Salem is more than witches, goblins, ghosts and New Age and Wiccan shops; the town has a rich maritime and literary history that has left a valuable impression on the entire country. The town is home of one of the region's leading art museums, the Peabody Essex Museum, that hosts exhibits of art and artifacts from around the world and hosts numerous cultural events throughout the year. Nathaniel Hawthorne, author of The Scarlet Letter and The House of the Seven Gables, called Salem home. The real House of the Seven Gables is located in Salem and was once owned by Hawthorne's cousin. Come fall, many visit Salem for the beautiful shoreline foliage and amazing number of witch-themed museums, exhibits, parades, show and then some. Even those the witch hysteria occurred in Salem Village (in what is now the town of Danvers), that doesn't stop thousands of tourists from visiting this quaint, seaside town at Halloween.

There is no better place to experience Halloween than in Salem, Massachusetts, located in the area famous for Salem Witch Trials, that took place in the 1600s. Bring your entire family to the quaint, New England town throughout the month of October and you will be sure to experience some terrifying but terrific events. Among them are the Annual Psychic Fair and Witchcraft Expo, the Terror Trail walk and an art show titled "Salem's Vintage Photography." Haunted Happenings has something for everyone. Please check website for events and daily tours.

Though art and culture from New England is the main draw, expect art from around the world as well. Asian art like Korean, Japanese, and Indian together with African, Oceanic, and Native American art is showcased amidst historic houses and gardens. Yin Yu Tang, a Chinese house from the Qing dynasty is one of the attractions here. The Phillips Library, another period piece, has huge collections of manuscripts and documents relating to local history. Exhibitions, such as Hawthorne Bicentennial and The Kingdom of Siam have fascinated visitors. The Garden Restaurant and Atrium Cafe offer interesting bites.

A classic preservation of the maritime history of New England consists of 12 historical structures and nine acres by the Salem waterfront. Here is a very detailed account of the many important events like the Atlantic triangle colonial trading and historical maritime trades with the Orient. The subsequent emergence of American flourishing economics is depicted in events, films, walks along wharfs and guided tours by rangers.

Anybody interested in exploring the house of seven gables and four lighthouses? Pay a visit to the Essex Heritage area not just to do the above but to participate in mock settlement demonstrations and trudging maritime/industrial trail...phew! This historical site also features colonial settlements against the backdrop of precious beaches and luxurious landscapes. The rise and development of the shoe and textile industries is another hightlight. Anyone game for this historical picnic ride?

Salem is notorious for the witch trials held there in 1692. The Witch Dungeon Museum takes you back in time to Salem Village during that time period through a re-enactment of the witch trials. In all, 156 were accused of being witches and 20 were put to death. The museum's performance is based on historical transcripts from that year. Admission also includes a tour of a dungeon, which recreates the atmosphere of the original site where those accused of witchcraft were held.

Captain Kidd and Captain Blackbeard are just two of the more well-known pirates that dominated the seas off the north shores of Boston. This museum gives you the chance to relive that bit of history with actors playing the parts of some these 17th century villains. A walking tour includes such sites as a dockside village and a pirate ship and bat-cave that holds some of the pirate's loot.

Run by the Salem Parks and Recreation Department, the Witch House is the home of the late judge Jonathan Corwin who presided over the Salem Witch Trials. While the town of Salem has many spots to visit to relive the notorious trials, this 17th century house is the only structure still standing with links to the trials of 1692. The four-room house contains a range of exhibits and offers a look back to this troubled period of history.

The Salem Wax Museum of Witches and Seafarers gives a face to the Salem Witch Trials with London-made wax figures that capture the history of the time. The museum also has  wax recreations that showcase maritime life in the 1700s and early 1800s. Children love the interactive exhibits, including learning how to tie a nautical knot. Visitors are also welcome to see the  Old Burial Point behind the museum, which is one of the oldest cemeteries in the city.

The House of the Seven Gables is a 17th Century Salem mansion which inspired even the famous novelist Nathaniel Hawthorne in her work of the same name. Also named the Turner-Ingersoll mansion, "seven gables" refers to its seven triangular points above the roof line. Built in 1688, this house contains a hidden staircase and is located on Salem Harbor. The house where Hawthorne was born has been moved to this property and can also be seen.