Salem, MA: Halloween Happenings

Growing up, Hocus Pocus was a staple of my childhood during the Halloween season.  Three ridiculously behaved witches (including a pre-Sex and the City Sarah Jessica Parker!), awesome 90’s outfits, a talking cat, and plenty of magic and potions.  What more could a little girl want? 

Luckily for me, I get to relive Hocus Pocus every year by exploring Salem, Massachusetts.  This is the town where the movie takes place and where some scenes were even filmed!  The town is not only known in Hollywood, but is also one big historical landmark (Salem Witch Trials anyone?).

At first glance, the town of Salem seems like any other coastal town located on the North Shore – brick
buildings, a quaint main street, and a breathtaking ocean view speckled with beautiful sailboats.  However, as you wander further into town, the true Halloween spirit of Salem becomes apparent.  Police cars are decorated with witch logos, the local elementary school is Witchcraft Heights Elementary School, and a Bewitched statue is the focal point of the town center.

Salem is a fall tourist destination full of the usual tourist attractions:  important historical sites, cute boutiques, and souvenir shops.  However, there are a few things that set Salem apart.  Wiccan boutiques line the streets, and when I say Wiccan boutiques, I mean hardcore stores that teach you how to be a witch.  They sell potion ingredients and spell books, and the shop owners mean serious business.

Fun Halloween attractions are on every corner.  From ghost tours to haunted houses to witch trial reenactments, there truly is something for everyone.  Employees don extravagantly eerie costumes and usher tourists into their attractions.  Make-up is an art, fake blood is made to look realistic, and characters come to life.  Halloween is no joke to the people of Salem.

This past weekend, my friends and I spent the day shopping and people watching– activities that kept us occupied for hours.  There were adorable kids proudly showing off their adorable costumes, and dogs of every kind wagging their tails while wearing Halloween scarves or sweaters.  The most entertainment came from the adults.  Between the incredibly gory costumes and the ill-fitting, somewhat disturbing costumes, we definitely had plenty to talk about.  The most fun came in taking pictures with some of the costumed crazies.  Interacting with people who truly believe that they are real witches could not be more entertaining.

So if you are looking for something fun to do Halloween weekend, go check out Salem!  Trust me, it is totally worth it.  Can’t make it this year?  No worries.  Halloween comes every year and you will have time to relive your Hocus Pocus childhood just like I did.  So grab some friends, hit up the Boston Commuter Rail, and head out to Salem.  And DON’T forget your camera.  You will not want to miss out on documenting this fun and frightful experience in honor of All Hallow’s Eve.    

Photo Sources:
Remy Hassett