I've had Salem on my bucket list for a few years now, especially to see the infamous Baphomet statue at The Satanic Temple. I finally set plans in motion last year when I found the perfect hotel to motivate me to make this dream a reality. You will probably think my choice of hotel theme is sadistic, but my whole personality right now is Terrifier 3, so something is obviously off with me. LOL. For my first trip, seeing Salem in early September was the best option to explore the town without crowds before I decided to adventure to Salem during the spooky season.
Traveling from Boston to Salem was easy. We took the MBTA subway to North Station from Back Bay Station and caught a 30-minute commuter rail to Salem. The total cost for one person was $10.40. When we arrived at North Station, we were confused about the location of the commuter rail and ended up going outside to cross the street to reach the tracks. We later noticed a passageway connecting the subway and rail system. Also, I was surprised that you needed to activate your ticket and scan it to enter the commuter rail area before boarding. The LIRR, NJ Transit, and Metro North in New York don't require this. Once we reached our destination, it was a 10-minute Uber ride to our hotel.
We stayed at The Cove Salem, a modern boutique hotel on the outskirts of Downtown Salem. The hotel had great reviews and was very clean and spacious. The Cove is owned by the Lark Family, who also operates The Hotel Salem and The Merchant, which are contemporary and trendy hotels in Salem. What caught my attention about The Cove were its themed rooms. They offer unique themes, such as gothic macabre, ice castle, medieval dungeon, forbidden forest, and witches cottage.
What theme did I choose? Haunted Circus. Yes, a room adorned with creepy, evil-looking clowns. It was described as "truly the scariest of all rooms" and was something out of a haunted house attraction—I loved it! The space was decorated with imagery of Ferris wheels, clowns, and classic circuses. I know you all think I'm a psychopath for sleeping in a room full of clowns, but it was a perfect fit for my love of horror.
After settling into our room, we took a 20-minute walk to Essex Street. As we strolled through the Bridge Street Neck neighborhood, I was amazed by the historical character of the homes, which featured Georgian and Greek revival styles. I particularly enjoyed the bold and distinct color combinations of each home. I was confused about why a few reviews for The Cove referred to the area as horrible and in the middle of nowhere. As a New Yorker, these comments made me chuckle. A 20-minute walk to Downtown Salem is NOT that bad. The area was quaint and quiet and didn't look run down or sketchy. These people should come to my apartment in Brooklyn when a random crackhead is yelling for no reason out on the corner.
We decided to eat at Boston Burger Company. I loved the decor! An Ouiji Board sign displayed the restaurant's name, and food-related tarot cards were adorned on the walls. Danny created his burger with outrageous options like mac n cheese, mozzarella sticks, onion rings, and fried pickles. He went with mozzarella cheese and mozzarella sticks with BBQ sauce. Danny is a mozzarella fiend, as you can tell. I went with a Cobb salad because I didn't think I could stomach a burger, but now I regret not trying their Thanksgiving turkey burger and mac n cheese egg rolls—next time. After dinner, we walked through Essex Street to get familiar with the area before returning to the hotel to rest.
Itinerary: Day 1
Ropes Mansion and Garden
Ropes Mansion is a historic colonial house built in 1727. It is known for its well-preserved architecture and charming gardens. The Ropes family, prominent figures in Salem’s history, once lived there. More famously, the Ropes Mansion was featured in the Halloween classic Hocus Pocus. I confess I am not a massive fan of the movie, but I wanted to take photos in front of the exterior anyway. We took a brief stroll through the gardens, and the grounds are beautifully kept. Visitors can tour the mansion to explore its period rooms, historic artifacts, and well-preserved interiors, but it was closed on Tuesday and Wednesday during our stay in Salem.
The Witch House at Salem
The Witch House is a historic building from the late 17th century. Officially known as the Jonathan Corwin House, it was the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin, who was involved in the Salem witch trials of 1692. The house is notable for its well-preserved colonial architecture. Surprisingly, the house is much smaller in person than I was expecting, and I almost walked past it! The house looks much more significant in photos. It is one of the few remaining buildings from the time of the witch trials and now serves as a museum dedicated to the history of the trials and the early colonial period. I didn’t tour the inside as I was primarily interested in taking the basic bitch Salem photo in front of the house.
