Check Out Famous Hocus Pocus Movie Sites
Are you a child of the late 80s or early 90s? Chances are you grew up watching Hocus Pocus, a classic Halloween film set in Salem starring Bette Midler. I loved this movie growing upand truthfully I still doso when we visited Salem I had to see the local spots where the movie was filmed.
If youre visiting Salem, MA in October, the season is just perfect to reminisce about your favorite Halloween movie.
There are many film sites in the region and you can see them on your own with no tour. We wrote an entire guide to the Hocus Pocus sites in Salem so you can follow along and check them all out!
Recommended Hotels And Places To Stay In Salem
Explore The Witchy Shops
Part of the fun of traveling to Salem, Massachusetts is simply wandering around the town and enjoying its many unusual shops and businesses.
There are campy souvenir stores, of course, but there are also small magical shops that have a much more authentic feel. These are truly worth a visit due to their enchanting interiors and the unique array of goods inside. If youre interested in a palm reading, tarot, or other services, there are plenty of options to be found throughout Salem.
There are also stores that celebrate local arts and crafts or culinary goods. And many, many delicious restaurants. We recommend:
- Howling Wolf Taqueria Awesome Mexican joint with very affordable prices. Great margaritas. The food was excellent and the restaurant very crowdedshowing just how popular it is!
- Gulu Gulu Cafe Great for a tasty cup of coffee or a yummy lunch. The interior of the cafe is very quirky, and we were quite fond of their canine logo.
- Mercy Tavern A cozy, newer spot in town which felt off the beaten path, and served up delectable dishes. Nathan had a juicy cheeseburger, Amy had outstanding New England clam chowder , and we enjoyed a local cider from Far From the Tree. Apparently their mac n cheese is also to die for!
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Start Planning Your Trip To Salem Ma
Salem, Massachusetts is an amazing city, full of activities historical, natural, and communal.
Its legacy is much deeper than witch trials, though those are still an important part.
Come to Salem, Massachusetts to see a town unlike any other.
Youll never look at colonial history the same way ever again.
Ninetour Punto Urban Art Museum
Located in the Point Neighborhood, Punto Urban Art Museum is an open-air museum that features 85 large-scale murals and 40 world-renowned artists. Its a five minute walk from downtown and free to explore. Share your favorite murals with us by tagging @destsalem in your posts!
Punto Urban Art Museum
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Fun And Free Things To Do In Salem Ma
Salem is one of Massachusetts most well-known cities, especially due to its historical and cultural significance. Salems reputation today is mainly focused on its witchy history and its present day magical vibe. This makes Salem a great tourist destination for fans of the spooky and historic alike but thats not all the city has to offer. And if youre on a budget? Dont you worry. There is plenty to do here that doesnt cost a dime. Keep reading to learn about some of our favorite free things to do in Salem MA.
Psst! Dont miss our ultimate guide to visiting Salem in October, featuring all the top things to do on a trip to Salem.
Reach The Sky With Infinity & Beyond Llc Hot Air Balloon Rides
Get a fantastic view of the city by booking an appointment with Infinity & Beyond Llc Hot Air Balloon Rides.
The hot air balloon service runs year-round and any day of the week but requires a reservation for any time slot.
You can float through the air for as long as an hour and fifteen minutes, not including the preparation process, and enjoy different seasonal views depending on the time you booked.
As a bonus for your trip through the sky, the staff offers you a glass of champagne once you land.
You’ll be sure to experience a fantastic service when booking a tour with Infinity & Beyond Llc Hot Air Balloon Rides.
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There Are Plenty Of Salem Attractions And Things To Do That Will Leave You Spellbound In The Fun And Fantastical City
Cathryn McCann3.8010
Please note that many establishments throughout New England have modified their hours and/or operations in response to COVID-19. Always check for the latest information before making travel plans.
One of New Englands most quirky, colorful, and historical places is Salem, Massachusetts. A well-known destination for all of its witch-themed Halloween festivities in October, the city has plenty of attractions to check out and enjoy year-round. For a fun blend of history, fantasy, and activity, here are 13 of our favorite Salem attractions and things to do.
Best Hotels In Salem Or
Looking for the best hotels in Salem, OR? A few of the most popular hotels near Salem, OR are not hard to miss. From one to five star hotels, to cheap and pet-friendly hotels in Salem, OR.
