Happy Fall yall! What better way to kick off this season with a trip to the spookiest town in New England?! Much of this town’s cultural identity reflects its role as the location of the infamous Salem Witch Trials of 1692, as featured in Arthur Miller's The Crucible. However, it also the hometown of the famed American novelist/author of The Scarlett Letter, Nathanial Hawthorne, and filming location of the beloved Disney movie Hocus Pocus and sitcom Bewitched! October is the prime time to visit with their Haunted Happenings events but if you fancy just a little less crowd, this lovely town can be enjoyed year round. My husband and I always travel with our furbabies so we constantly are searching for ‘dog friendly’ experiences, restaurants, accommodations, etc and I’m happy to report that it is possible to enjoy Salem with your doggos at your side!
WHAT TO DO:
Old Town Hall
The earliest surviving municipal structure in Salem, Old Town Hall has always been used as a public hall and is still used as such today. Many events are housed within its walls, the farmers market, annual fashion show, fundraisers, parties, weddings, and much more. The classic party scene in the film, Hocus Pocus, was actually filmed here and is famous in the film for Bette Midler’s rendition of “Put a Spell on You”.
Bewitched Statue
At the end of the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall in Salem, MA, is six-foot-tall bronze statue of Elizabeth Montgomery. The statue was sponsored by cable channel TV Land and commemorates the 60s-era sit-com Bewitched, in which Montgomery played a witch named Samantha who tries to live a normal married life with her non-warlock husband. Unveiled in 2005, the six-foot-tall statue depicts Montgomery astride a broom and flying in front of a crescent moon. The statue is more relevant than just the fact that it matches the theme of the town.
In 1970, Bewitched filmed a series of episodes on location there after a fire shut down its Hollywood set. The episodes have come to be known as the Salem Saga and featured many of the landmarks of the city. The arrangement ended up being a great tourist boon for the city, helping to elevate awareness of the historical location.
The Witch House
The Jonathan Corwin House in Salem, Massachusetts, also known as The Witch House, was the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin (1640–1718) and is the only structure you can visit in Salem with direct ties to the Salem witch trials of 1692. In 1675, Jonathan Corwin, heir to one of the largest Puritan fortunes in New England, purchased this large and stately house. Seventeen years later, Corwin and his family would take part in the most famous Witch Hunt in American History. You can take a self guided tour of this house for $9 per person.
Ropes Mansion + Gardens
The Ropes Mansion, built in the late 1720s, is a Georgian Colonial mansion located in the McIntire Historic District in Salem. It is now operated by the Peabody Essex Museum and open to the public. The house was built for Samuel Barnard, a merchant. In 1768, Judge Nathaniel Ropes, Jr., purchased the house from Barnard's nephew. The Ropes family then inhabited the house until 1907, when the house was given to the Trustees of the Ropes Memorial for public benefit. The Ropes Mansion garden blooms with plant life that’s as equally appealing to butterflies as it is to visitors. Designed by Salem botanist and horticulturist John Robinson in 1912, the one-acre Colonial Revival-style garden welcomes thousands of visitors each year. The tranquil space is open to the public 365 days a year, from dawn to dusk, at no charge and best of all, dogs are welcome! One of the most memorable scenes in the film, Hocus Pocus, was when Max attends the Halloween party at Allison’s house, the exterior of which was actually filmed using this most prominent 18th-century home.
Salem’s Pioneer Village
Built in 1930 to mark the tercentennial of Massachusetts, Pioneer Village is America's first living history museum. The village sits on three acres of land and contains various examples of colonial architecture: dugouts, wigwams, thatched roof cottages, and the Governor's Faire House. Culinary and medicinal gardens and a blacksmith shop further interpret early 17th-century colonial life. The opening scenes of the film, Hocus Pocus, featuring Binx as a human prior to his cursing as a cat, were filmed here! Admission is $5 per person.
The Pickering House
The Pickering House is not only Salem’s oldest House, but also America’s oldest Home: home to a single family for over three and a half centuries; home to carpenters, farmers, patriots, military leaders, deacons, diplomats, linguists, scientists, and statesmen. And as homes will, it changed with the times. Built in 1660 by settler John Pickering — a carpenter form Coventry, England — and his wife Elizabeth, it was once just a two-room farmhouse on a vast plot of land that ran all the way down to the seaport on the North River, encompassing what is today Chestnut Street and the McIntire District.
Over the next 350 years, the succeeding John Pickerings and their wives added wings, gables, and Gothic peaks. They raised ceilings, extended the roofline, and created the distinctive fence, to evolve into the warm and gracious home it is today. Admission is $10 per person.
The House of the Seven Gables
In 1668, merchant and ship-owner John Turner built a house on Salem Harbor that was destined to become one of America’s most beloved historic homes. Designated a National Historic Landmark District in 2007, The House of the Seven Gables is best known today as the setting of world-renowned American author Nathaniel Hawthorne’s 1851 novel. You can choose to tour just the Garden and Grounds ($12 per person) or you can include the Interior Guided Tour Experience ($25 per person) as well.
