Kylie Downs
There’s a reason millions of people from all over the world flock to Salem, Massachusetts every time October rolls around. Widely known for The Salem Witch Trials, where witches were considered real and dangerous, the town’s rich history dates back to the 1600s, holding some of the nation’s oldest cemeteries and houses. Whether you’re searching for a frightful experience or a more laid-back walk through the quaint town, there’s something to enjoy for everyone.
If you are lucky enough to experience Salem on week nights, you’ll likely miss the worst of the crowds, even in-season. I decided to visit on a Thursday night this year; I found that the streets were more walkable, lines in restaurants were shorter, but the town was still full of life with tours, music, and many pop-ups.
Parking
Parking will arguably be the most difficult part of the trip; parallel parking spots are almost always full and during peak visiting hours, lots and garages fill up fast. I’ve had good luck with the Salem Station parking garage, which holds the Newburyport/Rockport Commuter Rail Line and MBTA buses for additional transportation. Best of all, Salem Station parking costs only $2, while most other parking areas cost around $25. Many visitors are unaware that parking here is allowed regardless of whether they take the train, so you likely won’t have trouble finding a spot.
Events and Attractions
Assuming you park in Salem Station, it’s about a five-minute walk into the heart of the town. You’ll pass several museums such as the Witch History Museum, Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery Monster Museum, and a wax museum with lifesize haunted wax figures (the latter costs $14 per person). To save money, there’s a Halloween pass for $65 that provides access to the wax museum, two separate haunted houses, and a witch spellcasting event. It also includes a candlelit night tour through Salem and a free souvenir mug. Farther down Derby Street is the Salem Maritime National Historic Site and its surrounding wharf area, where you may have some good photo opportunities. The Pedrick Store House looks particularly nice when the setting sun casts onto its 18th-century windows, and you can find some uncommon colors of sea glass along its shoreline.
My all-time favorite stop in Salem, however, would have to be the House of the Seven Gables. Built in 1668, it’s among the oldest houses in the United States and was the basis of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s iconic novel, fittingly named The House of the Seven Gables. Since its restoration and transition into a historic site, other similarly significant structures have been moved alongside it: The Hooper-Hathaway House, The Retire Becket House, Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Birthplace, The Counting House, and The Phippen House.
Dining
After exploring all that Derby Street has to offer, you’ll probably be pretty hungry. Downtown Salem has tons of dining options, but during tourist season, prices and wait times can skyrocket. If you want something fairly quick, Amazing Pizza is the place to go. It’s got fresh ingredients and very friendly service; my friends have been going there for years and it doesn’t take time away from our shopping. A cafe a few blocks away, Crave, also has infamously delicious egg sandwiches that would be perfect for morning visitors.
With the right planning and an insider’s scoop, a trip to Salem can be well worth the crowd. You’ll walk away with new appreciation for the area and all its rich history, so be sure to pack your curiosity—and your courage!
