The entrance to the Witch
Museum in Salem.
In 1692, the residents of Salem, Massachusetts were in great distress. Their reverend's daughter, nine-year-old Elizabeth Parris, and his 11-year-old niece, Abigail Williams, began acting strangely. A doctor was brought in to determine the young girls' "affliction." He diagnosed the girls as being under the influence of Satan.
In less than a year's time, this fanciful "diagnosis" brought tragedy to Salem; the town was torn apart by accusations and paranoia. The young girls accused many innocent villagers and the renowned Salem witch trials meant death for several men and women in the town. Twenty-seven people died and hundreds more faced accusations. At Gallows Hill, 19 men and women were hung, after being convicted of witchcraft. Giles Corey, another victim, was pressed to death beneath heavy boulders when he refused to submit to a trial. Others died while waiting for their trials in a dreary jail.
Salem's famous witchcraft connections draw record crowds during the Halloween season. Visitors can find plenty of spooky attractions to enjoy during this month and beyond. Restaurants, a charming seaport, and several historic buildings make the town an attractive destination year-round.
Follow the Heritage Trail and you can learn about the witch trials' influence over the town. Before you start out on the trail, keep your strength up with a good breakfast. Why not dine where several local patriots met prior to the American Revolution? Red's Sandwich Shop is located in an 18th century building on Central Street. Open from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and Sundays from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m., you can find huge chocolate chip or strawberry pancakes at Red's. Be sure to time your breakfast right to beat the crowd: we arrived before 9 a.m. and were seated right away. As we left, the line had made its way out the door, which we hear is a common occurrence at Red's.
If you are looking for a good overview of the witch trials, start out at the Salem Witch Museum, where there are 13 stage sets showcasing the important facts of the period. Located on Washington Square, the museum's Gothic revival building is easy to locate. While Salem is an easy town to walk around, some may want to hop on one of the two trolleys operating in town. CityView Trolley Tours and Salem Trolley offer visitors a unique way to see the sites--you can hop on and off the trolley at select locations throughout town.
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When it's time for lunch, Salem Brothers Deli & Restaurant is a good choice. Freshly made entrees include flavorful sandwiches, subs, wraps, and gyros. Hearty salads, along with entrees like broiled scallops, fried clams, and steak tips, are all available. Leave room for a homemade cookie or baklava.
A relaxing historic way to spend the afternoon is at The House of the Seven Gables. Occupying its own National Historic Landmark District, this house, which was made famous in Nathaniel Hawthorne's classic book of the same name, is open for tours from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., July through November 1, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., November 2 through June. Located at 115 Derby Street, the site features lovely gardens and scenic views of Salem Harbor.
Dinner time in Salem means seafood. Finz Seafood & Grill has a delectable menu. Located on Pickering Wharf, the restaurant also offers wonderful water views. From filet mignon to lobster and beyond, the restaurant has entrees that will appeal to all tastes. Finz also has a comfortable relaxed bar where you can enjoy cocktails and appetizers.
After an early dinner, head over to Old Town Hall on Front Street. Derby Square Tours will take you by candlelight through the city. If you are interested in taking a spin along the Terror Trail in October, be sure to make reservations. The popular tour often sells out, with reservations being made as early as May. During the hour-long Witch Trial Tour, the oldest walking tour in Salem, historian and author Jim McAllister shares many tales from Salem's history and clears up many misconceptions from this pivotal time in American history. "This is a story of fear, hate, and bad luck," says McAllister. The evening tour gives visitors a unique perspective.
If you can't fit everything in on one day, check into the Salem Waterfront Hotel & Marina, centrally located on Pickering Wharf. October is the hotel's busiest month. If possible, book your room early!
To find out more information about Salem, visit www.salem.org or call Destination Salem at 1-877-SALEMMA.
Julie Cotnoir lives in Enfield, CT.
