Witch City All Year

There’s just something about Salem that calls to my deep dark soul. It’s more than the legends, the hauntings, or even the Halloween hysteria, it’s a vibe. A feeling. A deep connection that keeps pulling me back, season after season. Whether I’m here during the chaos of October, in the quiet calm of a spring morning, or dropping in on a whim for a quick recharge… I always find something new to love. This city is layered with history, culture, creativity, and a whole lot of heart. Believe me when I say, if you’re only visiting Salem during spooky season… you’re seriously missing out. 

Please let me introduce myself, I’m known worldwide under my stage name, Brimstone. I’ve toured roads and cities far and wide and I can promise you that nowhere has a vibe quite like Salem. Over the years, I’ve built a bond with this place that goes far beyond tourist attractions and photo ops. It’s about community. It’s about local businesses, passionate creatives, and genuinely kind people who pour their hearts into what they do. One of the shining stars in that constellation is The Coach House—a place I consider my home away from home. Let me tell you, The Coach House is next level. It’s not just a place to lay your head – it’s an experience. From the moment you walk in, you’re surrounded by impeccable style, elevated hospitality, and that perfect blend of luxury and comfort. The team there has become like extended family to me. They get it. They understand what makes Salem special, and they’ve built a space that honors that spirit in the most epic way. If you’re looking to stay in Salem and do it right, The Coach House is the move. Hands down. That being said, it is my honor to write this guest blog offering my personal views on visiting during both on and off seasons!

In Season: October & Halloween Mayhem

When October rolls around, Salem transforms into a bubbling cauldron of spookiness – which is perfect for a full Halloween immersion.

• Halloween Museum: On Essex Street, which is where a lot of the magic happens lies the Salem Halloween Museum. Full of vintage artifacts and macabre flair, it’s a sensory journey where every day is All Hallows’ Eve. Even cooler, check out the Brimstone Exhibit (Yep, all about yours truly) – Some of my screen worn artifacts from Billions (Showtime) and screen used Brimstone goodies from The Big Bang Theory.
• Salem Witch Museum: Essential for history buffs, this museum brings the 1692 trials to life with classic exhibitions in an architecturally striking building. It is a must see when strolling around town and the building is incredibly striking for your selfies!
• Real Pirates Salem: If you like Pirates – this is your first stop! It is a lot bigger than most of the other museums in the area, which also means less of a wait time. I promise you will love every second of your visit.
• Street Performers: Entertainers like Borah Brewington Snaggletooth XIII and other characters channel the witchy chaos of the season. Don’t forget modest tips for photos or performances.
• Tours: I highly recommend Salem Night Tours and Black Cat Tours: spine-tingling ghost hunts through haunted streets, perfect after dark. Each tour group has their different takes on the city and you should absolutely try to take advantage of touring with them both.

Dining Highlights during your Halloween-season visits include:

• Red’s Sandwich Shop: Insanely delicious Steak-Tips breakfast with eggs and home fries; fluffy pumpkin french toast too. Also make sure to taste my menu item, Brimstone’s ‘Rise & Grind’ Breakfast if you really want to get your day started!
• Regatta Pub: A favorite for dinner by the waterfront with cocktails like the Broomstick Beer Flight, tasty wings, and lobster rolls.
• Finz Seafood & Grill: Upscale sushi and seafood delights: crab cakes, street corn shrimp, lobster rolls, and artisan maki.

Off Season: Quieter Skylines, Hidden Gems

Spring and summer offer serene Salem with authentic charm – no crowds, easy parking, and a relaxed pace. Less people mean less lines equaling the ability to see SO much more

• Salem Witch House: The only structure linked directly to the trials (Judge Jonathan Corwin’s home). Offers thoughtful self-guided tours steeped in history.
• Peabody Essex Museum (PEM): Revered cultural institution with over 1.8 million objects, including the Yin Yu Tang Chinese house and rotating exhibitions across art, textiles, and maritime heritage.
• Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery: A horror-lover’s paradise from collectible monsters to immersive private tours (“Lifting the Coffin Lid”) with owner James.
• Shopping the Wharf: Stop at Coven, The Chocolate Pantry and House of Boo for quirky gothic and monster-themed gifts, ornaments, sweet treats and gothic fashion.
• World of Wizardry Salem: A wandandmagic shop reminiscent of a miniHogwarts; more fun if traveling with kids.
• Shopping Essex Street: Vamp Fangs, Velvet & Vein, Nocturne (Front Street – not to be missed) and Blackcraft are all must see shops that honestly, are SO much easier to enjoy without the mobs of people clogging up the entrances.

Offseason tours are more leisurely too:

• Salem Kids Tour: Led by Alicia Diozzi, tailored for families; educational and engaging, a favorite of yours truly! You will have an awesome experience that is very different from the other tours around town.
• Salem Trolley Tours: Daytime and evening options; narrated rides that cover both witch trial and maritime history. Also perfect for when you need to give your feet a rest!

Great eats during slower months:

• Red’s remains a breakfast go-to.
• Boston Burger Company: Creative burgers, unique sides, and massive shakes.
• Flying Saucer Pizza Company: Scifi themed, giant pizzas and garlic knots. Also recommended to call ahead for reservations due to popularity even offseason.

SpuroftheMoment Visits: Quick Trips, Big Payoffs

When you’re making lastminute runs to Salem. No planning, just whim and whatever’s open… here’s how to maximize short stays:

• Ease into town early: Parking is manageable offseason but almost impossible in October. Use the Destination Salem guides and shuttle if planning for a weekend in crowds. Public transportation is your friend in October.
• Swing by Salem Commons, the Bewitched Statue, and pop into Wynott’s Wands for a Potterchanneling browse along Essex Street.
• Grab a bite quickly at Salem’s Retreat, or duck into Blackcraft Coffee inside Blackcraft (Borah’s matcha is a standout) for caffeine and ambiance.
• Follow up with a cookie flight from Goodnight Fatty if you happen to visit at night – massive cookies and milk, perfect for winding down.

Salem isn’t just a city you visit once and check off a bucket list – it’s a place that sticks with you. It has energy. It has attitude. It has soul. From eerie museums and ghost tours to world-class food, local artistry, and genuinely welcoming people… Salem has something for everyone, all year round. If you would like a LOT more in-depth information – Please check out my personal BrimBLOGs about Salem including ‘Brimstone’s Ultimate Guide to Salem’ & ‘Adventures in Salem… Witch City in Ocober’. If you want to learn more about me, my official website can be found HERE and my Instagram can be found HERE.

Whether you’re soaking in the madness of October, enjoying the off-season serenity, or pulling into town just because you needed a little magic in your life… do yourself a favor and go all in. And if you want to make your trip truly unforgettable—start by booking your stay at The Coach House. I promise, you’ll feel the magic too.

Until next time – stay spooky, stay humble, and keep exploring.

– Brimstone

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Banner Photography Credit: Ben Rekemeyer