The Witch House is a historic building from the late 17th century. Officially known as the Jonathan Corwin House, it was the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin, who was involved in the Salem witch trials of 1692. The house is notable for its well-preserved colonial architecture. Surprisingly, the house is much smaller in person than I was expecting, and I almost walked past it! The house looks much more significant in photos. It is one of the few remaining buildings from the time of the witch trials and now serves as a museum dedicated to the history of the trials and the early colonial period. I didn’t tour the inside as I was primarily interested in taking the basic bitch Salem photo in front of the house.
Blackcraft Salem
Visiting the Blackcraft store in Salem was a must! Blackcraft is a notable brand for alternative and gothic fashion and for those interested in occult and dark-themed merchandise. The store’s interior is iconic for its monumental witch statue hanging from its ceiling. Furthermore, the store is atmospheric and immersive, with dark, gothic decor and a favorable alternative rock and metal playlist. Ironically, I was irritated that my Unique Vintage package had arrived the day we left for Salem. I wanted to pair their black batwing collared blouse with my Ouija board dress from BlackMilk. Lo and behold, the blouse was in the Blackcraft store! It was also in my size! I had ordered a medium online because the small was out of stock. Praise Satan! I also ended up with pink Baphomet socks, their Hellcat Salem t-shirt (super comfortable), and a Lilith (Barbie) doll pink tote. Danny wanted these super cute Grim Reaper socks to top it off. I needed to get out of that store ASAP.
Visiting the Blackcraft store in Salem was a must! Blackcraft is a notable brand for alternative and gothic fashion and for those interested in occult and dark-themed merchandise. The store’s interior is iconic for its monumental witch statue hanging from its ceiling. Furthermore, the store is atmospheric and immersive, with dark, gothic decor and a favorable alternative rock and metal playlist. Ironically, I was irritated that my Unique Vintage package had arrived the day we left for Salem. I wanted to pair their black batwing collared blouse with my Ouija board dress from BlackMilk. Lo and behold, the blouse was in the Blackcraft store! It was also in my size! I had ordered a medium online because the small was out of stock. Praise Satan! I also ended up with pink Baphomet socks, their Hellcat Salem t-shirt (super comfortable), and a Lilith (Barbie) doll pink tote. Danny wanted these super cute Grim Reaper socks to top it off. I needed to get out of that store ASAP.
Blackcraft Coffee
There is a coffee shop in the back of the Blackcraft store. Danny ordered an Americano in their cute Blackcraft logo cups. I should have ordered the matcha brew because of the aesthetically pleasing photo, but I opted out of coffee since I’m not a drinker.
There is a coffee shop in the back of the Blackcraft store. Danny ordered an Americano in their cute Blackcraft logo cups. I should have ordered the matcha brew because of the aesthetically pleasing photo, but I opted out of coffee since I’m not a drinker.
Salem Witch Trials Memorial
The Salem Witch Trials Memorial is a tribute to the victims of the 1692 witch trials. The memorial features dark granite walls engraved with the names of those who were executed or died under suspicion of witchcraft. Each wall includes inscriptions reflecting their tragic fates. Overall, the Salem witch trials were a product of a perfect storm of religious fervor, social tensions, personal vendettas, and fear-driven hysteria. It’s jarring to think 19 innocent people were initially executed over some bored school girls pretending to be afflicted by witchcraft.
The Salem Witch Trials Memorial is a tribute to the victims of the 1692 witch trials. The memorial features dark granite walls engraved with the names of those who were executed or died under suspicion of witchcraft. Each wall includes inscriptions reflecting their tragic fates. Overall, the Salem witch trials were a product of a perfect storm of religious fervor, social tensions, personal vendettas, and fear-driven hysteria. It’s jarring to think 19 innocent people were initially executed over some bored school girls pretending to be afflicted by witchcraft.
The Burying Point
The Burying Point, also known as the Old Burying Point Cemetery, is one of the oldest cemeteries in the country. Established in 1637, it is the final resting place of many early settlers, including prominent figures of the Salem witch trials. The cemetery features historic gravestones with intricate carvings and inscriptions reflecting the colonial era. I don’t know why this intrigued me, but some of the epitaphs on the tombstones state, “Here lies the body of…” with a skull at the top. I know it’s not meant to be, but it seems so grim and morbid.
