As spooky season falls upon us, there’s no better place to get in the spirit of Halloween than the witch city.
Located just about 45 minutes north of Boston, Salem is one of the most infamous cities in the state of Massachusetts. The area is best known for the “Salem Witch Trials” of February 1692, a centuries-old, historical tragedy – whose implications are still felt among modern society. In a brief synopsis, the events consisted of the false accusations of witch craft practicing, directed toward primarily lower class and non-conventional citizens of the community. The claims led to a series of “trials” held by the citizens of Salem, whose decided verdicts sentenced those accused of being a witch to a violent, slow, and painful death.
Although it was over 300 years ago, the sensationalism of the trials has yet to wear off and has resulted in a large and successful tourism industry for the city of Salem. All year round; museums, stores, restaurants, hotels, event centers revolve around the theme of everything spooky – from pirates, to ghosts and of course, witches.
Do you dare stepping foot in the Witch City during this autumn season? Here’s a comprehensive tip off to everything you need to know before planning your excursion to Salem, to get the most out of your “terrifying” trip.
The earlier the better
Over 300 years of fame has resulted in an amassed popularity for the city. During the entire month of October, Salem is bustling with tourists who fly in from all over the world to visit. If you intend on traveling with family or young kids, plan to leave early, ideally, sometime within the first two weeks of October. Scheduling your desired events for during the week, i.e. from Monday through Thursday, will help you avoid the crowds that the weekend brings in. On the other hand, if you are someone who is young or desires to spend time surrounded by masses of people who appreciate the spooky season as much as you do, scheduling closer to the day of Halloween will be your best bet.
Airbnbs vs. Hotels/Inns
Salem hosts a wide variety of hospitality options, including: classic hotels, themed Bed and Breakfasts, inns, motels, and Airbnbs. Room prices increase as the days get closer to Halloween and can sometimes be hard to justify. If you have your heart set on staying in an allegedly haunted hotel and having your stay catered to your location in the spooky city, choosing a pricier, yet, lavish option like The Hotel Salem or The Salem Inn may be best for you. If you are looking to cut costs wherever possible, however, I would suggest seeking out a less glamorous option, such as: The Clipper Ship Inn or a fairly priced Airbnb may be the better choice.
Museums are Optional
The pressure to attend museums, re-enactments, historical tours and alike is very evident in Salem. Although these activities build an ideal itinerary for a school field trip, the “historical” attractions in Salem can often feel like an over-tired money pit. If you’re really hankering for a history lesson, I’d suggest joining a late-night ghost walk, which incorporates history and ghost sitings around the city, in a more intimate and personalized setting. Good options to check out are: Witch City Walking Tours, Black Cat Tours, and Salem Kids Tours.
Bring Spending Money
Although shopping is an aspect in any good vacation, Salem takes it to the next level. With so many unique local shops, the temptation to take something home with you is too strong. Don’t fight the urge, but prepare by saving and bringing lots of extra spending money – you’d be amazed at all the little things you’ll pick up along the way. Some of my personal favorite shops include Emporium 32, Modern Millie, The Coven’s Cottage, and Haus Witch.
