Every tourist destination has its attractions. However, because every tourist is different, these attractions have greater or lesser value. In this series Gary gives his reasons for traveling to a particular place. Hopefully some of his thoughts will entice you to consider adding this particular place to your itinerary. The entire series is being categorized under the heading, “Spotlights.” You may find more information about these locations in the archives of this website, under headings such as, “Great Places,” “Things to Do in,” “Best of,” “Top 10” and “Places of a Lifetime.” In addition, there may be “Walking Tours” of these places available for purchase on the website for the low price of $1.49 each.

The Salem Witch Trials from and Arthur Miller’s play, The Crucible, have made this city north of Boston infamous in American History. Salem MA capitalizes on its notoriety, especially around Halloween, by advertising its connections with witchcraft. However, Salem MA is a delightful place to visit any time of the year. Include Salem MA in any trip to the Boston area for at least the following reasons:

1. It’s fun to read the inscriptions on the graves of those who were executed for witchcraft. Giles Corey was pressed to death.

Giles Corey Tombstone

2. Those who enter Salem MA see a statue of Roger Conant, founder of the city; the statue looks remarkably like a witch and sits in front of the Witch Museum.

Roger Conant Statue

3. Salem MA also has a Nathaniel Hawthorne connection. His House of the Seven Gables is in Salem.

House of the Seven Gables