On a witch hunt in Salem, Mass.

After two gorgeous sunny days in Maine, we were lucky to have blustery, overcast and rainy weather for our day trip to Salem, Massachusettes. We were on a witch hunt, to find areas and shops and whatever else we could find having to do with witches. That is easy to do in Salem, where the entire town is witch centric.

We started on the waterfront where we found shops with all types of magical potions, crystals and books. We even found the wand shop from the Harry Potter books and films, where you can purchase a wand just like Harry or Hermione.

Wynotts wand shop

A sign in a consignment shop window advertising the “17th Annual Feast of Samhain”, hosted by The Witches’ Education League.

The Witch’s Brew Cafe

The town is fun, but also historic. We followed the red line tourist track to the oldest burying ground in Salem. Right next to the graveyard is the memorial to the innocent victims of the actual Salem witch trials in 1692 and 1693. Each year there is a reinactment of the trials, where you can sit as a jury member.

The burying point, the oldest graveyard in Salem, Mass.

The memorial to the victims of the Salem witch trials of 1692.

The memorial stone for Bridget Bishop.

: A message in stone.

After lunch in a local pub, we toured the House of Seven Gables, the actual house once owned by a relative of Nathaniel Hawthorne and which was his inspiration for the book, published in 1851. It was a very good tour, much of the original house and furnishing are still intact, and now I am inspired to actually read the book. The house where Nathaniel Hawthorne was born has been moved to the same location as the House of Seven Gables, and on display is the desk where he wrote The Scarlet Letter.

The House of Seven Gables, on the harbor, in Salem, Mass.

The House of Seven Gables.

Nathaniel Hawthorne’s ancestors include John Hathorne, the only judge involved in the Salem witch trials who never repented of his actions. Nathaniel later added a “w” to make his name “Hawthorne” in order to hide this relation.

The Joshua Phippen house, from 1782.

Photo credit, Teresa Favazza.

Salem has a very nice walking mall with shops selling everything from ghost tours to kitchen implements, mead, and even brooms. As the weather became more blustery, we retreated to my favorite pub in Salem, The Old Spot.

The Old Spot pub in Salem.

Inside the Old Spot pub, me and Teresa and Joanie.

Beautiful Fall colors

Two beautiful good witches!

1 Response to On a witch hunt in Salem, Mass.

Joanie says:

October 28, 2012 at 9:46 am

As one of the good witches, I so look forward to our Salem visits. There is nothing like a day with BFF’s. thanks again for a lovely time. Always glad to share my lovely New England with my Florida girl 🙂