2 nights at Stepping Stone inn

Question

Hi My daughter and I will be arriving October 19th for 2 nights.

I have decided to book the stepping stone inn which seems to be in a good location to park the car and walk. We are driving our own car in from Jersey.

My main two questions are is two Nights enough to tour and see Salem? ( Peabody Essex museum, witches memorial, house of 7 gables, etc)

And since we are doing weekdays not weekend will there still be enough “Halloween” type things going on to see and enjoy? Will the museums be open and excitement on the streets during the day and night?

Thank you in advance

Answer

Two nights in Salem can certainly be enough to see the main attractions, especially if you're focused on a few key sites like the Peabody Essex Museum, the Witch Trials Memorial, and the House of the Seven Gables. Since you're visiting during the weekday and will be staying in a central location like the Stepping Stone Inn, you'll have the advantage of being able to walk to many of the attractions. Here's a breakdown to help you plan:

1. Time for Touring Salem

Salem is a small city, and while there's a lot to see, most of the major sites are within walking distance of each other. Two days should be sufficient to visit the main attractions, but how much you can do will depend on how long you spend at each place. Here’s a quick look:

Peabody Essex Museum – This museum has a large collection of art, maritime history, and exhibits relating to Salem’s past. You could easily spend 2-3 hours here.
Witch Trials Memorial – This is a short stop and can be done in about 30 minutes to 1 hour. It’s a powerful and reflective site.
House of the Seven Gables – A bit of a longer stop, with tours taking around 1.5-2 hours. The property and gardens are lovely, and you’ll get a bit of Salem history here.

If you're short on time, you can always skip a few other smaller attractions or take a walking tour of Salem, which can be a good way to get a sense of the city’s history and hauntings in a relatively short amount of time.

2. Halloween Atmosphere on Weekdays

While weekends are the busiest time in Salem during October, weekdays still offer plenty of the "Halloween magic" that the city is known for. Salem really embraces its spooky season, so even during the week, you can expect to see:

Street Performers & Costumes: Many people still dress in costumes, and there are often street performers and witches walking around in the central area. While the weekend crowd will be larger, the weekday vibe is still very festive, especially in the lead-up to Halloween.
Ghost Tours & Haunted Houses: These will still be available during weekdays. You can sign up for evening ghost tours that walk you through Salem’s most haunted spots.
Witch Shops & Spooky Displays: Many shops, such as the Hex Old World Witchery or Omen, have their own spooky ambiance, and they’ll be decorated for Halloween. Even during the day, the shops and streets will have that Halloween energy.

3. Museums and Attractions Open

All major attractions in Salem, including museums, historic houses, and memorials, are open during weekdays in October, though some might have shorter hours than weekends. It’s always a good idea to check the specific opening hours for places like the Peabody Essex Museum or House of the Seven Gables closer to your visit.

Peabody Essex Museum – Open daily, though be aware that they may have reduced hours or special Halloween-themed exhibits.
House of the Seven Gables – Open for tours, though check for any special events or themed tours.
Salem Witch Museum – Also open daily and has a special Halloween focus throughout October.

4. Evening Vibes

Evenings in Salem are a different experience with eerie energy. While the streets will not be as crowded as on weekends, you’ll still see the town lit up with Halloween-themed decorations, street performances, and more. A ghost tour in the evening is a great way to experience Salem’s spooky vibe after dark.

In Conclusion:

Two nights should be enough to see the main attractions in Salem, especially if you focus on key sites.
Even on weekdays, you’ll still find plenty of Halloween atmosphere, with ghost tours, street performers, and spooky shopping.
All museums and major attractions will be open, and many will have Halloween-themed exhibits or events.

It sounds like you’ll have a great time, even during the quieter weekdays in Salem!