Salem, MA: A Must-Visit Town Near Boston 🧙‍♀️

Just a short trip from Boston lies Salem — a uniquely atmospheric New England town rich with history, culture, and a touch of mystery. Here are two museums you can’t miss: 1. Peabody Essex Museum 🏯 Hours: Closed Tue & Wed Mon, Thu–Sun: 10am–5pm Tickets: Adult: $20 | Student: $12 Founded in 1799, PEM is one of the oldest and most significant museums in the U.S., with a world-class collection of Asian art and maritime trade artifacts. 🌊🖼️ Explore exhibits on the Maritime Silk Road 🌍⚓, featuring trade goods, art, and fashions that crossed oceans. Don’t miss the Yin Yu Tang house — a complete Qing Dynasty Huizhou-style home transported from Anhui, China, and rebuilt here brick by brick. Reserve your timed ticket online in advance. Audio guides are included — follow room numbers for stories spanning 200 years. Allow 30–40 mins. A breathtaking encounter with Chinese architecture and culture, right in New England. 2. Salem Witch Museum 🕯️ Hours: 10am–5pm daily (July–Aug: 10am–7pm) Tickets: Adult: $17.50 | Senior (62+): $16 | Youth (6–14): $14.50 This museum tells the haunting story of the 1692 Salem Witch Trials — a dark chapter in American history. It began when several girls fell mysteriously ill. Accusations, fear, and hysteria led to 150 imprisonments, 19 hangings, and 1 death by crushing. It wasn’t until 1992 that the state of Massachusetts formally apologized and cleared the victims’ names. Powerful, sobering, and educational — a must for understanding Salem’s identity. I only had half a day, but you could easily spend a full day soaking in the vibes, trying local seafood, and exploring more hidden gems. 🦞🍁 Has anyone else been to Salem? What was your favorite spot? #Salem #WitchCity #PEM #YinYuTang #TravelUSA #MuseumLover #NewEngland