Salem Witch Museum
The Salem Witch Museum examines one of the most enduring and emotional events in American History…the Salem witch trials of 1692. The museum consists of two presentations. The first presentation provides an immersive look into the events of 1692. Visitors experience the drama of that dark time though thirteen life-size stage sets, figures, lighting and narration as they are witness to the web of lies and intrigue of the Salem witch-hunt. The second exhibit, Witches: Evolving Perceptions, is a tour focusing on the meaning behind the word witch and evolution of the image of the witch over time. This presentation focuses on the European witch trials and the background leading to the Salem witch trials. In addition, this presentation discusses the emergence of the stereotypical witch and the frightening phenomenon of witch-hunting. Admission is $15 per person.
Old Burying Point Cemetery
Established in 1637, the Old Burying Point Cemetery, also known as the Charter Street Cemetery, is the oldest cemetery in Salem, Massachusetts. It is one of eight historic cemeteries in Salem and is a stop on the Salem Heritage Trail. Many notable people are buried in the cemetery. Some of these people have connections to the Salem Witch Trials while others have connections to other important events in Massachusetts history.
Some notable grave sites are: Judge John Hawthorne, Salem Witch Trials judge, died in 1717, headstone has been placed in a granite block to preserve it and is located on the left side of the cemetery & Mary Corey, second wife of accused witch Giles Corey, died in 1684, buried towards the back of the cemetery on the left side. Contrary to popular belief, none of the convicted Salem witches were buried in this cemetery because convicted witches were not allowed a Christian burial. It is not known exactly what happened to their bodies but a few family legends suggests that some of their bodies were claimed by their families and buried on their private property.
There is a beautiful memorial to the 20 victims of the Salem Witch trials of 1692 at the entrance to this cemetery that should not be missed! Four foot high granite walls surround three sides, with granite benches representing each victim cantilevered inward from the wall. Etched on each bench is a name, means of execution, and execution date. One can read, on the stone threshold of the memorial, words of the accused taken directly from court transcripts. Visitors will note that the words – among them, “God knows I am innocent” – are cut off in mid-sentence, representing lives cut short and indifference to the protestations of innocence.
Salem Common
This lovely area is the perfect place to take a stroll or have a picnic! Many of the outdoor scenes in the movie Hocus Pocus were filmed at Salem Common, where ironically enough, the film is shown each year during Haunted Happenings!
Old Burial Hill, Marblehead MA
Old Burial Hill is one of the most picturesque graveyards in New England. It affords a view of Old Marblehead, the harbor, and the sea. Established in 1638 at the site of Marblehead’s first meeting house, it's the burial site of an estimated 600 Revolutionary soldiers, although only a few of those graves are marked.
The graveyard has many well preserved headstones, some dating back to the seventeenth century. Their carvings exemplify artistic and religious expression of the Puritan period, and their epitaphs reflect the times of these settlers, sea captains, fishermen, wives and children.
The day-time cemetery scenes in the movie Hocus Pocus, showing Max interacting with his new + not-so-welcoming classmates, actually were not filmed in Salem at all. This footage was shot in nearby Marblehead at Old Burial Hill, one of the oldest graveyards in New England.
Fort Sewall, Marblehead MA
Fort Sewall was first established in 1644 as a defensive breastwork on Gale's Head, one of this area's rocky headlands. The Fort's greatest moment in history was on Sunday, April 3, 1814 when the U.S. Navy's Constitution, being chased by two British frigates, escaped into Marblehead Harbor under the protection of the fort's guns. There are many benches around the fort to sit and enjoy the view! Although we did not have an issue with parking, I could see how at peak season it would be very difficult to find a parking spot in order to enjoy the fort and surrounding area so I would recommend coming early in the morning or during “off season”.
Shopping
There are so many cute and ‘in theme’ shops all around Salem that it’s easy to find some fun souvenirs to bring home! Essex Street Pedestrian Mall is a historic cobblestone-and-brick street in the middle of downtown Salem that has been closed off to vehicle traffic. Dozens of attractions, museums, shops, restaurants, cafes, & more. The Salem Visitors Center is located at 2 New Liberty Street, just off the Pedestrian Mall. Here are a few of my favorites shops all over Salem that we stopped in.
Artemisia Botanicals is a local destination for all your apothecary needs, with over 400 herbs and 100 teas along with essential oils and soap made in-house. HausWitch is a shop with home goods by independent makers, sage sprays, local art, and more. For crystals, candles, potions, tarot cards and more, Salem has no shortage of witch shops throughout downtown including Enchanted on Pickering Wharf and The Coven’s Cottage, Hex Old World Witchery, and Crow Haven Corner on Essex Street. The Witchery has been a favorite for crafters with their handmade broom-crafting kits. The Cheese Shop of Salem is the downtown destination for artisan cheeses, charcuterie, and other gourmet snacks plus craft beer, wine and cider.
Popped! Gourmet Popcorn on Pickering Wharf has over 100 flavors of popcorn that change seasonally from loaded baked potato to sea salt caramel and everything in between. White cheddar, parmesan garlic and guadalajara are my favorite flavors from there! New England Dog Biscuit Company is New England’s only micro-barkery, making fresh dog treats daily in house and stocking a store for everything a dog or cat parent could need with food, supplies, toys, and apparel. We got these adorable Salem themed treats for our furbabies and they absolutely loved them!
