An Out-of-New York Experience

Hi everyone!

I spent my Columbus Day Weekend getting into the Halloween and Fall Spirit.

As I mentioned in a previous post, I've pretty much experienced most of what New York has to offer as far as Halloween/Fall festivities. I've done the corn mazes and haunted houses. I've done the parades and Halloween parties. So this year I decided to switch it up a bit and get out of NYC. I wanted a different kind of Halloween experience so I drove to Salem, MA.

It's a 4 hour drive from NYC to Salem, Ma. We headed out around 8:30am. I made a stop in Connecticut to pick up my cousin and then from there headed straight to Salem. Just like any other road trip we hit a few bumps in the road. Minor traffic, stop for gas, restroom, and snacks so we actually didn't arrive till 3pm. The ride was long but we got there with just enough time to walk around, grab something to eat and visit a few museums. The weather gave us the perfect ambiance, it was cool, cloudy, and began to drizzle.

For those of you who don't know, Salem is known historically for the Salem Witch Trials which began in 1692. At this time, many women were wrongfully accused of being witches and were hung or stoned to death. Regardless of how you look at it, whether you believe these women really participated in witchcraft or not, you can easily understand what makes this town so creepy. If the women did in fact participate in witchcraft, the town can be perceived as having a supernatural ambiance (either good or bad). For those who were wrongfully accused (or believed to be) they were tortured and innocently murdered over strict, religious beliefs. As I said, either way it gives the town a very creepy feel. 

The Witch Dungeon --- All pictures posted were taken by @Miss_NYCity   

When we arrived, the first place we went was The Witch Dungeon. They began with a 10-minute play that re-enacted the Salem Witch Trials. They then took us down into the basement where there was a recreation of what the prison cells looked like for the women accused of witchcraft. All I can say was it was wrong on so many levels. The cells were only big enough to fit one person standing. There was no way you could lay or even sit down. They explained that when it rained, the water would flood the area. They would crowd the women in there and there were no bathrooms or no lights. So you can imagine how terrible the conditions were...it was really crazy.

The Witch House --- All pictures posted were taken by @Miss_NYCity   

After we went to The Witch House. This was the actual house that belonged to Jonathan Corwin who was one of the judges responsible for investigating the witchcraft claims. This house, with direct ties to the witch trials, was preserved and you can tell immediately when you enter it. The house is small. The uneven floors creak when you walk on them. It smells old and feels moist. As you walk the house you can imagine how these people lived, cooked, slept, etc. It literally was a walk back in time. The house overall creeped me out. It had some witchcraft artifacts including a voodoo doll that was kept behind glass. There was a list with the names of the victims of the witch trials hung on a wall. I could imagine how cold the house would've been in winter and how creepy it would be at night.

Salem, MA --- All pictures posted were taken by @Miss_NYCity   

The next stop was the oddities store. OMG! All I will say is I won't be going into an oddities store again. It had the weirdest things from bones to the skin of an anaconda. This store gave me the goosebumps so I definitely didn't stay long. Once we left we walked further into town. Everyone walked around in witch hats, witch outfits or other costumes (real or not). We saw a man with horns and the creepiest eyes. All I can say is, they take Halloween really serious in Salem! The irony came when a very religious man began ranting about how everyone should "repent" for participating in these activities. It reminded me of the movie Elvira. We went into a witch shop which was fully equipped with all things witchcraft. From candles, to sage, to stones, Egyptian relics, and other things I had no idea the purpose of....maybe it was best that I didn't know. We entered a mall and were followed by a copper colored witch, dressed from head to toe. She didn't talk, she just stared and walked behind us. CREEPY! People took part in tarot card readings and other similar activities. I couldn't get myself to do all of that. Being in the town was enough. There was more that could be experienced in this town. Hocus Pocus Night tours, seances, cemetery visits, and even a magic show in the famously haunted Hawthorne Hotel. But I had to pass, because I personally have a limit when it comes to the "experience" and the town itself was enough.

I will say that it was definitely an interesting experience. Everyone in that town claims to have no idea where the actual hangings and stoning of the witches occurred. I personally think they know but refuse to share. I wouldn't want to know anyway. I think if you like Halloween and want to get into the spirit this is definitely an experience.  The town has a lot of history, just remember and be prepared for how real it is. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Stuarts Farm, Upstate NY--- All pictures posted were taken by @Miss_NYCity   

My next fall experience was my traditional upstate apple picking. This year we headed to Stuarts Farm which was in a town upstate called Granite Hills. It took about an hour to get there. It was a beautiful, relaxing ride. The fall foliage was visible as you drove. There were red, orange, yellow, and green trees. It was beautiful. This farm was huge. It was uphill so the view of the rest of the town could be seen. They had a bakery which baked fresh pies and the best donuts EVER!! They were freshly made and came out warm from the oven. So delicious!!!! The apples were great also. If you happen to be in the area or want a good place to go apple picking definitely go there! And don't forget to try their donuts you won't regret it!

Happy Fall and Happy Hauntings!!

Love,

Miss_NYCity

Tell me more... Share, comment, and leave your questions below.