Ghosts of Salem

With the arrival of “ghost season” (the weeks around Halloween) , I’m in Salem weekly, continuing to work on my book.

Keep in mind that the Witch Trials involved people in what’s now called Danvers, as well as the city of Salem, Massachusetts.  So, if you’re looking for witch-related ghosts, you may find them throughout Essex County and Boston’s North Shore.

Also remember that many of Salem’s ghosts are far newer than the 17th century.  They include the pale, spectral face of Susannah Ingersoll (the cousin of Nathaniel Hawthorne) at the upstairs window of the House of Seven Gables.

Or, for a direct connection to the spirits, stop at Salem’s famous Hex shop and see their New Orleans-style altar.  Is it haunted? Maybe.  The shop is a real delight, anyway.

I’m skeptical of reports of hooded figures with glowing eyes at Salem’s (in)famous Gallows Hill, but I believe that at least one modern-day ghost represents a child playing happily at the playground on the hill’s upper level.

If you’re spending the night in Salem, my first choice is the Salem Inn.  For another great, happily haunted hotel, visit the Hawthorne Hotel in the middle of Salem.

Of course, the perfect time to visit the Hawthorne Hotel is during the seasonal parties held there.  I’ll be at the Official Salem Witches’ Halloween Ball, but any “Festival of the Dead” event in that hotel may be attended by a few ghosts.  (They’ll look like revelers in costume, until they vanish as you watch.)

Also, I haven’t visited the Stephen Daniels House yet, but it’s a respected, pet-friendly B&B with a history from the witch trial era… and rumors of a ghostly cat.

No matter where you are in the Salem area at Halloween, expect spooky fun and a few “good scares.”  If you’re looking for ghosts, Salem is the best place to be at this time of year!

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