For some reason the idea of visiting Salem for my 30th birthday seemed like the most fun way to celebrate. And now that we’re back from our trip, I’m so glad I went ! Salem is a town that embraces its “witchy” history and it makes October the perfect time to visit. If my raving and Instagram posts haven’t convinced you, I’ve gathered a list of why you need to add an October visit to Salem, Massachusetts to your vacation wish list! Read on below!
1. The Fall Foliage
The first and second week of October are usually peak leaf peeping season in New England. The colors are stunning and the fallen leaves and autumnal colors enhance Salem’s spooky vibe.
2. History Tours
There are many tour opportunities available in Salem – most focus on either the history of the town as a whole, or the witch trials themselves. During the tours you’ll learn about Salem’s origins as a Native American settlement, the arrival of the first colonists, and the events that led to the hysteria of the witch trials. We booked this one here.
3. Salem Witch Museum
I loved this museum. It’s one of the most popular spots in Salem. Its housed in an old church (wonder how those Puritans feel about this now….) and explores how society’s notion of the witch ended up as the green faced, broom riding women we think of today. The best part of this museum is the creepy mannequins that dramatize the scenes of the 1692 witch trials with a theatrical narration! It sounds weird but its cool.
4. Witchy Shops
Salem’s main street is filled with witch themed shops selling herbs, spell books, and other witch goodies. I love this kind of stuff so had such a good time ogling the shops.
5. The Cemeteries
I find the beauty of cemeteries, especially very old ones, to be eerily beautiful. Salem is filled with these and it just reminds how old the town really is.
6. Witch House
This is the only house still standing in Salem with ties to the witch trials. Built around the 1630s, the home belonged to Judge Jonathan Corwin who presided over the witch trails.
7. Hocus Pocus
I watched this movie 100s of times as a kid so I geeked out when I learned that it was filmed almost entirely in Salem. You can see Max’s house, the old Puritan village, the Hall where Winifred sings and puts a spell on all the adults, Allison’s house, almost everything.
8. Ghost Tours
Even without its witch past, Salem is one of the oldest towns settled in the United States, so its bound to have some incredible ghost stories associated with it. Tours operate mostly at night so dress warm and try not to get spooked.
9. Jolie Tea Company
We took a break here for the afternoon since I loved the coziness of the space. I tried their seasonal caramel apple blend and enjoyed a pumpkin spice macaroon.
10. Life Alive Organic Cafe
The food here is amazing. They make healthy food taste amazing. They’re known for their warm veggie grain bowels and ramen. How good does this look?! I cannot wait till this cafe makes its way to Chicago, but for now its located mainly around the Boston area.
11. The Halloween Decor
The residents of Salem embrace the Halloween vibe of the town and almost every house we saw was decorated to the extreme for the holiday. I loved it!
12. The People Watching
Salem is one of those places where you can walk into a restaurant and find ladies wearing black pointy witches hats and black clothing while eating their dinners, and its 100% normal. We walked into the restaurant of our hotel the first night and that’s what I walked into – I have found my people! Walking the streets you’ll also see fun groups dressed in various witch gear, so if you’re into the dressing up thing, this is the place for you.
13. The Haunted Hotels
We stayed at the beautiful and historic Hawthorne Hotel. It’s located right in the heart of Salem and the perfect location to do things on foot from. I found out the night after our stay that it’s apparently one of the most haunted hotels in America. Luckily no ghosts sightings for us this time around – and it won’t keep me from staying here next time !
All in all – Salem is literally a perfect October destination if you’re a Halloween lover like me. It’s perfect for a fun weekend getaway and can be done in about two to three days. Let me know if you want to plan a trip and I’ll send you some more details !
Stay tuned for a post covering our New England Road Trip. I received so many questions on this one and will share out itinerary and map!
2 comments
Love the photos! When I think of fall this is definitely what I imagine. It looks like a cozy town!