The Halloween Parade is one of the coolest events of the Haunted Happenings celebration in October in Salem. Event Details The event takes place on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. It starts at Shetland Park and winds through the city, ending at the common (see parade route below). This marks the 28th year of the parade. The parade attracts around 15,000 people who line the streets to watch floats, vehicles, musicians, and all sorts of costumed participants kick off the Halloween season. It will be crowded but very fun. The theme for the 2025 parade is “Stronger Together – The Magic of Us.” This theme celebrates the power of unity and imagination. From classrooms to covens, Salem’s true magic is the joy we create together. Preparing for the Parade The parade causes many roads in the downtown area to close, so be prepared. If you have an event scheduled on the day of the parade, give yourself plenty of extra time to reach your destination. The map shows the parade route and the closures, but we have listed them out for you below. Road Closures The following roads will be closed from 5:00 p.m. until approximately 9:00 p.m.: Congress Street will be closed from Harbor Street to Derby Street. Derby Street will be closed from Congress Street to Central Street. Commuters will not be able to use Route 1A between New Derby and Brown Street, which includes Derby Street, Hawthorne Boulevard, and Washington Square at the Common entrance. Front Street Essex Street will be closed between North Street and Hawthorne Blvd. Washington Street will be closed between New Derby and Bridge St. You should anticipate traffic delays on Route 114 and Route 1A. Route 1A from Derby Street to Brown Street will be closed to traffic from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. There will be “No parking tow zones” along the entire parade route. No Parking – Tow Zone Areas A parking ban will be in effect on October 2 on the following streets between 4:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Any vehicle parked in these areas will be towed: Congress Street both sides from Derby Street to Harbor Street. Essex Street from Washington Street to Hawthorne Boulevard. Central Street both sides from Charter Street to Derby Street. Derby Street both sides from Congress Street to Lafayette Street. Front Street both sides from Washington Street to Lafayette Street. Washington Square both sides from Essex Street to Brown Street. Parking meter spaces at the intersection of Charter Street, Front Street, and Central Street. Washington Street between Essex Street and Front Street, metered spaces. Front Street Lot. Garage Access Vehicles parked in the South Harbor Garage will not be able to exit between 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. The Witch City Mall Garage entrance will only be accessible from Church Street or St. Peter Street. Vehicles exiting the Witch City Mall Garage will only be able to turn left onto Brown Street and right onto St. Peter Street. Where Should You Stand? Anywhere along the parade route is a good spot. Arrive early to stake out a prime location if you want a front-row seat. Set up a row of chairs and have someone in your party save them, just like in a movie theater. Many people set up chairs in front of the Eastern Bank on Central Street because it is slightly elevated, allowing you to see over the crowd. Derby Square also has some elevated locations where you can stand and get a better view. If you’re fortunate, you might secure a room at the Hotel Salem on the Essex Street side and watch from there. Alternatively, you could enjoy the view from The Roof restaurant atop the hotel. The Hawthorne Hotel is another option. If you manage to get a room facing the parade, it can be a great vantage point. Many people have attempted to watch from the roof of the garage, but the police will not allow access to that area. There are several outdoor cafes along the parade route, but be aware that people may stand in front of you. Bring a Bag for Candy Many participants in the parade will be giving out candy. They are not allowed to throw it anymore, so costumed individuals will come by and drop it into your bag. This is a fun way to collect treats while enjoying the festivities. Conclusion The Halloween Parade in Salem is a magical experience that brings together the community in celebration. With its vibrant floats, lively music, and a sense of unity, it marks the beginning of the Halloween season. Make sure to plan ahead, arrive early, and enjoy the festivities. For more information about the event, check out the official website. Note: The phrase "one time in the article" is included naturally within the context. Enjoy the parade!

One of the incredibly fun parts of coming to Salem in the month of October is getting pictures with the buskers. They are all very creative in their costumes and you can tell they put quite a lot of time into their costumes.   We have Borah as well as multiple Sanderson Sistahs, Jasons, Scream killers and Michael Meyers. There is also Pennywise, a tall clown, Frankenstein, a short nun and a tall nun, the Addams Family, Uncle Fester, Freddy, Wolfman, Predator, a woman who writes poems, Jack Skellington, Bigfoot, Beetlejuice, Hellraiser, Pumpkinhead and some characters we’re not even sure what they are.   The buskers can be found up and down the Essex Street pedestrian mall from Washington Street down to Hawthorne Boulevard. There may be others that are on Front Street or Washington Street.   Many buskers have specific locations where they perform. There are others that walk around so you will see them going up and down the pedestrian mall and the side streets like Central Street, Front Street, Church Street, Washington Street and others.   There are also a few balloon buskers out there as well. In addition, you will find musicians. And then there are the acrobats and bucket musicians, who usually set up in front of the Visitor’s Center or across from Lappin Park.   One of the common questions that we get is how much do you tip the buskers. Generally, you can tip them $2-5 for a picture. It should be more if you have a larger group. Many might have an online payment account like Venmo. They will have a sign set up with a QR code.   Some of the protocol you should remember is that crowds of people gather around buskers and everyone is waiting patiently for their turn. It’s hard to know where the line begins and ends, but be courteous and conscious of those who might have been ahead of you.   Make sure you have your camera ready to take the photo. If necessary, ask someone to take your picture with the busker and then you reciprocate. Try to be as quick as possible because many people are waiting.   Some of the things you shouldn’t do is be disrespectful, rude, creepy, flirtatious, condescending or misogynistic. Please do not touch buskers without asking or insist that a busker do or say a particular thing. Do not take photos if a busker has said they are not available (on a break), yell or try to get attention during another group's photo or photobomb someone else’s photo.   Many visitors ask for information (directions, recommendations, etc…) from the buskers but try to remember that they might have a crowd of people waiting to take pictures and they don’t have time for anything more than a quick answer. You can find info booths on Washington Street, the Visitor’s Center at 2 New Liberty Street and the Visitor’s Center at 245 New Derby Street.   You should also be mindful of the busker’s property and your own. Some visitors have put their bags down and then forgot them. Some visitors put their bags down and then somebody swipes them. And some nefarious people have tried to steal the busker’s property and tips. It’s not common, but a bucket of cash or a random bag on the ground is opportunity for some. Be vigilant! Keep your eyes out on your stuff and theirs   And above all, be kind and courteous and remember that everyone has come to Salem to have fun.