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Mall At Rockingham Park
If you enjoy shopping as a fun way to spend your time, the Mall at Rockingham Park is a destination that will entice you. The mall has more than 150 stores, including large anchor stores such as Macy’s, Lord & Taylor and JCPenney, and specialty stores such as Apple and Coach. Shoppers can also make use of the 10-plus eateries, ranging from fast food to dine-in options such as Ruby Tuesday.
Take A Candlelit Ghost Tour
Visiting Salem in October? Going on a ghost tour is a must!
With its dark past, its no surprise that Salem has a ghostly history. New England as a whole seems to be filled with haunted sites and hair-raising stories.
To learn more about the local haunts, join in on one of many walking tours that are available in Salem. There are many different options to choose from, but we went with this Candlelit Ghostly Walking Tour.
Armed with tiny lanterns, we followed our tour guide to notable sites around the town of Salem and learned a bit of the hidden history. It was just the right level of spooky!
You can buy tickets for this walking tour at the Salem Wax Museum. Youll visit sights including the most haunted building in Salem, the site of the old Salem prison, and more.
Want to go on another ghost tour? The city is bursting with them! Check out this list of 9 recommended ghost tours in Salem for more detailed information. Some of the favorites include the Salem Voodoo Vampires and Ghosts Tour, the adults only Mysteries and Murders Walking Tour, and the highly-rated Haunted Footsteps Ghost Tour.
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Dig Into The History Of America’s Stonehenge
Every city has its tourist attraction, and for Salem, it is America’s Stonehenge.
What makes this attraction so unique is that after thousands of years, the stone structures in the area continue to stand, and the site itself has plenty for you to explore.
Both history and nature fans will have their share of exploration with the thirty acres of land on this site.
Even if you are neither history nor a nature fan, there are other features you can enjoy at this site.
One of them is the group of alpacas you can meet.
You can explore the site or visit the alpacas on any day.
Check out any other information on America’s Stonehenge website.
New England Pirate Museum
New England Pirate Museum
Sure, witches get all of the hype, but other groups have been a big part of Salem, Massachusetts.
For instance, pirates pillaged and plundered here years ago.
The best place to learn about these nautical thieves and their dastardly exploits is at the New England Pirate Museum.
Pirates like Blackbeard might just seem like theyre part of pop culture lore, thanks to movies and cartoons.
However, they were very real and certainly caused a lot of terror for people.
The New England Pirate Museum is a high-quality museum that brings you into the world of piracy.
You can explore a recreated ship and explore a cave, like where pirates would hide their treasure.
Plus, you can hear about what it was like to be a pirate from passionate actors.
The New England Pirate Museum is one of the most fun places to see in Salem.
The entertainment of learning about pirates and seeing these attractions is too good to pass up.
This museum is open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Address: 274 Derby St, Salem, MA 01970, United States
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Count Orloks Nightmare Gallery
Count Orloks Nightmare Gallery
Do you just adore science fiction and horror films?
Then you need to come to Count Orloks Nightmare Gallery.
Known as a monster museum, it offers incredible exhibits about stars of these genres.
Theres so much creepiness to experience and revel in at Count Orloks Nightmare Gallery.
This is one of the best things to do in Salem if you love movies.
There are disturbingly realistic wax figures, lots of movie trivia, and an excellent gift shop.
It might be a little unsettling if you get scared easily, but thats a big part of the thrill.
When a movie is scary enough, you can forget that its the work of actors and special effects.
Count Orloks Nightmare Gallery brings you back to that feeling.
Its open on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Address: 217 Essex St, Salem, MA 01970, United States
Salem Witch Board Museum
If youre scratching your head, wondering what a witch board is, just replace it with ouija board.
This Salem, Massachusetts attraction focuses on these vessels to the beyond.
Whatever you think of ouija boards and their legitimacy, its hard to deny how interesting they are.
Coming to Salem this weekend?
Give this museum a visit.
Here, you can see scores of ouija boards and learn all about their history.
Of course, no ouija board museum would be complete without one to try out yourself.
Thankfully, theres a seance room with one here.
Just make sure you dont ask anything youre not sure youre ready to have answered.
Sightseeing activities like visiting the Salem Witch Board Museum help to make Salem so much fun to visit, even if it can be a little creepy at times.
Its one of the best places to visit for exploring a history that you mightve not known as deep as it is.
