There is so much more to Salem than the notorious witch trials of 17th Century, but that is not to say that this won’t add a quirky dimension to your visit. A sombre memorial situated in a lonely corner of what is the second oldest cemetery in the USA is testimony to the belated pardoning of these wrongly accused victims. A visit to the Peabody Museum is a must, Salem locals are very proud of this addition, which adds authenticity to this area’s great history and indeed preferable to some of the witch trial tourist traps nearby – we took a tour of local historic houses spanning 3 centuries – and the museum also houses an 18th Century Chinese house, donated by its owners and rebuilt stone by stone here in Salem. This lovely city is walker friendly although if you are only here for a short time the best way to see the highlights is via the trolley tours. If you are a seafood fan you will be tempted by the delicious locally sourced lobsters. Delightful coffee shops and ice cream parlours will provide you with a well-earned rest. In terms of hotels, we can strongly recommend the Merchant, a historic townhouse with friendly staff and sunny verandah on which you can enjoy your complementary soft drinks and snacks in the evening. Salem is easily reached by road or rail from Boston, and enjoys a slower pace of life than it’s larger counterpart – do visit here, enjoy the historic harbour and many museums, and just chill – don’t come on halloween though unless you really have to experience the witching experiences amidst the throng of some half a million visitors!
