{"id":51786,"date":"2015-08-11T10:14:38","date_gmt":"2015-08-11T14:14:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/?p=51786"},"modified":"2025-09-02T00:15:50","modified_gmt":"2025-09-02T04:15:50","slug":"salem-ma","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/51786\/salem-ma\/","title":{"rendered":"Salem, MA: Historic Town Full of Surprises"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you know anything about Salem, chances are it\u2019s the infamous witch trials of 1692 that resulted in the death of 20 innocent people. While 21st\u00a0century Salem is a love fest for fans of the occult (think tarot card readings, crystal balls, voodoo dolls, spooky walking tours and love potions), there\u2019s a lot going on even if you don\u2019t give a hoot about sorcery. Foodies, art enthusiasts and literary geeks will all find this seaside village bewitching.<\/p>\n

The Must-Do Experiences<\/b><\/h2>\n

\"Chinatown

The Peabody Essex Museum<\/a> is home to one of the world\u2019s largest collections of Asian art. Its trump card is the Yin Yu Tang house, the only Qing dynasty house in existence outside of China. The museum is committed to public education and some exhibits spill out onto the pedestrian mall to be enjoyed by all.<\/p>\n

The House of the Seven Gables<\/a> is the actual house that Nathaniel Hawthorne set his famed 1851 novel of the same name in. Visitors may tour the gabled house, see Hawthorne\u2019s birthplace next door and gaze at the gardens and harbor views.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s de rigueur <\/i>to stop at least one of the town\u2019s many attractions that commemorate the witch trials. Authenticity seekers will choose to visit the only remaining structure with actual ties to the trials, Witch House<\/a>. It was the home of witch trial judge Jonathan Corwin. A stop here will give you some insight into the depth of the trial\u2019s hysteria and an overview of superstition in early Colonial times.<\/p>\n

Stroll Pickering Wharf and you\u2019ll be reminded that maritime roots run deep here. If the weather\u2019s fine, take a ride on the 1812 Schooner Fame<\/a> and glimpse islands, lighthouses and forts.
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The Eats
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