Salem at Halloween: a magical, mysterious and unforgettable destination
✨ A colorful town, fascinating stories, charming houses, and a unique atmosphere… Salem is much more than just a destination for witchcraft enthusiasts. It’s an experience you have to have at least once in your life!
There are trips we’ve been dreaming of taking for a long time. Places we imagine, add to our bucket list, and hope to one day experience in person. ✈️
For me, Salem, Massachusetts, was one of those places.
Known for its history tied to the 1692 witch trials, Salem becomes a particularly lively destination as Halloween approaches. With its decorations, magic shops, immersive activities, colorful houses, and thousands of visitors wandering its streets, the town has a truly unique atmosphere. 🕸️
I finally had the chance to experience it, and I can say it was a memorable experience! 🧡
🌙 Our first night in Salem
We arrived in Salem in the late afternoon. After taking some time to settle in, we set out to explore the town.
Our first stop: the store Wynotts' hands, where you'll find, among other things, magic wands reminiscent of those from the famous Harry Potter universe. 🪄
It was impossible to resist! We bought a magic wand as a little souvenir of that first evening.
We then went to eat at a nice tavern 🍽️, before continuing our tour of the city on foot.
That's where we really got to experience the full atmosphere of Essex Street in the evening. The light displays, the people in costumes, the shops, and the energy filling the streets made it a truly special experience. 🌃
👻 Le musée des Warren : une expérience fascinante ET terrifiante!
The next day, we visited the Warren Museum, an activity that was part of my itinerary.
The museum features more than a thousand objects and artifacts associated with paranormal stories, unexplained phenomena, and tales of possession or curses.
In particular, we got to see the famous Annabelle doll, known for the stories told about her. Standing just a few meters away from this doll—often described as one of the most haunted in the world—is pretty impressive. 😨
Even while maintaining a critical perspective on the stories surrounding these objects, the museum has a unique atmosphere. There was something heavy and oppressive in some of the rooms.
One section was devoted to famous serial killers, while other areas featured objects associated with stories of hauntings and curses.
We also discovered the Shadow Doll, which was said to be able to stop the heart of whoever was the target of its curse, and the Diamond Doll. According to the legend surrounding the latter, the more love its owner showed it, the more human hair would grow on its head.
True, false, or simply fascinating? That’s exactly what makes this kind of tour so intriguing: you discover objects, stories, and beliefs that have left their mark on the collective imagination.
It was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience! I don't have any photos of the inside of the museum, though—it was forbidden! 🕯️
😂 Une maison hantée et un fou rire mémorable
We also took part in a haunted house-style activity.
Let's just say we had our fair share of surprises! But what made me laugh the most was my boyfriend's reaction.
At one point, he screamed like a girl, then got into a fighting stance as if he were going to hit the person who had just startled him.
I think I'll remember this scene for a long time! 😂
That's what traveling is all about: those little, spontaneous moments that turn into the best memories. ❤️
🏡 Salem and its colorful houses
Another thing that particularly charmed me about Salem was its houses.
The town is made up of many colorful houses with facades full of character. Some are built in a historic style, while others are decorated with colors and details that give them a personality all their own.
When you're walking through the streets, you constantly feel like stopping to take pictures. 📸
I loved the atmosphere there. Salem is a lively, colorful, and well-maintained city, where history seems to blend naturally with the festive Halloween spirit.
🧙♂️ Professor Spindlewink’s World of Wizardry: A Quest Through Different Worlds
We also took part in an activity called "Professor Spindlewink’s.".
It was a kind of immersive adventure that took us on a journey through different worlds (underwater, icy, magical, etc.). It was a unique activity that added a touch of fantasy to our trip. ✨
It's the kind of experience that lets you discover Salem in a different way, stepping a little outside the realm of traditional historical tours.
🪄 A quick detour into the world of Harry Potter
For Harry Potter fans, Salem also has plenty to inspire the imagination!
We visited Wynott’s Wands, a themed shop that transports us into a magical world. Between the wands, the magic-inspired items, and the shop’s atmosphere, it’s easy to get swept away.
And of course, I couldn't leave without buying the famous Choco Frog! 🍫🐸
I have to say, it was probably the best chocolate I've ever had. A little treat that made this visit even more memorable.
It's the kind of memory that might seem simple, but it's one of the little joys of traveling. 💛
🏰 The House of the Seven Gables: A Journey Through Time
We visited The House of the Seven Gables, a historic house that allowed us to step back in time.
