Salem, MA – Not Just A Bunch of Hocus Pocus by Kathryn Hills #RomanceGems

The first day of autumn, my favorite time of year! And the unofficial kickoff of the Halloween season for many. The epicenter of Halloween in New England is Salem, Massachusetts. However, you might be surprised to learn this paranormal/fantasy romance author doesn’t only visit when October rolls around. Why? Because Salem has much more to offer, and it’s year-round.

Historic Homes - Salem, MA

First and foremost, the beauty and history of the city draws me there. Nestled on the rocky coast north of Boston, Salem is sadly most famous for the witch trials of 1692. Yet there’s a rich seafaring history, museums, historic mansions, literary notables, even a pioneer village. Everything from pirate lore to America’s oldest candy company—things most don’t expect to find.

The Friendship - Historic Salem Harbor

I’ve been fortunate to be there on glorious summer days when kids are playing on Salem Common and families are enjoying the Friendship—a tall ship in the harbor. Dogs are everywhere since it’s a pet-friendly city. I’ve attended conferences and events at the lovely Hawthorne Hotel—one of my favorite haunts—waking on Sunday mornings to the sound of church bells. The hush of snow brings a blanket of white to the twisty turny old streets. (The holidays are an excellent time to visit Salem!) From interactive theater and fine dining to shopping, and historic house tours. And, YES, there’s a bunch of spooky fun to be had! Something for everyone and all ages in Salem, MA.

I LOVE Halloween, and Witch City is a blast in October! But don’t hesitate to visit other times of the year. You’ll be missing out.

I asked some friends to share their favorite things about the city. Here's what they said...

Meet Macey Jennings, a Massachusetts-based actor, writer, and historical interpreter who has always been fascinated with the educational power of storytelling. She’s been a company member of History Alive, Inc. for four years as an actor and tour guide; “Homestead” marks her debut as a playwright.

Visit www.historyalivesalem.com for shows & times

“My favorite thing about Salem is the community and how passionate they are about what they do. So many who live and/or work here (not just in tourism) have a passion, and they're dedicated to spreading their wealth of knowledge, whether it relates to art, local history, modern witchcraft, social advocacy, etc. It's part of the reason I originally wrote "Homestead;" I spent three years gathering information on the traditions and folk beliefs that contributed to the Salem Witch Hysteria. By creating this 17th-century time capsule for audiences to explore, I combine my love for theatre with Salem's history.”

The Witch House - Salem, MA

Judith Sterling is a tour guide at The Witch House (the 17th-century home of witch trials judge Jonathan Corwin) and an author of medieval romance, young adult paranormal fantasy, and metaphysical nonfiction. She’s traveled the world yet chooses to live and work in Salem. “I felt drawn to this place—even as a little girl living in Florida—and somehow knew I’d end up here. I adore The Witch House and The House of the Seven Gables, where my husband works. We and our twin boys live right by the Common, and every day as I walk through it, I relish the fact I’m treading the same ground as centuries’ worth of Salem residents, including Nathaniel Hawthorne. The past is alive here. You can see it in the architecture and feel it in the air, for the energy is both eclectic and electric. And yes, many of my experiences are supernatural.” Check out Judith's blog post about paranormal activity in The Witch House and learn more about Judith Sterling's Books.

Historical actress and writer Jennifer Emerson is newly arrived in Salem. “It’s the perfect city for adventure. Very walkable with stunning architecture. The culture of acceptance here is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. Though interest in my family connections to the Witchcraft Hysteria of 1692 led me here to do research, there is so much more astounding history to be discovered. And, any Foodie will find their fill in Salem.

Presented by Intramersive Media

“Of course, many do come here because they are drawn to 1692, the world of the unseen, or the macabre. Long after the trials, Salem broke ground on helping occult matters come out into the light of day. Whatever folks come for, many seek an immersive experience. One of the shows I am currently in rehearsals for will deliver just that. Daemonologie: Smoke & Mirrors (presented by Intramersive Media and produced by Creative Collective with the generous support of the Peabody-Essex Museum) is set in 1849 at the dawn of the Spiritualist Movement. The audience are honored guests for a séance in the home of Monsieur Rene Levesque (the gorgeous Cotting-Smith Assembly House!). But all is not what it seems…"

So, there you have it. Time to plan your next trip!

None of my books are set in Salem, but I think that needs to change. They were, however, inspired by other historic locations in New England. Places you can visit!
Learn more about my books HERE

Thanks for reading!
~ Kathryn 

Kathryn Hills - A Time Traveler's Journey Series

For more on visiting Salem check out Things to do in Salem

Things to do in Salem

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