A short trip by car north of Boston takes you to "The City of Witches" of Salem,Massachusetts.
Salem is a great day trip for residents of New England and an even better weekend getaway for people looking to do something different with their time. It offers a variety of activities to do and places to visit that represent early American society in the New England region. There is a wealth of history contained in the town and its tour guides, artists, musicians, and other characters bring it to life for visitors and residents alike.
Halloween is always a good time of the year to visit and see everything that Salem has to offer. During the month of October Salem plays host to over 140 events known as "Haunted Happenings". It is fun for all ages. They have everything from guided tours of historical sites in the town, a psychic fair and witchcraft expo, ghost tours, art exhibits, book readings, festivals, fairs, and concerts, to beer tastings of local ales and brews.
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| Salem Witch Museum |
Visitors who really want to study this chapter of history can use the museum as an educational starting point, then spend hours, days or weeks traveling through the region touring homes, historical markets, tombs and other sites related relics witchcraft hysteria.
To help you get in the right mood for the modern witch hunt, check out the museum's website www.salemwitchmuseum.com for more information, including suggestions for readings before arriving.
What to See:
Pickering House - The oldest continuously lived-in house (by the same family) in Salem
House of the Seven Gables - One of the oldest surviving 17th century wooden mansions in New England. Made famous by the Nathaniel Hawthorne story.
Salem Witch Museum - The museum includes a narrative on the history of the trials in 1692 and also an exhibit on witchcraft through the ages.
Witch Dungeon Museum - Has witch trial reenactments.
Where to Stay:
Salem Inn, 7 Summer Street.
On the National Register of Historic Places, the Salem Innis located in the heart of Salem, MA and is actually three historic homes going back to the early 1800's but restored with care and style
True the 40 guest rooms don't have elevators and bellboys but they have class and quality service and even some sweet finches to welcome guests, a big family favorite
If you dare, ask for a room with a ghost.
Hawthorne Hotel, 18 Washington Square West.
Located in the heart of historic Salem, Massachusetts, Hawthorne Hotel has a rich history which began in 1925 and has welcomed numerous leisure travelers as well as dignitaries and celebrities. Over the years, the Hawthorne Hotel has hosted well-known personalities including newsman Walter Cronkite, actress Bette Davis, General Colin Powell, and both President George Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush.
Episodes of iconic shows including Bewitched , What Not to Wear and Ghost Hunters have all been filmed on this historic property. In 1984, Vanessa Redgrave called the hotel home for a month while making Three Sovereigns for Sarah , a public television movie about the Salem witch trials.
This historic hotel is said to host some ghosts along with guests!
Stephen Daniels Bed and Breakfast, 1 Daniels St.
If you're looking for a historical bed & breakfast to spend your vacation days with the whole family this is one of the oldest Bed & Breakfasts in the United States.. The house was built in 1667 by Stephan Daniels, and was the private home of the Daniels family descendants for over 300 years!