If you are drawn to dark history and modern witchcraft, look no further than Salem, MA, where ley lines strike the very heart of town and where victims of the legendary witch trials haunt unsuspecting visitors. Salem is a lovely seaport town boasting fresh fish, plenty of history, and entertainment. A visit to the Halloween Capitol is sure to catch the interest of anyone looking for a weekend of fun!
- A Brief History of the Witch Trials
- What to See in Salem
- Where to Eat in Salem
- Where to Shop in Salem
- Is Salem Worth the Hype?
A Brief History of the Witch Trials
Most of you reading this are perhaps already familiar with the infamous Salem Witch Trials of the 17th century, likely thanks to Arthur Miller’s The Crucible. The trials commenced when two girls began having behavioral issues, which their parents believed were signs of witchcraft. Fear began to spread and those “afflicted” accused over 150 people of tormenting them with their powers. Unable to prove their innocence due to the acceptance of “spectral” evidence (made up, unproven, and fictious), many people were jailed for long amounts of time, and 25 of those accused died, either while in prison or execution style. It was the largest witch trial in North America, which is one of the reasons Salem has gained such notoriety today, especially during Halloween. Memorials surround the town, remembering the lives lost and celebrating the historical significance of this otherwise unassuming town.
What to See in Salem
As with many historic towns in New England, historic architecture and parks abound – especially here in Salem. At first glance, Salem seems like any other town in New England, that is, until you see the Bewitched Statue of Elizabeth Montgomery on your morning commute. Smiling on top a broomstick, she makes a striking sight for newcomers, most of whom surround her and take selfies with her eerie grin.
The Witch House
From there we have the Witch House, which is the only home from the time of the trials to have survived the destruction of time. It was built long before the trials in the 17th century and was inhabited by none other than Jonathan Corwin, one of the judges involved in the trials.
As soon as we walked into the house, I felt suffocated and couldn’t wait to leave, which could be due to the dark history the house holds. The various leaflets scattered about the house were very informative about the objects, food, and herbs the settlers would have used at that time. I would have liked to stay longer, but everything about the house, from the dim light struggling through the lattice windows to the stagnant air inside, made me feel sick. If you want to really experience a “haunted” house, I would definitely recommend going there first.
The Salem Witch Trials Memorial and Old Burying Point Cemetery
Another popular destination in Salem is the Salem Witch Trials Memorial. Generally a quiet and thoughtful patch of land, it sits next to the Old Burying Point Cemetery, the oldest cemetery in Salem (also well worth a stroll). The memorial honors the 20 executions associated with the Trials by placing each victims name on stone benches around a small, square path. People leave flowers, coins, and sometimes notes there for lost ancestors, or just to honor the memory of those lost to hysteria. On the off-season, usually from winter into mid spring, there aren’t as many tourists, and it’s easier to stop and have a moment of silence for the victims. As with any memorial, we should always be respectful and courteous to others while visiting, and the benches are not meant to be sit on, so please find seating elsewhere.
The Pioneer Village
One of my favorite places to visit in Salem was the Pioneer Village. Modeled after the architecture of the colonial period, this living museum brings 17th century Salem to life. When I went, it was peak tourist season (the weekend of Halloween), so lines were long and we crawled through the museum. We often bumped into others on the trails leading through the village. Even with the massive crowd, I really enjoyed the experience of walking through a living history museum. I went inside many of the houses, including the Mayor’s house, and I saw the blacksmiths and even got locked in a pillory (a public punishment device). Another claim to fame for this museum is the film history, as this small village was used as a backdrop for the opening scenes of Hocus Pocus! Overall, it was an incredible excursion for those who want a more historic experience in Salem, and is one that I highly recommend for pictures!
Where to Eat in Salem
As a sea port with a macabre past, you are bound to find all sorts of seafood and oddities in Downtown Salem. Here are a few of my favorite eateries and shops to fuel my Salem adventures!
Kakawa Chocolate House
Not only is the Kakawa Chocolate House a perfect spot for some hot (or iced) drinking chocolate, they also serve delectable truffles, brownies, cookies, and bags of your favorite hot chocolate flavors to go! What makes their hot chocolate amazing is the thickness and flavor that is infused in each and every cup! My favorite drink is by far the Salem Spice mix, a unique and piquant blend of white chocolate, black pepper, and cinnamon (among others). It is absolutely delicious iced or hot, and is definitely worth a try while visiting Salem!
