Salem Beer Crawl: Notch Brewing, East Regiment & A Witchside Tavern
Episode 13 was a happy accident in the best way possible: Salem, Massachusetts landed on the spooky number, giving Adam and Dedra the perfect excuse to talk witches, Hocus Pocus filming spots, old buildings, and tourist-shop chaos. Between Notch Brewing, East Regiment Beer Company, Witch Side Tavern’s unforgettable chowda and fried shrimp, and one thick 13.6% Prairie stout, Salem turned into one of the most memorable stops of their Boston trip.
Adam & Dedra
6/25/20269 min read
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Episode 13: Salem, Stouts & Spooky Little Accidents
Sometimes the universe hands you a perfect coincidence.
Episode 13 of The Adam & Dedra Show just so happened to be our trip to Salem, Massachusetts. A city famous for witches, haunted history, creepy old buildings, Hocus Pocus nostalgia, and enough black clothing to make every tourist look like they were either on vacation or auditioning for a coven.
Was it planned that way?
Nope.
Was it perfect?
Absolutely.
This episode took us out of Boston and into Salem for a day of walking, sightseeing, witchy shops, Hocus Pocus filming locations, beers, seafood, chowda, and one very aggressive 13.6% stout that looked like it came out of a neglected engine block.
The Featured Beer: Chai Marty from Prairie Artisan Ales
Before we even got into Salem, we had to introduce the beer of the episode: Chai Marty from Prairie Artisan Ales out of Oklahoma City.
This one was not exactly a light patio crusher.
Chai Marty is a bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout with espresso, chai, and honey, clocking in at a casual 13.6% ABV. You know, just a tiny little bottle of “good luck getting off the couch later.”
Dedra’s first impression?
It looked like motor oil.
Not fresh motor oil either. More like, “You definitely should’ve changed this 3,000 miles ago” motor oil.
But surprisingly, this beer worked better for her than expected. The barrel-aged flavor was strong, but the chai brought in cinnamon and spice, the honey gave it a touch of sweetness, and the espresso helped keep everything rich and dark without feeling like a dessert bomb.
This was also another sign that Dedra’s beer taste buds are evolving. When the show started, stouts were very much not her thing. But after a heavy stout share that basically forced her into the deep end, she’s slowly becoming someone who can appreciate a thick, chewy, barrel-aged beer.
We’re not saying she’s fully converted.
But she did call it “fine motor oil,” and honestly, that feels like progress.
Salem Was the Perfect Episode 13
Salem being Episode 13 was one of those happy accidents that felt way too good to ignore.
We didn’t plan it. We didn’t sit down months ago and say, “You know what would be clever? Let’s save Salem for lucky number 13.”
It just happened.
And for a place like Salem, that feels right.
After a few days in Boston, we took the train out to Salem. The ride was easy, quick, and cheap. About a 30-minute trip and around $8 per person. We had originally thought about taking the ferry, but after long days, late nights, and trying to get teenagers moving in the morning during summer vacation, the train became the more realistic option.
Anyone who has tried to wake up a teenager early on vacation knows the ferry never stood a chance.
Salem: The Calm After Boston
One of the biggest surprises about Salem was how different it felt from Boston.
Boston was fast, loud, busy, and full of honking cars. If a light turned green and you didn’t immediately launch your vehicle like you were qualifying for NASCAR, someone was already on the horn.
Salem was the opposite.
It felt quieter. Slower. More relaxed. More peaceful.
Yes, there were tourists. Yes, there were witch shops everywhere. Yes, there were people dressed in black, fishnets, boots, and full spooky vacation mode. But compared to Boston, Salem felt like a deep breath.
It almost felt like two separate vacations packed into one trip.
Boston was the city adventure.
Salem was the spooky little reset button.
The Hocus Pocus Tour, Dedra Edition
A big reason Salem made the trip itinerary was Dedra’s love of Halloween.
She loves Halloween. Not casually. Not “pumpkin spice candle and one decoration” loves Halloween.
She goes all in.
So visiting Salem, especially during an anniversary year for Hocus Pocus, was a must.
We walked around and checked out several filming locations, including Allison’s house, which in real life felt smaller than expected. Movie magic definitely gave that house some extra mansion energy.
We also saw the town hall where the parents’ party scene happens in Hocus Pocus, plus the park and school area tied to the movie. We didn’t make it to Max and Dani’s house because it was farther out, Dedra’s walking wasn’t ideal that day, and it’s in a private neighborhood. Since people actually live there, we wanted to be respectful and not limp our way through someone’s front yard in full tourist mode.
Still, for a Hocus Pocus fan, Salem delivered.
The nostalgia was real.
And Dedra is still holding out hope that one day she can convince her girls to dress as the Sanderson sisters with her for Halloween.
We support this mission.
Witch History, Memorials & Graveyard Boundaries
We also saw the Salem witch memorial area and passed by the graveyard, though we didn’t go deep into the cemetery.
For Dedra, taking pictures in graveyards feels weird. And honestly, fair.
Some people love the old cemetery history. Others look at it and think, “Why do I need this in my camera roll?”
We respected the space, saw the memorial, and kept moving.
And conveniently, almost like magic, there happened to be a brewery nearby.
What are the odds?
Very high, actually, if Adam is holding the map.
First Brewery Stop: Notch Brewing
Our first Salem brewery stop was Notch Brewing, and this place had a really cool setup.
The building had a long warehouse/barn-style feel, with indoor seating and a great outdoor space along the water. It sat near what felt like a canal or small waterway, and on a beautiful 70-degree day, it was pretty much the perfect Tuesday afternoon beer stop.
