Salem, Massachusetts for Halloween!

[iHaunt]

A friend of mine is going to Salem, MA for Halloween this year. He heard it's like Mardi Gras, but for Halloweed. Anyone ever been there before? Possibly tell me to let him know what he's in store for?

Thanks in advance.
iHaunt

[Ciuin]

I finally went last year and it was the GREATEST THING THAT EVER WAS.

It was extremely crowded and loud. There are a lot of events leading up to it, but on Halloween night all there is to do is walk around and look at people and take pictures, which is the point of it all. Everyone there pretty much wants to have a good time (except the religious protesters who set up by the visitors center, but mocking them is part of the fun) Not as many people looking to cause trouble as you would expect, at least early on. Incredible costumes. Lots of walking. Don't waste your money on the 'museums' the prices are hiked up during October and really aren't worth it.
Much later in the evening though, you will see more people who have been drinking too much and are getting kind of mischievous (there is a lot to excite the senses there).


I had a really good time despite the crowds. Even after that drunk Elvis felt up my horns and gave me a big hug.

[MacPhantom]

Even after that drunk Elvis felt up my horns and gave me a big hug.

Was he a drunk Young Elvis, or a drunk Old Fat and Nearly Dead Elvis?

[Ciuin]

Youngish, not as aesthetically pleasing though.

Oh, bring some money for drinks and food. Parking is very expensive so you might want to park in a nearby town like Beverly and take the train is (which is free on Halloween, my sister tells me)

[Andybev01]

Halloweed...

[MacPhantom]

Adrian's favorite holiday?

[iHaunt]

Thanks for that information, Ciuin! I'll let my friend know.

[OctoberChill]

Like Ciuin said parking in Salem does suck. They have "no parking" signs all around the neighborhoods (understandably so) so you pretty much have to park in one of the garages or ride the train in. But everything is within walking distance so once you park once you're good.

We went in the middle of October last year so we missed Halloween night obviously so I can't speak on the actual big party they have. Althought I'd imagine Essex street is PACKED that night. It was really busy when we were there.

[Midnite Shadow]

Anyone ever been to 'Freak Fest' in Key West, FL??

I heard it is supposed to be huge like Mardi Gras but I have never met anyone that has gone...

I'd love to go to Salem sometime...Halloween time would be even better...just soak up the atmosphere and Halloween vibe...

[iHaunt]

No, I've never heard of Freak Fest in Key West... but I'd like to check it out. I will do the search myself.

Thanks for letting me know about Freak Fest, Midnite!

[jadewik]

I stayed in the Hawthorne Hotel in September 2005. It was "affordable" (I paid $180 for one night for a room with two queens and about 5 closets) and kinda fun to rent a room there. =)

I recommend the trolley. They drive you around to different places and you can get off and on the trolley all day. Even though things are within walking distance, it's a good way to save your feet. The trolley also points out locations you otherwise might have missed.

Definitely see Burying Point and the hanging tree. I really liked the Witch Dungeon Museum (whatever museum was part of that triple ticket with the wax museum and pirate museum)-- they did a reenactment and they also have a beam (reputedly) from the actual 1692 witch trial prison. I did like the pirate museum, even if the spiel was a little robotic-- it still made me laugh.

Burying Point:


Hawthorne Hotel:


More Photos of Salem

[Ciuin]

I stayed in the Hawthorne Hotel in September 2005. It was "affordable" (I paid $180 for one night for a room with two queens and about 5 closets) and kinda fun to rent a room there. =)

I recommend the trolley. They drive you around to different places and you can get off and on the trolley all day. Even though things are within walking distance, it's a good way to save your feet. The trolley also points out locations you otherwise might have missed.

Definitely see Burying Point and the hanging tree. I really liked the Witch Dungeon Museum (whatever museum was part of that triple ticket with the wax museum and pirate museum)-- they did a reenactment and they also have a beam (reputedly) from the actual 1692 witch trial prison. I did like the pirate museum, even if the spiel was a little robotic-- it still made me laugh.

Oh the beam I touched it when I went in July last year. The Witch Dungeon Museum was actually pretty good, but not ON Halloween.

[iHaunt]

Cool pic of Burying Point! I like it.

[scareviewzombies.com]

would love to up there seeing the Fall leaves, pumpkins and costumes everywhere would be a blast

[MacPhantom]

I'm definitely putting Salem on my "Things to do before I die" list.