07
Aug
Hi everyone, happy Monday and welcome back to the blog. Today I decided to round up the top ten most common questions I see in my Facebook group. First thing’s first – if you aren’t in my group feel free to head over there and request to join. We recently passed 50,000 members (already at 52,000 now!) and it’s a great group of very helpful folks. Ask questions, share resources and more. Second, please keep in mind that this list is not all inclusive and there are certainly variants of these questions that get asked as well. This is just a starting point of some of the super common questions and topics I see. I hope this helps!
The top ten most common questions in my Facebook group
Which walking tour is best?
This one is superrrrr common and the answer is not so straight forward. Salem is home to 75+ walking tour companies at this point and they all do things in their own way. This largely depends on what type of tour content you’re looking for. Scary? Kid friendly? Focused on the witch trials? Focused on other aspects of Salem’s history? I’d begin with considering what type of content you’re looking for and then narrow it down from there. I also highly encourage you to book with local tour companies that are here in Salem. Unfortunately, random global companies pop up here and there offering tours in Salem (especially through the fall) and they are not quality. Their guides are hired in bulk, reading from scripts that are sometimes not fact checked by an actual historian or subject expert. Please book with a local tour company so you know you’re getting a good quality tour that is accurate to our history.
Are there hotels nearby?
Did you miss your chance to book a hotel right here in Salem for your visit? Staying in a nearby city or town and taking the train into Salem is a great option, especially in the fall. This also alleviates the need to drive into Salem which can be rough in October. I have a list of hotels in and around Salem right here which is a great starting point for you. If you aren’t sure where the trains are, head to the MBTA website. They also have a great trip planning tool right here.
Are there any photographers available to do a shoot for me/my friends/my family/my group?
Yes! Tons. In addition to running ThingstodoinSalem.com and SalemMAWedding.com I am also a professional photographer. You can view my work at PhotographybyThingstodoinSalem.com and feel free to send any inquiries to info@thingstodoinsalem.com. Thank you!
When do I need to buy tickets for things?
The answer to this is easy – if you’re coming in the fall you should buy tickets as soon as possible. Securing your spot for tours, attractions, events and more is key to enjoying your fall visit to Salem. Purchase anything that you can ahead of time.
When should I book my hotel?
Same as above – if you’re coming in the fall you should book your hotel as soon as possible. Many hotels in the downtown Salem area open up fall availability during the previous fall. So if you want to book fall 2024, you should be able to book sometime in the fall of 2023. Keep an eye on the hotel you want to book with, follow them on social media, sign up for their newsletters, etc. so you can stay on top of the announcements and grab a room as soon as possible. If you are booking any other time of year I’d still suggest grabbing your room ASAP, however it won’t be nearly as difficult as in the fall.
Does September still have fall vibes?
Sort of, yes. The peak of the Halloween and fall vibes happen in October, of course, however September is still lovely too and this is a great way to avoid some of the fall crowds.
What’s the weather like?
This is the million dollar question. The answer is – we don’t know. I have seen Halloween seasons so warm I didn’t even need a coat and I have also seen Halloween seasons where it literally snowed. Check the weather forecast and trends and be prepared. Pack layers and options for yourself. New England weather largely does whatever it wants, when it wants. If you find yourself here in Salem without appropriate attire, we have tons of shops in town that sell hoodies, umbrellas, hats, etc. There is also a Target and a Walmart on Highland Ave. that is a short drive from downtown if you’re really in need of something.
Do I really need tickets and plans for the fall?
YES. If you want to come here and really enjoy the fall experience, yes. Coming in October on a whim with nothing booked or reserved is a bad idea. Restaurants fill up fast and go to wait lists early in the day, walking tours are sold out, hotels are super full and there are lines to get into everything if you don’t have tickets. Don’t come on a whim unless you are planning to just walk around and people watch.
Where can I store my bags?
Most hotels will store your bags behind the counters for you if you are arriving way ahead of your check in time. UPS also offers storage through a program called “Bounce” which might be a good option for you. I personally have not used Bounce, so please do your own research ahead of time.
How do I get to Salem from Logan Airport?
There are several ways to get to Salem from Logan Airport. You can use a rideshare app like Uber or Lyft, you can take the train or you could rent a car and drive. I don’t suggest that last option, but it is one of the ways you could get here.
Bonus: “Where is that?”
This bonus section is a round up of random “where is the _____?” style questions I see.
The broom making workshops are at The Witchery.
The purple “I put a spell on you” sign is at Coven.
The orange string lights are at the Salem Common, though they are only lit during the fall.
The large witch on a broom suspended from the dome ceiling is at Blackcraft.
The huge Baphomet statue is inside The Satanic Temple and Art Gallery.
I hope this helped. Enjoy!! <3
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