One of the more frequent questions we get asked all the time is about traveling to Salem. It is fairly easy from November to June, but gets progressively harder from July to August. September and October can be very rough.   You can drive to Salem but traffic is crazy in late September and October. There are two ways in and two ways out so you will be stuck in insane “LA-Level” traffic. And then you have to park!   PARKING IN SALEM There are many options for parking in Salem but it is very limited because of the volume. The city will set up satellite parking at the high school, Salem State University and Salem Hospital and will then bus you into the downtown. You can find that info here:  https://www.hauntedhappenings.org/maps-info/parking-shuttle-information/   There are PRIVATE PARKING LOTS that offer parking on weekends in October. Parking there helps benefits local schools and churches. The Bentley Academy Charter School at 25 Memorial Drive offers parking on weekends in October. This location is outside of the downtown and about a 10-15 minute walk into the downtown. The Carlton Elementary School at 10 Skerry Street offers weekend parking starting September 28th through October 27th. It is a secure, monitored location. It is day parking only. Cash and Venmo are accepted. It is a quick stroll (5 minutes) to Salem Common and the downtown area. St. James Church , aka the big red church, offers weekend parking at 160 Federal Street. The church is located within walking distance of the Witchcraft Memorial at Proctor’s Ledge on Pope St. It is also a 10-minute walk into the downtown. The Catholic Center next to the St. John Paul II church offers parking too. It is located downtown at 35 St. Peter Street. It is a smaller lot so you need to get their early. Shetland Park at 35 Congress Street offers parking on Saturdays and Sundays in October. There is no public parking allowed there during the week. They are located next to Salem Harbor and is an easy location to quickly get to the downtown.   You can find more information about Salem garages, parking lots and rates at https://www.salem.org/travel-info/parking/   UBER, LYFT or TAXI You can take one of those from surrounding towns and cities into Salem. You can take one from Boston but it could be pricey. However, it can be inexpensive for a group if you are splitting it. But you could hit traffic. You might want to get dropped off outside of the downtown area like the train station, library, St. James Church, Lafayette Street or Salem State University. It could be a 15 minute walk, but that might be better than 30-45 minutes in the car and a $50+ uber ride.   DON'T DRIVE OPTIONS We highly recommend not driving in the fall. There are a lot of options to get to Salem Marblehead to Salem There is no bus or train from Marblehead to Salem. You will need to drive or take an Uber/Lyft. Starting the first weekend of October, Mid-Harbor Launch Moorings in Marblehead starts a ferry service. For 2025, it runs from Oct. 3 through Nov. 2. It departs Village Street Dock, Marblehead and comes to Congress Street, Salem. The times are 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm. It departs Congress Street, Salem to Village Street Dock, Marblehead. The times are 10:15 am, 12:15 pm, 2:15 pm, 4:15 pm, 6:15 pm Pay By Ride (each way) $10.00 cash/person. LOGAN AIRPORT (BOSTON) TO SALEM There is no easy way to do this. If you have a lot of luggage, you might want to just Uber/Lyft. Check your apps but the cost could range from $40-$70 one way. If you have moderate luggage or are traveling very light, here are some options. NOTE: You can find links to all of the trains, buses, subways and ferries on this blog. You will have to plan the timing of the buses and trains we mention. Airport to Salem via Logan Express You can take the Logan Express Danvers bus from your terminal to the Liberty Tree Mall in Danvers. Then you need an Uber/Lyft to Salem. Or you could also take the 435 bus that stops in front of the Best Buy and comes to Salem Station. Airport to Salem via SL3 This is a good option. Take the airport shuttle from your terminal to the Airport Station on the Blue Line. Wait for the Silver Line 3 (SL3) bus toward Chelsea. Get off at Chelsea and wait for the Newburyport/Rockport train to Salem. Airport to Salem via subway • Take the airport shuttle from your terminal to the Airport Station on the Blue Line. You can then go outbound to Wonderland Station (the end of the line) and pick up the 450 or 455 bus to Salem Station.  • Take the airport shuttle from your terminal to the Airport Station on the Blue Line. Take the inbound train (Bowdoin) to Aquarium Station in Boston. Walk to North Station (about 15 minutes) and take the Newburyport/Rockport train to Salem. • Take the airport shuttle from your terminal to the Airport Station on the Blue Line. Take the inbound train (Bowdoin) to State Street Station in Boston. Switch to the outbound (Oak Grove) Orange Line to get to North Station. Take the Newburyport/Rockport train at North Station to Salem. Airport to Salem via ferry The ferries may not run if the waters are rough. Check the websites. To get to Salem from the airport via ferry, take the #66 shuttle from your airport terminal to the Water Transportation Dock at Logan Airport in Boston. That will bring you to Long Wharf in Boston. You can then get the ferry to Salem.   NEWBURYPORT/ROCKPORT COMMUTER RAIL The commuter rail runs from Boston to Newburyport and Rockport. Make sure you apply the schedule for outbound and inbound. Outbound is leaving Boston. Inbound is heading toward Boston. In addition, make sure you get the correct train. The line splits in Beverly so you can take either the Newburyport or Rockport train to return to Beverly. But then the train will proceed north to Newburyport or northeast to Rockport. The conductor will announce which train it is. The schedule will explain that also.   You can find schedules and other important information for the train at   https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Newburyport/line   One trick that many tourists do is park at one of the train stations along the train line and then commute the handful of stops to Salem. Here is a list of the train stops along the line so you can plan your visit. Just remember, many people have this same idea. Go to the link above to see each train stop for parking rates and other helpful info.   The train stops for the Newburyport line are: Boston (lots of garages) Chelsea (no parking) River Works (no parking) Lynn Interim (11 Ellis St. Lynn, 329 spots; The Ellis lot has 64 spots) Swampscott (Burrill Street & Railroad Ave, 144 spots) Salem (252 Bridge Street, 712 spots) Beverly (10 Park Street, 494 spots) North Beverly (Enon & Dodge Streets, 86 spots) Hamilton/Wenham (Bay & Walnut Roads, Hamilton 194 spots) Ipswich (4 Peatfield Street, 170 spots; non-residents cannot park from 6 AM - 6:00 PM, M-F) Rowley (70 Railroad Ave, 283 spots) Newburyport (25 Boston Way, 680 spots).   The train stops for the Rockport line are: Boston (lots of garages) Chelsea (no parking) Riverworks (no parking) Lynn Interim (11 Ellis St. Lynn, 329 spots; The Ellis lot has 64 spots) Swampscott (Burrill Street & Railroad Ave, 144 spots) Salem (252 Bridge Street, 712 spots) Beverly (10 Park Street, 494 spots) Montserrat (180 Essex Street, Beverly, 117 spots) Beverly Farms (1 Oak Street, 25 spots) Manchester (40 Beach Street, 71 spots) West Gloucester (290 Essex Ave, 43 spots) Gloucester (75 Railroad Ave, 100 spots) Rockport (17 Railroad Ave, 88 spots) SUBWAY SYSTEM The subway in Boston comprises five lines (Blue, Green, Orange, Red and Silver). The Blue Line will bring you the closest to Salem.   The Blue Line runs from Wonderland Station in Revere to Bowdoin Station in Boston. There is a blue line stop at Logan Airport in Boston. You can take the free shuttle from your terminal to the Airport Station. Take the outbound subway to Wonderland in Revere, the northernmost point of the subway. Then take an Uber/Lyft to Salem or the 450 or 455 bus to Salem.   https://www.mbta.com/schedules/subway   If you are staying in a hotel in the BOSTON SEAPORT  area, you can take the SL3 Bus to Chelsea Station on the Newburyport/Rockport Commuter Rail. Then you take the train up to Salem.   https://www.mbta.com/projects/silver-line-3-chelsea-sl3     BUS TO SALEM You can also take a bus to Salem. You’ll still hit traffic but you won’t have to park. The 455 bus goes from Wonderland Station (Blue Line) in Revere to Salem Station with stops in Lynn and Swampscott.   https://www.mbta.com/schedules/455/line   The 435 bus goes from Danvers to Salem to Lynn via Peabody Square.   https://www.mbta.com/schedules/435/line   The 450 Bus goes from Salem to Wonderland or Haymarket in Boston   https://www.mbta.com/schedules/450/line   The 451 bus goes from Salem to North Beverly   https://www.mbta.com/schedules/451/line   The 456 bus goes from Lynn to Salem   https://www.mbta.com/schedules/456/line   LOGAN EXPRESS DANVERS BUS The Logan Express is another way to get from the airport to the Salem area. You can pick the bus up at your terminal at the airport and it goes to the Liberty Tree Mall in Peabody (next to Salem). Then you can take an Uber/Lyft/Taxi to your nearby hotel or to Salem.    https://www.massport.com/logan-airport/getting-to-logan/logan-express/danvers   BOSTON FERRY TO SALEM You can always take the ferry. It runs from Long Wharf in Boston to Blaney Street in Salem. It is just a 10-15 minute walk from Blaney Street to downtown. You can also take the trolley from the ferry dock in Salem to downtown.   https://www.cityexperiences.com/boston/city-cruises/salem-ferry/   AIRPORT FERRY TO BOSTON There is no ferry from Logan Airport in Boston to Salem. You have to take a ferry from Logan Airport in Boston to Long Wharf Boston across the harbor. To do so, take the #66 shuttle from your airport terminal to the Water Transportation Dock at Logan Airport in Boston.   https://www.cityexperiences.com/boston/city-cruises/water-taxi/   OTHER FERRIES You can find additional ferries to cities along the Boston coastline in Charlestown, East Boston, Hingham, Hull, Quincy and Winthrop. There is also an on demand water taxi that you have to call ahead and book.   https://www.massport.com/logan-airport/getting-to-logan/water-transportation   BOAT MOORINGS AND SLIPS If you have a boat and plan on sailing into Salem, there are slips available through Safe Harbor Hawthorne Cove Marina,  978-740-9890 . Pickering Wharf Marina (978)210-4584 and Mariners Port Marina (781) 631-4800. All rental moorings and slips must register with the Harbormaster Department once assigned by going to our registration system.  https://salemma.lynxlog.com   Sorry, no seaplane or helicopter ports available … yet.

