I know what you are thinking: "Who wants to visit Salem, Massachusetts in the summertime? It's not even Halloween!" I get it, but bear with me. Salem is most popular for its Haunted Happenings event that occur every September through October. However, this is a fantastic time to pay a visit to the Witch City. Cheaper parking, less crowds, and beautiful weather are some top reasons why you should check out the places below in Salem, Massachusetts.
1. The Old Burying Point Cemetery
The Old Burying Point Cemetery is a popular location within Salem, Massachusetts. It is located next to number five on this list! The Old Burying Point is the oldest burial ground in Salem. It is also the location of the grave site of Justice John Hawthorne, a judge during the Salem Witch Trials. What makes him unique is that he was the only judge involved in the trials who did not repent after his actions. He was a direct ancestor of the infamous Nathaniel Hawthorne. It is a great location to pay your respects to those who reside there. Tourists often leave coins upon the tops of the graves as offerings to the deceased. Rumor has it that Old Burying Point is a ghost hot spot!
2. Samantha Statue
The Samantha Statue is an iconic tourist stop. Some may recognize her likeness: actress Elizabeth Montgomery, who played Samantha Stephens on the 1960s television program "Bewitched". This statue was not erected with ease. There was a wave of controversy among Salem's longtime citizens. They believed that placing a representation of witchcraft in downtown Salem was disrespectful to the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. Despite that, TV Land still fought for the statue, and it can now be found in Lappin Park.
3. Count Orlok's Nightmare Gallery
It is difficult to find a picture that represents the Nightmare Gallery, as there are no cameras allowed inside! But this adds to the fun of arguably one of the best horror movie museums in existence. Inside you will find numerous sculptures that pay homage to the characters you have fallen in love with over decades. From Bram Stoker's Dracula to Bette Midler's Winifred Sanderson, there is a wax figure for everyone to enjoy in Count Orloks! Not to mention, they sell fantastic classic horror merchandise.
4. Salem Witch Museum
The Salem Witch Museum stages the saddening events of the Salem Witch Trials. Inside you can find wax displays of the historical events that took place in 1692. If you are more interested in hearing the details of the historical events fact for fact, one of the Salem Witch Museum's many educated tour guides are more than happy to take you through the horrific piece that adds to Salem's history.
5. Salem Witch Trials Memorial
The Salem Witch Trials Memorial is located directly next to the Old Burying Point Cemetery. It is used to pay tribute to the lives lost to the Salem Witch Trials. Numerous rocks stick out of the wall like benches with names of the victims etched into them. It is both peaceful and quiet, even during the busy tourist season. Visit and lay a flower upon the stones, a traditional act for visitors to the area.
Though there are many great places to go in Salem, Massachusetts, you will never be let down by the five listed above. Happy travels!
