October is the month of witches, pumpkins, and everything spooky. Looking to get in the festive Halloween spirit in New England? A trip to Salem, Massachusetts is the answer! PS you really could visit Salem at any season, but the added fall decor really brings the town alive!
Salem, MA has always been a bucket list trip for me – bonus points if in the fall, and extra bonus points if in the month of October. When my mom and I found SUPER CHEAP flights to Boston – we picked them up and did a quick weekend trip out east to Witch City.
Salem is about a 30 minute drive from Boston. You could easily get Salem done in a day, or a day-trip from Boston. It was the perfect weekend trip!
We stayed at Hotel Salem, and it was the perfect location – right in the middle of everything. There is a rooftop bar at the hotel, but it was too chilly to try it out.
Things To Do in Salem, MA
Witch House
“The Witch House,” also known as the Jonathan Corwin House is the only building still standing that is directly related to the 1692 Salem witch trials. It was the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin (one of the judges presiding during the trials).
Due to covid you had to buy tickets beforehand, and they were sold out for the whole month of October because they were limiting it to 10 people in the house at once. Super bummed we didn’t get to go inside.
Salem Witch Museum
This tour is a guided animatronics experience recounting the history behind the Salem Witch Trials. It’s a good way to brush up on your history to figure out what and why the Salem Witch trials were so important.
Hocus Pocus Movie Sites
Any Hocus Pocus fans out there? I am probably one of the biggest fans! The movie takes place in Salem, and there are multiple scenes filmed here.
I wrote a whole post outlining where all of the spots are. Read it here!
Witch Walk
If you are at all into the witches, I highly recommend going on a witch walk. This is a tour with a present day witch. We did the spell garden tour and it was a treat. We learned about present day witchcraft as well as the history of witchcraft. We also performed a couple spells! It was honestly really cool, and a highlight of our day!
Ghost Tour
How could you not go on a ghost tour while in one of the spookiest towns in America?! There are so many offered, so be sure to join one, especially after the sun goes down!
Spooky Shops
Essex St. is the main street in historic Salem. It is also home to many shops, restaurants, and museums. Take a walk down the street, grab a snack, and pick up a souvenir. From vampire shops, to witch shops anything and everything spooky is here!
There are also many places to get a psychic reading done. We did a reading, and let me say my lady was SPOT ON! I was a little skeptical at first, but it was a super cool experience.
Salem Witch Trials Memorial
Pay your respects at the Salem Witch Trials Memorial. This is a simple stone memorial that was created in 1992 to memorialize the victims of the trials.
The witch hysteria saw 20 people executed. Here, they can be remembered, with stone benches carved with each victim’s name. There are often flowers and other items set upon the stones. It’s a somber and quiet spot.
Since back in the day if you were executed for witchcraft, you do not get a proper burial, so these stones are the only remains of the victims.
Where To Eat in Salem, MA
Brew Box
Start your morning at the adorable Brew Box. Known for their biscuits and “cereal milk”, lines get crazy so go early!
Lobstah On A Roll
For lunch we knew we wanted a good old lobster roll (how could you not when in New England?). We went to Lobstah On A Roll, and this hidden gem should not be over looked. It is not on the main drag, but served a delicious lobster roll.
We went a little lobster overload. After our lobster bisque we had massive lobster rolls. I prefer mine warm and the chunks of lobster were so fresh!
Turners Seafood
For dinner, we had reservations at Turners Seafood. We wanted to get our fill of seafood, especially lobster! This place was so yummy! We started with a lobster risotto cake with a basil cream sauce – I’m drooling just thinking about it. We also had the stuffed shrimp, and it was equally as good! I definitely recommend this place for dinner.
East Regiment Beer Co
This brewery is a must visit when in Salem! I tried both of their pumpkin beers and they were so tasty! I am a sucker for pumpkin beers and I had a good feeling that Salem would be the place to drink some yummy ones.
Goodnight Fatty
Who doesn’t love a little midnight snack – especially cookies and milk! Open exclusively on the weekends in Salem MA, this late night cookie shop is here to curb your sweet tooth.
Each weekend they sell a new variety of “Fatties” (That’s what they call cookies) made in small batches, most importantly, served warm! When we stopped by we had an apple cider, chocolate peanut butter M&M, and caramel macchiato. They were delicious!
Whether you are planning a weekend in Witch City, or just a day trip from Boston, Salem is a great fall location in New England.
[…] a reset. Take a fall road trip, or just have a staycation! Taking a fall trip is so fun! I went to Salem, MA last year. I just am in awe with the foliage everywhere in the fall. But maybe that’s just […]