Hi First name / spooky friend,
Okay, I have to tell you about this trip I've been planning.
THE trip, to be exact.
THE trip everyone has asked me about since I started Spooky Little Halloween…because if you're a spooky kid, you've been. Right?
Well, soon I'll be able to say…RIGHT!
I am
finally heading to Salem, MA this month for
Wicked New England, a Halfway to Halloween festival held right in the heart of the city at Old Town Hall on April 19th.
We're talking a curated spooky vendor market, stage presentations from New England Halloween attractions, characters, photo ops, and even kids' trick-or-treating. It's only in its second year and it's already expanding into Derby Square. Basically, it was designed specifically for people like me. (
Hear more about it on By Pumpkin's Light!)
While Wicked New England is the focus of the weekend, I'm trying to get as much of a dose of Salem as I can in 2.5 days. The goal isn't to do it all — it's to see the highlights and decide where to do deep dives the next time I visit.
Here are the three spots at the top of my list when I think about this trip:
☕ BLACKCRAFT COFFEE | 253 Essex St
A dark, moody coffee shop tucked at the back of Salem's
Blackcraft Cult store past racks of black clothing and occult décor. The drinks lean fully into the aesthetic (Spellbound Lattes, caramel apple brews), the vibe is stunning, and apparently there's the biggest witch in Salem hiding somewhere inside. I have a feeling I'll be here more than once.
🔮 SALEM WITCH BOARD MUSEUM | 127 Essex St
A small museum dedicated entirely to the history of spirit boards and talking boards. The owner, John, is a member of the
Talking Board Historical Society and is apparently one of those rare people who can make you forget what time it is. People go in planning to stay 15 minutes and come out two hours later. It's $10 to get in, and by all accounts, one of the most memorable stops in the whole city.
🛍️ DIE WITH YOUR BOOTS ON | 9 Church St
Salem's beloved
gothic clothing boutique, or what I call East Coast Foxblood. Ethically made apparel, incredible boots, pieces from local artists, and a vibe that makes you feel like you finally found your people. I will be exercising great restraint at the register. (Probably…)