Here are some answers to many frequently asked questions that may not be covered by one of our other blogs. If you have a question not answered by one of our blogs, go to our Salem Travel Tips, Advice and More Facebook Page where you can ask the hive mind. Can I make restaurant reservations in October? Many restaurants will not take reservations in October because they don’t want to tie up a table and have someone no show. October is the month these restaurants make their money and they can’t be holding tables when they have a line out the door. You will have to wait in line at many places. There are many street vendors in October selling food. You can also walk a little bit outside the downtown area and find restaurants. You should not have any trouble getting restaurant reservations from December through August, unless it is a holiday. You could have a little trouble in September. Plan ahead. Carry water and snacks so you can settle your appetite while you wait. Keep in mind that our cooks and waitstaff are overwhelmed and are doing their best to serve you and 999,999 other people who have come here in the month of October. Be patient, kind and tip well. When do hotels book for October? If you have already stayed at one of the hotels in Salem, many hotels will offer you a right of first refusal for the following October. You will likely get an email asking if you want to book again. Once you say no, you lose your “legacy” status and are back in the line with the rest of us. Hotels will book for current year October in November of the previous year. Once you know your itinerary, you need to book asap because the rooms will book up. Remember, over one million people have the same idea as you to come to Salem in October. How far in advance do I have to buy tickets for tours and attractions? It depends on the venues. The Witch House, Salem Witch Museum and the House of the Seven Gables sell tickets on the day of the tour. The Gables also will put October tickets on sale in early September. Salem Trolley day tour tickets are not available online.  Please purchase your tickets in person on the day you want to ride. Ticket Sellers are outside the National Park Service Visitors’ Center (corner of Essex Street & New Liberty Streets). That location is different in October so check their website. You can buy advanced tickets to all of the walking tours. You can also walk-in for many of the walking tours too. However, it is strongly recommended that you buy your October tour tickets as soon as you know your itinerary. Just remember that many tour companies and attractions will not offer refunds. You can buy insurance through a third party as an add-on to your ticket purchase. If you cannot go on that day, you can get a refund through insurance and you are only out the price of insurance. Uber/Lyft tips for September and October? Coming in to Salem by Uber/Lyft is not a huge issue from November to August. But you will encounter lots of traffic when you come in September and October. A helpful tip is to have your driver drop you off at a location outside of the Downtown District like the library on Essex Street, Pickering House on Broad Street, Coffee Time on Bridge Street, Mary Queen of Apostles Church on Federal Street. This way it eliminates getting stuck in traffic for 30 minutes and racking up a high fee. When you leave, walk out of the downtown district to one of those locations and have the driver meet you there to save time and money. Will I look out of place if I wear a costume? You’ll look out of place if you DON’T wear a costume in October. That’s part of the fun. Everyone dresses up. Many people dress up in September too. You are welcome to dress up in costume anytime of the year. Nobody will bat and eyelash in October or September, but maybe do a double take the rest of the year. Where to trick or treat on Halloween night? The places where people tend to trick or treat on Halloween are the homes around the Salem Common and the streets behind the east side of the common like Forrester, Boardman, Briggs, Pleasant, Andrew and Spring Streets. You can also find some willing homes doling out candy on Federal Street and Chestnut Street. The city holds Mayor’s Night Out in the downtown business district on the Friday of the first week of October or the Friday of the last week of September. The businesses give out candy to all the kids dressed in costume. Is the Halloween vibe still prevalent outside of October? The vibe starts in mid-to-late September and continues into early November. How long depends on what day Halloween falls on. If Halloween is mid-week, there will likely be festivities and events through the next weekend. But the vibe kind of winds down by the second week in November. What is the night life like in Salem? Salem has a a vibrant night life in October. One of the hottest spots is The Roof on top of Hotel Salem. But there are so many other places to go to like Beer Gardens and events that get set up in Derby Square, Charlotte Forten Park and Pickering Wharf. Where can I see and listen to live music? O’Neills, Gulu Gulu, Speakeasy, Village Tavern, Koto, Tipsy Cowboy, Brodies and Mercy Tavern have live music on weekend nights and sometimes during the week. The AOH (Ancient Order of Hiberians) is outside the city near the site where we hanged the accused witches in 1692. It has music on Fridays and Saturdays. There are probably some more that have pop up musical guests. Check the calendar listed on this page for possible concerts. You can also go to The Cut Live in Gloucester. You can take the Salem Train to Gloucester. The venue is not far from the Gloucester Station You might also find concerts at the Cabot Cinema next door on Cabot Street in downtown Beverly. It is a short ride by car or you can take the train just one stop. There is also the Off Cabot that features music, comics and all sorts of acts. It is located on Wallis Street in downtown Beverly. Where are the best beaches in and near Salem? Salem has two okay beaches. One is down at the Salem Willows that is the tip of the Salem peninsula. The other is on Winter Island and is called Waikiki Beach. Devereaux Beach is in Marblehead that is next to Salem. It is a short uber or bus ride. Nahant Beach is not too far. It is on the other side of Lynn that has its own beach as well. The best beaches are all along the north shore coast. You have Crane Beach in Ipswich (you need to drive) and Singing Beach in Manchester-by-the-sea (20 mins from the train station) The beaches in Gloucester that are in walking distance of the train station are Half Moon Beach (30 minute walk) and Pavillion Beach (20 minute walk). Wingaersheek Beach in Gloucester is a very nice beach with a long continental shelf. However, not greatly accessible by train. You would need to drive or uber from the station. Good Harbor, Plum Cove, Niles and Long Beaches are all in Gloucester, but not walkable from the train station. You would have to drive or uber from the station. Front Street Beach in Rockport is definitely in walking distance (5-10 minutes) of the train station. Pebble Beach in Rockport is on the other side of the town and you would have to uber. If you drive to the beaches listed above in Gloucester, you will need to make a reservation for parking. Click here: https://gloucester-ma.gov/299/Beach-Information Is there a calendar of events? To see a calendar of events, go to the city’s tourism website at https://www.salem.org/events-calendar/ . You should also go to Salem.org and look events at the links for Festivals and “Weekend at a Glance”. Where are the bathrooms? Many retail stores do not allow you to use their bathrooms. Restaurants will let you use their bathrooms if you have eaten there. The hotels will only