Seeing such an old house, whose history dates back several centuries, is fascinating. It makes you realize just how much buildings can serve as silent witnesses to different generations.
The tour allows us to imagine what life was like in the past and to better understand Salem's historical heritage.
This is an activity I recommend to anyone who loves places steeped in history. 📜
🕯️ The Salem Witches' Memorial Cemetery
We also visited the Salem Witches' Memorial Cemetery.
This site commemorates the tragic events of 1692 and the people who were accused and executed during the witch trials.
Beyond the mystique associated with Salem, this tour takes us back to an important historical reality. It reminds us of the very real consequences of fear, accusations, and intolerance.
It is a place that invites reflection and respect for the memory of those involved. 🕊️
⚖️ Un procès de sorcellerie avec nous comme jury !
Another activity we loved: attending an immersive performance that transported us into a trial inspired by those of 1692.
The concept was really fun: it felt like we were watching a real trial from that era, and we were part of the jury!
It was really interesting to see how events could be staged and to be part of that experience. 🎭
Salem offers so many different activities that you can easily go from a historical tour to an immersive experience, then to a magic shop or a more lighthearted activity.
⚓ Salem Maritime National Historic Site: Another Side of Salem
Salem is more than just its history of witchcraft. The city also has a rich maritime heritage, and we took the time to explore the Salem Maritime National Historic Site.
It was interesting to discover this other side of the city, linked to navigation, trade, and the region’s maritime history. You realize just how important a place Salem was in the past.
This tour offers a chance to step away from the world of Halloween for a bit and gain a better understanding of the history that has shaped the city. 🌊
🎨 The Peabody Museum: Where Art, History, and Discovery Meet
We also visited the Peabody Museum, where you'll find a wonderful variety of exhibits.
Between the art gallery, the antiques, the maritime history collections, and the natural features, there was plenty to discover.
I enjoyed this diversity. We move from a work of art to a historical artifact, and then to an exhibition that helps us discover nature and the world from a different perspective.
This is an interesting tour for anyone who enjoys learning about and exploring different aspects of history and culture. 🖼️
🏮 An ancient Chinese house: a journey back in time
We also had the opportunity to visit a reconstruction of an old Chinese house dating back to the 1600s.
It was fascinating to explore an environment inspired by another era and another culture. This kind of visit helps us better imagine how people used to live—through their homes, their daily lives, and the way they organized their living spaces.
I found it particularly interesting to learn about something other than Salem's local history.
🛍️ Magic shops and souvenirs to take home
You can't visit Salem without taking a little stroll through its shops!
In particular, I discovered Crow Haven Corner, a magic shop. 🔮
These places are part of Salem's charm. They feature objects, books, and accessories that reflect the spiritual and magical atmosphere associated with the city.
I also bought myself a nice, warm sweater from Salem, an «I Love Salem» keychain, and a book on astrology for my sign: Cancer. ♋
The book is titled Cancer Witch. It's purple, gorgeous, and I'm really happy to be able to add it to my book collection at home. 💜
They're just little souvenirs, but they'll let me keep a piece of this trip with me.
📚 One last day to slow down
To wrap up our itinerary, we explored the historic center of Woburn, located about twenty minutes from Salem.
In particular, we discovered a very old bookstore located in a building that dates back several centuries. I found it particularly interesting to see a place that has stood the test of time and still retains its charm.
After all those busy days, we took some time to relax. 🛁
I enjoyed a nice hot bath, read a little, and simply savored a moment of calm.
Because even when you're traveling, it's important to give yourself time to slow down, rest, and enjoy the moment. 🌿
And now, I have to admit that I miss my kitties! 🐱 I can't wait to get home, get back into my routine, and rest up after this wonderful adventure.
🎃 Salem on Halloween: a must-see!
I 100% recommend Salem to anyone who wants to have a unique Halloween experience.
It’s a destination that combines history, mystery, culture, entertainment, and new discoveries. There’s so much to see and do that you can easily fill several days there.
The city is lively, colorful, decorated, and full of people in costumes. The atmosphere is truly unique, especially in the evening. 🧡
It was a dream on my bucket list, and I'm really happy I was able to make it come true.
But beyond the activities, shops, and photos, this trip also led me to another realization.
🇨🇦 This trip made me realize just how much I love having a home in Quebec
A while back, I dreamed of moving. I wanted to discover a different way of life, settle somewhere else, and see what the world had to offer.
It wasn't just a dream. I've already moved to Florida. I even tried to immigrate to the United States, with the idea of building a new life there.
