Salem, MA - October 2024 Trip Report

Question

On a whim, we have decided to drive to Salem after a long break. It wasn’t our first time of course but we had never been there so close to the Halloween. After desperate attempts to find parking (took us an hour!!!), we headed to Collins Cove Park and Beach and easily parked there. Then we walked for 15 minutes and arrived right at the center: on insanely busy Essex Street full of early Halloween revelers. Luckily, the goal of our trip was not Halloween attractions and tacky souvenirs.

We headed directly to the Peabody Essex Museum, which was free for us as NARM members and not crowded for a change. We enjoyed its beautiful full of light modern building, and very interesting exhibits related to the infamous “Witches of Salem Trial”, one of the saddest parts of the pilgrims’ history in our country. One more poignant reminder of how evil things become when it comes to religious zealots. We also liked almost everything on the third floor, where plenty of beautiful Asians objects of art are displayed. Salem was a town of seafarers and many of these objects have been brought to Massachusetts on their ships. On the second floor I was very impressed by some gorgeous glass art objects, including Dale Chihuly’s vase. Then we had a nice lunch at the museum cafe (two cups of clam chowder, tuna sandwich for my husband and a mini veggie quiche for me).

After the museum, we went back to Essex Street, which I hated, and visited the Old Burying Point Cemetery (nothing to write home about), looked at the pretty facade of the Old Town Hall Building, and enjoyed lovely garden of the Ropes Mansion and Garden (the Mansion is opened only on weekends). Then we walked back to our car and I was glad to head home to get away from insane crowds and all the Halloween bonanza.

Honestly, I was disgusted by all that witchcraft craziness happening in old and historic Salem. The Salem trial is about the victims, completely innocent and brutally destroyed by so called “judges”, it is NOT about the “witches”, whatever it means. Instead of paying respects to these poor women, men and children, the town decided to concentrate on satisfying the mobs of half-witted “witchcraft” lovers. It is a such a shame. Harsh opinion, I know… in no way I am trying to diminish the charm of historical Salem and we will be very happy to return, but most definitely NOT in October.

Answer

Visiting Salem, Massachusetts in October is an experience unlike any other time of year, as the town embraces Halloween with a mix of historic attractions and seasonal festivities. From your report, it’s clear that the crowds and Halloween-themed commercialization can overwhelm the historical aspects of Salem, especially around Essex Street.

Despite the busy streets and Halloween hype, there are still many worthwhile experiences for visitors who focus on Salem’s rich history, art, and culture rather than the seasonal “witch” attractions.

Peabody Essex Museum: This is an excellent destination for those interested in both global art and local history. Exhibits related to the Salem Witch Trials provide a poignant and educational perspective on the tragic events of the late 1600s. The third-floor collection of Asian art highlights Salem’s maritime history and international connections, while the glass art on the second floor, including works by Dale Chihuly, offers modern artistic inspiration. The museum café also provides a pleasant spot for a meal.
Historic Sites: Visiting the Old Burying Point Cemetery and Old Town Hall allows for a connection to Salem’s colonial history. While the cemetery may not be remarkable in appearance, it adds context to the town’s past. The Ropes Mansion and Garden offers a quieter, more reflective experience, with beautiful gardens perfect for a peaceful walk, although the mansion itself is limited to weekend visits.
Collins Cove Park and Beach: This location is convenient for parking and provides a short walk into the center of town. It’s a practical starting point to avoid the frustration of limited parking near Essex Street.

However, the town’s focus on Halloween can be overwhelming for visitors who prefer a historical or cultural experience. Many of the streets and shops cater heavily to the “witchcraft” theme, which can overshadow the actual history of the Salem Witch Trials and the lives of the victims. Visiting outside of October offers a much calmer and more reflective experience of the town, allowing you to enjoy the historic architecture, museums, and gardens without the distraction of massive crowds and commercialized festivities.

Consider visiting Salem in spring or early fall to avoid Halloween crowds.
Focus on museums, historic homes, and gardens rather than the main Halloween attractions for a more meaningful experience.
Plan parking in advance or use areas slightly outside the center to reduce time spent searching for a spot.

In conclusion, Salem has a lot to offer in terms of history, art, and culture, but October brings a level of commercialized chaos that can detract from the experience. By visiting during quieter months, you can appreciate the town’s charm and historical significance without the distraction of crowds and Halloween festivities.

Salem, MA - October 2024 Trip Report

More Salem Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions