Well, that’s what most people imagine Salem’s like anyway.
Actually, in addition to the witchcraft trials of 1692, when 19 people were hanged and one was crushed to death, Salem offers plenty of interesting historical sites, museums and some good eats.
Stepping back in time, visitors can view the birthplace of Nathaniel Hawthorne, author of “The Scarlet Letter,” at the House of the Seven Gables on Derby Street. Across from Custom House on the same street is a full-sized replica of the Friendship, a 1797 East Indian merchant ship. At Seven Gables, check out New England’s oldest surviving wooden mansion, The Turner-Ingersoll Mansion, dating back to 1668.
If museums are your thing, check out these — some spooky, some not: The Peabody Essex Museum on Essex Street. has an internationally renowned collection of more than 2.4 million works in art, architecture and culture from all over the world. There are 24 historic properties on site and you can see it all for $13; the Salem Maritime National Historic Site on Derby encompasses nine acres and 12 historic buildings that made up the Port of Salem from 1670-1930 ($5); at the Witch Dungeon Museum on Lynde Street a scene from a 1692 witch trial is performed by actors ($7); The Witch House on Essex is the 17th-century home of Judge Jonathan Corwin ($8) and the only house remaining in Salem with direct ties to the trials; and the Salem Witch Village on Rear Derby offers a guided tour through an indoor labyrinth explaining the history of witchcraft ($6).
When you get hungry, stop off at Boston Beer Works at 278 Derby St. for a burger and a seasonal brew. Finz Seafood & Grill is another good choice on the waterfront, offering an outdoor deck in good weather. Rockafellas in the Daniel Low Building has history of its own. The spot previously housed one of the first churches in America, then a department store and then a bank. Now there’s food and live entertainment.
After learning all about witches, head over to The Salem Inn ($180-$25), a historic B&B, or the Amelia Payson House ($95-$155), picked as a “Yankee Magazine” Editor’s Choice with its great location near museums, shops, dining and the waterfront. On the way, watch out for black cats.