The Burying Point, also known as the Old Burying Point Cemetery, is one of the oldest cemeteries in the country. Established in 1637, it is the final resting place of many early settlers, including prominent figures of the Salem witch trials. The cemetery features historic gravestones with intricate carvings and inscriptions reflecting the colonial era. I don’t know why this intrigued me, but some of the epitaphs on the tombstones state, “Here lies the body of…” with a skull at the top. I know it’s not meant to be, but it seems so grim and morbid.
Salem Witch Board Museum
The Salem Witch Board Museum is dedicated to showcasing the history and cultural impact of Ouija boards and other spirit communication devices. It features an extensive collection of Ouija boards, planchettes, and related artifacts from various periods and styles. During my visit, the museum guide was friendly and knowledgeable about the history of the Ouija board. They shared the origins of the Ouija board and told the interesting story of the Swastika Board, which was produced after the original patent for the Ouija board expired in 1923. Despite its interesting backstory, the Swastika board never gained widespread popularity or recognition compared to its competitor, which became commercially successful and culturally prominent. The evident decline of the Swatiska Board is attributed to the use of the swastika symbol, which became tainted by the Nazi regime during World War II.
I’ve always been wary of the Ouija Board, which has prevented me from buying one, but the museum guide reassured us that the board is merely a tool of communication, and it is your intent that matters. The museum displayed Child’s Play and Beetlejuice versions of the Ouija Board, which I would love to own and hang on my walls. There was also a Barbie pink Ouija board. If I were to summon demons, it would definitely be on a Barbie witch board. Additionally, the writer Willaim Peter Blatty gifted the original script of The Exorcist! I’m inspired to watch Witchboard now, as films related to the Quija Board are also on display. The museum is small and pricey but still worth it if you're interested in the occult and the history of the Ouija Board.
The Salem Witch Board Museum is dedicated to showcasing the history and cultural impact of Ouija boards and other spirit communication devices. It features an extensive collection of Ouija boards, planchettes, and related artifacts from various periods and styles. During my visit, the museum guide was friendly and knowledgeable about the history of the Ouija board. They shared the origins of the Ouija board and told the interesting story of the Swastika Board, which was produced after the original patent for the Ouija board expired in 1923. Despite its interesting backstory, the Swastika board never gained widespread popularity or recognition compared to its competitor, which became commercially successful and culturally prominent. The evident decline of the Swatiska Board is attributed to the use of the swastika symbol, which became tainted by the Nazi regime during World War II.
I’ve always been wary of the Ouija Board, which has prevented me from buying one, but the museum guide reassured us that the board is merely a tool of communication, and it is your intent that matters. The museum displayed Child’s Play and Beetlejuice versions of the Ouija Board, which I would love to own and hang on my walls. There was also a Barbie pink Ouija board. If I were to summon demons, it would definitely be on a Barbie witch board. Additionally, the writer Willaim Peter Blatty gifted the original script of The Exorcist! I’m inspired to watch Witchboard now, as films related to the Quija Board are also on display. The museum is small and pricey but still worth it if you're interested in the occult and the history of the Ouija Board.
Count Orlok's Nightmare Gallery Monster Museum
This monster museum showcases many horror-themed exhibits, including life-sized replicas and figures of iconic monsters and horror figures. The life-sized replicas looked as if they were meticulously crafted. I wish we were allowed to take photos in the exhibit to document how amazing some of these monsters and horror icons looked, but alas, you must go to find out for yourself. The museum reminded me that there are horror films I still haven’t conquered. Again, this exhibit is pricey, like the Witch Board Museum, but it is worth the cost if you are a major fan of monsters and horror.
This monster museum showcases many horror-themed exhibits, including life-sized replicas and figures of iconic monsters and horror figures. The life-sized replicas looked as if they were meticulously crafted. I wish we were allowed to take photos in the exhibit to document how amazing some of these monsters and horror icons looked, but alas, you must go to find out for yourself. The museum reminded me that there are horror films I still haven’t conquered. Again, this exhibit is pricey, like the Witch Board Museum, but it is worth the cost if you are a major fan of monsters and horror.
Bewitched Sculpture
The sculpture honors the iconic TV show Bewitched. Unveiled in 2005, it depicts Samantha Stephens, the show's central character, in her signature witch pose. It is located at the intersection of Essex and Washington Streets, so we walked past this sculpture many times. While I am not a fan of Bewitched, it is still a fun piece of artwork as the sculpture celebrates the show's connection to Salem's witchcraft history.
