Salem or Bust

Salem is officially known as the Witch City...and for good reason. Historically, Salem Massachusettes is the famed site of the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. In all, 19 men and women were convicted of praticing Witchcraft and faced death by hanging on Gallow's Hill. A grim fate indeed, but one that has evolved over time to give the city it's mystique and has served it well. Now people from all over the world fly off to Salem during the month of October just to be a part of all the witchy festivities. Today, there are actually REAL witches inhabiting Salem without fear for their very lives. Although they may have to worry about curses from competing Covens. Wiccan practictioners are a big part of Salem's tourism and economy. Diagon Alley of Harry Potter fame has nothing on Salem when it comes to Witch Shops. There is a bubbling cauldron of magick stores, witch supply shops, costume stores and the likes to choose from. You can purchase yourself a new Witch hat, or perhaps a love potion or crystal ball. You can find lovely Goth clothing, incense and a huge array of Halloween items with which to decorate your dungeon. Hands down, some of the best Halloween goodies to be had, anywhere.

And for lack of a better way to describe this sleepy little seaport town....I always say it looks just like Halloween Town. Cornstalks tied to the light poles, orange banners with Witches flying on their brooms, houses and storefronts decorated to the hilt with Jack O'Lanterns and orange lights. There is a chill in the air, the leaves are starting to turn colors and folks are milling about in sweaters, witch hats and scarves...ha! You can visit the Witch Museum, brave one of the many Haunted Houses, sit in on a live "Spell Casting" with a real Witch, or take a moonlit Graveyard tour just to name a few of the many bewitching and magickal things to do in Salem. But be sure to go in October when the enchantment is at its peak, because just like the colored leaves...when they're gone, so is the magick!

If you truly love Halloween, then you MUST go to Salem during October at least once in your life! It's an experience you'll remember fondly for the rest of days. And if you go...book hotels and plane tickets early. It is a popular Halloween destination and things fill up fast.

Salem Witch Shoppe Images © 2006 Wendy A. (All Rights Reserved)