Between 1692 and 1693, the town of Salem, Massachusetts bore witness to what would soon be a period of dark history during its timeline. The Witch Trials persisted throughout the course of that year, putting to death many innocent young girls, women, and even men who were accused of witchcraft. The witch hunt mentality wrought havoc and chaos on the early settlement, leading the powers that be to believe there was no other option but to eradicate the accused.

While this ancient belief marked a sinister time for the city of Salem, it has also served a reminder to never allow ignorance and paranoia to run ramped again. Bearing that in mind, Salem has become a haven for all those intrigued by the strange and unusual, and the city sees upwards of 250,000 people during Halloween. While the leaf-peeping season is stunning in New England, those who are truly interested in Salem's history need not go when the crowds overtake every square inch of this beautiful seaport - the off-season holds just as much charm, with far fewer people.

To Learn About Salem's History, Check Out The Salem Witch Museum And The Witch Trials Memorial

The best way to avoid repeating history is to know it, and visitors can do this at the Salem Witch Museum. During busy season, visitors might need to add their names to a list of time slots but during the off-season, you can slide right in.

Here, listen to the words of those who lived through the ordeal and watch the trials play out over the course of 13 stage sets, before walking through the timeline of witchcraft, all the way up to modern-day. When it's over, walk over to the Witch Trials Memorial, which was dedicated by Elie Wiesel, Holocaust survivor and Nobel Laureate, in 1992.

Spend A Night (Or Several) In The Supposedly Haunted Hawthorne Hotel

The Hawthorne Hotel stands out in the busy center of Historic Salem and is pretty hard to miss. The interior of the building is stunning, architecturally intricate, and will likely have cheaper rates during the off-season.

Furthermore, it's rumored that rooms 615 and 325 are haunted, with witness reports of ghostly figures being seen in both. For those interested in furthering their spooky knowledge, Salem offers numerous ghost tours after dark... for those who are brave enough.

The House Of The Seven Gables Is A Must, Along With The Birthplace Of Nathaniel Hawthorne

Ghostly spooks aside, the House of the Seven Gables is a staple landmark in Salem's history. This beautiful house features seven gables in its architecture, thus the inspiration for both its name and the book written by famous American Gothic author Nathaniel Hawthorne - whose house happens to sit right next door.

The House of the Seven Gables is the oldest surviving house of a wooden construction dating back to the 17th century in New England, and its preserved interior is utterly stunning.

Related: 10 Free Things To Do In Salem, Massachusetts

Salem Beerworks Is A Great Option For Lunch Or Dinner, While Jaho Is Great For Early Eats

For a brew and a bite, Salem Beerworks is a must-stop. From comfort food to southern flair and New England classics, they're cooking it all up with their locally-brewed craft beer. Although their fall seasonal favorites are a delight (any and all things pumpkin), their beer, in general, is worthy of the trip.

Jaho Coffee is a little place on Derby Street, but easy enough to find if you follow the friendly smiles and welcome greetings... Not to mention the scent of delicious coffee wafting toward visitors from the front door. Grab a few pastries, some coffee, and get to walking!

Related: 10 Eerie Things About Salem, Massachusetts

Walking Along Its Cobblestone Streets, Take In The Friendship At The Seaport, And Head To Some Of The Off-Kilter Attractions

Just walking around Salem is an experience in itself, and whether it's a snowy day during the Christmas season (which can be absolutely magic) or a warm spring day near the docks, there's no wrong way to spend a day there.

Seek out its charming cobblestone walkways before heading down to Derby Wharf to see the fully-restored Friendship (a literal ship), and for a bit of whimsical fun, check out the Salem Wax Museum, Count Orlok's Nightmare Gallery, or even the Peabody Essex Museum.

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