Notch specializes in German and Czech-style session beers, which means lower ABV, crisp, refreshing, drinkable beers. Nothing too heavy. Nothing trying to knock you over. Very different from the 13.6% barrel-aged stout we were drinking during the episode.
Adam had a Czech dark lager, called Tmavy, and it was refreshing, malty, and perfect for the weather.
Dedra, of course, found the one hazy-ish option available... a New England pale ale around 4.5%.
Was it lower than her usual hazy IPA comfort zone?
Yes.
Did she question what we were doing with a beer under 5%?
Also yes.
But she enjoyed it.
Notch was one of those places where we easily could have stayed longer, had another beer, and enjoyed the patio. But hunger was starting to take over, and as much as pretzels and sausage sounded fine, we needed real food.
More specifically, meat.
Witch Side Tavern: Chowda, Fish & Giant Shrimp
Connected to the same building was Witch Side Tavern, and this place ended up being one of the food highlights of the day.
The inside had great Salem energy with cool signage, murals, and a comfortable tavern feel. We could have sat outside and people-watched, but after walking around all day, inside with air conditioning and ceiling fans won.
The food did not disappoint.
Dedra ordered clam chowder because when you’re in Massachusetts, you don’t say, “Maybe I’ll try the soup.”
You get the chowda.
And this chowder set a new standard. It was creamy without being too salty, fresh without being fishy, and exactly what you hope for when you order clam chowder in New England.
We also had fish and chips, shrimp and chips, coleslaw, fries, and some appetizer egg rolls. They were unique... Philly cheesesteak and buffalo chicken egg rolls. Drool, drool (Hopefully you catch our Bugs Bunny reference.)
The shrimp were the star. Huge, perfectly cooked, battered, fried, and somehow described as “like biting a stick of butter,” which sounds strange until you realize that is absolutely a compliment.
The fish and chips were great too, but the shrimp and chowda stole the show.
The only disappointment?
No lobster.
We went all the way to New England and somehow did not get lobster. That’s unfinished business.
Second Brewery Stop: East Regiment Beer Company
After more walking, more Hocus Pocus stops, and more Salem exploring, we found our second brewery: East Regiment Beer Company.
This place had a cool old-building feel, with wood tables (spool-style), a bar area, and a side porch-style section. There was also a separate food setup inside, but after Witch Side Tavern, we had no room left for more food.
Which is rare for us.
We grabbed beers and played cards with the kids, which ended up being one of those simple vacation moments that sticks with you. Sitting in a Salem brewery on a Tuesday afternoon, drinking beer, playing Crazy Eights, and watching teenagers interact without phones... that’s good stuff.
Adam ordered Double Minor, a West Coast-style double IPA on nitro.
A double IPA on nitro is not something you see every day, so of course Adam had to try it. It had the bitterness and bite of a West Coast IPA, but the nitro smoothed everything out and gave it a creamy mouthfeel.
Also, Adam accidentally read the chalkboard as “Double O Minord” because the hockey rink drawing over the name made the letters confusing.
The bartender admitted he drew it and maybe got a little carried away.
Honestly, relatable.
Dedra had Lumberg, a New England IPA with an Office Space-style red stapler reference. Because apparently nothing pairs with Salem quite like hazy beer and workplace comedy.
Adam also grabbed a small pour of Vanna Weisse, a passion fruit hibiscus Berliner Weisse-style sour. After the heavier double IPA, the light, fruity sour was refreshing and crisp. A good little palate reset before heading back toward the train.
Missing the Train Means One More Beer
Eventually, we made our way back to the train station.
And then watched the train leave.
The next one was about 45 minutes away.
So naturally, we got another beer.
Before that, the kids grabbed ice cream, and then we crossed over to Dire Wolf Tavern. We didn’t have time or stomach space for food, which was unfortunate because the place looked like it would have been worth a longer stop.
We asked if we could quickly grab one beer while the kids sat with their ice cream, and thankfully, they were cool about it.
Adam and Dedra both had IPAs, though the exact beer names have been lost to the travel-and-beer fog.
But the important part is this: missing a train in Salem turned into one more tavern stop.
That’s not a travel mistake.
That’s vacation math.
Salem Shops, Souvenirs & Backpack Strategy
Of course, we also did some shopping.
Salem is full of tourist shops, witchy stores, spooky souvenirs, and plenty of opportunities to buy things you didn’t technically need but absolutely had to have because “we’re in Salem.”
Adam wore a backpack most of the day, which screams tourist, but it also served an important purpose: carrying jackets, water, souvenirs, and most importantly, beer to bring home.
A backpack full of travel beer is not just practical.
It’s preparation.
It’s planning.
It’s a public service to future us.
Final Thoughts: Salem Is Worth the Trip
Salem ended up being one of our favorite parts of the whole Massachusetts trip... except maybe the Tree House beer.
The old architecture, the witch history, the Hocus Pocus nostalgia, the calm streets, the breweries, the food, and the overall vibe made it feel completely different from Boston... in the best way.
Boston was amazing. Trillium, Tree House, Sam Adams, old bars, big city energy... all of that was incredible.
But Salem gave us something else.
It gave us a slower, spookier, easier day filled with good beer, good food, and memories that somehow landed perfectly on Episode 13.
Again, we didn’t plan it.
But Salem for Episode 13?
That’s the kind of happy accident we’ll take every time.
Cheers to Episode 13
This episode had Salem, witches, Hocus Pocus stops, chowda, fried shrimp, breweries, missed trains, one more tavern beer, and a stout thick enough to chew.
Not a bad way to spend Episode 13.
If you’ve been to Salem, have a favorite Massachusetts brewery, or know where we need to get lobster next time, reach out and let us know.
And as always... CHEERS!
