Salem is one of those places that exudes brilliance and magic. It is spooky and not in a theatrical sense. The history is eerily present and authentic. Like you can feel the past.It has been on the top of my America bucket list for quite some time. And for obvious reasons. Everyone who knows me knows that I am basically a witch :P. Mijo and I went during the most magical time- October. It took us about 10 hours from Pittsburgh- a perfect distance for a weekend getaway. We stayed at an Airbnb in Beverly which was about 10 minutes from the heart of Salem. It was tranquil, lovely, and inexpensive. We got into Beverly at about 7am on Saturday morning. We took a little nap then headed off to explore Essex Street in Salem. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint. It was surprisingly warm this weekend so my Wednesday- inspired dress was perfect for the climate:
We toured all of the Salem Witch Trial historical sites and cemeteries. We also went into contemporary lifestyle witch shops and bought a few items (holistic stones, writing quills, smudge sticks, abalone shells, lapis lazuli rune stones).We also toured the Hocus Pocus movie sites: Danny and Max’s house and Thackeray Binx’s house. But from September to April, they do not take tours in the Pioneer Village so you cannot go into Thackeray Binx’s house if you arrive in October.Being a huge Hocus Pocus fan, I was ecstatic to meet my childhood role models:
We went to a Witch Trial Reenactment later that night then to a ghost walking tour during the full moon (sppooooooky). We visited such places as the torture chamber during the witch trials, the cemetery that lies to rest Giles Corey (does “more stones” ring a bell?), the inn and previous apple orchards of Bridget Bishop, and the mansion that inspired the board game Clue.I spotted a ghost!!:
Love potions Galore:
Sunday, we went seaside and took a long walk along the shore and up to the lighthouse. Later, we went back to Essex Street for more bewitching fun. At the end of the street and closest to the Samantha from Bewitched statue, there are a lot of quality Himalayan, Indian, and Nepalese shops. Essex street does a great job of blending worldly culture and mysticism all into one place. There is also some tasty breweries, pubs, and nitro coffee bars that are a must to visit while in Salem. Seaside Shenangins
Monday, we took a half day in Boston on our way home which is about 45 minutes south of Salem. We walked the freedom trail all the way to North Church and met up with Nicholas Cage to steal the National Treasure (geeky humor, sorry). Before we walked back to the car we stopped in the Italian district and had a* (hem hem, multiple) cannoli at Mike’s Pastries.
