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Your 2025 guide to Salem’s Haunted Happenings
Here are tips for visiting one of America's best Halloween cities and recommendations for the region's best foliage and scenic drives.
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Welcome back to Scenic Six. I just returned from Las Vegas where we celebrated my mom’s 80th birthday. Upon returning to Boston, I marveled that, though obviously not quite as hot, it still feels like summer here.
Though the weather doesn’t seem like it, Halloween season is upon us, and that means Salem is gearing up for its famous month-long Haunted Happenings festival. I’ve got all the information you need for visiting Witch City this season. Plus, discover where to find free museum admission, the most gorgeous fall foliage, and one of America’s top “hidden gem” restaurants.
Heading to Salem? Here’s your trusty guide to all things Witch City.
There is nothing quite like the city of Salem in October, when more than 1 million visitors celebrate Halloween. When I attended Haunted Happenings (the city’s month-long festival) last Halloween, I found the spirit next level and the costumes off the charts. Before you join the fun, which begins Oct. 1, check out our 2025 Salem guide for parking, event, and restaurant information.
Need help picking the perfect leaf-peeping spot?
New England is full of leaf peeping possibilities this season. If you’re looking for the perfect place for gazing and photo taking, check out what local travel experts consider the ultimate foliage destinations.
Take a ridiculously scenic drive this season
For a gorgeous, scenic drive full of New England’s epic foliage, there are so many choices. Here are five of them. I drove the Scenic Route 100 Byway in Vermont last fall and let’s just say it did not disappoint.
Travel tips
Attention, readers: The Boston Book Festival will bring more than 200 authors to Copley Square on Oct. 25.
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Looking for a charming place to eat? Trattoria Amalfi in Mystic, Connecticut just ranked among the 10 best “hidden gem” restaurants in America.
Ice Castles is returning to North Woodstock, N.H. this winter with a new design. Advance tickets will be available on Dec. 2.
Deals and steals
Chick-fil-A is opening a new restaurant in Foxborough on Oct. 2 and patrons who dress in cow print on opening day — whether it’s an entire cow costume or a cow-spotted accessory — can snag a free entrée.
Enjoy free admission to the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) and the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) on Oct. 13 in celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Check out more free things to do in Boston in October.
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The Essex Resort & Spa in Essex, Vermont is offering a romantic getaway package that includes up to 20% off a two-night stay, champagne, chocolate, dinner for two, daily breakfast for two, a 50-minute couples’ massage (a $410 value), and a late checkout. October rates start at $777 and the package starts at $1,613.
I’ll leave you with this photo I took of the Las Vegas lights at night.
Where have you traveled lately? Please share your photos by sending them to [email protected] and they may be featured in an upcoming Scenic Six newsletter.
Whether you’re traveling this week or planning your next escape, enjoy the journey.
— Kristi Palma
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