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It was a dark and stormy night…I mean day. It was daytime. Though the day was cloudy and a bit rainy. Salem, Massachusetts is known for the infamous witch trials that took place there and just so happens to be a perfect day trip from Boston.
After three days of socializing at Travelcon, I was so ready for a day by myself to reflect and maybe learn something new. Salem was the perfect place. Only a 30-minute train ride from North Station in Boston on the Commuter Rail.
On the weekends you can get a discount on your commuter rail pass if you talk to a person at the desk instead of using the kiosk. It only saves a few dollars, but if you are a budget traveler that could make all the difference!
Salem is well known for the witch trials that took place there. Upon arrival, I felt the charm of a small colonial town with a lot of witchy things. The witch culture in Salem may feel a bit gimmicky, and in some ways it is. However, there is more to this town than that. I loved my quiet day in Salem, and if you are looking for a similar experience keep on reading.
Wicked Good Books
Leave it to me to make my first stop a bookstore. If I want a good place to keep to myself, a bookshop is the place to go. Wicked Good Books can be found on Essex Street. When you leave the train station, walk straight out and keep on going until you see Essex Street and turn left. You won’t have to go far to find this wicked bookshop.
They have a great section of books right upfront about witches and the history of Salem, even dating back before the witch trials. I love it when bookstores support their location. They included local authors as well, and there was a great LGBTQ+ display as it was still Pride month when I was there.
You can also find some local goods such as small toys, writing supplies, and bookish scented candles(my favorite). Anyone else ever happy that you travel with a carryon so that you can’t buy everything? Stop by Wicked Good Books for a quick break, or just to peruse some books if that is your aesthetic.
As this is a day trip, if you are looking for coffee or tea, you can pop in Red Line Cafe and get something to pick you up first thing in the morning. I got a giant chai latte and its sweet taste fueled me for the rest of the day. You can find it just a bit further down Essex Street from Wicked Good Books on the left.
Peabody Essex Museum
I love museums. The Peabody Essex Museum did not disappoint. If you want to see more in Salem, Massachusetts than just witches, then plan to make a stop here. Art of all kinds comes together here and you can learn so much about different cultures. As with any museum, the exhibits change, so I won’t go into too much detail on what I saw, as it will likely be different when you visit.
From paintings to furniture, to photography you can see the world through the lenses of so many different people. My favorite exhibit was one on Japanese pop culture art (of course). With multiple floors and exhibits, PEM is a great place to get lost in for a while.
A free tour of some local historic homes is included with your admission price. You will love learning about how homes have changed in Salem over the years and the differences in architecture. The tour really puts you back in time to how life would have been for the people of that time. We toured three homes, all beautiful in their own way and so different from the homes of today. I encourage you to take part in this tour if you visit PEM!
After the tour, I had a quick lunch at the Olde Main Street Pub, which was right across from the homes that we toured. I recommend eating here if you are looking for a good contemporary dining experience.
Salem Witch Museum
After lunch, it was time to get into some witchy business and learn more about the trials that took place in Salem in 1692. The Salem Witch Museum is more of an event really. You go into a room and everything is dark and then lights shine on figures and you hear the story of how the witch trials began and how things got out of hand.
The suspicion began when three young girls claimed to be possessed by the devil in Spring of 1692. Hundreds were accused and 19 were publicly executed for witchcraft. As with many tragedies, the accusations began with fear of the unknown. There was little trust at the time between different people, and it was easy to suspect bewitchment.
These trials, of course, pale in comparison to the witch executions in Europe, but this was a tragedy in the new world before America was even founded.
The second part of the museum is guided by an employee and talks about how witchcraft came to be and its different forms throughout the years. I enjoyed learning more about the culture and history of witchcraft in addition to the trials themselves.
I would not say that this is like a traditional museum. A lot of it is for show, but the information is good. Nonetheless, if that is not your thing, I would head to different places to learn more about the witch trials in Salem, Massachusetts. As for me, I really enjoyed this museum and I feel like I learned some new information.
Pyramid Books
You can’t go to Salem and not visit the largest metaphysical bookstore in New England. After the Salem Witch Museum, I decided to head towards the water. Head south on Hawthorne Street, snap a photo of the Nathaniel Hawthorne statue and turn left on Derby Street to find Pyramid Books. The front of the store is full of crystals, and the books are so interesting.
Seeing as I am not particularly into metaphysics, Wicca, or the like, I ended up stopping a perusing a book about dragons for a while because I surely am a nerd. The store is hanging in crystals; you will find beautiful figurines, incense, candles and more. I loved it there, to be honest.
I may have eavesdropped on someone’s tarot card reading because they provide that service as well. It was fascinating. I’m not creepy, I promise.
