As Autumn ushers in sweater weather and colorful leaves, many BC students experience a sudden urge to visit Salem. Even if this urge stems from the desire to take cute pictures in a witchy outfit instead of learning about the historical significance of the witch trials, this guide will ease your journey to Salem.
Transportation:
If you love public transportation (or are forced to use it), getting to Salem by the T and Amtrak is incredibly easy! The entire journey takes about an hour and a half. Take the B Line from Boston College until you reach Government Center. From Government Center, wait until another line arrives and take that train two stops farther until you reach North Station. You will exit the station at North Station, and the Amtrak in TD Garden will be on your right. At this point in your trip, you must purchase tickets the night before to enter the train platform. The train you want to take will have its end stop in Salem. You should spend about 30 minutes on the Amtrak until you reach Salem. Once at the station, follow the masses of people and keep walking straight. You will see signs and hear lots of people and music!
Arriving in Salem:
Plan to arrive in Salem around 10 a.m. All of the shops open at this time, and wait times to enter the stores are minimal. Once heading straight from the T, walk down the cobblestone road (Essex Street) that has a variety of different performers and street artists! First, hit the shops that already have the line barriers set up outside their stores! Due to fire safety codes, these stores only allow about 15 people in at a time.
A Multitude of Shops:
Salem shops are hit or miss, depending on what you are interested in. If you’re interested in maximalist witch vibes, check out Emporium 32 for eclectic items and a fun hat collection. Make sure to visit the Coven’s Cottage for all earthly spiritual needs. Or, perhaps you prefer higher-end boutiques such as The Boutique and J Mode. Salem has a shop for you, no matter your desire. Take your time roaming and wandering around Salem’s cobblestone streets. You never know what window display will draw you in. Many of these shops are hidden gems: Nocturne uniquely gives dark academia vibes for fellow book lovers and Oak + Moss for plant parents with a cleancore attitude. No matter how many times you visit Salem, something new will always catch your eye!
Where to Find Lunch:
After a morning filled with travel and shopping, lunch is a must in Salem. Au Gratin serves an incredible Cuban panini and a delicious Chix BLT at reasonable prices with fast service. However, if you’re looking to satisfy a sweet tooth, visit Kakawa Chocolate House for a great hot chocolate and quality truffles. If a sit-down place takes away from your Salem experience, visit the fair in Salem Commons, where a multitude of food trucks park alongside many small, independently owned craft stalls. Grab a quick bite to eat from the trucks and then meander around the stalls looking at creative artists’ work!
Before Heading Back to Campus:
After lunch, there are many ways to spend your afternoon. A historical tour of the Salem Museum is a nice way to round out your trip if history piques your interest. Or, if hitting a couple of popular photo spots in the nice afternoon sun is more up your alley before returning to campus, check out the Ropes Mansion & Garden for some colonial architecture to spruce up your Instagram. No matter your choice, engaging with street artists on the way to your chosen activity is a must. Many artists are locals from Salem, but a select few fly in from around the country to sell their wares in Salem for the month. A caricature of you and your roommate is a hilarious way to spruce up the dorm decor, and it is easy to acquire in Salem. Just be sure to have tough skin!
Final Thoughts:
Salem is an incredible place to visit for a day. Some visitors stay for a weekend, residing in a nearby hotel. Yet, Salem can be greatly enjoyed in one day with minimal missing attractions. Many tourist attractions are money grabs, but your day will be very successful if you know where to look and what you like to do. Best of luck, and don’t be accused of being a witch!
A lover of houseplants, a history buff, and an Old Bay enthusiast. Political science and history major with a passion for reading (and writing!) books and caring for our environment.
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