Morning Glory Bed & Breakfast

What stands out about Morning Glory is its comfortable, homey atmosphere. Decorated with a mix of Colonial, Victorian, and traditional Americana-style furnishings, the bed and breakfast is eclectic and charming, but not stuffy -- although some may find it dated. The owner of this establishment lives on-site, and strives to maintain an environment welcoming to all guests. He is available to answer questions about the property and the town, and is eager to help travelers needing recommendations for local restaurants or sightseeing. The owner's friendly dog loves to greet guests, and have her head patted. 

While each room has a television, signs are posted around the premises reminding visitors to limit their viewing to certain times, due to noise concerns. A common area upstairs is set up so those staying at Morning Glory can socialize in a room with couches, chairs, and board games. This area also has a stereo, computer with printer and Internet access, and a coffeemaker with free Keurig cups and teabags, and cold water in the mini-fridge. On the third floor, guests can access a rooftop patio with chairs, tables, and umbrellas for shade. The patio is decorated with nautical themed knick-knacks. From this vantage point visitors can see the surrounding town, the neighborhood with its many historical homes, and the ocean. At the ground level, a patio and small garden enclosure features a fountain, whimsical sculptures, and seasonal flowers. Breakfasts are served at a large table in the hotel's cozy communal dining room.

Salem, Massachusetts is best known for its historical Witch Trials, which have shaped the culture and made Salem into the tourist destination it is today. Salem carries particular interest for lovers of Halloween, as crowds gather during the month of October to celebrate the holiday. The Morning Glory Bed & Breakfast is located on the Salem Heritage Trail, a five-minute walk from many popular historical sites and businesses. This property is adjacent to the famous House of the Seven Gables, which inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne's 1851 novel of the same name. The Peabody Essex museum, which features art from around the world, is about a half a mile away, or a 10-minute walk. 

The Morning Glory is only blocks from restaurants offering a wide range of American and ethnic fusion foods, including Indian and Mexican cuisine. About a 10-minute walk away guests can find the historic district with shopping area with cobblestone streets. This street is lined with boutiques selling quirky merchandise, such as witch-themed shirts and gifts, old-time photo packages, and esoterica. The hotel is 16 miles from Boston proper. A little over a half mile from Morning Glory, the downtown commuter rail station takes travelers into Boston's North Station. Due to the location, this bed and breakfast can book its rooms up quickly, especially during Halloween. Travelers passing through the area during the month of October should plan accordingly.

The Morning Glory Bed & Breakfast has only four rooms, each named after women who were executed during the Witch Trials of the 1600s. Each room is decorated differently, featuring its own assortment of antique furnishings, including dark wood chests of drawers, four-poster beds, and art that represents a mix of Americana and Colonial aesthetic. All rooms have flat-screen TVs and air-conditioning. The Rebecca Nurse Room features its own fully-operational fireplace, complete with antique fire tools, and Victorian-style armchairs beside the hearth. Morning Glory's one suite is composed of a bedroom, bathroom, and adjoining sitting area. The private sitting room contains a couch, wicker chairs, foot stools, a coffeemaker, and mini-fridge. Bathrooms include liquid soap and shampoo dispensers in showers. One bathroom has a handrail to make the shower more easily accessible to those with mobility challenges. 

While the amenities offered here are simple, they're useful, and are all included in the cost of a stay. At any time, guests can take advantage of free cold water, coffee, or tea in the second-floor common room. A computer is also available for guest use, and includes Internet access and printing. Wi-Fi is free and accessible throughout the building. Free parking is available behind the inn, and additional, metered spaces are easy to find on the street below. Breakfasts are also included in the cost of a stay, and feature familiar dishes such as pancakes with fruit, coffee, bread, and juice.