Let me first start by saying I am NOT a fan of Halloween.

Please nobody tell by best friend! She takes Halloween to the extent that most people take Christmas. I’m pretty sure she starts planning her outdoor Halloween extravaganza in July! Complete with the big skeleton she leaves up through December and dresses like the grinch. She’s that serious.

However, I am not a fan. I’m pretty sure it probably stems from a few traumatic events that include haunted houses and a friend dressed up as the guy from Scream-you know the one I’m talking about- with the white scary mask, chasing me around the yard at a Halloween party. That being said I have always wanted to visit Salem durning the Halloween season. It had been a bucket list item since before COVID, and by the way thanks COVID I had the trip all planned and then had to cancel and wait three years before I could go.

So finally have years of waiting, my trip was back on. I wanted to go to Salem and watch the reenactment of the witch trials, and I did just that! Bucket list achieved.

One thing I did not plan for was the crowd. Halloween is a very busy time in Salem. And I am NOT a crowd person. I repeat NOT a crowd person. In hind sight that was very stupid on my part. Not only was it crowded but most people were dressed up as witches. Imagine that! Witches around Halloween, in the most haunted town in the US. You could find the very basic witch hat all the way to slutty witch costume everywhere. Keep that in mind if you plan to go.

But Salem in fall is an absolutely beautiful town and the people were amazing with their hospitality. There is so much history in Salem and I plan to go back, just not during Halloween.

Our time in Salem was filled with the Witch trial reenactment that was put on at The Old Town Hall through the Cry Innocent company. Please check them out! It was not a long play but its was very informative and exactly what I hoped it would be when I had envisioned seeing it. They do other productions beside the Witch trails. So if the Witch trials aren’t your thing look to see what else they offer.

We also visited the famous Witch House or The House of the Seven Gables and The Old Burying Point Cemetery. Plan ahead if you want to go inside the Witch house. Tickets sell out fast. If you have time take a guided tour of the Burying point. Listening to the stories of the supposed witches and what happened to them- how they were hung or stoned. It brought tears to my eyes.

There are also many cool shops and restaurants through out the town. If you have time visit the Salem Witch Museum for more background into the witch trials. You can also find a bronze statute of Samantha from Bewitched on Essex street for a unique picture opportunity.

So while I’m not a fan of Halloween I am defiantly a fan of Salem and look foward to visiting the historic town again.