Dress up in your finest costume for the Annual Halloween Costume Ball that is held at the Hawthorne Hotel, Salem's landmark hotel. This is an event for your formal and fun costume. It attracts people from all over the country for its revelry and historical significance. The hotel itself is a historical landmark.
Celebrate with Haunted Happenings, the annual festival that takes place in Salem. It has been going on since 1982. It was founded by Joan Gormally and Susannah Stuart. They wanted to play up the haunted reputation of Salem and extend the tourism of the city well into the autumn. The festival now runs for most of the month of October, although it began as only three days. It now entitles city officials to call Salem "the Ultimate Halloween Destination."
Walk the Witch Trial Trail. It's a candlelit walk that is sure to create a feeling of the spooks within. See the Resources section for more details and a schedule for trip planning.
Visit Dracula's castle. Yes, this is a real place in Salem. It's almost two decades old and serves as a popular "haunted house" destination for visitors to Salem.
Explore the Peabody Essex Museum. Located on Essex Street, it's a great destination for the Halloween traveler who wants a bit of culture in his day. With regular events scheduled around Halloween, this is a great getaway within your getaway. It houses art on an international scale and delivers some frights as well. With free daily public tours, it's a must see.
Attend the Annual Psychic Fair and Witchcraft Expo. It takes place nearly every day of October, and admission is free! It's located in the heart of downtown Salem and is located along cobblestone streets. Its quaint atmosphere and spooky options are fun Halloween fare. Enjoy a tarot card reading and talk to a real spirit guide. This has been going on for twenty years, and you'll want to bring cash to purchase souvenirs here. Although admission is free, this is likely th eplace where you'll want to pick up some things to take home. Salem is well-represented with the merchandise available. You can even make your own magic wand here.
Go to the Salem Witch Museum. See link in the Resources section for a direct link to the museum's official website. This is a must if you are visiting Salem. A trip to the city would not be complete without look at the history its most infamous for having. The witch trials were a horrific tragedy and apologies have been made to surviving families. The term "witch hunting" was derived from those trials. See the museum to truly experience more of what the trials and the aftermath mean to Salem and the world.