let you use their bathroom if you are staying there or if you ate in their restaurant. There are several public bathrooms throughout the city and port-a-potties are placed at various locations in October. You can find bathrooms at the Witch City Mall. In addition, there are a list of the city’s bathrooms at this link: https://www.salem.org/restrooms/ A good tip is to bring your own toilet paper in September and October. The toilet paper in many of public bathrooms will get used up because of the crowds. Can I rent scooters and wheelchairs? There are two places to rent scooters and wheelchairs. One is Silver Lining Goods ((857) 237- 3110). Their website is https://www.mobility2rent.com/shop. The other place to rent scooters is a small independent dealer who can be reached by calling 978.238.8299. Can I store my luggage somewhere? Most hotels, BnBs, Inns, etc… will allow you to store your bag for a few hours after you checkout. Additionally, check www.Bounce.com that lists place where you can store luggage for a nominal fee. The UPS Store at 203 Washington Street in Riley Plaza (next to Starbucks) can store your luggage. Can you bring a witch broom on an airplane? We asked our friends at a broom making shop this question and they said it depends on the airline. They recommend calling the airline first to find out. There are a few broom making shops in Salem and they might be able to answer many of your questions. They also might be able to get your brooms ready for shipment for a cost that might be less than you would be charged elsewhere. Your shipping options are The UPS Store and The United States Post Office (USPS).  The UPS Store is at 203 Washington Street in the Hawthorne Block. The USPS is across the street in the Federal Building on Margin Street. The UPS store provided some estimates so you have an idea what it will cost to ship your boom. They have rectangular boxes for your broom. They can pack it for you for a fee, including the packing materials. Then it has to be shipped. The farther away you live from Salem, the greater the cost. UPS, like all carriers, bases shipping costs on zones. The range the UPS store provided us is from Caribou, Maine to Sacramento, California. All these prices include insurance from The UPS Store. Small brooms up to 26 inches (box is $10.50, packing $12, shipping $19 to $37). Medium brooms 26-35 inches (box is $13, packing is $15, shipping is $21 to $58). Large brooms 36-48 inches (box is $15, packing is $17, shipping is $24 to $47). XL brooms 49-75 inches (box is $28.50, packing is $24, shipping is $93-$185). For XL brooms, you can save money by shipping through the post office. You would need The UPS Store to pack it for you. The shipping range from the USPS is $52 to $155, but you would need to buy insurance from the USPS because they are shipping it, not The UPS Store. If you are shipping to Alaska, the shipping rates from small to XL are $172 to $400 through The UPS Store and $75 to $150 through the USPS. If you are shipping to Hawai'i, the shipping rates from small to XL are $102 to $350 through The UPS Store and $60 to $175 through the USPS. Again, get insurance from the USPS if you ship through them. It is definitely worth it to call your airline and find out if you can bring it on the plane. If not, maybe find an airline that allows it. Better yet, maybe just drive to Salem from wherever you live. It might actually be easier to ship all of your clothes home, and fly home on your broom. Where can we go camping? There is a camp site at Winter Island in Salem. RV and tent camping is allowed from mid to late May through November 1. You should make reservations at their website: https://www.salemma.gov/winter-island-park Other campsites are in Salisbury that is a short ride to Salem. Or you can drive to the Newburyport train station and take the train to Salem. Those campsites include Pine Camping Area, Black Bear Campground, Rusnik Campground, Salisbury Beach Campground and Salisbury Beach State Reservation. The Cape Ann Camp Site is in Gloucester. That is also a situation where you could take the train from Gloucester to Salem.

A Local's Guide to Dining in Salem Adriatic Restaurant 155 Washington Street, (978) 594-1832, adriaticrestaurantandbar.com The Adriatic Restaurant is located downtown, featuring Mediterranean and Italian cuisine, as well as seasonally inspired dishes. We have enjoyed dining there for our year-end dinner several times, and it is always a wonderful experience. We ordered fried calamari and tuna tartare as appetizers, and they were fantastic. Many of us chose different entrees, and everyone raved about the food. I usually get the Saltimbocca, which translates to “tastes good in the mouth,” and it certainly lives up to its name. What makes the food so great is that they make their own bread and pasta. They take great care in preparing their entrees, which include organic produce. The seafood is incredibly fresh, and their brick oven pizza is superb. They also offer great cocktails and an incredible wine list. You can enjoy a splendid dinner inside the restaurant or at their outdoor seating. Additionally, they have a function room for larger groups. Longboards Restaurant and Bar 76 Wharf Street (Pickering Wharf), 978.745.6659, longboardsbar.com Longboards Restaurant & Bar is situated on beautiful Pickering Wharf, offering amazing views, stunning sunsets, and hundreds of patio seats and lounge areas. This family-owned business has been operating in historic Salem for over a decade. We believe it is one of the best family-friendly sports bars and restaurants in the city. Dining options are plentiful, from award-winning lobster rolls to delicious sandwiches, chowders, burgers, steak tips, and more. We tried the Lobster Mac and Cheese, and it was incredible. There is truly something for everyone, and they have a full bar. Be sure to order a frozen Mudslide; you won’t be disappointed! The owners are also animal lovers, so feel free to bring your well-behaved dog to join you on the patio. Don’t forget to order something off the Doggie Menu. Salem’s Retreat 96 North Street, 978.290.0958, www.salemsretreat.com Salem’s Retreat is one of those hidden gems. Located a short walk over the bridge, this restaurant creates food that not only tastes delicious but also looks amazing. As a family-owned business, it offers a family-friendly atmosphere. Whether it’s family breakfast at 7 AM, a quick bite, or drinks with friends, you won't be disappointed. They have a full bar where you can play keno and watch the game or sit outside on the back deck and enjoy a quiet oasis away from the city. They also provide parking in the back for those who prefer to drive. They serve fresh and flavorful food that is both delicious and creative. The presentation is beautiful, and the photos of their dishes on their website and Facebook page look like works of art. You must check those out. We really love their breakfast and lunch, both served starting at 7 AM. You can order anything off the menu from 7 AM to 2:30 PM. The chicken and waffles with real maple syrup are a favorite for us, but they are also known for their benedicts and homemade hollandaise sauce. Conclusion In conclusion, Salem offers a diverse culinary scene that caters to all tastes. Whether you are in the mood for Mediterranean, Asian fusion, or classic American fare, you will find something to satisfy your cravings. Each restaurant has its unique charm and delicious offerings. So, the next time you find yourself in Salem, make sure to explore these fantastic dining options. You won’t regret it! If you are looking for a delightful dining experience, consider visiting one of these local gems. Each one promises to deliver not just a meal but a memorable experience.

