In the colonial days of America, Salem was not the charming New England seaside town it is today.
It was the gritty edge of the known world.
To this day, the precise cause of the Salem Witch Trials remains unknown.
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It remains a dark chapter of American history which to this day still intrigues academics and inspires curiosity.
But dont get us wrongthe Salem of today is a straight-up charmer.
Theres been a revival of sorts there in recent years, and not of the witch-hunting fundamentalist variety.
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If youre planning a visit forHalloweenor just for fun, here are the things you should check out.
But trust us, its worth it.
Built in 1930 to mark the tercentennial of Massachusetts,Pioneer Villageis the oldest museum of its kind.
Courtesy of Pioneer Village Salem
It illuminates a side of Salem that even locals are often surprised to discover.
On a warm autumn night, theres nowhere better to be.
Ledger Restaurant & Bar
Who doesnt love a restaurant set in a former bank?
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The beloved, buzzyLedgeris a great place for brunch, a cocktail, or dinner.
Corwin was a judge who presided over a number of them.
First, theSalem Woodsare a bucolic stretch of woodland once used as common land for the pasturage of livestock.
Courtesy of Lark Hotels
The rocky shoreline, crashing waves, and scenic lighthouse are a great microcosm of the New England coast.
The Old Burying Point Cemetery
Nothing says weekend getaway like a stroll through the cemetery.
TheOld Burying Point Cemetery, also known as the Charter Street Cemetery, has soil rich with historyquite literally.
Courtesy of Ledger Restaurant & Bar
But if interactive theater isnt as spine-tingling as youd hoped, theLost Museumnow offers aghost-huntingexperience.
The paranormal investigation includes cool, high-tech gear like EMF detectors, infrared thermometers, and audio recorders.
For a city with such a deep history, its no surprise even the candy has delectable lore.
The House of the Seven Gables in Salem, Massachusetts.
Courtesy of Crow Haven Corner
Courtesy of Salem.org
