6 Best Things to Do in Salem, New Hampshire

By VacationIdea Staff on July 26, 2022 - Updated

SnarlingPenguin/stock.adobe.com

Salem is located about 30 miles north of Boston. Because New Hampshire does not charge sales tax, Salem has become a popular shopping destination which draws many visitors from Massachusetts. If you are looking for a great place to shop you can head straight to the Mall at Rockingham Park which offers excellent retail therapy. Another popular tax-free attraction is the Two Guys Smoke Shop, for cigar aficionados. If you prefer to spend some fun time outdoors you can treat the family to a day of excitement at Canobie Lake Park. Salem is also home to America’s Stonehenge, where you can see several large stone structures of uncertain origin.

We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times.

1.Canobie Lake Park

Canobie Lake Park promises hours of fun for the whole family. The amusement park started off as a small trolley park and botanical garden in 1902, built to provide entertainment for passengers using the trolley transport. Over the last century the park has grown into a full-scale family amusement center offering a wide variety of rides for all ages. Highlights of your visit will include the Yankee Cannonball (installed in 1936), the Canobie Corkscrew and Untamed, all of which are daring and exciting roller coaster rides for adrenalin junkies. For younger visitors there are a host of suitable rides including a carousel, a tea-cup ride and the Caterpillar. There are also a few fun water rides.

Canobie Lake Park, 85 N Policy Street, Salem, NH 03079, Phone: 603-893-3506

2.The Mall at Rockingham Park, Salem, New Hampshire

Conveniently located adjacent to Interstate 93, just 30 miles north of Boston, The Mall at Rockingham Park is the largest retail mall in New Hampshire. The mall has stores for all tastes and ages, including Macy’s, JC Penny, Dick’s Sporting Goods and many more. You can find the latest fashion at Abercrombie and Fitch, American Eagle, Forever 21, Gap and Michael Kors, to name but a few. When you need a break from the shopping you can relax over a meal or coffee at one of 16 food outlets or catch the latest movies at Cinemark Century Theatres. There is also a fun Disney Junior Play Zone for little visitors.

The Mall at Rockingham Park, 99 Rockingham Park Blvd, Salem, NH 03079, Phone: 603-894-5526

3.America’s Stonehenge, Salem, New Hampshire

Named after England’s famous Stonehenge archaeological site, America’s Stonehenge is located on a 30-acre site in Salem. The site encompasses a number of large rocks and stone structures whose origins are uncertain. Some scientists believe that the site was the result of a 20th century archaeological hoax, while others argue that the remains could be pre-Columbian in origin and thus very significant. Archaeological evidence is sparse and conflicting, but it is now widely thought that the site was assembled in the 18th or 19th century. Whichever way you view it, it is a beautiful place to take a walk while you ponder the possible origins. There is also an alpaca farm on the site.

America’s Stonehenge, 105 Haverhill Rd, Salem, NH 03079, Phone: 603-893-8300

4.Two Guys Smoke Shop, Salem, New Hampshire

The Two Guys Smoke Shop first opened to the public in Somerville Massachusetts in 1985. The store stocked fine cigars which proved to be immensely popular and the business soon expanded to Everett and then to tax-free Salem in New Hampshire. Today cigar enthusiasts can visit what is probably the largest cigar store in the world, right in the heart of Salem. The expansive premises include a ground floor showroom and a cigar lounge and café on the first floor. Enthusiasts can choose from over 90 brands of cigars as well as tobaccos, humidors, cutters and other cigar accessories. Each month a new cigar features as Cigar of the Month.

Two Guys Smoke Shop, 304 S. Broadway (Rt. 28), Salem, NH 03079, Phone: 603-898-2221

5.New Hampshire Philharmonic Orchestra, Salem, NH

Founded by Miss Mary Fife in 1895, the New Hampshire Philharmonic Orchestra found a perfect home base in the Seifert Performing Arts Center in 2018. The orchestra draws its members from a pool of talented student, amateur and profession musician from all around the state and strives to create a better understanding of classical music through inspirational concerts and performances. The orchestra does not restrict its performances to the classics and regularly features popular music from film and Broadway as well as their very popular Holiday Pops program which will appeal to all music lovers. The NH Phil also hosts educational programs to introduce children to music appreciation.

New Hampshire Philharmonic Orchestra, Seifert Performing Arts Center, 44 Geremonty Dr, Salem, NH 03079, Phone: 603-647-6476

6.Trattoria Amalfi, Salem, New Hampshire

Trattoria Amalfi brings the vibrant colors and flavors of Italy’s beautiful Amalfi coast to Salem. Not content to just serve delicious food, owners Gerry and Sandra (both born and raised in Italy) want guest to experience a genuine Italian dining experience – a warm welcome, a relaxed ambiance and fresh, wholesome Italian classics. Fountains, plants and paintings of Italy set the scene, while fragrant aromas excite the taste-buds. On the menu you will find an extensive offering of delicious Italian fare made using the freshest local ingredients and pasta imported from Italy. Gerry’s specialties include Chicken Sabrina, Seafood Della Trattoria and sublime Porcini Ravioli.

Trattoria Amalfi, 385 South Broadway, Salem, NH 03079, Phone: 603-893-5773