Halloween in Salem

We spent last week in Massachusetts with my sister and her family. The goal (besides getting to see each other in person after three years!) was to experience Halloween in Salem, learn about the history, and see what the area is like during October.

While we were there, we did the Gallows Hill Presents: The Lost Museum tour. This was such a fun tour/haunted house type of experience and our guide was fantastic. The two younger kiddos had to leave early because it was too scary. But it was perfect for the older kiddos (ages 9 and 10). They were still scared and genuinely super into it, which was cute to watch. We also did the Gallows Hill Main Show, which was lovely too, but my personal favorite was the museum.

Besides that, we ate, shopped, and roamed around Salem. There were people in costume and cute little shops selling touristy things. We picked up a few graphic novels about the Salem Witch Trials from local bookstores and ended with a few photos at Allison's House from Hocus Pocus - the Rope Mansion and Garden - plus an Amtrak and train ride back to Boston.

Downsides were that many of the stores and attractions seem to close around 5pm and it's hard to find places that will let you use the bathroom.

Overall, it was a fun trip! I'm so glad we got to see my niblings. The kids had a blast together. We haven't traveled to a walking city as a family before, and it was fun to experience busy city life, take the trains, and do all of that. Being there reminded me of growing up in downtown Chicago with my grandparents. Definitely a different vibe from AZ that felt a bit nostalgic. I don't think I could live there (the traffic scares me! And so does the winter. And so does the cost of living, lol) But it was a lovely place.