The sculpture honors the iconic TV show Bewitched. Unveiled in 2005, it depicts Samantha Stephens, the show's central character, in her signature witch pose. It is located at the intersection of Essex and Washington Streets, so we walked past this sculpture many times. While I am not a fan of Bewitched, it is still a fun piece of artwork as the sculpture celebrates the show's connection to Salem's witchcraft history.
Flying Saucer Pizza Company
While looking for places to eat, The Flying Saucer Pizza Company caught my eye because of its unique pizzas and pop culture decor. They call the inside of their restaurant “nerd”vana. LOL. This place was perfect for us as Danny will eat pizza every day of his life, and I wanted to try their Pickle Rick pizza. I love the concept of pickles on pizza, while Danny thinks I’m disgusting. The Pickle Rick included olive oil, cheese, dill pickles, bacon, and ranch swirl. I’ve never had ranch on pizza before, so I was skeptical, but it turned out delicious! I don’t understand how people use ranch for everything they eat, as I always see it as a salad dressing and dipping sauce for veggies, but I can see why people like it on pizza.
Danny ordered their Space Invaders pizza, which included red sauce, cheese, sausage, and pepperoni. He opted out of the green pepper, red onion, and mushrooms because, god forbid, he eats vegetables. We both got small 12” pizzas but didn’t realize how big they would be. We also got the Hadouken appetizer, which included meatballs with your choice of dipping sauces. We went with BBQ and buffalo sauce, which were delicious when paired with the meatballs. They also have some fun drinks to choose from. We ordered the Beetlejuice in honor of The Ghost with the Most.
Itinerary: Day 2
The Satanic Temple
I finally got to check this off my bucket list!!! The Satanic Temple is a prominent and provocative organization dedicated to the principles of modern Satanism, which emphasizes secularism, social justice, and individual rights. The Satanic Temple advocates for the separation of church and state and religious pluralism. Its philosophy is rooted in rationalism and skepticism rather than supernatural beliefs. The Temple promotes satire and public demonstrations to address religious freedom and civil rights issues.
Salem's choice as a location is symbolic, aligning with the city's history of witch trials and its current association with occult and alternative belief systems. The Temple uses this historical context to challenge and critique religious and societal norms. It is also known for its public activism, including campaigns and events that address various social and political issues. This includes advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive rights, and the protection of secularism in public policy. If I ever practiced a religion, I always thought I’d end up a Satanist. Their practices and beliefs strongly align with my own.
The Salem headquarters features exhibits related to the Temple's history, principles, and activism. The Temple is open to the public almost daily from 12 to 5 pm, where you can tour the premises and its exhibits. I was obsessed with the dark, macabre decor! My dream house would look like this, with a random Barbie pink room to feed that demon inside of me, too. LOL. The Salem headquarters also houses the infamous and iconic Baphomet statue. As you can imagine, the statue has generated significant attention and controversy.
The statue was conceived by the Satanic Temple in 2015 and designed by artists Mark Porter and Dennis King. It features a winged, goat-headed figure, similar to the traditional depiction of Baphomet. However, the Satanic Temple's Baphomet is adorned with symbols like a pentagram. It features a child and a pair of horns, aiming to symbolize enlightenment, liberty, and the pursuit of knowledge. The Satanic Temple's Baphomet statue serves as a counterpoint to religious symbols on public property, challenging the presence of religious monuments on government land in conjunction with the separation between church and state.
The Satanic Temple initially proposed installing the Baphomet statue alongside a Ten Commandments monument at the Oklahoma State Capitol in 2015. The plan was met with significant opposition, and the statue was never installed due to legal and political obstacles. I’m glad the Baphomet statue is not in Oklahoma, as I have no desire to visit any southern state in the US. The Salem Art Gallery is currently the temporary home of the statue. I eagerly anticipated seeing this statue in person, and it did not disappoint. It is a stunning work of art, and I'm ecstatic to finally see it in person! Before saying goodbye to the Temple, Danny bought their children’s book, Goodnight Baphomet. It’s super adorable!
