- by Lamacchia Realty
THE WITCHY TOWN OF SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS
What Salem is Known For
There are few places that blend history, mystery, and charm quite like Salem, Massachusetts, where cobblestone streets whisper stories from centuries past. You can find classic attractions like museums, art galleries, witch-themed shops, and walking tours. Enjoy both historical exploration and lighthearted fun – ghost tours, costume parades, and witchy boutiques. Not to mention Salem’s huge influence on Halloween films and TV shows like Hocus Pocus, Bewitched, and Hubie Halloween to name just a few. Because of this, the witch has become a powerful symbol of empowerment and uniqueness, not just folklore.
A Chilling History
Back in 1692 a wave of mass hysteria hit the Puritan settlement of Salem Village. Several young girls claimed to be “afflicted” by witchcraft and accused local residents of being witches. The Salem Witch Trials led to over 200 accusations, 19 executions by hanging, and one man pressed to death – all due to superstition and pure fear. The infamous trials are now a symbol of injustice, mass hysteria, and the dangers of false accusations. Salem chooses to embrace the past to educate visitors, promote reflection, and honor the memory of those who suffered.
Top 5 Eerie Attractions
Arguably the most well-known attraction is the Salem Witch Museum, which brings the 1692 Witch Trials to life through immersive exhibits, lighting, and dramatic narration.
Take a stop along your walk at the only structure still standing that’s directly connected to the Witch Trials: Judge Jonathan Corwin House, also known as The Witch House. This was the home of the infamous Judge Jonathan Corwin, one of the magistrates who presided over the 1692 hearings. The dark, moody atmosphere of this home has been preserved in its original 17th-century architectural style, transporting visitors back in time.
Take a guided tour through the restored mansion, The House of the Seven Gables, where you can hear the storytelling heritage of Nathaniel Hawthorne. This seaside mansion was built in 1668 but became famous in 1851 because of Hawthorne’s novel, The House of the Seven Gables.
Salem is also home to the Peabody Essex Museum, one of the oldest and most respected museums in the U.S. This heritage center founded in 1799 blends art, history and maritime heritage. This stop is great for a break from witch-themed attractions – it showcases a different side of Salem’s history and identity.
Right nearby, you’ll find Old Burying Point Cemetery, with gravestones dating back nearly 400 years. The Salem Witch Trials Memorial can be found adjacent to the cemetery, a stone monument honoring the victims of this historical tragedy by their names.
Taking a Trip to This Bewitching Town
Haunted Happenings is Salem’s signature event, the month-long festival every October where Halloween is brought to life. Even just taking a walk down Essex Street in Salem is an adventure. Here you can find street vendors with food and novelties, live performances as well as many actors dressed in classic Halloween costumes ready to pose in a darkly charming photo with you.
This busy and popular area of Salem is a hub for festive fun; the atmosphere feels like a month-long Halloween block party. Looking to make a trip but want to avoid the crowds, visit off-season! Entertainment and lovely views can still be found in winter, spring, and summer – especially when you can explore the harbor front and enjoy the beloved North Shore seaport.
Held annually in June, you can check out the Salem Arts Festival, a celebration of local creativity, with visual art, live music, dance, and artisan vendors throughout the downtown area.
Salem’s Modern Magic
Plan your visit this fall and see why Salem’s spell never fades. This spooktacular town attracts over a million visitors annually, peaking in October during Haunted Happenings, a month-long celebration of all things Halloween. Many visitors fully embrace the Halloween spirit by exploring Salem’s streets and attractions in their own creative costumes, adding to the town’s festive and immersive vibe.
Salem is more than just a Halloween hub. Visit their town off-season to explore the harbor, outdoor dining, and smaller crowds. Salem is part of Massachusetts’ North Shore, making it a great day trip from Boston or Rhode Island.
With so much to see and do, it’s easy to see why so many people love calling this area home – and Lamacchia Realty can help you find your perfect spot in the heart of New England’s historic communities.
