August 14, 2012 - Salem, Mass.

There are two things we can say about Salem, Mass.  One, there is too much to see and do to do it in one day.  The second is, we can't imagine being there during the month of October when, we are sure, nobody celebrates Halloween like Salem!

Although Salem is best known for the infamous witch trials of 1692, when 150 people were jailed and 20 executed after being charged with practicing witchcraft, it also was one of New England's busiest 18th and 19th century ports, and has a rich architectural, literary, and military history.  Did I say too much to see and do in one day?

Our first challenge was "where to begin".  How about the Visitor's Center? We decided to spend more time today exploring the maritime history and homes and touring The House of Seven Gables and Nathaniel Hawthorne's birthplace (as well as seeing a video presentation on maritime history in Salem and the witch trials of 1692) and then spend tomorrow on the "witch" history of Salem and the Peabody Essex Museum, one of the nation's largest museums featuring art and culture from New England and around the world.  The Peabody Essex Museum is also exhibiting the work of iconic photographer Ansel Adams until Oct. 8, so we will get to see it too. 

So today...a lot of walking (6 miles) around Salem...and a lot of fun!

Now, if that's not enough pictures to look at, you can click on the links below to see the rest of them!

https://picasaweb.google.com/104959812223133937279/August142012LindaSalemMass?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCOmvgLqvs_SFjgE&feat=directlink

https://picasaweb.google.com/104959812223133937279/August142012GlennSalemMass?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCKboyYG-4MTLigE&feat=directlink