While looking for places to eat, The Flying Saucer Pizza Company caught my eye because of its unique pizzas and pop culture decor. They call the inside of their restaurant “nerd”vana. LOL. This place was perfect for us as Danny will eat pizza every day of his life, and I wanted to try their Pickle Rick pizza. I love the concept of pickles on pizza, while Danny thinks I’m disgusting. The Pickle Rick included olive oil, cheese, dill pickles, bacon, and ranch swirl. I’ve never had ranch on pizza before, so I was skeptical, but it turned out delicious! I don’t understand how people use ranch for everything they eat, as I always see it as a salad dressing and dipping sauce for veggies, but I can see why people like it on pizza.
Danny ordered their Space Invaders pizza, which included red sauce, cheese, sausage, and pepperoni. He opted out of the green pepper, red onion, and mushrooms because, god forbid, he eats vegetables. We both got small 12” pizzas but didn’t realize how big they would be. We also got the Hadouken appetizer, which included meatballs with your choice of dipping sauces. We went with BBQ and buffalo sauce, which were delicious when paired with the meatballs. They also have some fun drinks to choose from. We ordered the Beetlejuice in honor of The Ghost with the Most.
Itinerary: Day 2
The Satanic Temple
I finally got to check this off my bucket list!!! The Satanic Temple is a prominent and provocative organization dedicated to the principles of modern Satanism, which emphasizes secularism, social justice, and individual rights. The Satanic Temple advocates for the separation of church and state and religious pluralism. Its philosophy is rooted in rationalism and skepticism rather than supernatural beliefs. The Temple promotes satire and public demonstrations to address religious freedom and civil rights issues.
Salem's choice as a location is symbolic, aligning with the city's history of witch trials and its current association with occult and alternative belief systems. The Temple uses this historical context to challenge and critique religious and societal norms. It is also known for its public activism, including campaigns and events that address various social and political issues. This includes advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive rights, and the protection of secularism in public policy. If I ever practiced a religion, I always thought I’d end up a Satanist. Their practices and beliefs strongly align with my own.
The Salem headquarters features exhibits related to the Temple's history, principles, and activism. The Temple is open to the public almost daily from 12 to 5 pm, where you can tour the premises and its exhibits. I was obsessed with the dark, macabre decor! My dream house would look like this, with a random Barbie pink room to feed that demon inside of me, too. LOL. The Salem headquarters also houses the infamous and iconic Baphomet statue. As you can imagine, the statue has generated significant attention and controversy.
The statue was conceived by the Satanic Temple in 2015 and designed by artists Mark Porter and Dennis King. It features a winged, goat-headed figure, similar to the traditional depiction of Baphomet. However, the Satanic Temple's Baphomet is adorned with symbols like a pentagram. It features a child and a pair of horns, aiming to symbolize enlightenment, liberty, and the pursuit of knowledge. The Satanic Temple's Baphomet statue serves as a counterpoint to religious symbols on public property, challenging the presence of religious monuments on government land in conjunction with the separation between church and state.
The Satanic Temple initially proposed installing the Baphomet statue alongside a Ten Commandments monument at the Oklahoma State Capitol in 2015. The plan was met with significant opposition, and the statue was never installed due to legal and political obstacles. I’m glad the Baphomet statue is not in Oklahoma, as I have no desire to visit any southern state in the US. The Salem Art Gallery is currently the temporary home of the statue. I eagerly anticipated seeing this statue in person, and it did not disappoint. It is a stunning work of art, and I'm ecstatic to finally see it in person! Before saying goodbye to the Temple, Danny bought their children’s book, Goodnight Baphomet. It’s super adorable!
The House of the Seven Gables
The House of the Seven Gables is a historic house museum built in 1668, associated with Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel of the same name. Hawthorne, a renowned American novelist, had a familial connection to the Salem witch trials through his ancestor, Judge John Hathorne. This connection influenced his portrayal of moral and ethical issues in his literature, adding personal and historical depth to his exploration of themes related to judgment and virtue. I don't think I've ever read "The House of the Seven Gables" or "The Scarlet Letter" as an uncultured swine, but I am inclined to do so now.
I purchased a grounds pass instead of a mansion tour because I was more interested in capturing photos outside than exploring the interior. It’s an ongoing theme with me, lol. It was a beautiful, breezy, sunny day when we visited. The mansion is situated near Salem Harbor, offering a stunning view. However, the campus is currently at risk due to rising sea levels and increased possibility of flooding. It's projected that by 2030, the water could breach the seawall and cause significant damage to the site. A plan is in place for The House of Seven Gables to mitigate the effects of ongoing climate change. Considering the site's incredible beauty, I was deeply saddened to accept this reality.
