Introduction
Salem, what could be a more appropriate destination for Halloween than a place that’s nicknamed “Witch City”? Made famous by the 1692 trials concerning witchcraft, which took the lives of innocent towns people. Though witchcraft was once feared, it is now a main feature of Salem, with a mecca of museums, shops, and tours reflecting on those grim years. Salem has a year round allure, but Autumn is the busiest, with people coming in the spirit of Halloween. The town has become synonymous with witchcraft, with many residents identifying as witches themselves. I grew up in Ipswich, approximately half an hours drive away from Salem, going during halloween was a bit of a tradition in my family. Salem is very accessible, making it easy to visit just for the day if you’re staying in Boston. I am not a local, but have been there enough to give a unique perspective on Salem. I moved to Canada when I was 16, but New England is still my home. Lastly, I do not advise anyone to travel during a pandemic, please enjoy Salem when it is safe to do so and explore your own town or city in the meantime!
Getting There
By plane- You cannot fly directly to Salem, the closest airport is Boston Logan International. Boston is half an hour away from Salem, so you won’t lose a day of your vacation travelling.
Public transportation- There are many buses at the airport that will take you to the commuter rail. To get to Salem, go to the North Station, taking the Newbury/Rockport line. The journey takes 30 minutes and tickets cost approximately $10. If you like a deal, download the mticket app from the MBTA, you can buy a weekend ticket that will let you travel the rail as much as you want for $10. This is useful if you’re staying somewhere outside of Salem.
Car- It is about a 30-45 minute drive to Salem from Boston, there is definitely more traffic the closer it is to Halloween. Anticipate being in traffic for about an hour. Parking in Salem is $5 during the week, and $2 on the weekend. You can rent a car at the airport, there are many places you can do that. It is a better bet to use public transit, depending on your situation, as it is much cheaper and one less thing to care about on your vacation!
Things to do and see
The Witch House- Also known as the Corwin house to some, as the house was the living quarters of the judge serving the court during the 1692 witch trials. Tours are offered, either with a group or by yourself, tickets are $9.00 per person, giving you access to the whole house. Due to the age of the house, the ceilings are lower and the hallways are skinny, the second floor is only accessible by stairs. If you, or someone else, is using a wheelchair, navigating through the house may be tight at times, and you may only be able to explore the first floor. More information regarding tickets and tours are available on their website.
The Salem Witch Museum- This museum takes visitors back to the 1600’s, educating people on the history of the town. More precisely examining the views on witchcraft and witches in the 17th century as well as the phenomenon of witch hunts. All parts of the museum are accessible by wheelchair, you may have to inform front desk to access the elevator. Information on tickets and hours of operation can be found here.
Are you a fan of 1993’s Hocus Pocus? Explore the filming locations throughout Salem. Walking tours are offered here, or easily explore on your own. Remember to be respectful, some properties seen in the film are full-time residences, so do not go directly onto the property, pictures are fine of course. You can visit the Ropes Mansion, Allison’s house in the movie, self-guided tours are available only on Saturday and Sunday.
Haunted Happenings- The entire month of October is full of events, shows, and entertainment, with the schedule all available on the Haunted Happenings website. There were street vendors set up on Essex Street, as well as a full carnival in the Salem Common, with free admission — you just need tickets for the rides.
If you’re into the paranormal, ghost tours are available, taking you through the haunted hot spots of the town. There are many different tours to take, prices and tour durations vary. If a paranormal escapade is not your thing, take a walk down Chestnut street, the historic houses are a sight to see, especially during Autumn and the month of December.
If you’re into Harry Potter, check out Wynott Wands. They sell, well, wands and magical gifts to give to friends and family. I was gifted a wand back in 2013 during the height of my Harry Potter obsession, it may be of interest to others who enjoy that sort of thing.
Where to eat
Salem has some wonderful, and locally owned options available. If you’re into seafood, I would recommend Sea Level, it is located right on the harbour and offers a great view from the second floor. The Gulu-Gulu café , offers fantastic sandwiches and craft beer, the staff are friendly and all around has a welcoming atmosphere for all to enjoy. If you are vegan or vegetarian, Life Alive offers delicious food, either for on the go or to sit and enjoy. If you enjoy beer, Notch Brewery offers a healthy selection of craft beers, and great seating by the river. The Roof is the only rooftop restaurant and bar in Salem, it offers great views of the streets below. It’s a great place to watch Halloween festivities below.
Places to stay
Morning Glory Bed & Breakfast is a beautifully restored Georgian home, most attractions are walking distance from the inn. Morning Glory boasts a glorious view of the ocean from its terrace, and is located on a quite street, despite being in the heart of Salem.
The Merchant is a historic hotel that has a vibrant and old school charm, it is a boutique hotel, so it is on the smaller side. Rooms may not always be available due to the size.
The Salem Waterfront offers great views from your room, as it is located on the Pickering Wharf. It is walking distance from downtown and offer parking for guests as well.
Houses, apartments, and rooms are available to rent on Airbnb by many locals, if you prefer to cook your own meals and have more space to yourself, this is a great option. It can be cost effective as well when travelling with friends and family.
If you decide to visit during Halloween, book a hotel far in advance. Salem is a very sought out town during Halloween, so hotels and airbnb’s are booked up quite quickly. The earlier you book, the less it will cost as well, prices skyrocket during Halloween and Christmas.Some tips if you’re visiting during Halloween…While it can be tempting to go on a less busy day, it is so much fun to go on a busy evening and look at all the elaborate costumes with the 31st being the most festive night! Remember to bring cash, if you come on a weekend or Halloween week there are street vendors and performers all along the main pathway, Essex Street. If you are looking for a unique souvenir check out Hive and Forge, a store full of different handicrafts from local artisans or Emporium 32, an oddities and vintage-inspired haven. If you’re looking for a non-porta-potty bathroom, the public bathroom inside Witch City Mall on Essex Street is usually a safe bet. Salem is a wonderful place to visit either for a day or a week, there are endless amounts of things to do and see. Thank you for exploring the page, I hope one day you can enjoy the town as much as I do.
All photos were taken personally, except for the header image, which belong to Getty https://www.gettyimages.ca/videos/salem-massachusetts?phrase=salemmassachusetts&sort=mostpopular
