I do not live in Salem, but visit quite often (dozen or more times a year) and agree with all of your comments on these particular places, and there are so many great places in Salem. The comment regarding the fountains on the pedestrian mall is certainly sad, I agree that they have been neglected, but I hope they are not removed. I’ve heard rumor of the pedestrian mall being paved for cars, or the cobblestone removed- I certainly hope not, I love the look of Essex St. as it is sits today.

Bill, Your sharp eye and clear memory are exceeded only by your graciousness in responding to my humble request. I am eager to learn of competing sites from your avid readers. My own favorites would include the Ropes garden (currently dazzling with monarch butterflies), the park on the site of the former Armory, and, best of all, the Salem Common for all of its beauty and activity -- it never slumbers.

I have such wonderful memories of getting popcorn from the seller on the Common and walking to the fountain to go wading on a hot day. There were always lots of kids in there cooling off, it was a special place. It's so sad to me that in a city where the very old is so valuable the powers that be don't recognize that these fountains should be repaired, not torn down. I wish there was more emphasis on the history of the town pump fountain and the beautiful map of the centrally located fountain. There is much to be learned here. My son and I love to go and stand on the stone where our house is. It makes me sad to think that those fountains could be gone. This was a nice piece Bil; a positive to balance the earlier negative piece (which was excellent as well).

Thank you for including Artists' Row in your positive reflection. We are all working very hard to make sure this remains a safe, vibrant and family-friendly part of Salem's Downtown.

Great places you mentioned!

Can anyone out there confirm the rumor I've heard regarding why the fountains are on the chopping block? What I've heard is that they are too often used for homeless bathing, etc. Just wondering what the real scoop is.....

Adding my thanks here for a wonderful list of MY favorite places too-- and perhaps one more you may not visit often: early morning stand at the end of the ferry dock (Blaney Street)-- yes you can walk out to the end when the boat isn't in boarding/disembarking mode. You can just about see the sunrise this time of year-- and when the water is still it's particularly breath-taking. Thank you CIty of Salem for trusting residents and leaving this dock accessible 24/7. Folks, don't mess it up for us!

the places i love in salem lie just outside downtown. one is derby wharf and the other is the salem public library. anything i liked downtown has long since gone and eaten by that evil monster called urban renewal which turned downtown into a laughing stock of shopping destinations. my other choices all are way out of town so i wont bother listing them.

Thinking back, there was a woman selling popcron down at the common. I think her name was Helen. After you purchased her goods she would say thanks a million. I also would drive up to her wagon in my car and get it to go.

I remember Mr. Kapnis also, sometimes he would have his cart in front of the Saltonstall school on Sunday's.

If you want to get the real feeling of Salem,past and present,you have to enter Salem by boat. First you go past the willows neighborhood and then Winter Island and as you pass Derby Wharf Lighthouse on your way to Pickering wharf ,you see the Custom House with the gold eagle and it is an incredible site if you know the history. That's Salem

I too am saddened by the talk of demolishing the fountains. The sound of water is so refreshing on a hot day, not to mention the joy one feels watching kids play there. The Ropes Garden is a special favorite, Forest River Park, Winter Island, we've got it all!

Throughout history in the world's greatest cities, fountains have been a part of cultured urban life. Besides the two on Essex, the only other one I can think of is at the Salem Library. I think it is time to be adding, not demolishing fountains on the master plan for our wonderful city.

Yes to the keeping the fountains and restoring them! And another yes to encouraging more. I realize this string is really about favorite places, but just wanted to add my support here on what I regard is an important issue. I will be watching closely for updates on the continued changes to the Ped Mall and will be very opposed to demolishing the fountains. I suspect the piecemeal approach is part practical and part tactical to diffuse this-- and I too expect ongoing attempts to finalize a design that will accommodate regular car traffic-- then once it's built a campaign to open the street.

Bill, Thanks for your kind words; we love when others appreciate the garden & our efforts. It is a joy to live in Salem(most of the time), and we love the walkability. Keep blogging. Cora & Sue 24 North St.