Many would argue that Salem, Massachusetts is the Halloween Capital of the world. Yes, I know that my Anoka, Minnesota friends would disagree, but having spent Halloween in both places, I’d say the two are highly comparable. Both do Halloween celebrations BIG TIME!! Let me know what you think in the comments.

Salem, Massachusetts is most widely known for being the place where the 1692 Witch Trials took place. The city absolutely capitalizes on their dark history, with a huge tourism draw year-around. But at Halloween-time, as you can imagine, Salem is especially witchy. I’ve been to Salem once before–in the summertime, and I was excited to go back and see Salem in the height of it’s Halloween hype.

When we arrived around 11am, the streets were already bursting with tourists. We quickly determined there was no chance we could have found a place downtown to park the van. So, we circled around just outside of the city until we spotted a big sign that said, “Free Shuttles into Salem.” We parked our van at the High School, hopped on a school bus, and got dropped off a few blocks from Essex Street (One of the main streets in Salem where most of the touristy-things are).

Salem Town Hall

One of the first landmarks we saw as we entered the pedestrian mall was the Town Hall. It is a federalist-style building, built in 1816, which now houses some sort of museum. (I have never been inside). As I was taking this photo, I noticed some interesting visuals in the upper windows. What would you do if you saw that when YOU were walking by? I considered screaming…

The streets behind Town Hall were arrayed in all the Halloween embellishments you could possibly imagine, and lined with very impressive Cosplay characters who were available for photo ops. We took a few photos ourselves. Anyone recognize these witches?

It was fun to stop and look around at the costumes everyone was wearing. It seems everyone was already dressed for Halloween–adults and kids alike. If I ever visit Salem again at Halloween-time, I want to remember to wear a costume! Side note, there were at least a dozen guys dressed as Ricky Bobby in the Wonder Bread Jacket. What’s with that? I mean, Talladega Nights came out like 20 years ago. Who can help us figure out this mystery?

Just when we thought we had seen it all, we crossed the street into the Salem Common and discovered we had only scratched the surface of their Halloween offerings. There was a HUGE carnival, with rides, magic acts, food trucks, and artisan tents.

We spent about an hour in the common, walking around and sipping hot cocoa before we even started the itinerary I had sketched out for the day. Another #Vanlife lesson learned–I must be flexible with agendas to allow for fun surprises, because sometimes spontaneous experiences are best!

In the afternoon, we left Salem Common, and all the Halloween Haunted Happenings and embarked on our walk around the broader city–to see some of Salem’s biggest attractions.

Witch House

In the year 1692, Judge Jonathan Corwin oversaw the execution of 19 people, convicted by the court of, “witchcraft.” Corwin lived in THIS house. It is open for tours, but we’ve already seen it, and once was enough for me. Talk about heebie-jeebies!

Salem Witch Trial Memorial

Those 19 people who were executed in 1692 are memorialized here. Walking through the memorial and seeing the names of each person who was senselessly murdered was a somber and heavy experience for me. It is such a bold exemplification of how sorrow, suffering, and tragedy are fostered by ignorance and fear.

Burying Point

One of the oldest cemeteries in the country is here in Salem. Many historical figures are buried here, including American novelist Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804-1864). The cemetery is thought by some to be haunted. (Just like everything else in Salem.)

We spotted a cool art installation near the cemetery! Which fashion is your favorite? (Or should I say “witch” fashion…)

Salem Witch Museum

I haven’t actually been inside the Salem Witch Museum because the tours sell out very quickly. But, it is supposed to be all about the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. I’d like to go someday, but I’ll have to remember to reserve way ahead!

The First Church in Salem

This church was around during the 1692 witch trials. I personally find that to be a lot for my brain to process. I am very curious how members of this church community felt about fellow humans being hanged for crimes that could not be proven. (The accusation was that witchcraft was used to cause sickness and death). It is now widely understood that said “witchcraft” was most likely the smallpox virus, which, as you know, was not endemic to Salem. May they all rest in peace.

Ropes Mansion

Any Hocus Pocus fans out there? The Ropes Mansion is also known as Allison’s house from the movie, and the setting for the big, “Halloween Party.” (318 Essex St.) It is actually one of New England’s most historic homes, and housed three generations of the Ropes family.

Bewitched Statue

I remember watching Bewitched when I was very little. I was fascinated with the way that Samantha wiggled her nose. I practiced and practiced, and I am proud to say, I can still do it! Unfortunately, I can’t make magic with it, though.

Salem Witch Village

This area was on the itinerary to visit, but we literally turned the corner, took a picture of this witch and the sign above her head, and walked back out. The crowd was bursting at the seams! Maybe next time!

We had a wonderful time in Salem, Massachusetts at Halloween, and would love to do it again sometime. Who’s with me?

XOXO,

Joanna

P.S.

Here are a few bonus pictures of a wonderful pumpkin patch we visited about an hour outside of Salem (in Londonderry, NH). I definitely want to remember to go back there next time and get some delicious ice cream and cold apple cider!