Ghost / History Tour
When in Salem you have to take a Ghost or History tour! There are different ghost tour companies that will all tell you slightly different information. The Salem, MA website lays out the different types of tours you can choose from. We booked the History & Hauntings of Salem Guided Walking Tour through Viator’s website and had an enjoyable time. Next visit I would love to do more of a haunted/ghost tour and I’ve been eyeing the Salem Voodoo, Vampires, and Ghosts Guided Walking Tour!
Walk The Salem Heritage Trail
The Salem Heritage Trail is one of the best things to do in Salem if you’re big on sightseeing. You will pass a lot of the other spots listed in this post along the way.
It’s totally self guided; you simply follow along the spray painted lines on the ground. You’ll see all of the main areas in Salem without losing your way.
WHERE TO EAT:
Jolie Tea Company
Jolie Tea Company is a cozy, charming place offering many unique teas from around the world, plus scones & French macarons. Your southern girl is all about some delicious teas + cutsie cafes so I instantly fell in love! They offer high tea with reservations but you are also able to walk in and order hot/iced tea and some scones or macaroons. I did ask if I could purchase some tea sandwiches if they had any extra made from high tea and they graciously agreed and to say they were D-E-L-I-S-H is an understatement. I also tried the Pomegranate Green and Strawberry Green teas and they were very refreshing! Next time we visit I will certainly be making high tea reservations.
Gulu-Gulu Café
Gulu-Gulu Café is a bohemian outpost offering hard-to-come-by craft beer, coffee, and light food. They are dog friendly and have beautiful outdoor patio seating that you can enjoy with your furbabies! They serve breakfast all day (yum!) and the crepes are to die for! The appetizers are also well priced which makes it easy to want to order one of each.
We did not have the best service but they were very understaffed so that would not keep me from returning or recommending a bite to eat from this location.
Other Restaurants
Howly Wolf Taqueria – They are a scratch kitchen that offers fresh Mexican cuisine made daily.
Red’s - Local haunt known for sandwiches & hearty American breakfasts served in a casual, country setting.
Ledger Restaurant - Upscale restaurant & bar serving New England cuisine in a 19th-century bank building.
Finz - Upscale-casual seafood, steak & cocktail destination situated on the harbor with deck & ocean views.
WHAT I WORE:
Day 1 Outfit:
Snow Leopard Pocket Brilliant Hi-Rise 7/8 24"(item #1788)
Black Twist Slouch Tank (item #916)
Black Primo Mesh Bra (item #1707)
Day 2 Outfit:
Fig Vibrations Light n Tight Hi-Rise 7/8 24" (item #1687)
Orange Leopard Bomber Bra RC (item #1602)
It's Fall Y'all Everyday Crew Neck Tee | The LOFT
Day 3 Outfit:
Black Slash Luxe Hi-Rise 7/8 24" (item #1790)
Black Bomber Bra (item #202)
Tank from the Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence, RI
GETTING THERE:
For those not within driving distance, your best bet is flying into Boston as Salem is only a 40 minute drive from there. You can rent a car or catch the commuter train at North Station which will drop you off within walking distance to downtown. We drove to Salem from Boston each day of our trip and parked at the Witch City Garage or Church Street lot and both cost $1.50/hour (however prices can and do increase during busy days). Salem makes for a perfect day trip if you plan on spending a long weekend in Boston.
WHERE TO STAY:
If trying to stick within a tight budget, I highly recommend staying in a hotel near the Boston Logan International Airport. The Hampton Inn, Homewood Suites by Hilton, and Comfort Inn & Suites – all located near Boston Logan Airport- are dog friendly and reasonably priced. I would also recommend the Hilton Garden Inn Boston Logan Airport at 100 Boardman St, Boston MA as we have stayed there before and the price as well as accommodations were fabulous, however, they are not dog friendly. There are plenty of adorable Bed and Breakfasts located in downtown Salem, however, most were either fully booked when we visited, were not dog friendly, or were WAY out of our budget haha! So my advice is to plan ahead of time and either save up for amazing accommodations in downtown Salem or go the budget route like we did and stay near the Boston Airport and drive the 40 minutes into Salem every day 😉 My dream stay in Salem would be the Hawthorne Hotel as this hotel is regularly declared one of the most haunted hotels in Salem, and often even called one of the most haunted hotels in America, so only book if you dare!
CONCLUSION
I absolutely loved visiting Salem during the Fall but it was pretty busy and I KNOW it will just get even more busy the closer it gets to Halloween. This charming town would be lovely to visit year round but I definitely think if you love the spooky/witchy vibes then coming at the end of August or beginning of September would allow you to enjoy the Salem atmosphere at the most festive time of year! The weather was perfect, food was delicious and shops were so fun! You will not be bored in Salem!
Have you visited Salem before? What is your favorite thing to do when visiting a new place? Would you stay at a haunted hotel? Let me know your thoughts in the comments! I hope this was helpful + you consider a trip to Salem if you haven't already been! 😊
xoxo
-B