DAY TRIP: SALEM, MA

In 1692, over 200 people were accused of witchcraft in Salem, Massachusetts. Mass hysteria led to the execution of 20 victims – 19 hanged and one person pressed to death. While this was an extremely dark chapter in American history, the city of Salem has since embraced its past, using this event to highlight important lessons about the dangers of unchecked paranoia. In addition, Salem is home to a modern community of practicing witches, which contributes to the city’s unique identity as a “Witch City.” This means in autumn – especially in October around Halloween – Salem’s streets are overrun with people who have come to learn about the Salem Witch Trials, lean into the unique atmosphere of the city, and enjoy spooky attractions.

If you look up a shop or restaurant in Salem, many websites urge you not to visit in October, due to the anticipated crowds. However, if you arrive early in the day and expect the large throngs of people, it really is a wonderful time to experience the magic of Salem! Of course, if you visit in any other month, there will be significantly fewer people. This article will specifically detail how to spend a day in Salem if you are going in October! Please note that there are many ways to enjoy a day in Salem, and this is just one possible scenario:

Start your day off early – and I mean 8am, especially if you have to park a car! Parking garages will fill up quick, and you do not want to waste any part of your day circling the area on the hunt for a spot. South Harbor Garage is centrally located and has a public restroom. (Note: there will also be porta potties throughout the city in anticipation of the uptick of people.) Once you have the parking handled, head over to Odd Meter Coffee Co. for a boost of energy.

Take your coffee and kick off the morning with a self-guided walking tour. We are hitting a lot of famous areas first to avoid the crowds that will inevitably swarm as the day goes on. First visit the Salem Witch Trial Memorial, which remembers the 20 victims who tragically lost their lives during the trials. Then walk over to the Old Town Hall. If you are a Hocus Pocus fan, you will recognize this building as the setting for the party scene where Winifred sings, “I Put a Spell on You.” Nowadays, the Old Town Hall hosts the Salem Museum!

Continuing on our walking tour, head over to the Bewitched Statue, then the Ropes Mansion (another Hocus Pocus nod – where Allison lives), and finally, the Witch House. The house was once home to Judge Jonathan Corwin, a man who served on the court during the Salem Witch Trials. The Witch House is the only structure still standing in Salem that has a direct connection to the trials. If you would like to go into the house, I strongly recommend making a reservation, otherwise in this particular instance, we are just walking by! End your walk with a visit to Hamilton Hall, a National Historic Landmark. The building is a little bit off the busy path, so this area is a nice little reprieve!

Then spend some time sitting or walking around Salem Commons. This public space is across the street from the Salem Witch Museum, our next stop! Purchase tickets in advance for the first or second timeslot for the day to enjoy a short presentation on the history of the Salem Witch Trials. Please note that if you do not get tickets in advance in October, there is a good chance that you will not be able to enter.

Next, walk over to Hauswitch. This cute store has Salem souvenirs but what you are really there for is to get an aura photograph taken! In advance, reserve a “Personal Rainbow Relationship Aura Package.” An experienced technician will take solo photos of you and a loved one, as well as a photo of you two together. Then the technician will provide an interpretation of the colors in each of the photos, pointing out how your energy affects each other. It is the perfect activity in Salem!

Then walk over to Finz to have lunch. Please make a reservation in advance to ensure that you will be able to dine. While there are plenty of restaurants to choose from in Salem, many of them do not take reservations. After lunch, walk one minute to The Witchery, where you can make your very own broom! Again, please make a reservation for this in advance. That is really the key for Salem in October – reservations!

Next, head into some witchy shops. It is important to note that the majority of Salem shops have a maximum capacity of around 10 to 15 people, which means you may have to wait to enter. Thus, pick a few that you are interested in and get in line! (Please note that if you visit sometime other than October, you will not have to wait in these lines.) A few of my favorites are Hauswitch, Emporium 32, and Hex Old World Witchery. The latter is a store that carries supplies for spells, such as books, candles, and crystals.

After shopping, visit Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery. This small horror film museum is home to life-sized sculptures of many horror movie monsters, such as the Creature from the Black Lagoon and the Wolf Man. Then enjoy dinner at The Ledger. I implore you – make a reservation!

End the evening with a haunted house at the Salem Witch Village. I hope that you have a magical time in Salem!