As October ends, many seek ways to immerse themselves in the Halloween spirit. Well, all the ghouls, witches, and goblins are hiding out in Salem, Massachusetts.
Salem, Massachusetts’s annual Halloween festival, Haunted Happenings, has officially been recognized as the world’s largest Halloween celebration. Salem became famous originally due to the witch trials that happened there.
According to History.com, the trials started in 1692 when the daughter and niece of the town minister claimed to be possessed through witchcraft.
The minister accused multiple women until he found the one he believed possessed them. After that, Salem was the hub for witch trials. While expensive, taking the trip to Salem makes you take on a new persona and immerses you in the Halloween magic.
For all the history lovers, your first stop will want to be Pioneer Village. Pioneer Village is the first living history museum in America, and the architecture is astonishing to see. Admissions run on the cheaper side, costing five dollars per person.
The show Guilty is another recommended attraction. Guilty immerses people into 1692 to the famous Salem Witch Trials. You are put on the hot seat while you plead for innocence to the judge. While it is a loud experience, it is worth trying. Admission is $24 for adults and the minimum age requirement is eight-years-old, making it not the most family-friendly attraction.
As an extreme Hocus Pocus fan, the Ropes Mansion was magical. The Ropes Mansion, or “Allison’s House,” is the main attraction to prove it’s “not just a bunch of hocus pocus.”
Whether if you want to see if any witches are hiding out or just want to go check out the beautiful, extreme architecture, it has you leaving in awe.
Staying there has been proven to be quite a hassle. To get a hotel near the festival you would need to schedule months in advance, considering most hotels are already sold out for the current year.
The best time to book is the fall of the year in advance. Prices range from $500 and above.
All in all, the trip is highly recommended and worth any expense. It is enchanting to see, especially at night because it is often lit with Jack-o-Lanterns and other lively lights. It is a fun time for all ages who love Halloween.