Fall is almost upon us (although its 90 degrees in Colorado this week), and I’m reminicing on last year’s October trip to Salem.
I spent 2 days in early October in Salem, and everything I had heard about how busy and touristy Salem would be was true. But I went in knowing that there would be long lines and kitchy witchy stuff, so didn’t mind.
Day 2
The next day I checked out very early. I had them hold my small bag.
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I then walked along the water and saw the Derby Wharf Light Station and Friendship of Salem on the way to The House of the Seven Gables.
I had pre-bought a guided timed entry tour of house. So after entering I used my phone to do the audio guide for some of the outside buildings and gardens and then joined the tour.
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The house is the inspiration for Nathaniel Hawthrone’s book of the same name. BUT it wasn’t 100% like it was in the book. At some point someone bought it and made changes to make it more match the book, including adding other rooms and secret passages.
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On the way back I entered a cute (and one of the oldest) candy shops called Ye Olde Pepper Companie and bought some of their historical based products.
I then went back to my hotel (Salem Waterfront Hotel) to grab my small bag and have lunch (only because it didn’t have a line.)
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I then walked around the Salem Commons. At the southern end is another Hocus Pocus filming location, the school (86 Essex St). It is now apartments.
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Next I had timed entry tickets to the Salem Witch Museum. This is the main museum. It is also so much shit. You enter one of two experiences. One room was a wax-figure theater that lights up and tells the story of the Witch Trials, but it obviously was made in the 70’s. Then you’ll walk through the gift shop and go to a show on witches through the ages, which is a few more wax figures. No pictures are allowed. I thought there would be more, and asked “where the rest of the museum was” to a frustrated employee who was like “Deer, you did everything, now you can leave.”
I then did some other shopping, again since it was Tuesday a lot of things were closed.
I thought about doing the following:
- Witch Dungeon Museum
- Gallows Hill Main Show
- Psychic Fair
But after the disappointment of how shit the Salem Witch Museum was, and standing in so many lines, I decided to peace out and skip anything else.
I walked back to the train station and quickly caught the commuter rail (with the round trip ticket I had bought through the app the day before) in the late afternoon. The mud flats I saw the day before were now at low tide which was cool to see.
Final thoughts
I did enjoy the hustle and bustle of the busy October season. Yes I bought a witch hat and enjoyed seeing all the other tourists dressed up. It was fun.
However, if I had to do it over again I’d go in September to avoid the crowds. Salem would be 100% more enjoyable if you didn’t have to wait in so many lines. And Salem likely would be a half day/full day trip when not so busy.
Also, hit up WikiVoyage for more information on all the other things you can see and do.
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