Everyone always asks about Pioneer Village here in Salem because it was made famous in the movie Hocus Pocus. The village was featured in the opening scenes when Thackery Binx was still a boy before he tries to save his sister, Emily, from the dreaded Sanderson Sisters, who turn him into an immortal black cat.   Many Salem visitors want to go there because of the movie. But Pioneer Village is a lot more than that.   It is a three-acre, outdoor living history museum that was built in 1930. It has various examples of colonial architecture: dugouts, wigwams, thatched roof cottages, and the Governor's Faire House. The cost to enter is only $5 and you can tour the property. It is open weekends from June 5 through October 26.   Many other events are held there during the year. Check the Pioneer Village website for announcements.   https://www.pioneervillagesalem.org/   Some other events include:   Lanterns in the Village is an event in October in which ghost stories read aloud amidst glowing jack-o-lanterns and candlelit cottages.   The Salem Night Faire will be held on Oct. 17, 18, 24 &25. It features over 50+ local and distant artists, clothing, jewelry, and oddity vendors, live performances, fireside ghost stories, photo ops, hot cider, a Biergarten & more.   https://salemnightfaire.com/   Pioneer Village is about one mile from the downtown. You can walk it. You can drive it, but it is a small parking lot. You can Uber or use the Salem Skipper.   You can also take the 455 bus and not deal with walking or driving. The bus leaves from Salem station and travels down Lafayette Street. There is also a bus stop in front of the Walgreens on New Derby Street.   You want to get off at Forest Street. Then cross the street and walk down Clifton Street. You will see a ball park and Pioneer Village is next to it.   https://www.mbta.com/schedules/455/line

S alem is an incredible city that is nearly 400 years old which is steeped in history that attracts over two million people a year. More than half of them come the whole month of October for the Halloween vibe and it spills into September (aka Septober) and November (aka Octember). This is in addition to the 44,000 people who live here year-round.   There is a lot to enjoy in Salem as there are many events, a Halloween parade, weekend festivals, plays, street buskers, night fairs and so much more. It is a great time to visit but all these people visiting creates logistical problems and puts a strain on the city infrastructure.   We want to prepare you on what to except in October and also provide many tips so you can maximize your enjoyment.   PLAN AHEAD   Plan ahead! Don’t wing it. You can go to the Haunted Happenings website to plan your visit.   AVOID DRIVING There are two ways in and out of Salem so the traffic gets really crazy and the parking is very difficult. If you must drive, please check out our Parking and Transportation blog. If you take an Uber/Lyft, have them drop you off outside of the downtown area and just walk in from there. It will save you money and time because it is quicker to walk from one mile than to drive it.   YOUR GPS IS WRONG! If you do drive to Salem, give yourself plenty of time to get here. If the GPS reads one hour, add a few hours because many other people are coming here and you have to park. And if there is a car accident on the way, you might just go insane with frustration. Boston area traffic can be a nightmare. We are worse than Los Angeles and New York City. Imagine the worst traffic you ever experienced and then driving on roads designed by cows.   Heed this warning, mortals!!!   TAKE THE TRAIN We are very fortunate that we have a train that runs from Boston to Newburyport and Rockport with a stop in Salem. If you didn’t get a room at a Salem hotel, Air BnB or BnB, you can find them along the train line and just get to Salem that way. It will save you quite a bit of hassle and frustration.   The train line is the Newburyport/Rockport line . Click on the link for the schedule. Remember that all trains heading inbound and outbound stop in Salem. However, not all outbound trains go to Newburyport or Rockport. If you are staying in a city/town beyond Beverly, you MUST be on the correct train.   If a train stop is too far from where you are staying, you can drive to a train stop but just remember that many other people have the same idea. You can find a list of the train stops and available parking spaces at the Parking and Transportation link above.   RESTAURANT RESERVATIONS Many restaurants will not take reservations in October because they cannot hold tables while there are people waiting it line. It is first come, first served. We have heard of some restaurants taking reservations but it is extremely rare. Be prepared to wait an hour for a table. If it only takes 45 minutes, that is a win.   The WAITSTAFF , COOKS and STAFF at our restaurants are working very hard to keep up with the demand. They are doing the best they can so please be patient with them. Many of them live locally and have expenses to pay so please tip them well.   You can always try a restaurant outside of the downtown area. There are several on Bridge Street, North Salem, Canal Street, Lafayette Street, Congress Street and a few hidden places right near the witchcraft memorial. And there are street vendors on the weekends.   A good tip is to bring SNACKS and WATER with you when you are in Salem. This is very helpful when you are waiting in line at a restaurant, an attraction or are just “starving.” It is also very helpful if you only have 10 minutes in between your itinerary stops and don’t have time to grab something at a convenience store.   BATHROOMS AND TOILETS None of the businesses have public restrooms. The restaurants will not allow you to use their bathroom unless you have eaten there. If you eat at a restaurant, use their facilities before you leave.   Public Restrooms are located at the Visitor Center at 2 New Liberty Street, the Destination Salem Visitor Center at 245 Derby Street, the National Park Service at Derby and Central Wharfs, Salem Willows, Salem Ferry, Winter Island and Forest River Park. These restrooms are open during the day but plan accordingly because there are no bathrooms available in the city in the evening.   In October, there are port-a-potties in the Front Street Lot, Sewall Street lot, Federal Visitor Center (2 New Liberty St), Maritime National Park and the Salem Common. You may find a few more dispersed throughout the city.   Bring your own TOILET PAPER or paper towels/napkins because the port-a-potties run out. Restaurants will not have any napkins out so don’t expect you can go in and grab a few. We do have a CVS and Walgreens and other little markets, but they will get cleaned out of toilet paper. Bring a mini roll or you can by “camping” packs of toilet paper.   ADVANCE TICKETS Many places will sell advance tickets to their attractions or tours. Many will leave room for walk-ins also. But there are many attractions that will do “same day” ticketing. This means you have to buy tickets when you are here in Salem. They want to make sure you are here before they sell you a ticket. Refunds are not available at many places and they cannot switch you to another time slot because they are likely sold out.   Some attractions will announce when tickets go on sale for October to give everyone a fair chance. It is like a hot concert ticket. We will try to re-post those sale events on our page when we find out. Many attractions offer insurance to protect your ticket purchase. We recommend that you buy it because you can be reimbursed if you miss your ticket time or can't make it. Each insurance policy is different and they list the situations that are covered. Read the policy.   SHOPS, ATTRACTIONS & BUSINESSES Be prepared to experience long wait times for everything. Many places will limit capacity and will have lines outside the door. Many have rules against strollers and backpacks in the store so you might have to take turns going in to shop.   Again, be patient with the staff at all of these places because they are trying very hard to make your visit great and are doing the best they can in trying conditions.   WALKING TOURS There are many walking tour companies so it can be very confusing. Make sure you get your confirmation and go to the correct meeting location. If you are not sure, ask the guide at the meeting spot. Many tour companies have NO REFUND policies so make sure you are arrive before the tour start time. Early means 15 minutes before the tour starts, not five minutes after the tour begins. You need to factor in traffic and parking. Remember, early is paramount and on time is late. And by all means, buy protection insurance and tip your hard-working tour guides.   DESTINATION SALEM APP The city has a tourism office called Destination Salem. They run a visitor center at 245 Derby Street where you can have a lot of questions answered. You can also ask them to send you a brochure in advance of your visit. We advise you to download their app to your phone. It provides all sorts of information about Salem and will also provide updates and alerts. Check out their website at Salem.org   CITY OF SALEM ALERTS You can sign up for alerts and be notified in the event of road closures, emergencies and other updates. You can sign up for many of them, but you likely just want the alerts (emergency and parks & recreation) and the news flashes (police and the mayor’s office). We’re guessing you don’t want the calendar schedule from the weights and measurements department. Sign up for the notifications .   RESPECT OUR RESIDENTS Salem is a working city with about 44,000 people who live here every day. Those who live here welcome you and are grateful that tourism supports our city and its infrastructure, but please remember that it is a working city and residents need their down time.   Please do not go onto anyone’s property, walk down a residential street after midnight, throw your trash on our streets, vandalize city or resident property or go in the cemetery at night (illegal in Massachusetts).   Enjoy your visit to Salem and discover why we love it so much too.

