Salem Haunted Happenings Raise Your Spirits This Season

A visit during Salem Haunted Happenings isn’t complete without a stop at Salem Witch Museum. Its main presentation, “The Salem Witch Trials of 1692” is based on actual trial documents and presents life-size stage sets, figures and a narration that all paint the dark picture of the lies and fear that led to the Salem Witch Hunt.  A second exhibit, “Witches: Evolving Perceptions,” explores the changing interpretations of witches, the frightening occurrence of witch hunting, the truth behind the stereotypes and the practice of witchcraft today.

Ready to feel as if you’re actually in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s famous novel? Check out The House of the Seven Gables three ways: 

1. Take a guided tour through the interior of Turner-Ingersoll Mansion
2. Visit the gardens and grounds of the National Historic Landmark site
3. Enjoy one of the many events hosted at 7 gables

Once a family retreat, Long Hill transforms itself into Halloween on the Hill at the end of September and through the month of October. This celebration of autumn and the Halloween season includes a seasonal-themed trail featuring more than 1,000 jack-o'-lanterns, hundreds of mums and pumpkins, elaborate Halloween sets, light displays and music.

Several walking tours stop by Old Burying Point Cemetery (aka Charter Street Cemetery), the oldest cemetery in Salem. Dating back to 1673, this well-visited tourist stop has an impressive collection of 17th, 18th and 19th century gravestone art. It is also the final resting place of Judge John Hawthorne (Nathaniel’s great-great-grandfather and one of the leading judges in the witchcraft trials of 1692) and Samuel McIntire, who built architecturally significant houses throughout New England.

Please note: both Charter Street Cemetery and the Welcome Center require online reservations during October.

The Annual Psychic Fair and Witches' Market sees all! Daily in October, visitors can get authentic psychic readings via tarot cards, clairvoyant vision, spirit mediumship, palm readings, crystal ball scrying, angels and spirit guides and past-life readings. Entrance into the expo is free, but you can take a bit of the experience home with you at the Witches' Market; vendors offers crystals, jewelry, incense, books of shadows, divination tools, spell kits, sun catchers and other mystical goodies.