Stop in Pyramid Books if you love being surrounded by books, love the smell of incense, or are into the metaphysical.
Salem Witch Trials Memorial
Visiting this memorial on a rainy day seems appropriate. The ground is wet and covers the stone which has words carved into it. Twenty benches which have carved into them the names of those accused of witchcraft, their date of execution, and the means of execution make up the memorial.
The memorial was dedicated in 1992. The words carved into the stone slabs on the ground of the entryway are the protests of those accused. Words such as, “On my dying day, I am no witch”, and “I am wholly innocent of such wickedness” sit on the ground before you walk towards the stone benches.
Quietly walking around the benches you will see flowers on them. This contemplative memorial does justice to the horrible proceedings that took place in Salem in 1692.
You may be wondering why it took so long to build a memorial. It turns out that there were plans to build a memorial as early as 1892, however, the opposition won out over those who wanted to build it. They did not want to glorify the events in any way and felt that it may put a spotlight on the descendants of those who carried out the trials and executions.
Keep this in mind, when you visit the Salem Witch Trials Memorial and have plenty of respect for the dead.
The Old Burying Point
The Salem Witch Trials Memorial is adjacent to the Old Burying Point. For quiet day trips, I highly recommend cemeteries. Why? Because people are always quiet in them even if there are a lot of them.
The Old Burying Point is the oldest cemetery in Salem. It holds many notable people, even John Hathorne, notorious judge of the Salem Witch Trials.
The old tombstones scattered across the lot with trees growing between them give an eerie feeling. You can walk among them, however, some are blocked off from people to protect the integrity of the old stone.
While the old burying point was not crowded in the Summer, I imagine it can be more touristy in the Fall around Halloween. Please be quiet and respectful of the cemeteries within the city. These places are old, and we can do a lot of damage without realizing it.
Salem Maritime National Historic Site
After all the witchiness, it was time to see the water. The Salem Maritime National Historic Site is the place to go. You will first see the Salem Custom House.
From there I recommend walking down the Derby Waterfront District. You will pass the Pedrick Storehouse and a ship called the Friendship of Salem. These are both replicas but are a part of Salem’s history nonetheless. You can read more about them here.
Then I recommend walking all the way out to the Derby Wharf Light Station. The small block-shaped lighthouse has been here since 1871. From here you will have an excellent view of Salem Harbor, and if you have the time I recommend taking a seat and watching the boats coming in and out of the harbor, or the birds flying around. Sounds relaxing, right?
Wander Salem
There are many more places to tour and see in Salem, but a single day does not have enough time to tour them all. You can walk by and see most places, but you will run out of time if you decide to go into all of the museums.
When you leave the Maritime Historic Site, head east and you will find the House of the Seven Gables, made famous by Nathaniel Hawthorne’s book of the same name. Literary travelers should stop and take a tour for sure (I am really sad I was too late to do one).
On the way there, you will pass an ice cream shop called Captain Dusty’s. make a stop here because they have so many flavors of ice cream. The white Russian chip is amazing.
Candy lovers, if you continue down this street, you will see Ye Olde Pepper Companie, the first store to sell commercially made candy in the country. Grab some gilbralters and blackjacks to satisfy your sweet tooth and your love for history.
Another popular place that I missed was the Salem Witch House. This house is the last standing structure with ties to the witch trials and was home to Judge Jonathan Corwin.
Historical Salem
There is so much history in the city of Salem, Massachusetts. Spending a quiet day here is relaxing and educational, but you could easily spend a few days exploring all of the museums and old homes, and parks.
As you leave the city, make sure that you stop at the Bewitched statue to snap a photo with Sabrina. One last magical experience to end your day.
Do you enjoy exploring new places on your own? Have you been to Salem? What do I need to see when I return?
Wow, you did so much on your day in Salem! I never ended up visiting the Peabody Museum but I did pass by it several times.
I never went into the Ye Olde Pepper Companie but it looked so cute from the outside! I love the style of the buildings in Salem.
I absolutely loved spending as much time as possible wandering through the Old Burying Point Cemetery. You are right! Even though it was filled with people it was still a very quiet place.
Great post! It makes me want to go back to Salem and explore more!
I love that everyone who went to Travelcon shared some of their favorites from around Boston and Salem. It’s SO neat to see what each respective blogger decided to focus on too. I’m super bummed I missed out. Maybe next year.
Wicked Books sounds fantastic! I don’t remember all of these bookstores when I was there but it’s been a while. Time to go back!
Ahhh the Peabody too. I haven’t been there in ages!
I already want to go back! I loved the Peabody! I’m such a fan of art museums. Always nice and peaceful.
It would be so awesome to meet you at a travel conference! Just imagine the bookish adventures we could go on!