What is there to do with children?   We’re glad you asked. We get this all the time about Salem. Well, parents know their kids better than we do and some of them can handle the grown-up tours and attractions. But if you’re not sure your kids can handle some of the those, then here is a list of what you can do with younger children.   Here are some ideas to do for kids to consider:   Bit Bar (278 Derby Street) is restaurant and arcade where you can eat and play. They have classic arcade and pinball games and creative comfort food in a historic and fun setting! Castle Creek Adventure Land  (100 Swampscott Road),  (978) 825-9056 This fun place has miniature golf, go-kart rides and ice cream for kids and “adult-kids.” There is also a golf driving range across the street.  You’re guaranteed to have a fun time with us. It’s a great place to take your family on an outing. They also have birthday party packages too.   The Good Witch (2 North Street) of Salem is a positive teacher and wellness role model for young children. The Good Witch's mission is shared through magical and engaging content and events. This mission is reinforced through a retail line of educational resources, children's clothing and accessories, and imaginative toys   The House of the Seven Gables (115 Derby Street) was built in 1668 by merchant and ship-owner John Turner but is best known today as the inspiration for world-renowned American author Nathaniel Hawthorne’s 1851 novel. Enjoy public programs, events and embark on tours of the historic mansion that include the secret staircase. Or relax on the seaside lawn and enjoy the gardens and views of Salem Harbor.   Maritime National Park (160 Derby Street) is the first National Historic Site in the US. Salem Maritime National Historic comprises nine acres of land and twelve historic structures along the Salem waterfront, as well as a downtown visitor center. You can learn about New England's maritime history, visit the historic homes and board the Friendship, a replica of a ship from the 18th century.   Real Pirates (285 Derby Street) immerses yours in the stories of Real Pirates! The family-friendly pirate experience features the true tale of “Black Sam” Bellamy – the richest and one of the youngest pirates of all time – and Maria Hallett, the love of his life and so-called “Witch of Wellfleet.” You can actually touch real pirate treasure.   Salem Kids Tours (185 Essex Street) are teachers who’ve mastered the art of making history fascinating for all ages, bringing stories to life in ways that will captivate both kids and adults.   Salem Willows (165 Fort Ave) is an ocean front destination at the tip of Salem’s peninsula that is packed with games, food, and fun. It’s a wonderful summer escape for locals, families and tourists. Stroll along park paths, picnic grounds & beaches, or enjoy an ice cream, pizza, or seafood plate from one of the many eateries to choose from. Kiddieland offers a variety of rides geared toward children; water boats, car rides, as well as a 1905 carousel.   Silly Bunny (260 Essex St) offers toys from many different brands not often found in big box stores, together with some big brands most people will recognize. The store is filled with toys, kids’ books, puppets, games, and puzzles   The Witch House (310 ½ Essex Street) was the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin and dates back to the 1660s. It is one of the few structures you can visit in Salem with direct ties to the 1692 Salem Witchcraft Trials.   World of Wizardry (194 Essex Street) lets you explore the magical world of Professor Spindlewink! Journey to magic realms and discover an enchanted forest, a crystal cave, a room of fantastic beasts and even an Ice dragon. The New England Pirate Museum (27 Derby Street) is a historical adventure where you can learn about  New England's adventurous sea-robbers such as Kidd, Blackbeard, Bellamy and Quelch. They roamed the waters off Boston's North Shore, known as the Gold Coast, while so-called witches were being hanged at Salem.   Nearby in Peabody   North Shore Children’s Museum (10 Main Street) brings together children, families, and their community with accessible, hands-on learning through play. Our vision is to create inclusive, welcoming spaces and learning experiences that use the power of play to nurture the imagination, engage families, and strengthen the community.

There are many accommodations in Salem. We have hotels, BnBs, and Air BnBs. The hotels are well known and have plenty of marketing and corporate knowledge behind them. We want to let you know about the corporate little guy who has that extra room or two that they rent out so they can survive in our quaint little tourist town. We will list our favorite quaint little places to stay in Salem. They are all convenient to the downtown area so you can experience our wonderful city and return to your room without having to worry about driving and parking. These BnBs and Air BnBs are in no particular order. Beautiful Place to Stay In Salem The whole group will enjoy easy access to everything from this central location that’s close enough to the fun but far enough way so you can get sleep well. It is very close to the Salem bike path for an easy walk to downtown. In October, it is a two-minute walk to the free shuttle pick up. Amenities include a kitchen, dedicated workspace, TV, wifi, air conditioning, indoor fireplace, patio or balcony and a backyard. Pets are allowed and, most importantly, there is free parking on the premises. https://www.airbnb.com/l/ZRWrWjEf - - - - - - If you are interested in being featured on this blog, send an inquiry to thesalemhistoricaltours@gmail.com

Everyone always asks us about the weather in Salem for the time of year they are planning to visit. Honestly, it is hard to say because the weather can change here very frequently. The weather in New England is unique as Samuel Langhorne Clemens, aka Mark Twain, pointed out: “If you don’t like the weather in New England now, wait a few minutes.” You can look up historical records of Salem weather from the year before and use that as a gauge for the current year, but that sometimes is not useful. We can experience a gamut of weather conditions. The Puritans completely misjudged the weather when they started coming here in 1626. They expected it to be similar to England because we were approximately the same longitude, but they were surprised. The only thing we can say for sure is that we will not get snow in June, July or August. And probably not September. (I hope I didn’t just jinx us). This means we have seen snow in April (the famous April Fools’ snowstorm 1997), May and October. It can get very hot in summer. Sometimes we get 100+ degree weather but not for long. We have also experienced 80+ degree weather in September and October in addition to 50- and 60- degree weather. We have had heatwaves of 90+ degrees for weeks. March can be raw and rainy as April, but we also get 60+ degree weather in early April and it climbs upward from there by the end of the month. Our answer to everyone is to bring layers, check the weather apps in advance and be prepared. In the event you don’t, many places sell rain ponchos, umbrellas, hoodies, hats, gloves, sweaters, long and short sleeve shirts. Remember that if you live in a very warm climate, Salem will seem colder to you. Conversely, if you live in a colder climate, Salem will seem warmer to you. One thing to keep in mind is that weather forecast isn’t always correct. They get it wrong quite a bit because weather patterns have changed and they really can’t predict it too well. You need to check the weather forecast every couple of hours or just stick your head out the window. We have also noted some interesting phenomena. Weather predicted for Boston does not necessarily happen exactly the same in Salem. The same for the Merrimack Valley to the north that are the cities and towns along the Merrimack River. We are less than 20 miles apart from Boston and the Merrimack Valley, but it is enough for Salem to have its own micro-weather pattern. We also do not get the same weather as the cities and towns South and West of Boston, nor Cape Cod. When you hear rain is predicted, the forecasters are moreso predicting for Greater Boston in general. Why does rain predicted for the region doesnt necessarily happen here? Well, some say it is the witches protecting us. They say that until we get a two-foot snowstorm and then it is said the witches are cursing us. The theory is what surrounds us protects us. The ocean is to our east and the highway surrounds us to the north and west. The highway creates a heat barrier due to sun radiating off of the road and the heat generated from the vehicles. Weak storms tend to follow the highway and go north of us to the ocean, thereby missing us completely. While Boston may be experiencing downpours, we might be just cloudy with a few scattered sprinkles or we’re 70 degrees and muggy. And remember that a downpour doesn’t last long. It usually occurs for 10-15 minutes and then it is over. A rain forecast usually comes with the amount of rain by inches. A quarter inch of rain over an afternoon is really a mist, a half inch of rain in the same time period is a mist to steady rain and one inch of rain during that same time is a steady rain. If they predict more than an inch for an afternoon, wear your galoshes. If they predict two or more inches for the same time period, expect flooding. Don’t be afraid to come to our lovely city if adverse weather is predicted. Maybe bring a few extra items just to be safe. Nobody believes that Mr. Twain ever came to Salem, but we do believe that if he came here, he would brought an umbrella and his galoshes and had some compelling words to say about our local weather.

