Salem's 400th Anniversary: A Witchy Guide to the City's Occult Offerings
As Salem, Massachusetts gears up for its 400th anniversary in 2026, the city is witnessing a significant rise in tourism, particularly during the autumn months. Renowned for its witch trials, Salem has evolved into a center for contemporary witches and spiritual practitioners. Notable sites include The Witchery, Ascend Get Lifted, Diehl Marcus & Company, and the Salem Witch Museum. Visitors enjoy activities such as the Hocus Pocus movie walking tour and taking photos with the Bewitched Statue. The Hawthorne Hotel is famous for its alleged hauntings. Local experts like Natasha Rusilko, Liz Simmons, and Zhana Levitsky suggest visiting Pickering Wharf, The Cauldron Black, and the Salem Witch Fest in August. Salem's distinctive history and welcoming vibe draw both history enthusiasts and those in search of magical encounters.
Key facts
- Salem, Massachusetts is celebrating its 400th anniversary in 2026.
- Tourism is already ramping up as the fall season approaches.
- The city is known for its witch trials history but now embraces modern witches and spiritual healers.
- Recommended shops include Ascend Get Lifted, Diehl Marcus & Company, The Witchery, and Enchanted.
- The Salem Witch Museum focuses on giving a voice to innocent victims of the witch hunts.
- Walking tours include the Hocus Pocus movie tour, Ghouls of the City, and Witch Trials walk.
- The Hawthorne Hotel is rumored to be haunted, with rooms 325 and 612 noted.
- Local practitioners recommend Pickering Wharf, The Cauldron Black, Salem Willows, Winter Island, and Ropes Mansion Gardens.
- Salem Witch Fest is held in August.
- The Bewitched Statue of Elizabeth Montgomery is located on Essex and Washington Streets.
Entities
Artists
- Carmelo Aresco
- Laurie Cabot
- Natasha Rusilko
- Liz Simmons
- Zhana Levitsky
- Nathaniel Hawthorne
- Elizabeth Montgomery
Institutions
- Ascend Get Lifted
- Diehl Marcus & Company
- The Witchery
- Salem Witch Museum
- Hawthorne Hotel
- Enchanted
- The Cauldron Black
- E.W. Hobbs
- Salem Witch Fest
- Witches' League for Public Awareness
- Cabot Tradition of the Science of Witchcraft
Locations
- Salem
- Massachusetts
- Essex Street
- Washington Street
- Pickering Wharf
- Salem Willows
- Winter Island
- Ropes Mansion Gardens
- Chestnut Street