I love the gothic architectural style of the mansion. This historic building features a gabled roof with multiple triangular sections. Its symmetrical facade has a central entrance and overhanging eaves. I spent most of my time admiring the mansion and the garden. The bright, pastel flowers provided a striking contrast against the matte black house. I'm glad I took the time to visit the grounds, as it wasn't my top priority when coming to Salem.
Blackcraft Coffee
Since I regretted not getting a fancy drink the first time, we came back to Blackcraft Coffee so I could try their The Good Witch drink because it was pink, pretty, and Instragramable. The Good Witch consisted of espresso, red velvet, ground cinnamon, vanilla syrup, and choice of milk. It was topped with whipped cream and sprinkles. The drink was delicious until I reached the bottom of the drink, where I suspect I reached the coffee/espresso part. LOL.
The House of the Seven Gables is a historic house museum built in 1668, associated with Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel of the same name. Hawthorne, a renowned American novelist, had a familial connection to the Salem witch trials through his ancestor, Judge John Hathorne. This connection influenced his portrayal of moral and ethical issues in his literature, adding personal and historical depth to his exploration of themes related to judgment and virtue. I don't think I've ever read "The House of the Seven Gables" or "The Scarlet Letter" as an uncultured swine, but I am inclined to do so now.
I purchased a grounds pass instead of a mansion tour because I was more interested in capturing photos outside than exploring the interior. It’s an ongoing theme with me, lol. It was a beautiful, breezy, sunny day when we visited. The mansion is situated near Salem Harbor, offering a stunning view. However, the campus is currently at risk due to rising sea levels and increased possibility of flooding. It's projected that by 2030, the water could breach the seawall and cause significant damage to the site. A plan is in place for The House of Seven Gables to mitigate the effects of ongoing climate change. Considering the site's incredible beauty, I was deeply saddened to accept this reality.
I love the gothic architectural style of the mansion. This historic building features a gabled roof with multiple triangular sections. Its symmetrical facade has a central entrance and overhanging eaves. I spent most of my time admiring the mansion and the garden. The bright, pastel flowers provided a striking contrast against the matte black house. I'm glad I took the time to visit the grounds, as it wasn't my top priority when coming to Salem.
Blackcraft Coffee
Since I regretted not getting a fancy drink the first time, we came back to Blackcraft Coffee so I could try their The Good Witch drink because it was pink, pretty, and Instragramable. The Good Witch consisted of espresso, red velvet, ground cinnamon, vanilla syrup, and choice of milk. It was topped with whipped cream and sprinkles. The drink was delicious until I reached the bottom of the drink, where I suspect I reached the coffee/espresso part. LOL.
Bit Bar Salem
We chose to eat at Bit Bar Salem, a restaurant with an arcade. I ordered the Basic Bit burger, while Danny got the baked mac and cheese with garlic knots. The atmosphere of this place was great, with delicious comfort food, classic video games, nostalgic cartoons, and old Japanese commercials on the TV screens. We watched a sequence of Godzilla commercials, my favorite being the Dr. Pepper one because it confirms it is the best soda, even though Danny will not admit it. After dinner, we played skeeball, Mario Kart, TMNT: Turtles in Time, and House of the Dead. The highlight of the arcade was the Godzilla pinball machine. It’s funny how the G-Man seems to be with us everywhere we go. I had no idea there would be a Godzilla game when I found this restaurant online.
We chose to eat at Bit Bar Salem, a restaurant with an arcade. I ordered the Basic Bit burger, while Danny got the baked mac and cheese with garlic knots. The atmosphere of this place was great, with delicious comfort food, classic video games, nostalgic cartoons, and old Japanese commercials on the TV screens. We watched a sequence of Godzilla commercials, my favorite being the Dr. Pepper one because it confirms it is the best soda, even though Danny will not admit it. After dinner, we played skeeball, Mario Kart, TMNT: Turtles in Time, and House of the Dead. The highlight of the arcade was the Godzilla pinball machine. It’s funny how the G-Man seems to be with us everywhere we go. I had no idea there would be a Godzilla game when I found this restaurant online.
