As the last lonely leaves fall from their branches and the spirit of All-Hallow's Eve blankets the country, a visit to Salem, Mass., the Halloween capitol of the world, is a definite must. Despite its Hebrew etymology ("Shalom," or "peace"), Salem is notorious for its violent past. Founded in the 1620s as a fishing settlement, the town went down in history for its witchcraft trials that left dozens of women dead by hanging in 1692. Today, thousands of people from all over the world visit Salem each year, and of tourism peaks during the Halloween season.

This historic town is a great getaway for Brandeis students looking to replace the days of trick-or-treating. Just 45 minutes north on Interstate 95 or a comparably short train ride from North Station, it's a truly easy day trip destination. If you choose to drive, stop briefly in the town of Swampscott to walk on the beach and peer at the distant Boston skyline. The idyllic scene will throw the spooky town of Salem into sharp relief.



10:00 a.m. Blackbeard to the Wicked Witch

Start the day in true Salem fashion by visiting one of its many museums. The decision can be quite difficult because of the cornucopia of haunted houses and wax museums, but among the most original is the New England Pirate Museum (274 Derby Street, 978-741-2800), especially keeping Salem's old fishing tradition in mind. Outside, a crew of pirates try to convey a maritime atmosphere, which is amplified by the museum's interior. Once in, take the 30-minute walking tour, where you will find yourself surrounded by treasures and artifacts before boarding a model pirate ship. Just keep your eyes out for Blackbeard.

Also check out the Salem Witch Museum (Washington Square, 978-744-1692). This is among the most famous attractions in town, and for good reason. For just $7.50 you can enter what appears to be a castle and learn everything you need to know about what led to the imprisonment of hundreds of innocent women.



11:15 a.m. A Beautiful House

A definite must-see in Salem is the House of the Seven Gables (115 Derby Street, 978-744-0991). This home was originally founded to provide community service to immigrant families and is known now mainly for its architecture. The House of the Seven Gables is surrounded by gardens of biblical proportion and offers an awe-inspiring view of the ocean. This house is the most serious museum you'll find in Salem and, for this reason, is a little different from the wax museums and the haunted houses. Not only will this tour teach you much about Salem's history, but with all the secret staircases in the house, you'll never know where you'll end up.

Across the street is Ye Olde Pepper Companie Candies, America's oldest candy shop (112 Derby St., 866-393-6533). Inside awaits a great variety of Halloween and other ghoulish candy. Don't leave Salem during the Halloween season without some good candy corn.



12:15 p.m. Sandwich Time

It's time for lunch, and it's not hard to find a place to eat in the touristy streets of downtown Salem. Although Derby Street, the hotspot of Salem, is filled with options, it's always nice to get away from the crowd. For a Salem lunch without the Salem crowds, walk over to Central Street to Red's Sandwich Shop (15 Central St., 978-745-3527). Located in what originally was the London Coffee House, and dubbed around town as "where the locals meet to eat," Red's offers a plethora of sandwiches all for a reasonable price.



1:00 p.m. Walkin' Down the Line

Now that you're filled with sustenance, take the time to stroll through the pumpkin-filled streets. The walk is an activity in itself, even without going into any stores or museums. If it's any time near Halloween, these streets will be populated by monsters, witches, goblins and ghostbusters. Make sure your rounds take you by the old 1637 burial ground. It may sound very morbid, but the atmosphere is not. Right in front of the burial ground is the chance to buy some fried dough or attend another carnival-like attraction. That's the paradox of visiting Salem: Everything makes the visitor aware of the tragic historic events, but the atmosphere is cheerful and giddy.

Salem is also a good place to visit for people who like to shop. Of course, you won't find your typical commercial stores, but there is the opportunity to stroll around a bookshop (Cornerstone Books, 45 Lafayette St. or Pyramid Books, Inc., 214 Derby St.). And opportunities to buy witchcraft goodies or Salem souvenirs, of course, are in abundance.



4:00 p.m. Coffee Break

After a day of haunted houses, witches and other spooky stuff, take a break for high tea at Jaho Coffee and Tea (197 Derby St.,978-744-4300). With a hot cup of coffee in your hands, you'll look back at a day filled with Halloween activities, for there's no other place in the world with such a combination of history and spooky pleasures like Salem.