Ya know, you can find treasure in the most unexpected places. For example, I never would have guessed that this small shop in Salem, Massachusetts would have some of the freshest—and most economically priced—spices around Boston.
You all know I’m a Penzey’s devotee, but when I’m up on the North Shore, I’ll definitely be hitting the West India Goods Store, as well.
I’m not sure how they do it, but their prices are amazing and the quality of their spices is top notch.
About Salem, Massachusetts
Let me back up for a sec before we go inside the shop.
So the West India Goods Store is located in Salem, MA—a.k.a. Witch City—which is about a 20-minute drive north of Boston. The town is the home to the Witch Trials of 1692.
It’s right down the road from the House of Seven Gables.
Salem is full of lots of beautiful, historic homes. If you go for a visit, definitely take a walking tour. Any architecture or history buff will be absolutely tickled pink by the sights.
Click here for a more detailed peek right around Halloween, when the town is in its prime.
The West India Goods Store is located at 164 Derby Street, near Pickering Wharf.
Inside Salem’s West India Goods Store
When you step inside the shop, it’s absolutely packed to the gills with all sorts of sweet and savory treasures. The center table is covered with packages of fragrant coffee and loose tea.
The wall to the left is lined with dozens of orderly little boxes, each stuffed with packets of fresh ground or whole spices.
I bought a handful of spices I needed for my recent adventure making quick, fresh pickles (no canning required!).
There are displays of books about the local area and its history.
And a really good selection of gifts and other goods.
And, of course, a few jars of penny candy.
The Mouse House is relocating to the Salem later on this month. This is just one of many articles to come on Witch City’s secret culinary treasures.
Wow, thanks for the heads up! I have driven by there many times, but I guess always assumed it was a touristy place and never stopped in. Will have to check it out now.
Hi Jessie,
This great. I like Hungarian spices, they seem to be more flavorful and spicy hot.I will check out the Salem’s lot of spices.It is a beautiful there.
that is a dream! I wish we had something like that here. I love to stock up on spices but everything is so darn expensive!
Salem looks like a great place to live at
Good luck with your move!
WOW! That store looks amazing, I have to make sure I check it out the next time I’m in the Boston area!
The first time we visited Boston, we actually stayed in Salem, but I never looked around. There’s something creepy about a town that’s famous for using excuses, not the last of which being religious intolerance, to burn people at the stake. I somehow didn’t find that tidbit charming, so I told dh I didn’t really want to walk around
Hey, I’m Italian, superstition is in my DNA, no matter how hard I may try to fight it
And, the store is part of the National Park Service so you’re supporting it by shopping there. It is a wonderful place.
The East Coast is full of history and stores like this filled with character! Something that the mid-west tends to lack.
gabi
Like a candy store for me too! I can see the hole in my pocket already..
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