The House of the Seven Gables in Salem, Massachusetts.Photo: Getty Images
House Tours
The community of Salem does an excellent job of maintaining its most historic and significant buildings, two of which are located right downtown and offer fascinating glimpses into colonial life. First up, The House of the Seven Gables, New England’s oldest wooden mansion, and made famous by Salem native Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel of the same name. Across town, you’ll find the Jonathan Corwin House (affectionately known as the Witch House), the only house museum in town that has direct ties to the Witch Trials—Mr. Corwin was a judge who presided over a number of them.
Take a Hike
There are two main places in Salem to stretch your legs, ditch the tourist crowds, and get some fresh air—and both are just steps from the center of town. First, the Salem Woods are a bucolic stretch of woodland once used as “common land” for the pasturage of livestock. Second is Winter Island Park, which is less of an island and more of a peninsula that stretches out from the far end of town. The rocky shoreline, crashing waves, and scenic lighthouse are a great microcosm of the New England coast.
The Old Burying Point Cemetery
Nothing says “weekend getaway” like a stroll through the cemetery. The Old Burying Point Cemetery, also known as the Charter Street Cemetery, has soil rich with history—quite literally. Originally opened in 1637, it’s one of the oldest cemeteries in the country and is the final resting place for several historical figures, including John Hathorne, a leading judge during the Witch Trials.
The Old Burying Point Cemetery
Nothing says “weekend getaway” like a stroll through the cemetery. The Old Burying Point Cemetery, also known as the Charter Street Cemetery, has soil rich with history—quite literally. Originally opened in 1637, it’s one of the oldest cemeteries in the country and is the final resting place for several historical figures, including John Hathorne, a leading judge during the Witch Trials.
Gallows Hill & The Lost Museum
Gallows Hill flips the script on attendees and accuses them of witchcraft during a witch trial recreation. But if interactive theater isn’t as spine-tingling as you’d hoped, the Lost Museum now offers a ghost-hunting experience. The paranormal investigation includes cool, high-tech gear like EMF detectors, infrared thermometers, and audio recorders. Prove you’re not afraid of no ghosts and test out your paranormal skills over the course of 90 minutes in the museum.
