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  • I live in Salem, Massachusetts. Here are 10 things I wish tourists knew before visiting in the fall.

I live in Salem, Massachusetts. Here are 10 things I wish tourists knew before visiting in the fall.

Eryn DiPhilippoOct 27, 2022, 19:02 IST

Every October, thousands of tourists visit Salem for the Haunted Happenings Festival.Eryn DiPhilippo

  • As a Salem local, I have a front-row seat to the tourist crowds visiting town ahead of Halloween.
  • Travelers should prepare for packed streets, long lines, and zero available parking in October.
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I regularly visited Salem for 15 years before my family moved to the storied Massachusetts town in 2021.

I prefer to visit Salem Common around midnight, when the daytime crowds have dispersed.Eryn DiPhilippo

Hotels and activities sell out months in advance, so book your itinerary as early as possible.

Crowds gather to watch a street performer in Salem, Massachusetts.Eryn DiPhilippo
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Salem's weather can be unpredictable in October, so expect the unexpected and pack layers.

When you walk into downtown Salem, you see a banner for Haunted Happenings.Eryn DiPhilippo

Thanks to the town's uneven streets, the wrong footwear has the potential to ruin your experience.

People line up outside of Ascend Get Lifted, a gift shop that specializes in intuitive readings and energetic services.Eryn DiPhilippo
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You won't find open parking in October, so don't drive into Salem unless you already have a guaranteed spot to leave your car.

There are parking signs all over Salem that look like this one on Winter Street.Eryn DiPhilippo

Local guides work hard to share Salem's history with outsiders, so be respectful toward them.

Take a tour from an expert guide, like Sarah from Bewitched After Dark Walking Tours.Eryn DiPhilippo
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Salem's food and drink scene is spectacular, but prepare to wait upwards of two hours for a table in October.

Salem's food, including the burger from Ledger, is exceptional.Eryn DiPhilippo

Many of the downtown shops are locally owned, giving tourists an opportunity to give back to the Salem community.

Tourists lined up to enter Vampfangs, a store for fangs and contacts.Eryn DiPhilippo
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Buskers and street performers are working professionals who put in long days during October, so tip them if you like what you see.

Borah Brewington Snaggletooth XIII is a well-known performer in Salem.Eryn DiPhilippo

Although some outsiders view Salem as a seasonal amusement park, many people live here year-round.

Some of Salem's best architecture and most charming homes are tucked away in side streets.Eryn DiPhilippo
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At some point, your patience will likely be tested due to the crowds and lengthy waits, but do your best to remain calm and kind.

People filling Essex Street in Salem, Massachusetts, in October.Eryn DiPhilippo
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