5 Days is Salem - Witch City USA
I've dreamed of visiting Salem for decades, but the opportunity never quite aligned—until now. This year, when planning our family vacation, I mentioned Salem, and to my delight, everyone was on board! Our last family trip was two years ago to the Adirondack Mountains, a place that holds special memories for my husband and me, as we've celebrated several anniversaries there. While I cherish our mountain getaways, I was thrilled to switch things up this time.
My fascination with Salem stems from its deep-rooted history of witchcraft and mysticism. Though not directly tied to Salem, I do have two ancestors who were found guilty—but not executed—of witchcraft. As a bit of a history enthusiast, I’ve always loved exploring cities and towns that preserve their historic architecture; you can really feel the past in these places. So, a city like Salem, with its dark aesthetic and rich history centered around witchcraft, was the perfect destination for me.
Historical and Cultural Context
The Witch House
Salem, Massachusetts, is a city that wears its history on its sleeve, and that history is both fascinating and dark. Best known for the infamous Salem Witch Trials of 1692, the town has become synonymous with witchcraft and the supernatural. During that harrowing period, more than 200 people were accused of practicing witchcraft, and 20 were executed. The events of the trials were fueled by fear, superstition, sexism, and a fragile social order, leaving a lasting impact on the community and the collective consciousness of America.
But Salem's story doesn't end there. Over the centuries, the town has embraced its complex past, transforming into a hub for those drawn to its mystique and the darker aspects of history. The city’s cobblestone streets and preserved 17th-century architecture stand as a testament to its enduring legacy. Walking through Salem, you can feel the weight of history in every corner, from the old graveyards to the historic homes that have stood the test of time.
Beyond the trials, Salem has cultivated a rich cultural tapestry that blends its Puritan roots with a modern appreciation for the occult, alternative lifestyles, and the arts. The city has become a gathering place for those interested in witchcraft, paganism, and all things mystical. It’s not uncommon to find shops filled with spell books, tarot cards, and other esoteric items, alongside museums and attractions dedicated to educating visitors about the trials and their tragic consequences.
Salem’s cultural significance goes beyond its dark past, however. It is a place where the past and present coexist, where the lessons of history are remembered, and where a community thrives on the very elements that once caused fear and division. This unique blend of history, culture, and mysticism makes Salem a truly captivating destination for anyone with a love of the darker and more mysterious aspects of life.
Highlights of the Trip
Wolf Moon
One of my main goals for this trip was to find inspiration for our shop opening in October, and I was fortunate to visit some truly fantastic places along the way. We began our exploration at the Witch City Mall, primarily because it offered ample parking and convenient access to Essex Street. Although the mall itself was a bit worn, it housed one of my favorite shops from the trip: Wolf Moon. This goth-inspired space was a visual treat, with a layout and decor that were absolutely stunning. The items were carefully curated, each piece seemingly chosen with intention. I was particularly delighted to see a small couch in the back—a feature we’ve already planned for our shop. It was reassuring to see something similar in a space that’s already established.
Another small shop that captured my heart was Vampire Fangs. Throughout our time in Salem, I was on the hunt for a parasol, and I finally found the perfect one here! The woman at the counter was lovely, and we had a great chat about the shop and its upcoming events. They were actually opening a second location just a few doors down from their current space the day after we left. They also have an upcoming Vampire Ball, which sounded incredible. Sadly, it’s happening in September, when we’ll be busy setting up our shop, but it certainly seemed worth the four-hour drive.
As for historical sites, we didn’t have time to see everything I’d hoped, but we did manage to visit The Witch House. This is the oldest home in Salem, now converted into a museum. It was fascinating to walk through the rooms and see the historic items preserved there, giving us a glimpse into the past.
The second historical site we visited was Proctor’s Ledge, the official location where nineteen of the accused were executed in 1692. In 2017, a stone monument was erected here, with the names of the victims engraved into the stones. Standing at the site, reflecting on the tragic events that took place there, was a sobering experience.
Personal Reflections
My trip to Salem was deeply enriching, particularly as someone who embraces alternative culture. It was refreshing to walk into any shop and find items made for people like me. The friendliness and warmth of everyone we encountered, combined with the beauty of the shop interiors, made the experience truly memorable. I found inspiration in nearly every shop I visited, but one of my favorite takeaways was the idea of incorporating a Shop Witch Altar. Several shops had these altars, and the cumulative energy they exuded was palpable. I would love to bring that powerful element into our own shop.
However, I must admit, I had one disappointment during the trip. I’m sensitive to the energy of people, places, and objects, and I was a bit let down by the lack of old energy in many parts of Salem—even at The Witch House. I suspect that if I had been able to visit more museums and graveyards, I might have picked up on more of the historic energy I was hoping to find. Interestingly, I did sense a surprising amount of energy at “The American Heritage Museum.”
On our second day of exploring, we focused on activities for my children. We started with a visit to a K-Pop shop for my daughter, conveniently located inside an Asian food market (we absolutely stocked up on snacks to try). Afterward, we headed to “The American Heritage Museum” for my son, who, like me, is a huge history enthusiast.
This museum is truly fantastic. The sheer amount of artifacts they have and the immersive experiences they offer are incredible. However, halfway through the museum, we entered the Holocaust memorial section, where the atmosphere shifted dramatically. The guide mentioned that the train car on display was a new addition, and I could feel a heavy energy surrounding it. But nothing could have prepared me for what came next. As I started reading about the Holocaust, I stood next to two jumpsuits from one of the death camps. Almost immediately, I felt a wave of nausea, which quickly turned into an intense migraine. Though I’ve studied World War II extensively—even taking a college course solely focused on it—I was not prepared for the energy radiating from those garments.
I highly recommend visiting this museum if you love history, but if you’re sensitive to energy like I am, be prepared for an intense experience.
The Witch House
My trip to Salem was everything I had hoped for and more—a blend of history, mysticism, and personal discovery. From finding inspiration for our shop in the beautifully curated spaces to feeling the weight of history in the most unexpected places, this journey left a lasting impression on me. Salem is a city that embraces its past while nurturing a vibrant, alternative culture that resonates deeply with those who seek something different.
While I didn’t connect with all the energies I anticipated, the experience was still profoundly impactful. I left Salem with new ideas, a renewed sense of purpose, and a deeper appreciation for the power of place and history. As we prepare to open Lythik Noir Collective, I’m excited to incorporate the inspirations I gathered, from the aesthetics of the shops I visited to the powerful idea of a Shop Witch Altar. These elements will help us create a space that feels both welcoming and deeply connected to the alternative and mystical worlds we cherish.
I look forward to sharing more of this journey with you as we get closer to our grand opening. Until then, Salem will continue to inspire and shape the vision for our shop—a place where history, creativity, and the dark aesthetic come together in a truly unique way.
Stay Weird-
Morgan
The Lythik Noir Collective
