Salem, Massachusetts is one of the most fabulous places to visit in the United States. On the east coast, few cities bring the charm that Salem, MA delivers. During the spring and summer it is a notorious boating community with the Massachusetts Bay, The Harbor and many other rivers to explore.
Although it is a nice place to visit in the summer, Salem really comes to life in the fall, particularly around Halloween. If you love Halloween, Salem is definitely one place that you will enjoy!
Salem is home to the 1692 witch trials that left the world astonished when 25 people and 2 dogs were hanged until dead for crimes of witchcraft.
One of the judges in the witch trials, who argued in favor of spectral evidence, was Judge Jonathan Corwin, whose house was later dubbed The Witch House, which was erected in 1675.
As one of the only remaining structures still standing in Salem that has a direct connection to the witch trials, people are encouraged to visit the property to experience what 17th century living was like. It's a creepy place, but not because witches ever lived there!
Many also come to Salem to see the historic House of The Seven Gables, which was featured in Nathaniel Hawthorne's romantic gothic novel of the same name in 1851. It was also later adapted to film.
While in Salem you can visit the many witch museums to learn about the horrors of the witch trials. You can also check out the bewitched statue and the pirate museum as well as many fantastic local independent breweries and restaurants.
Of course, what brings a lot of tourists to Salem isn't necessarily the awesome maritime features and the numerous historic locations. What drives the masses to Salem like sleepwalking children is Disney's Hocus Pocus.
Fans of the legendary movie about the fictional Sanderson Sisters can check out some actual locations that were used in the film.
Most notably, the houses that were featured in the movie are in Salem and can be visited.
1. Allison's Mansion
First is Allison's house where you see the elaborate, fancy Halloween party. If you go to 318 Essex Street, you will be able to see her house. It is actually called The Ropes Mansion and Garden which can be toured!
2. Max And Dani's House
Second is Max and Dani's house on 4 Ocean Ave. It is a private residence that cannot be toured, but you can still walk by and grab some pictures! It is a unique, colonial style building that is pleasing to view. Be courtesy of the owners who live there if you do go visit.
These buildings were clearly chosen for the film for their picturesque quality, but there are many other amazing historic buildings you can visit in Salem, MA.
3. Thackery Binx's Village
Now, in the movie Hocus Pocus you might have noticed some other spots of interest.
Remember the scene in the movie where you were brought back to the 17th century? Thackery Binx's home is actually called Pioneer Village, located in Forest River Park, MA built in 1930.
If you love colonial villages, you must go tour this park!
4. The Old Town Hall
Another place you may have recognized is The Old Town Hall where the parents were all partying while the kids were being chased down by the Sanderson Sisters.
Although you can visit the Old Town Hall on 32 Derby Square in downtown Salem, only the outside of the building was used in the movie. The party was actually filmed in a California studio. Sorry.
5. Allison & Max's High School
Allison and Max's high school in Hocus Pocus was actually once an elementary school. It has been dubbed a historic location, and its iconic use in the movie is unforgettable.
This is the part of the movie where Max, Allison, Binx and Dani lure the Sanderson Sisters into the school's furnace and lock them in.
You can see them running down the street cheering but alas, the evil witches were unscathed by the blazing heat.
In Conclusion
Salem is an extraordinary place to visit all year around, but if you want the best of Salem, go in the fall!
When my wife and I went there on Halloween in 2013, we had a blast! The flying saucer pizza company has incredibly good pizza. The Lobster Shanty, that was featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, also had some remarkable soups and sandwiches.
If you're a foodie who loves Hocus Pocus and the history of witchcraft, you will love Salem, MA! Be sure to check out the top food spots in Salem.
I recommend seeing all of the locations from the movie Hocus Pocus, but also get immersed in the local history as well.
We were there for 3 days and we still didn't get to see everything! We'll be going back for a week next time.
We actually might go the week after Halloween because Salem is crazy during the season. You may get to see everything, but there will be a lot of lines and huge crowds of people in the streets.
If you love Halloween as much as we do, check out these hilarious Halloween Jokes!
