Salem Boasts Rich Heritage

June 3, 2002 -- Salem, Mass., is best known for its infamous witchcraft trials, but this coastal town also boasts a rich maritime heritage, making it a quaint New England town that just happens to have a bone-chilling history.

Stop by for a Spell

One of the main events on "The Witch City's" calendar celebrates its notoriety with a monthlong celebration, the annual Haunted Happenings (www.salemweb.com/hh/2001/default.htm) bash. More than 300,000 revelers can show up, so expect a Mardi Gras atmosphere, especially on Halloween Night. Events run the gamut from a witches' ball to a costume contest for dogs. While some activities are truly frightful, others are fun and family friendly, including a children's costume parade and Kids' Day on Salem Common (both events are free).

But, with its elegant sea captains' homes and quaint atmosphere, Salem is worth a visit during most of the year. Visitors can overnight right in Salem. Two top places in the heart of town are the Hawthorne Hotel (www.hawthornehotel.com, 800-SAY-STAY), on Salem Common, and the Salem Inn (www.saleminnma.com, 800-446-2995). Five miles from downtown, but offering an indoor pool, is the Quality Inn King's Grant (www4.choicehotels.com/ires/en-US/hotel/ma070/. 978-774-6800).

Start Saturday at the Witch Dungeon Museum (adults, $6; seniors, $5; children four to 13, $4; 978-741-3570), where actors perform a play based on actual witch trial transcripts. This and the Salem Witch Museum (www.salemwitchmuseum.com, 978-744-1692) are best appreciated by kids ages eight and up. More suited to small fry is the New England Pirate Museum (978-741-2800), where a seafarin' scalawag will make you walk the plank toward a full-length pirate ship, an 80-foot cave and authentic booty.

Food Fun

As for food, vendors along Salem Common (www.salemweb.com/guide/common/default.htm) may prove irresistible, but if you hanker for a hearty meal, head to Pickering Wharf for dinner at the Rockmore Drydock (978-740-1001), which offers both harbor views and a children's menu. Or try Derby Fish and Lobster (978-745-2064). For a special souvenir, pop into Crow Haven Corner (978-745-8763), where you can find a magic potion to help you concentrate in school, or charcoal sticks that will rid your home of bad vibes.

Come Sunday, head to sea on Salem's Seven Seas Whale Watch (800-745-9594). Bundle up — it's often 20 degrees cooler on the water — and take the 4½-hour tour of the whales' favorite local feeding grounds. Whale watching is awesome in October — you can see humpbacks, minkes, finbacks, pilot whales and dolphins.

For more information, contact the Salem Office of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, (www.salem.org/index.asp), 63 Wharf St. Suite 2-C, Salem, Mass. 01970; 877-SALEM MA .

Please note that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change.