Every October, Salem turns into a magnet for Halloween fans from around the world. Haunted happenings, costumed crowds, and candlelit ghost tours fill the streets day and night. But if you ever find yourself craving a little breathing room, or just want to see what’s happening beyond the witch hats and fog machines, Lynn is only a short drive (or train ride) away.
Whether you start in Salem and end in Lynn, or flip the itinerary, it’s the perfect pairing: one steeped in spooky lore, the other rich with culture, creativity, and coastal charm.
Catch a Show
The Lynn Auditorium keeps October buzzing with a stacked lineup that rivals any Greater Boston venue. You can sing along to Rumours, the acclaimed Fleetwood Mac tribute band; relive rock-and-roll glory with Cheap Trick; or experience a night of legendary hits with Diana Ross. And for comedy fans, Brazilian sensation Bruna Louise brings her sharp wit and energy to the stage later this month to add some laughs to the season.
Explore Local Art
The Galleries at LynnArts is always worth a visit, and this month’s featured exhibit celebrating Lynn artist, Arnold Trachtman (1930-2019), adds a special local touch. Born in Lynn, Trachtman was a popular figure in the Boston Expressionists movement. The exhibit offers an intimate glimpse into the visual and emotional depth of his connection to the city, featuring images that capture Lynn’s grit, beauty, and spirit. Trachtman’s work is part of the permanent collections at the DeCordova Museum and the Boston Public Library, reflecting decades of influence in New England’s cultural and artistic communities.
Eat Well, Without Such a Wait
Salem’s restaurant scene is electric in October, but wait times often can be as well. In Lynn, you’ll find everything from cozy cafés to chef-driven kitchens, often without such large crowds. The city’s dining scene has become one of the North Shore’s best-kept secrets, blending global flavors with local flair.
Looking for something a little upscale and award-winning? Try Nightshade Noodle Bar, The Blue Ox, or Rosetti Restaurant. Want to try a North Shore Roast Beef? Lots of options, including John’s and Crazy Buzzy’s. Local favorites? Look at April’s Pub & Grill, Ciao Restaurant & Bar, or Estefani’s. Something more diverse? Gran Penol, Pho Minh Ky or La Copà. Craft beer? Bent Water Brewing.
Recharge in the Woods
When you need to swap cobblestones for pine needles, head to Lynn Woods Reservation, one of the largest municipal parks in the country. With more than 30 miles of trails, it’s an ideal place to reset after a day in Salem. Whether you’re hiking, biking, or just finding a quiet overlook, it’s the kind of fall backdrop that makes you glad you wandered a little farther.
Shop Local (and Vintage)
Lynn has quietly built a reputation as a thrifting destination. Between vintage shops, artisan markets, and local boutiques like Ravenstone, a deliciously magical shop that’s perfect for the season, it’s easy to spend an afternoon treasure-hunting for something with a little character, maybe even the perfect costume accessory or post-Halloween wardrobe upgrade.
This October, experience both sides of the North Shore story: Salem’s spirited energy and Lynn’s creative rhythm, two neighboring cities that make the most of fall in their own unique ways.