In the end, I gave up on that project.
At the time, I may have seen leaving as a way to embrace a different life, greater freedom, or new opportunities.
But over time, my perspective has changed.
Today, on my way to Salem, I was able to take the time to reflect on what the United States truly inspires in me. I love this country—its energy, its landscapes, its cities, and that feeling that anything is possible. 🇺🇸
And then, as I made new discoveries and had conversations—especially with New Yorkers—my perspective began to change.
I realized that I could love the United States deeply… while still being happy to have a foothold in Quebec.
✈️ Set out to explore, without necessarily leaving everything behind
I used to think sometimes that to truly live out my dreams, I had to move away. As if happiness, freedom, and fulfillment were bound to be found somewhere else.
But today, I see things differently.
I can travel, discover new countries, have experiences that excite me, and even consider spending part of the year abroad—all without having to cut myself off from my roots.
I may feel like leaving, even though I know I have a place to come back to.
And that thought makes me feel good. ❤️
There is also a significant difference between the person I was back when I wanted to immigrate and the person I am today.
My view of financial security has changed. I no longer want to live with the constant uncertainty of wondering whether I’ll have enough money to support myself, whether my income will be sufficient, or whether I can truly afford the life I want.
I want to build a life where I can travel and enjoy my experiences, while still feeling secure and stable.
I realize that I don't necessarily have to start all over again somewhere else to make it happen.
Instead, I can build a life that allows me to enjoy the world while maintaining a base in Quebec.
🌿 Quebec: A blessing we don’t always appreciate
When you've lived somewhere for a long time, it's easy to take certain things for granted.
We get used to our daily lives, our services, and our surroundings. We sometimes forget that what seems normal to us may be a real privilege elsewhere.
While talking with people who live in the United States, I found myself thinking more about what we have in Quebec.
Our healthcare system, despite its challenges and long wait times, remains an important part of our safety net. The cost of electricity—particularly with Hydro-Québec—can also be a significant advantage when compared to conditions in other places.
A conversation with some New Yorkers really made an impression on me.
They told us that, for some people, the electricity bill could be as high as about $1,000 a month. They even told us about people who went into debt just to pay their electricity bills.
It got me thinking. 💭
Of course, costs vary greatly depending on the type of housing, energy usage, the season, and each person’s circumstances. But hearing this kind of story reminded me just how precious some of the things we have here can be.
We often hear about what’s expensive in Quebec, what isn’t working, or what we’d like to improve. And that’s normal: we have our challenges, our difficulties, and things we need to change.
But sometimes we forget to look at the other side of the coin.
Our social safety net, our healthcare system, our electricity, our environment, our language, our landscapes, and our quality of life are also things that deserve to be appreciated.
Recognizing what works doesn't mean turning a blind eye to what could be improved.
On the contrary, I believe we can be realistic about the challenges ahead while still being grateful for the benefits we enjoy.
And sometimes, we have to step away from our daily routines to realize that.
🕊️ Freedom also means being able to come back
I realize that my definition of freedom is changing.
Before, it might have been more about the idea of leaving, moving away, and starting over somewhere else.
Today, it seems more like the opportunity to choose.
Choose to travel. Choose to explore. Choose to have experiences that inspire me. Choose to spend time in another country, and then return to Quebec when I feel the need to.
I don't necessarily have to make a definitive choice between Quebec and the United States, or between my life here and my dreams of traveling.
I can like several places at the same time.
I can be drawn to other places without denying my roots.
And I can appreciate my home even more now that I've discovered other ways of life.
Maybe that’s what it means, after all, to feel at home: not feeling trapped in one place, but knowing that you always have a place to call home.
☀️ A new way of looking at my dreams
This trip reminded me that our dreams can change.
What I wanted in the past isn't necessarily what I want today. And just because my perspective has changed doesn't mean I'm giving up on my aspirations.
I always want to explore the world. I always want to travel, learn, have new experiences, and give myself the freedom to choose how I live my daily life.
But I also want to maintain that connection with Quebec. 🇨🇦
To have a home here, while enjoying the beauty and richness of what the world has to offer.
I want to be able to come back, find my bearings again, and remind myself how lucky I am to have a place where I feel at home.
Because, deep down, I believe that happiness isn't always found in leaving for good.
Sometimes, it lies in the ability to leave… and return freely. ✨
What about you? Has traveling ever helped you see your home in a different light?
Signed, a soul under the sun ☀️