The Salem Witch Board Museum is open from Sundays to Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Address: 127 Essex St, Salem, MA 01970, United States
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Wander The Salem Psychic Fair And Witches Market
Throughout the month of October, the city of Salem hosts an annual Festival of the Dead in preparation for the locals favorite holiday, Halloween. The Festival consists of several unique events and activities, but the highlight is the Salem Psychic Fair and Witches Market. Running from the 1st to the 31st of October, 176 Essex Street in the historic district of Salem will feature a variety of psychics specializing in tarot card readings, past life explorations, clairvoyance, and much more. There will also be vendors offering metaphysical and magic-inspired products such as herbs and crystals, voodoo dolls, jewelry, and spell kits. Even if youre not a believer in witchcraft or the paranormal, admission to the Salem Psychic Fair and Witches Market is free, so why not check it out?
Best Tours In Salem Or
Looking for the best tours in Salem, OR? Then look no further than our comprehensive list of the top Tours near Salem, OR. No matter if youre an adventurer or a history buff, you are sure to find something youll love to tour around the Salem, OR area.
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Things To Do With Kids In Salem Nh
- TripBuzz found 387 things to do with kids in or near Salem, New Hampshire, including 379 fun activities for kids in nearby cities within 25 miles like Salem, Lowell, Manchester and Concord.
- From Canobie Lake Park to Yankee Cannonball Rollercoaster, the Salem area offers 114 different types of family activities, including: Amusement Parks , Forests, Parks and Historic Sites.
- Located in New Hampshire’s Rockingham County is the city of Salem. Primarily a marketing and distribution area for the state, the city is also a popular tourist destination in the states southern region. The most popular point of interest is the cities Canobie Lake Park, popular for fishing, boating, hiking and watching local wildlife. Other attractions include the areas shopping, local parks and America’s Stonehenge.
Americas Stonehenge Salem New Hampshire
Named after Englands famous Stonehenge archaeological site, Americas Stonehenge is located on a 30-acre site in Salem. The site encompasses a number of large rocks and stone structures whose origins are uncertain. Some scientists believe that the site was the result of a 20th century archaeological hoax, while others argue that the remains could be pre-Columbian in origin and thus very significant. Archaeological evidence is sparse and conflicting, but it is now widely thought that the site was assembled in the 18th or 19th century. Whichever way you view it, it is a beautiful place to take a walk while you ponder the possible origins. There is also an alpaca farm on the site.
Americas Stonehenge, 105 Haverhill Rd, Salem, NH 03079, Phone: 603-893-8300
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Where to Go in Massachusetts: You can learn about more nearby places to visit by referring to our pages on the Top Tourist Attractions in Massachusetts and Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Boston and Cambridge. These will give you a good overview of the major sites and help in planning your trip. If you are heading to this area in summer or even in the shoulder seasons, the shore north of Boston has some of the best beaches in Massachusetts, as well as some good walking and hiking trails, and other destinations for weekend getaways.
Exploring Nearby New Hampshire: If you travel just a bit farther north, you can explore historic Portsmouth and the other attractions of New Hampshire. For outdoor enthusiasts, northern New Hampshire is home to the White Mountains, where you’ll find some of New England’s best hiking trails and campgrounds, as well as some of the East’s best mountains for skiing. Just north of Portsmouth is the beautiful Maine seacoast.
Spend Time At The Witch House
The Salem Witch House is definitely one of the top Salem attractions. This is a great place to get a historic overview of the witch trials that is factual and straightforward. This house was once home to Jonathan Corwin, who served as a judge in the witchcraft trials of 1692. This house was the site of family tragedy and Judge Corwin himself was known as being pretty harsh and unyielding, so it may come as no surprise that this is one of several possible haunted places in New England.
The Witch House is absolutely worth a visit. Though Salem is full of history, this building is unique in that it is the only still-standing structure with direct ties to the witch trialsplus it just looks incredibly spooky and Salem-esque!
Inside the house, you can take a self-guided tour. There is plenty to see and study and information lining the walls shares the history of both the witch trials and the time period in general.
Theres so much detail about daily living in those times, and you can really imagine what it was like to live in a home such as Judge Corwins.
There are a few guides within the house who are extremely knowledgeable and readily answer any of your questions. We recommend arriving early in the morning to avoid any crowds and have this fascinating house almost completely to yourself.
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Explore The Trails At Salem Town Forest
Anyone who’s a fan of nature will want to check out the three hundred-plus acres of land of the Salem Town Forest.
In the Salem Town Forest, you’ll find a variety of trails that can accommodate different levels of hikers.
The trails are also great for strolls, cycling, or even riding a horse.
Another feature the forest provides is an option to do some hunting and fishing.
Other activities are available to try at this location, but you’ll need to fill out forms to do so.
Some of these activities that require authorization are camping and maple sugar sap collection.
To learn more about the options, you can check out the town’s website on who to contact.
