The Allure of a Red Eye Adventure
Taking a red eye bus tour means you’ll be riding through the night. Imagine hopping on a bus and watching the stars twinkle overhead. As the bus rolls down the highway, the excitement builds. There’s something magical about traveling while everyone else sleeps. You’re not just getting somewhere; you’re part of an adventure!
Comfort and Convenience
Why choose a bus? It’s simple. You don’t have to worry about driving or finding parking. You can sit back, relax, and enjoy the company of fellow explorers. Most buses have comfy seats, and you even enjoy snacks and drinks. Plus, the night ride lets you arrive early, ready to dive into Salem's wonders as the sun rises.
The journey to Salem via bus marks merely the start of an exciting adventure. Upon arriving at the wharf, an intriguing atmosphere envelops the surroundings. The town is steeped in culture and history, being the birthplace of the National Guard and the site of the infamous Salem Witch Trials
Arrving in Salem
We arrived in Salem around 10 a.m. and were dropped off at the Salem Maritime National Historic Site, eager to spend the day exploring independently. Our adventure commenced with a leisurely stroll to the Derby Wharf Lighthouse, during which we captured numerous photographs of the notable landmarks. Afterward, we continued our journey with a brief ten-minute walk to Red's Sandwich Shop. The wait time at Red's was approximately 30 minutes; however, the time seemed to pass swiftly as we conversed with fellow customers in line. The food was certainly worth the wait. I particularly enjoyed the Lulu FT, which showcases Red's homemade cheesecake filling atop perfectly golden brown French toast. Brenda, my friend, selected an omelet that was truly exceptional.
Following our delightful meal, we embarked on an eight-minute stroll to Salem Common to visit the vendor exhibits associated with Salem Haunted Happenings. The artists presented a remarkable selection of handcrafted items, including witch hats, brooms, candles, soaps, jewelry, and dolls. Additionally, we made sure to stop by the food trucks offering their enticing small town festival-style cuisine.
It's just a bunch of hocus pocus
Our third outing of the day involved a self-guided Hocus Pocus Tour, commencing with a 38-minute walk to Pioneer Village 98 West Avenue, the backdrop for Thackery Binx's village. Nestled in a lightly wooded area, the village is the oldest living history museum in America. The homes and village are designed to represent what Salem was like in 1630. Numerous engaging sights awaited exploration, including a pillory. If luck is on your side, as it was for us, you may just spot the Sanderson Sisters roaming the village or lurking near Max and Dani's house. The cost to enter the village is $5 and can be bought on site or online in advance.
The second destination of our Hocus Pocus Tour was the residence of Max and Dani 10 Ocean Avenue. This house is situated on a pleasant residential street, just an eight-minute walk from the Village. The home is not accessible to public.. Please remember that the home is a private residence and that while the owners are okay with visitors taking pictures from the road, walking onto the lawn or porch is trespassing, so be respectful.
Our final destination on our Hocus Pocus tour was Rope Mansion 318 Essex Street, also known as Alison's House. This residence is both stunning and eerie. Constructed in the late 1720s, the historic mansion has witnessed numerous deaths and tragedies. According to local superstition, Rope Mansion is undoubtedly haunted. Visitors report hearing the anguished screams of Abigail, and some even claim to have seen her apparition. Additionally, there are accounts suggesting that Nathaniel Ropes shares the haunting presence within the house. The gardens located in the back of the house are free to visit and open to the public.
Essex street, the pedistran Mall
Essex Street is distinguished as a pedestrian-only mall, effectively preventing vehicular access. In October, the street becomes especially lively as crowds gather to enjoy its energetic ambiance and numerous attractions. Our visit concluded on Essex Street, where the area is teeming with a diverse mix of people eager to take photographs for tips or to simply be captured in spontaneous moments as they pass by. Notable landmarks on Essex include the Witch House and the Bewitch statue, as well as a variety of shops lining the street. We ended our day with a meal at a quaint pizza place called Flying Saucer Pizza; despite a lengthy wait, the exceptional taste of the pizza and garlic knots quickly revealed the reasons for its popularity.
Goodnight fatties
A trip to Salem is not truly complete without a visit to one of our top recommendations, Goodnight Fatties located at 1 Washington Square. You might be curious about what Goodnight Fatties offers; they are renowned for their exceptional cookies, affectionately referred to as "Fatties." Adding to their charm, Goodnight Fatties operates exclusively on weekends, producing only three distinct cookie recipes each week, with the flavors remaining a delightful surprise until you place your order.
Salem, A Journey with remembering
As darkness took over the sky, our time in Salem concluded. This journey will always hold a special place in my heart, and I look forward to reliving the experiences each time I visit. Together, we forged unforgettable memories, often laughing to the point of tears. Salem is truly a city deserving of exploration.
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