The Witch House at Salem
I asked Danny if we could take photos in front of The Witch House again because it was super sunny the day before, and there was a sign out front. Now that the sun was going down, there was no sign outside, and the lighting was much better.
I asked Danny if we could take photos in front of The Witch House again because it was super sunny the day before, and there was a sign out front. Now that the sun was going down, there was no sign outside, and the lighting was much better.
Ropes Mansion and Garden
Since the Ropes Mansion is near The Witch House, we decided to take photos here again, too, without the sun blasting my eyes. If you want to take pictures in front of these iconic houses, I’d recommend doing so at sunset.
I'm happy that I completed most of my itinerary for Salem. Unfortunately, I forgot to take a photo in front of the Salem Witch Museum at sundown. I wasn't interested in going inside (again… a running theme with me, lol), but I love its exterior at night with its gothic style and eerie atmosphere, especially when the red light glows through its tall windows. Based on the online reviews I read before our trip to Salem, the museum seems outdated and not worth visiting. The Peabody Essex Museum offers a better exhibit for the Salem Witch Trials, with actual artifacts, documents, and artwork related to the trials. The PEM is also one of the oldest continuously operating museums in the US. Unfortunately, the museum was closed on the days we were in town.
I had a wonderful time in Salem! We spent two and a half days exploring the city at a relaxed pace. I don't like cramming too many activities into one day and not having time to savor the experience. Visiting Salem at the beginning of September was perfect. People were around, but it was relatively quiet, which meant I could take photos at my own pace without interruptions. Although I enjoy autumn and witchy vibes, I was wary of the Halloween crowds. We missed the fall crowds coming in on Friday the 13th. I’d still like to visit in October to see the Halloween decorations. I’m also salty that Blackcraft Coffee changed its specialty menu to include fall drinks like Apple Brew. I’m about to make another four-hour trip. LOL. I wish we could have spent a day or two in Boston, too, but we couldn't due to Danny's MLW schedule.
It was nice to finally have a week off and not have work on my mind. The last time I had a break was during Christmas. Besides that, it has been over a year since I've been on a proper vacation because I had to take care of some financial responsibilities. I don't know when I'll get to go on a week-long vacation again, but breathing in the fresh air and exploring a new city for a few days free of stress and anxiety is still great. Sometimes, I don't realize how much I need to clear my mind and relax. I need more weeks like these where I can unplug from everything and everyone. Weekends just aren't enough!
Since the Ropes Mansion is near The Witch House, we decided to take photos here again, too, without the sun blasting my eyes. If you want to take pictures in front of these iconic houses, I’d recommend doing so at sunset.
I'm happy that I completed most of my itinerary for Salem. Unfortunately, I forgot to take a photo in front of the Salem Witch Museum at sundown. I wasn't interested in going inside (again… a running theme with me, lol), but I love its exterior at night with its gothic style and eerie atmosphere, especially when the red light glows through its tall windows. Based on the online reviews I read before our trip to Salem, the museum seems outdated and not worth visiting. The Peabody Essex Museum offers a better exhibit for the Salem Witch Trials, with actual artifacts, documents, and artwork related to the trials. The PEM is also one of the oldest continuously operating museums in the US. Unfortunately, the museum was closed on the days we were in town.
I had a wonderful time in Salem! We spent two and a half days exploring the city at a relaxed pace. I don't like cramming too many activities into one day and not having time to savor the experience. Visiting Salem at the beginning of September was perfect. People were around, but it was relatively quiet, which meant I could take photos at my own pace without interruptions. Although I enjoy autumn and witchy vibes, I was wary of the Halloween crowds. We missed the fall crowds coming in on Friday the 13th. I’d still like to visit in October to see the Halloween decorations. I’m also salty that Blackcraft Coffee changed its specialty menu to include fall drinks like Apple Brew. I’m about to make another four-hour trip. LOL. I wish we could have spent a day or two in Boston, too, but we couldn't due to Danny's MLW schedule.
It was nice to finally have a week off and not have work on my mind. The last time I had a break was during Christmas. Besides that, it has been over a year since I've been on a proper vacation because I had to take care of some financial responsibilities. I don't know when I'll get to go on a week-long vacation again, but breathing in the fresh air and exploring a new city for a few days free of stress and anxiety is still great. Sometimes, I don't realize how much I need to clear my mind and relax. I need more weeks like these where I can unplug from everything and everyone. Weekends just aren't enough!
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