Witches put Salem on the Colonial map, and this historic North Shore city has its share of creepy and comical tributes to the practice of witchcraft. Magic supplies, herbal potions, tarot cards, "spell baskets," custom-made capes - you'll find them all here. But this beautiful coastal community also has a rich maritime heritage (it was once one of the busiest shipping ports in the country), excellent museums, and stunning 17th-century architecture, including gorgeously restored mansions. Even better, you don't need a car to find your way around; there are numerous guided walks, trolley rides, harbor cruises, and rickshaw tours of the city. And to avoid the meandering drive from Boston to Salem, book a spot aboard the Salem ferry, a high-speed catamaran with pickups and drop-offs at the New England Aquarium dock and Blaney Street Wharf.