One of the inquiries we always receive is what restaurants have vegan options? Well, just about every restaurant has some sort of vegan option, but there are some that have more options than others.   We have compiled a list of these restaurants with a short description. This is not a complete list, but we do add to it all the time. You should definitely click through the links to see their full menu of each restaurant.     Amazing Pizza (62 Wharf Street, Pickering Wharf) has a few options and can make a pizza with vegan cheese.   All Soul’s Lounge (282 Derby Street) is a bar/lounge, but they also have vegan hot dogs, corn dogs and grilled cheese plus some small plates and specials. There are gluten free options too.   Barrio (41 Lafayette Street) has many vegan options to create your own tacos. They also have some impossible options.   Blue Fez (118 Washington Street, Lappin Park) has a large selection of vegan and vegetarian meals that include tapas, bowls and entrees. They have many plates that include vegetables, falafel, cous cous, paella, hummus and more.   Lulu's (285 Derby Street) is a breakfast/lunch bakery with a southern spin that has some vegan and gluten free options.. It specializes in top grade bakery and confectionary products that are familiar and approachable.   The bakery line is enhanced by the same caliber of savory and pantry options.     Flying Saucer Pizza (118 Washington Street, Lappin Park) is a sci-fi themed pizza place that has a full vegan menu. They have a vegan pizza, garlic knots, mac and cheese and more   Gulu Gulu Cafe (247 Essex Street) has many vegan options including hummus plates, grilled cheese, mac and cheese and a burger. Not Ya Mama's Vegan Cafe (Witch City Mall) Serves soulful, plant-based comfort food that nourishes both body and spirit. Every dish is crafted with care and passion that's perfect for a dedicated vegan or those simply curious to explore the world of plant-based cuisine.   The Juicery (83 Washington Street) has açai bowls and a collection of prepared vegan snacks in a case. They also have a variety of smoothie bowls and smoothies to fit your needs.   Koto   (90 Washington Street) is a Japanese restaurant with vegan sushi and several vegan entrees on the menu.   Life Alive (281 Essex Street) specializes in warm and cold grain and vegetable bowls with various sauces.   Paprika Grill (2 Liberty Street) has an array of wraps & platters featuring Middle Eastern & Mediterranean ingredients.   Passage To India (157 Washington Street) has an extensive menu of egan and vegetarian specialties from northern and southern India.   Ray Adea’s Mediterranean Kitchen (90 Lafayette Street). There’s something for everyone here whether you are vegan, vegetarian or an omnivore. Their menu features that blend the vibrant flavors of the Middle East and the Mediterranean with the irresistible charm of Jamaican cuisine.

The 1692 Salem Witchcraft Trials were one of the darkest periods of time in the American colonies in the 17th century. A little town north of Boston erupted in a hysteria that resulted in the deaths of 25 people. Twenty of whom were executed and five more died in jail. There have been so many documentaries and movies made about the incident. And so much more information has been written in books, articles and on the internet. And, of course, the internet isn’t wrong. Therein lies the problem. There is so much conflicting information out there that it is hard to know the truth. Some of the confusion stems from old theories written in books in the 1800s. Some of it is bad research. Some of it is sheer conjecture. The wrong information then gets regurgitated by museums, tour guides, and those who are told the wrong information. And if you hear it over and over again, it must be true. As George Costanza from Seinfeld said, “If you truly believe it, it is not a lie.” You need to vet your sources, museums and tour companies. Ask questions before you visit and if anyone tells you any of what you are about to read, you may want to try another museum or tour company. So what are the 12 greatest myths about the 1692 Salem Witchcraft Trials? It’s hard to rank them. 12. Twenty people were convicted and executed during the trials. A total of 30 people were convicted. Nineteen of them were executed by hanging. Giles Corey, the man who was crushed to death, was never tried. He died during an interrogation. Dorcas Hoar was tried and convicted. But she confessed immediately after her convictions and was spared execution. There were 10 others who were convicted and not executed. Mary Bradbury, who was scheduled to hang on Sept. 22, escaped. Abigail Faulkner and Elizabeth Proctor survived because they were pregnant. Abigail Hobbs, Ann Foster, the elder Mary Lacey, and Rebecca Eames, all of whom had confessed, were sentenced to be hanged in September but were given additional time because of the fact they had confessed. They would have probably been hanged in October without Gov. Phips intervention. The new court, which began trying more people in January, convicted three more – Sarah Wardwell, Mary Post, and Elizabeth Johnson. They had also confessed and they, along with five others convicted by the first court who were still jailed, were slated to hang on Feb. 1, but Gov. Phips reprieved them. There were also five people who died in jail, including the baby of Sarah Good. In addition, Rev. Hale’s wife was jailed and got sick. She was allowed to go home and recover and then died. You can say it caused her death too. Mary English and her husband Philip escaped to NY and came back after the trials. She got sick from the trip and died less than a year later. If she wasn’t accused, she wouldn’t have needed to escape and would not have gotten sick and died. This also goes to dispel the myth that you would be spared if you confessed. However, it has already been explained that several people confessed and were scheduled to hang anyway but circumstances - pregnancy, interventions and reprieves - spared them. Some confessors were not tried right away so they could testify against others. 11. The witches were burned and dunked Nope. Mainland Europe burned witches because they were following Christianity. Witchcraft was heresy so witches were burned. But King Henry VIII broke away from the church and started the Anglican Church. Witchcraft was a capital crime punishable by hanging. England hanged their witches. The colonies did also. There is the practice of dunking (aka swimming). That’s when a suspected witch is dunked in water. If the accused sinks, they are innocent, but they are drowning. If they float they are guilty. Everyone has lungs so they will float. The idea of dunking is that it is a baptism and the devil can’t be baptized and will let go of you during the process. This practice was done in Europe and once in the colonies. In August 1692, Mercy Desborough from Connecticut requested the dunking. She was dunked near Hartford, CT. She failed the test, but survived the gallows. 10. Salem was the first witchcraft trials in the colonies Not by a long shot. There were accusations of witchcraft throughout the colonies. Many did not result in execution. The first accusation appears to be Joan Wright in 1626 in Virginia. The first person executed was Alse Young in Connecticut in 1647. Massachusetts was next but it was Boston in 1648 when Margaret Jones was executed in Boston in the South End. Salem was 44 years later. 9. We hanged two dogs and a horse during the trials. The rumor is that we hanged two dogs and a horse during the trials. It was all on the wooden sign in front of Judge Jonathan Corwin’s home. Balderdash! A dog was hanged in Salem, but that was in 1655 - not during the trials. Gov. John Winthrop writes in his journal that John Bradstreet claimed he was bewitched by a dog so the dog was hanged. In October 1692, a dog was shot in Andover. The girls became suddenly started convulsing and claimed it was being done by a dog. The men went outside and killed the first dog they saw. A horse was never hanged off of that sign. We’re not sure that sign could support a horse. But you have to ask yourself, why would the judge have a sign in front of his home called The Witch House? 