 Hesperus Ave.)
Visitors to Hammond Castle Museum are welcome to explore the castle on a self-guided tour of many rooms including the great hall, indoor courtyard, Renaissance dining room, two guest bedrooms, the inventions exhibit room, the library, the War room, the kitchens, the Natalie Hays Hammond exhibit room, the tower galleries, as well as several smaller rooms and passage ways including a secret passageway. Visitors may also enjoy the beauty of the castle grounds and a view of the Atlantic shore line.
Sargent House Museum (49 Middle Street)
The Sargent House Museum was the home of sea merchants, American patriots, religious and community leaders. It was built in 1782 for writer and activist Judith Sargent Murray, this country's earliest champion of women's equality, education and economic independence, and shared by her husband, Reverend John Murray, the founder of Universalism in America. Visitors will see Judith Sargent Murray's dictionary and her published series, The Gleaner; and works of art by American painter John Singer Sargent, Judith Sargent Murray's great-great nephew and an original founder of the museum.
Ipswich: 35 minutes from Sheraton Colonial Hotel
Appleton Farms (Route 1A)
This family-friendly network of grassy trails provides an ideal environment for walking, exploring, and nature watching.
Castle Hill and The Crane Estate (290 Argilla Road)
Experience the grandeur of a seaside estate and its marvelously landscaped grounds, notable for a broad, undulating lawn running down to the shore.
Stone Zoo - 10 minutes from Sheraton Colonial Hotel
Located in nearby Stonehamm, MA, the Stone Zoo recently celebrated its 100th anniversary and has undergone several improvements and enhancements including: Yukon Creek a collection of naturalistic exhibits in a boreal forest theme; a new black bear exhibit; upgraded river otter exhibition; and a newly built open air environment for tree dwellers.
Pickering Wharf - 23 Congress Street
Open year round, Pickering Wharf is Salem's gateway to all maritime activities. Here, guests may stroll through the quaint marketplace with a harborside village of shops, boutiques, galleries and waterfront restaurants serving the freshest New England seafood.
Marblehead - 25 minutes from Sheraton Colonial Hotel
When you think of the quintessential New England harbor town complete with lighthouses, sail boats and a bustling seaside community, a visit to Marblehead will surely not disappoint. Visitors may also enjoy the natural beauty of Marblehead Neck Wildlife Sanctuary and the popular Devereux Beach. The town is also known as the birthplace of the American Navy and a premiere yachting destination in the county.