Hidden Gem: Ropes Mansion Garden

Behind the Ropes Mansion, at 318 Essex St., is one of the more beautiful and well maintained gardens in Salem. 

The garden is open to the public free of charge.

Ropes Mansion dates back to the 1720s. Built by merchant Samuel Barnard, it was purchased by Judge Nathaniel Ropes II in 1768.  The Ropes family went into exile during the Revolutionary War, but returned to reclaim their home when the war ended. In 1907, the family converted it to the Ropes Memorial. Today, it is owned and operated by the .

The garden was designed by John Robinson in 1912 in the Colonial revival style and features small, winding paths of brick and stone, which lead to a center area with a sundial. Just to the right of the first overgrown arbor is a small running brook which leads to a cool, shaded pool complete with overhanging flowers and lily pads.

Like many places in Salem, the Ropes Mansion comes with its own ghost story. Abigail Ropes died in 1839 after her dress caught fire when she stood a little to close to the fireplace. There are those who claim to have seen her ghost roaming the mansion.

There are few better places close to the downtown where you can relax with a book, or during lunch, and remove yourself from the hustle and bustle.