After looking on trip advisor and Yelp, Ive seen quite a few highly rated walking tours. Ill be heading there in October and not sure what one is the best to choose. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Posted by
Boston MA, USA
14 posts
I live in Salem and have not been on a tour, but have seen/ heard many of them and they all seem great. I'd check the tours listed on Salem.org , the Chamber of Commerce's website, and decide which focus interests you the most. Trolley tours offer a great overview of the city too. Have fun - October in Salem is crazy! Feel free to pm me with any questions.
Posted by
8322 posts
We spent a couple of days in a B&B in Salem and did Salem on our own. You don't need a tour guide. If you decide that you still want one, here are some suggestions.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Products-g60954-zfc12046-zfg11876-Salem_Massachusetts.html
Posted by
white plains, ny, usa
4164 posts
Go into the Peabody Essex Museum ( PEM ) in the center of town . I recall that they have maps of several self guided walking tours ( like the McIntire route ) . Be sure to see the maritime site at the harbor , and , by all means , visit Marblehead while you are there .
Posted by
Westerville
242 posts
As a descendant of someone imprisoned for witchcraft in 1692, I am really sensitive to the hype of Salem in October. Please remember that many of the people who offer the "witchy stuff" are out of towners who want to capitalize on this sad part of American history. Visit the Danvers museum, the Salem Witch House, and find a guide to the real history rather than creepy wax museums.
BTW- the people who died in 1692 were innocents and didn't profess to be witches.
Posted by
Cape Ann, Massachusetts
3347 posts
You might also go to the Rebecca Nourse/Nurse house for added depth to the historical aspect of the Salem witch trials. It is in Danvers, which used to be part of Salem. I, too, am descended from a Salem "witch", two actually, so I prefer the real history.
Posted by
Boston, MA
136 posts
Check out www.salemhistoricaltours.com. Disclosure: I'm acquainted with the owner (Giovanni), who also does some of the tours, but he's definitely an entertaining guy. Note: the closer to Halloween that you go, the more crowded it'll be in Salem (but you may have already figured that).
Posted by
Westerville
242 posts
Yes, do go to the Rebecca Nurse Homestead. Try to talk to some folks who love the history and treat it respectfully. BTW- Salem Village was the epicenter of the Salem witchcraft trials and was renamed Danvers. It seems that the villagers were ashamed of what they had allowed (20 deaths and 200 accused and in prison) and wanted to disassociate from the name "Salem". Salem is the seaport.