Salem MA questions: Hello, I am going to Salem Ma for the first time a week before Halloween so I can actually see stuff! 99.9% of the time I do my own thing but I was thing about...

streetmarty Loc: Brockton, Ma

Hello,

I am going to Salem Ma for the first time a week before Halloween so I can actually see stuff! 99.9% of the time I do my own thing but I was thing about trying one of the walking tours. There are a couple of tours for around $20. My question for those in the know. Is it worth the money and how are they with photography. Nothing worse than waiting in line and then inside the door seeing a sign "no photography"! Or...should I just walk around by myself.
Thanks,
Marty

FJT Loc: Delaware

I've been to Salem several times and taken a few tours. None of the tours restricted photography and in addition to the ghost stories, you pick up a lot of history. The only place I remember them asking that no flash photography be taken was in a short play by actors.
If you prefer walking on your own, there's a trail marked on the sidewalk and if you follow it, it will take you to all the places of interest.
Can't beat Salem in October. Good choice.

streetmarty Loc: Brockton, Ma

FJT wrote:

I've been to Salem several times and taken a few tours. None of the tours restricted photography and in addition to the ghost stories, you pick up a lot of history. The only place I remember them asking that no flash photography be taken was in a short play by actors.
If you prefer walking on your own, there's a trail marked on the sidewalk and if you follow it, it will take you to all the places of interest.
Can't beat Salem in October. Good choice.

OK thank you for the help!!

Photocraig

For what it's worth, I have found that the walking tours are very good scouting resources and they setup places to return to actually MAKE a photograph. I use my phone to capture places I want to return to actually spend the time, perhaps tripod enabled, to make photos of the significant subjects the tour uncovers for me. Making more than snapshots tends to distract others from the tour and borders on RUDE.

streetmarty Loc: Brockton, Ma

I agree, no need to scream rude!! Lol

jmsail365 Loc: Stamford, Ct

I have never been in Salem close to Halloween. However, my daughter lives in Salem. Expect parking to be difficult. Additionally they have lot of parades during the month of October. We were there at the end of June & they shut down traffic in the center of town for a parade that created a real problem for us getting across town. Salem is a great town to visit but it can be aggravating at times to get around.

lrn2bgd Loc: Ct.

FYI, New England is going through fall foliage changes now. That will provide colorful landscape opportunities. The Berkshire Mtns. can be awesome. Good luck with the timing of your trip and enjoy.

streetmarty wrote:

Hello, br br I am going to Salem Ma for the first... (show quote)

streetmarty Loc: Brockton, Ma

lrn2bgd wrote:

FYI, New England is going through fall foliage changes now. That will provide colorful landscape opportunities. The Berkshire Mtns. can be awesome. Good luck with the timing of your trip and enjoy.

Not sure how much foliage I’ll be shooting downtown Salem. I’m only there for a day/night, but thank you for the suggestion I appreciate it!!

mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

Couple of things — take a walking tour to scout what you want to go back to and learn about the history. DO NOT attempt photography on the tour. It will be too crowded and others on the tour will hate you. Also leave the tripod in your room unless shooting at night. If you’re not staying in Salem, consider taking public transportation to get there as parking will be at a premium, an understatement, BTW.

Cautions aside, Salem at Halloween is a street photographer’s dream! Residents and visitors DRESS and do elaborate make-up for the occasion. If they didn’t want to be photographed, they wouldn’t have dressed up. If you want to take a break from Halloween stuff, the Peabody Essex Museum is superb and well worth a visit.

Plumma Loc: NE MA.

I would suggest that you try to book a sailing trip on the Fame or the When and If . They are two Sailing vessels that give tours of Salem Harbor. the trips last about 2 hours and they actually Sail around Salem Harbor using the Sails. I think the cost is about $30.00 per person well worth it! You would be Sailing right past my House and I could wave to you :) Also any of the Maritime Sights are great.

Fame in Salem
Fame in Salem...

streetmarty Loc: Brockton, Ma

mizzee wrote:

Couple of things — take a walking tour to scout wh... (show quote)

Sounds like great ideas!! Thank you!

gmsatty Loc: Chicago IL

You need to know that Salem isn't Salem. The actual witch trials and murders took place in Danvers, MA. which was known as Salem village. Yes, Salem is fun but mainly a tourist attraction, in my opinion. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danvers,_Massachusetts.
I have been to Salem and it is way over the top and terribly crowded.

streetmarty Loc: Brockton, Ma

gmsatty wrote:

You need to know that Salem isn't Salem. The actual witch trials and murders took place in Danvers, MA. which was known as Salem village. Yes, Salem is fun but mainly a tourist attraction, in my opinion. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danvers,_Massachusetts.
I have been to Salem and it is way over the top and terribly crowded.

That’s interesting, but that’s why I’m going 1 week early. Thank you.

tomcat

Are you taking a plane or a broom?

Mikeazz Loc: I live in Northport, NY

Hi Marty,

If you are going to be driving into Salem from an outside location, please leave very early in the day(morning). The traffic is awful going into Salem, especially the week before Halloween. There is a parking garage, in town, across from the visitor center. I think they charge between $20-$25 dollars for the day. Night time is really the best and the most interesting, but as i mentioned, get there early, and spend the day. The Hawthorne Hotel is a great place for a drink or for getting something to eat, but more expensive than the surrounding restaurants. Please let me know if you have any other questions. My & I having been going to Salem, for more than 20 years, and always find it interesting, and fun. Enjoy your visit.

streetmarty wrote:

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