The Coven's Cottage, just one of the many interesting shops around Salem, Massachusetts. |
An entire season of the popular 1960's TV show BEWITCHED was filmed in Salem. Sometime later, this beautiful statue was erected in honor of Elizabeth Montgomery, the show's star. |
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Relaxing in our room at The Salem Inn's West House. |
Our favorite place to eat was the Gulu Gulu Cafe. They have the best Goulash and an awesome, unique Mac 'n Cheese. The food was delicious and they were so friendly to us and our dogs on the outdoor patio! The hot chocolate was to die for, and according to John so was the beer.
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Our favorite Salem restaurant, Gulu Gulu. "Do You Gulu?" |
The Witch House, the gabled house on the right, in Salem Massachusetts where initial examinations of the accused witches were held in 1692. |
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Inside the historic Witch House in Salem, owned by the wealthy Jonathan Corwin from the late 1600's to mid 1800's. |
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Plaque bearing the names of the 25 victims accused of being witches during the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. |
Salem Witch Trial Memorial that remembers and honors those accused of witchcraft and condemned to death in 1692. |
Salem Witch Trial Memorial stone bench dedicated to accused witch Wilmot Redd. |
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One of the early books written about witchcraft and how to ward off the evils of it. |
In addition to cats and other animals, they also believed that dogs could be a type of familiar associated with the devil and witches. As such, at least two dogs were hanged during the Salem Witch Trials.
Seriously?? Dogs doing the devil's bidding!? Ridiculous! |
I was greatly moved by the following words, which I saw mounted on the wall as I was touring the Witch House:
"Throughout history, when one group perceives a danger or threat from another group, mankind is capable of great cruelty in our effort to nullify or remove that threat. We consent to acts that bring dire consequences in our attempts to control our circumstances, our fortunes, and engineer their improvement. From the ongoing persecution of "child witches" in Africa to global terrorism, to classroom and cyber bullying we are still surrounded with events that marginalize the group or individual through acts of violence or domination."
Although these accusations and subsequent hysteria seem ridiculous to most of us, it's important to remember and reflect on events like the Salem Witch Trials. We must be careful not to let fear and suspicion convert sensible people into terrified beings that commit acts that chip away at our humanity.
In addition to discovering it's rich history, there are SO many fun and interesting things to see and do in Salem Massachusetts. There are museums, Witch Trial re-enactments, historic places, ghost walks, historic walks & lectures, harbor tours, a trolley tour, some great restaurants to eat in and more! Start planning your Salem, Massachusetts trip by visiting the Salem visitors site. We stayed only 2 nights, but I'd love to visit again to see and do all the things we didn't get to on this trip.
Of course, no trip to Salem Massachusetts would be complete without a visit to the House of the Seven Gables, on which the 1851 novel by Nathaniel Hawthorne is based. The home was owned by his cousin and Nathaniel spent much of his youth at the house. His ancestors were involved in the 1692 Salem witch trials. His novel makes references to the supernatural and witchcraft.
The gardens at the House of the Seven Gables in Salem Massachusetts are lovely and overlook the harbor. |
On our way to the House of the Seven Gables we passed lots of fun little shops and attractions.
I popped into a place called WITCH WAY GIFTS. Lo and Behold, I found the adorable Halloween flag I'd seen a year ago but didn't buy!
I'd been searching for it for 2 months in stores and online. How fitting that I finally found it in SALEM MASSACHUSETTS days before Halloween! Coincidence? Hmmmmm.....
What spooky or fun things did you do this Halloween? Leave us a comment and share!
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