As the spookiest season of the year begins, tourists flock to the infamous town of Salem. Known for its historic witch trials, haunted happenings, and locals who thrive on a good carved pumpkin, Salem is the go-to destination for those interested in the eerie, spooky, and haunted. This year is especially significant as it’s Salem’s 400th anniversary! So what does that mean for you? It means lots of events, crowds, and lines.
TikTok is partly to blame for the three-hour-long line at BlackCraft Coffeehouse, barely a 12-minute walk from the Commuter Rail. People queue long before its 9 a.m. opening with lines going around the building. But this isn’t unique to BlackCraft. From 9 to 11 a.m., most of the coffee shops in Salem have lines longer than the neck of a Loch Ness monster. My advice? Opt out of a morning coffee stop. I tried to venture away from downtown Salem and still waited around two hours for a PSL (pumpkin spice latte) with little ghost marshmallows.
Naturally, everyone wants a fun spooky drink, so I’d opt to go between noon and 1 pm. when lunch spots and restaurants take the queues away from coffee shops. Maybe you’ll be luckier than me and actually get a chance to buy a souvenir cauldron from BlackCraft.
Unless you have a reservation, you may not get the best food Salem has to offer. In my opinion, if you’re taking a day trip, you might want to wait to eat until you get back to Boston. I did that last time I went and had the most scrumptious malatang to wrap up my day by the Boston Common. So, instead of waiting in lines for food or wasting time (and money!) buying a mediocre sandwich, prioritize the attractions! Here’s what I did to make the most of my trip:
- Magic show or magic
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Salem’s psychic magic show is a must-see for those interested in the spooky, the unbelievable, and the clairvoyant. This year, they did a mentalist showcase and basically had a magician mind-read the audience to tears. My friends and I were left in shock and disbelief.
Prepare to leave the theatre with a newfound sense of paranoia and way more mental walls.
- Cemetery pictures
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Above all, it’s important to recognize that Salem is a historic town with a dark history on top of all the spooky attractions. Women were tried as witches and unfairly hanged for speaking out, voicing their opinions, and providing their services. When walking around Salem, it’s imperative to show respect for the women and girls who lost their lives in the town and made it what it is today. The witch burial ground is a memorial for those women and a place for you to reflect on what happened here.
- Mock Witch Trials
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On that same note, there’s a mock witch trial that happens in Salem where you can be a part of the courtroom where Sarah Good was first accused of witchcraft. I highly recommend this experience, as once again it highlights why and how Salem became what it is today. So brush off your witch hats and cat postcards to dive into the role of a member of the Salem community from years ago.
Overall, Salem is a go-to destination for October’s spooky atmosphere; Its food, attractions, and history bring together people of all ages together to experience what Salem has to offer. It’s important not only to see all the talented local vendors, artists, and exhibitions but also to pay homage to its dark history and acknowledge those impacted by what happened.
Happy travels and stay spooky, my fellow witches!
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