Dani's Writing Journey

For my 30th birthday, my boyfriend and I took a trip up to Salem, Massachusetts; a trip I’ve been dreaming about since I was a child. Although I went “off season” (not during Halloween), it was an amazing trip!

I got to visit all of the tourist spots without large crowds. My favorite spot, although depressing, was the burying point the cemetery they used during the Salem Witch Trials. At the time, they were doing yard work in the cemetery itself but I still got to see the memorials for the poor people who were accused and killed for being “witches”. It was heartbreaking to visit but worth it.

Since I went to Salem off season, I got to experience what Massachusetts calls a beach and their national park historic site, which was the most beautiful place to visit! I love the ocean, hearing the calming sounds of the waves crashing onto the beach. The water was so clear (since I’m from New Jersey clear ocean water is not normal for me and it’s always fun to see), but the sand reminds me of Atlantic City beaches (which is not a complement). Despite the sand, being able to be near the ocean always relaxes me.

Being in the witchiest town in Massachusetts I of course had to visit the Satanic Temple! Despite the fear mongering around this religion, the temple does so much to help those in need and its bible enforces to respect those who respect you and to worship yourself instead of a deity. The respect I have for all they do to help others cannot be expressed. This temple isn’t just for “worship” (which isn’t the best word choice for a religion that doesn’t worship a deity), but they also host art exhibits for people to view and it is worth the visit.

Don’t even get me started on the seafood! I eat so much fresh seafood and that alone refreshed my soul! Anyone who knows me knows I LOVE seafood, especially fresh seafood! The only downside was the seafood was still expensive since Salem is a tourist destination but everything tasted like it just left the ocean! I definitely recommend visiting Salem, even if it’s not during the Halloween season!