The Gulu-Gulu Cafe
Another casual place for a drink or a spot to eat is Gulu-Gulu Cafe. An eclectic American eatery, this cafe also caters to vegetarians and vegans! It is a lively place that is often busy, so if you want to stop in for lunch, be ready for some wait times! If you are in a rush, you can always order some pastries and drinks at the to-go counter. If you are interested in the music scene in Salem, Gulu-Gulu Cafe frequently hosts open mics, with national and local artists occasionally performing! Check their website for upcoming events!
Finn’s Seafood and Grill
Finn’s is a great spot to have a more formal dining experience. They serve a wide variety of seafood dishes and also cater to vegetarians. On top of that, they are located right on the water with plenty of windows for views of the bay. Finn’s is a popular spot, so be prepared to make reservations or wait in queue during lunch and dinner hours.
Where to Shop in Salem
As with any vacation, I usually spend my last day picking out mementos and gifts for family or friends back home. Salem was no different, and the gifts and mementos I found here were everything a witch or warlock dreams of! There were so many unique and thoughtful items and experiences for sale, including psychic readings and unique photo opportunities.
Coon’s Card and Gift Shop
By far one of the more crowded shops lining Essex Street, Coon’s Card and Gift shop has the best assortment of apparel, trinkets, oddities, and wiccan inspired objects. Among the objects I got there was a Ouija board pin, a deck of tarot cards, and a Witch Ball. If you are looking for memorabilia, you can also find magnets, stickers, necklaces, and drinkware sporting the image of witches and downtown Salem.
Omen: Psychic Parlor and Witchcraft Emporium
Omen is, you guessed it, a psychic reading shop dedicated to providing accurate readings for those brave enough to delve into the unknown. While they sell witch’s brooms, occult objects, and tarot card decks, they also provide 15 to 30 minute readings of your choice, be it past lives, tarot, palm, or deity. It is rather pricy, and you will most likely have to book your preferred psychic in advance, but it was a very interesting experience I just had to try. I will say that I am a skeptical person, however some of the things my psychic told me were very accurate (to clarify, I did not have a reservation and was immediately seated after paying, so no time for them to do research). Whether she was a great personality reader or a real psychic, I will never know, but it was a very insightful experience, and one I highly recommend trying at least once!
Witch Pix
I am typically not the type of person to pay for professional photos, but Witch Pix has a beautiful array of cloaks and witch/warlock outfits and stunning photo sets begging for use. While I was not able to get photos taken (a reservation is a must), I was impressed by the quality of their photos, and I think this experience would make for a perfect keepsake. Be prepared to spend a good chunk of change, but keep in mind you will have access to a stylist and a professional photographer to bring your dreams to life!
Diehl Marcus & Company
A small, unassuming door leads into an eighteenth century merchant’s paradise. Teas, soaps, candles, and antiques fill every nook and cranny in this hidden gem of a shop. Any tea you can think of is found inside along with tea accessories. Believe me when I say I spent thirty minutes in the shop perusing their collection. I ended up leaving with three bags of loose tea: apple cider rooibos, raspberry champagne, and berry chamomile. The apple cider rooibos was absolutely delicious, and with the proper sweetener, it was almost exactly like sipping hot cider!
Is Salem Worth the Hype?
One hundred percent yes! Not only was the atmosphere (both on and off season) mysterious and broody, the history and the culture of the area truly makes it stand out as one of the best New England towns to visit. Everywhere you turn, there are signs and plaques with so much to bestow upon their readers. Whether you love history, or whether you are tapping into your wiccan side, there is something there for everyone to enjoy!
Of course, there is so much more to Salem than what I could see in a single weekend. If you are interested in going, look up Destination Salem, Salem’s official Tourism site, and don’t just visit places I’ve mentioned above. I would look into walking tours, museums, and other experiences I have yet to enjoy to make your experience that much better! You can also let me know what you think of places I recommended; I would love to hear your opinions!
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Autumn Leaves 
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