Today is the day when you and your little pumpkin turns into little piglets. Tomorrow, the starting gun goes off on the annual holiday shopping mayhem. So on Saturday, park your somewhat larger frames into transportation and head north to Salem to recharge your batteries.
What would feel better than a cool, maybe even frosty, walk, to rev up those fat-burning cells? If you're in a deserted beach mood, visit Salem Willows Park (171-185 Fort Avenue, salemwillowspark.com). Or for a more urban stroll, walk Salem's McIntyre Historic District Architectural Walking Trail, which winds past historic houses on Chestnut Street. Brochures for the trail are available at the National Park Service Visitor Center, (2 New Liberty St).
If you just can't face Mother Nature, spend the day inside the Peabody Essex Museum (161 Essex St. Salem, 978-745-9500, pem.org), where you may browse porcelain, silver, paintings, jewelry, furniture and accessories from about 30 British and American dealers as part of the museum's 35th Annual Antiques Show. Entry to the show is included with the museum admission: $13. At 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jeffrey and Jerry Arcari of Landry & Arcari Oriental Rugs & Carpeting will unravel the mysteries of how to buy an antique or newer oriental carpet. Admission to their talk is $25 and includes afternoon tea and a chance to win a carpet in a raffle. Call 978-745-9500, ext. 316 for tickets. The museum is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
After exploring the museum's exhibits, you may find yourself - amazing! - hungry again. The Italian cuisine at Grapevine (26 Congress St., Salem, 978-745-9335, grapevinesalem.com) will get your juices flowing. Warm up with the focaccia and warm olives ($5.50) and move on to the pappardelle Bolognese ($18.50) or leek and goat cheese tart with warm lentils ($19.50). Open for dinner daily 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Reservations recommended.
For a musical nightcap, boogie down to the Dodge Street Bar & Grill (7 Dodge St., Salem, 978-745-0139, dodgestreet.com). On Saturday, Further from Zen will provide "aural bliss." Music starts sometime after 9:30 p.m. $3 coverage. Open until 1 a.m.
