So let me start by making it clear that I loved Salem. As someone who has been interested, nay, fascinated by witches from a young age, I've always wanted to visit the Witch City. And in many ways it didn't disappoint - it's a beautiful place, set on the sea and it has plenty to do. For example:
The Peabody Museum - when we were there it had a great exhibition about Native American fashion.
The House Of The Seven Gables - we were given a guided tour, the best of the trip, through this ancient Salem house that was the inspiration for Nathaniel Hawthorne's book of the same name.
A&J Bakery - for the best sandwich of the trip.
Witch City Consignment - brilliant thrift store, especially for furniture.
Salem Maritime National Historic Site - fun to walk around and look at the boats. You know, if you're into boats.
I haven't put any witch stuff on there because we didn't do any witch stuff, apart from taking a photo next to the statute of Samantha from Bewitched. Oh and we did go and look at the Salem Witch Trial Memorial, which is in the centre of the city. In truth I wish I could have separated Salem the Witch City - fun slightly witchy themed place with loads of interesting non-witch stuff to do - from Salem the location of that awful human rights travesty. It's interesting how Salem has taken that event and embraced it as a positive part of their identity, you can't move for witch shops and spiritualists. And I love witch shops. (Spiritualists not so much). Maybe it's a good thing they're using the past as a positive, but I felt slightly uncomfortable that the reason I wanted to go to Salem was because of The Craft and Bewitched and Hocus Pocus, which really has nothing to do with the reality that in the 1690s people were basically killed for being perceived as different. But then it was a very, very long time ago. But then things like that still happen all the time? Don't get me wrong, I was still looking in estate agent windows at the houses for sale - apparently Halloween is amazing there - but I came back with a lot of questions, most of them directed at myself. The best thing about Salem is that it's a great city if you're not interested in the witch stuff, it's a wonderful place and definitely worth a visit.
In other news, my dress is from Valley Of The Dolls, who I'm so into right now - their SS collection is dreamy, and my jacket was a gift from my friend Barbara. It was her mother's and it's so beautiful I can't handle it, I'm wearing it all the time. Even around the house. Thank you Barbara!