Last time we visited Salem, Massachusetts, we unlocked the history and mysteries of the Witch City while still keeping it family-friendly. Today, we’re going back to the North Shore to discover more of what Salem has to offer. This time, it’s a trip to not-so spooky Salem. We’ll head to an art museum, find the city’s not-so spooky history, its literary ties, a distillery, and just a smidge of witchery.
Museums
Peabody Essex Museum
For a small city, Salem has an impressive art museum. The Peabody Essex (PEM) showcases a fine collection of maritime history, American, and Asian art. You will be able to understand Salem’s importance in the late 18th and early 19th centuries through the museum’s collection. Also at the PEM is a reconstructed Qing Dynasty home. The Yin Yu Tang House is located on the museum’s campus
Salem Maritime National Historical Park and USS Friendship
The Salem Maritime National Historical Park is the first National Historical Park in the country. Learn all about Salem’s maritime past. Walk aboard the replica of the sloop Friendship, which is docked in the harbor.
The Witch Dungeon Museum
The Witch Dungeon Museum includes a live performance as part of the museum. It also offers a walk through a dungeon of wax figures recreating scenes of the Witch Trials. Of many of the witch attractions, this errs on the side of historical and less gruesome.
Old Burying Point and Witch Trials Monument
– Sure, we mentioned this one before, but to me it’s quintessential Salem. And even though we’re sticking with not-so spooky Salem, Old Burying Point Cemetery and the Witch Trials Memorial are essential stops. They are a less spooky and more somber look into a tragic blemish on the city’s past.
Literary Past
The House of the 7 Gables
Take a tour and wander the grounds of the home made famous by Nathaniel Hawthorne. The tour includes information about the history of the home, Hawthorne, and Salem as a whole. Included also is a view into the birthplace of Nathaniel Hawthorne. The home was moved next door and can also be included in the visit.
The Deacon Giles Distillery
Deacon Giles Distillery is Salem’s distillery, and its brand plays right into Salem’s history. The inspiration for the distillery’s name comes from this short story, with its tasting room full of imagery directly from it.
And More
Pioneer Village 1630-
This is the oldest living history museum in the country. Its roots go back to the city’s tercentennial in 1930. At the time of writing, the village is not open, but with hope for a new home soon. If you recognize the buildings, it’s because this was the backdrop for a scene in Hocus Pocus. You’ll find a re-created village of the early years of the settlement.
Salem has a full range of attractions from the grotesque to the family-friendly. On this not-so spooky visit to Salem, nightmares will not invade our sleep. Instead, we’ve taken in the city’s history, art collections, and literary past.
