The Best of Salem in October - Kristine's Traveling Passport

“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”

Autumn in New England brings fall foliage, apple picking, pumpkin patches, hayrides, Halloween and weekend trips to explore all these charming activities.

It’s been 7 years since I last visited Salem Massachusetts and with Hocus Pocus 2 finally being released after 29 years…what better place to get into the spooky spirit than where parts of the original movie were filmed.

This blog covers my favorite Hocus Pocus locations while visiting Salem along with a few other popular attractions. Also be sure to check out where we ate and relaxed for the night at a beautiful oasis!

Visit the Hocus Pocus Locations

Salem Town Hall is located in the center of historical Salem in Derby Square amongst the pedestrian only cobblestone streets. The town hall was used in Hocus Pocus as the classic party scene where the parents attended where Winifred sang “Put a Spell on You” forcing the party to dance until they die.

Allison’s House otherwise known as The Ropes Mansion is located on Essex Street. You may remember Allison’s House from the scene where Max and Dani are trick or treating and find themselves inside the foyer digging through the candy when Allison then makes her grand entrance.

Pioneer Village is located in Salem but not in the historical center. Therefore, I recommend using uber if you don’t want to lose your parking or to visit on your way out. Pioneer Village is located at Salem’s Forest River Park with ample parking and can be visited for $5 a person. The village was used to film the opening scene where Binx was a human before being cursed to a cat.

Max and Dani’s House is a short walk from Pioneer Village. The town of Salem does not allow parking on the streets nearby as they are for residents only. It is about a five-minute walk from Pioneer Village and is just as iconic as it was 29 years ago. Definitely worth the stop!

One spot we did not make it too due to traffic is Old Burial Hill, used in the cemetery scenes where Max encounters class bullies on the way home from school. It’s located in Marblehead and is one of the oldest cemeteries in New England.

Other Attractions in Salem

Visit The Witch House located in Essex Street near Allison’s House. Today, this is the only remaining structure that can be directly linked to the Salem witch trials of 1692. Some other museums or attractions in Salem may be considered gimmickier but this is worth the visit.

Visit the Witch Trials Memorial located on Liberty Street which is dedicated to those killed during the Witch Trials. One of the most famous tombstones is that of Giles Corey who was pressed to death and quoted saying “more weight.”

Take a guided walking tour. You can only imagine how many companies now exist and run daily walking tours, but we went with TripAdvisor’s #1 Witch City Walking Tours. The tour is 2 hours and covers information related to the witch trials but also a general history of Salem. I recommend booking ahead!

Spend time walking around the beautiful cobblestone streets and popping into witch shops. Each are unique bringing you something different with crystals, candles, tarot cards and much more.

Where to Eat Lunch/Dinner

Turner’s Seafood at Lyceum Hall is the perfect spot to fill up on classic New England seafood in a beautiful historic building. I loved the hot clam chowder on a chilly day and the Haddock Piccata dinner!

Where To Stay

Briar Barn Inn, Rowley Massachusetts

My recommendation is to stay outside of Salem but somewhere that is convenient to many locations. Briar Barn Inn was the absolute perfect solution! Briar Barn Inn is about a 35-minute drive from Salem, about 15 minutes from Newburyport and 37 minutes from Portsmouth NH. If you’re planning a New England weekend road trip, staying here will let you see multiple beautiful towns!

Briar Barn Inn is a rural retreat located in Rowley Massachusetts and is a beautifully decorated farmhouse inn featuring 30 guest rooms, pool (seasonal use), outdoor fire pit, on site spa, and on-site dining experience at Grove.

The rooms are spacious featuring vaulted ceilings, king bed, sitting area, electric fireplace, flat screen tv, bathtub, separate walk-in shower and high-quality toiletries. It was the perfect oasis after a day of exploring!

The Spa at Briar Barn Inn should definitely be utilized in a weekend getaway. I started my Sunday morning with the most relaxing facial using botanical based products given by the friendliest worker Rita! I felt relaxed, refreshed and had glowing skin to start the day! The spa offers an array of treatments including facials, massages and foot soaks.

Grove at Briar Barn Inn is a farmhouse restaurant focusing on providing a menu featuring fresh and local ingredients. The exterior of Grove looks like a glamorous barn and the inside meets the same charm with vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, farmhouse tables, industrial lighting and beautiful decor. The restaurant is open for dinner Wednesday-Sunday as well as brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. I recommend making reservations in advance as it does host private events and may have alternative hours. If you can I highly recommend eating both brunch and dinner here. It’s a bonus it is next to the Inn!