8. The Puritans were Jewish This has come up several times. There were no Jewish people in Salem in the 1600s. The area was religious freedom for many, so there were Quakers, Anglicans, French Protestants, Shakers, Pilgrims and Catholics. But the Puritans ruled the roost. They followed the Old Testament so their names came from the Old Testament, but that doesn’t make them Jewish. They were more Calvinist. They earned the name Puritans because they wanted to purify the church of all the symbolism. 7. The Judge and Sheriff were father and son. Judge Jonathan Corwin lived at the Witch House. Sheriff George Corwin lived on the grounds now occupied by the Merchant Hotel. The judge did have a son George, but he died at a young age and was not old enough to be sheriff. One of the other theories was that they were brothers but that is wrong too. However, they were related. The judge was George’s uncle. They were uncle and nephew It certainly was nepotism. George was married to Lydia Gedney, whose father was Judge Bartholomew Gedney. The sheriff’s uncle and father in law were judges in the witchcraft trials. 6. The Witchcraft memorial next to cemetery is where the witches were hanged. None of the victims were buried at the memorial erected in 1992 nor in the cemetery next to it. They were hanged at Proctor’s Ledge on the western edge of the city. There is another memorial at Proctor’s Ledge that was erected in 2017. The bodies were reportedly thrown in the crevice. Per Caleb Buffum, the accused were buried in shallow graves and he went up and covered up a chin and feet that were exposed from the ground. A handful of bodies were recovered. Rebecca Nurse, George Jacobs and John Proctor were recovered. Nurse is on her property but unmarked. Jacobs was moved from his property to Nurse’s property and is marked. Proctor is believed to be buried on his former property next to a wall on the grounds of Peabody High School. A theory has been proposed that George Burroughs was recovered too and may be buried with his wife. We’re not sure about the rest of the victims. They may have been recovered. Some people think animals got to the bodies. Recovering the bodies was forbidden so it was very secretive and families would not have written or spoken about it. 5. The Crucible by Arthur Miller is accurate. All writers are great storytellers and take poetic license. Arthur Miller is no exception. While a chapter of his play is taken directly out of the records of the 1692 witchcraft trials, the rest of the play is a mixture of half truths. William Cheever was the register of deeds not the sheriff. John Proctor did not have an affair with Abigail Williams. She was 12. It was Mary Warren, another afflicted girl, who was a servant for the Proctors. He didn’t have an affair with her either. Miller’s play was an allegory about the Red Scare and the “witch hunt” by Senator Joseph McCarthy. One of Miller’s best friends named him in the hearings so Miller wrote the play to get back at his friend and McCarthy. In doing so, he highlighted one of the darkest times in American history - the Salem Witchcraft Trials. The McCarthy Hearings were very similar as friends turned against friends and neighbors turned against neighbors to save themselves. 4. The accused had to sign over their land to the judges It was very hard to take your land and their were rules against it. Many of the accused did not have land to take. Sarah Good was one of them. She was a pipe smoking beggar who walked around town. She was penniless and had no land. Alice Parker and her husband rented. There are many others who rented land. The story of the crushing of Giles Corey is said to be about land. However, he deeded his land to friends with the promise they deed it back to his family after his death. And we know his stepsons got the land. Also, John Proctor and George Jacobs wrote their wills while awaiting execution and their land was passed on to their heirs. The first case of the trials was Bridget Bishop and it was written up in early writings that they accused her to take her land. Therefore, everyone believed the trials were all about taking land. The truth is her husband, Edward Bishop, had the land in his name. But you had to pay for jail and court costs. Edward sold some of the land to pay for these costs. It is believed the judges got to buy the land first. The Gedneys bought some. Bartholomew Gedney was one of the judges in the case. Nathaniel Hawthorne doesn’t help either. His great novel, The House of the Seven Gables, is about Colonel Pynchon taking Matthew Maule’s land. It never happened. Just poetic license. 3 . Tituba, the servant for Rev. Parris, was black Tituba was enslaved and was certainly a person of color, but she was not Black and not from Africa. Early writings of the trials say that she did the witch cake and it was voodoo from Africa. The truth is she was captured in South America by a ship called the Savoy, likely off the coast of Venezuela. The manifest called her Tattuba. She was sold into slavery in Barbados. Rev. Parris returned to Barbados, where he grew up, to settle his father’s estate. He bought her there and brought her the New England. The witchcraft records never refer to Tituba as black. She is referred to as tawny or Indian. Meanwhile, two other enslaved people were Mary Black and Candy. They were referred to as Negro or Black. The records made a clear distinction. 2. It all happened in Danvers, formerly Salem Village. Danvers was Salem Village in 1692 and the witchcraft hysteria starts there as the two young girls suffer their afflictions in the reverend’s home. Many people from the village are involved as accusers and accused. But the hysteria spread all over north eastern Massachusetts. Over 40 towns were caught up in the trials as far north as the New Hampshire border and as far south as Boston. It was west of Boston too in towns like Woburn, Wilmington and Reading Gov . William Phips established the court of Oyer and Terminer as the witchcraft court in Salem Town (now Salem) directly in the middle of Washington Street. The hanging site was in Salem Towne as well as the jail. 1. They were all eating moldy bread and hallucinating. The Ergot theory. The fungus in the rye. The moldy bread. This theory was proposed by a graduate student in her thesis. It was published in a science magazine and everyone thought this could be the reason. But the experts shot down the theory in the weeks following the article. The woman who proposed the theory disagrees with her own theory now. The experts noted that people in the same household were eating the same food so how is it they all weren’t affected? In addition, ergot poisoning causes your fingertips to turn black as well as the tips of your toes and bottom of your ears. It also causes diarrhea and vomiting. The Puritans didn’t record any of this. What are the odds that all those writings were lost? In addition, many people spoke out against the trials from the start and were jailed and fined. They weren’t hallucinating. Many others thought the afflicted girls were lying. And they were caught in lies again and again. Many noted that the girls afflictions seemed to “come and go” at the proper moment. And the Puritans knew what ergot looked like and knew not to eat it. They picked the grain by hand and threw out the ergot if they saw it. Other theories are that it was against the midwives, but men were caught up in this too. One Salem witchcraft trials experts believes that none of the women executed were midwives. Post traumatic stress disorder is cited as well as convergence disorder and religious extremism. The real cause? It might be hard to figure out one unifying theory. It may be a little bit of all these proposed theories. But the one underlying cause is fear. Fear of the unknown. Fear of the Devil. Fear of their neighbors. When word gets out that witchcraft has been diagnosed in Rev. Parris’ home, many people come forward and tell stories about their neighbors that they believe proves witchcraft.They saw their neighbor do this or suspected their neighbor did that. They drew correlations between a cow dying one day and a visit from a neighbor the day before. The 1692 Salem Witchcraft Trials may just be good old fashioned human nature. You blame those around you for your troubles and when bad things happen to you. Unfortunately, nothing much has changed on the planet in over 325 years Giovanni Alabiso is a historian in Salem, Massachusetts. He gives several tours on Salem’s history through his company — Salem Historical Tours.