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Its All Just a Bunch of Hocus Pocus (A Weekend in Salem)
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items October is almost over but that doesn't mean you cant fit in a weekend trip to Salem, Massachusetts (at least through November right!). This was the PERFECT girls trip (and dare I say, spooky bachelorette or even family getaway??). Let me help you pl...
Sections
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What to Do 🎃
Where to Stay 🏚️
Where to Eat 🧪
What You'll Need 🧙
What to Do 🎃
Salem is a small town but it BLOWS up in the Autumn (as you'd expect). There is so much to do if you're into spooky stuff!
The most iconic buiding in Salem (and thats saying a lot, there are a lot of iconic buildings there)
The Witch House at Salem
The ONLY reason we didn't do this is because we already had checked baggage and didn't want to pay for a bag- but if you do carry on only and are willing to check your broom (or you drive to Salem!) this is a great activity
Make Your Own Broomstick
We did this tour and LOVED it- it was primarily focused on the history of the witch trials
History and Hauntings of Salem Guided Walking Tour
This is the other tour we did on our second night in Salem- they give you real ghost hunting equipment!
Salem Ghost Tour: Specters and Apparitions
Did you know Salem is where Hocus Pocus was filmed? There are sooo many iconic sights from the movie in this town!
Salem Hocus Pocus Location Tour
If you happen to be in town for any of these weekends- don't miss it!
Salem Night Faire
If you like Horror Movies- this is a must visit stop. its about $10 and you can see wax figures from all the movies- but its not like a wax museum- they are sooo realistic and scary
Count Orlok's Nightmare Gallery - Monster Museum | attraction in salem ...
A guide to Essex Street- the main pedestrian street in town. Pop in ALLL the shops and enjoy the street performers
Exploring Essex Street: Salem's Historic and Cultural Hub
It feels a bit odd to add a cemetary to a ‘to do’ list, but this has a great memorial to the victims of the Salem Witch Trials and is a can't miss
Charter Street Cemetery Welcome Center
Ever wondered what the actual witch trials were like? Well why not join this interactive play where you become one of the jurors
Cry Innocent
Where to Stay 🏚️
Salem has no shortage of haunts (get it??!) and actually, there are a few literally haunted hotels you can stay at- but don't worry there also comfortable cozy options too!
In the top 5 MOST HAUNTED hotels in the USA. Be aware, this one books out fast for autumn- so plan ahead if you're interested!
Hawthorne Hotel
Another spooky haunted option for Salem- and in an excellent location only a block from Essex Street
The Merchant, Salem (updated prices 2025)
This is where we stayed! It was in a pretty good location (a short walk), provided free breakfast and tea/ “mourning” coffee and most importantly, it was comfortable!
Hampton Inn Salem, Ma
A gorgeous historical option (though expect it to be expensive)- slightly off the main walking area
The Coach House, Salem (updated prices 2025)
Where to Eat 🧪
I have to admit, food and drink wasn't our main focus this trip- but there are some good options!
Our favorite spot we ate while in Salem- and funnily enough, also supposedly haunted by Bridget Bishop (the first woman killed in the Salem witch trials)
Turner's Seafood
Right on the corner of Essex Street (aka you can't miss it)- get the Blue Lady! Its named after a ghost that supposedly haunts this joint (a lof places are supposedly haunted here!)
Rockafellas Restaurant
One of the oldest candy shops (or maybe the oldest??) in America. Not all of the candy is made on site so be picky!
Ye Olde Pepper Candy Companie
Great cocktails (and a kitchen thats open late!) So you can get gourmet grilled cheese and corndogs
All Souls Lounge
Another fun bar we went to in Salem- some decent food but the real draw is all the arcade games!
Bit Bar Salem
If you're coming in October- you'll need a reservation, but even if you arent able to come for that- you can still visit the store! and its amazing!
Blackcraft Coffee
What You'll Need 🧙
Well, ya gotta dress the part don't you?!?!
You'll see this hat ALLLL over Salem- most of the shops sell them (for 3x the price!). Buy it for cheaper ahead of time :)
Leuceiy Halloween Witch Hat for Women Wide Brim
These are my favorite boots- and the only boots I packed for our salem weekend. Comfortable to wear all day!
Blundstone
Its my personal dream in life to dress like Sabrina the Teenage Witch- and this is the perfect city to do so in
Long-Sleeve Velour Mini Dress | Old Navy