by A. Faria

Created on: August 25, 2009   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

Salem, Massachusetts is a unique New England city. On the one hand, it is a city of astounding architecture and history, as it was once a main port of the East India trading company. On the other hand, it is the site of the tragic Salem Witch Trials, and subsequently a tourist destination for those curious about Wiccans and psychics.

The Salem Witch Trials of 1692 have left an indelible mark on the city. Salem is also known as "The Witch City", with the silhouette of a witch flying on a broom being its mascot. In fact, this mascot can even be seen on Salem's police cars! There are many museums in the area that address this ghastly part of Salem's history, two of which being the Witch Dungeon Museum and The Salem Witch Museum.

The Witch Dungeon Museum features a two-part tour. The first half of the tour is a theatrical performance that is taken from original transcripts of the witch trials. After the performance, tourists are lead downstairs to a recreation of the dungeons that many innocent men, women, and children were forced to languish in. A particular item of note is one of the wooden beams from the original Salem Jail.

The Salem Witch Museum is an interesting place for those who don't really know what the Salem Witch Trials were. Visitors are lead into a large, darkened room (this might be a bit scary for children). Various panoramas are illuminated one by one, as events leading up to, and including, the trials unfold. After the narration is completed, guests are lead into an exhibition entitled "Witches, Evolving Perceptions". This exhibit discusses such things as stereotypes of witches, and what the modern-day practices of witchcraft are.

There are many Wiccans who operate stores in Salem, many of whom also offer psychic readings. Additionally, there are other stores in which psychic readings are offered by people who aren't Wiccans. A tourist need only walk down Essex Street, one of the main streets in Salem, to see many examples of these stores.

Tourists with an interest in Salem's shipping and trade industry should visit the Peabody Essex Museum. This museum features many beautiful examples of maritime art, Asian art, Native American art, and more. A prominent feature is the "Yin Yu Tang: A Chinese Home" permanent exhibition. This home, which once was located in Southeastern China, was brought to Salem and reconstructed within the museum.

While visiting Salem, tourists have a wide variety of restaurants to choose from. One of the more popular ones is the Salem Beer Works, which serves delicious American food. Those who are in the mood for ice cream or other sweet treats should visit Maria's Sweet Somethings.Those who'd like to visit an old-fashioned amusement park by the ocean should check out the food, games, and rides at Salem Willows Park.

Salem can be seen on foot, but another fun way to see it is by trolley, such as the Salem Trolley on Central Street. Salem is indeed a place of history, culture, and unique experiences.

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