By Cadyn Hollingsworth ‘25
Even though October isn’t upon us yet, Salem has already crowded with tourists enjoying the spooky season. If you’re like most locals, then you’ll probably want to stay as far away as possible, avoiding the traffic and clueless sightseers. However, it’s undeniable that spirits are high in Salem for anyone looking to get in an Autumn-y mood. Thankfully, there’s plenty of other, lower-profile spots in the North Shore that will scratch that itch and complete anyone’s fall fantasy.
Perhaps the most locally famous fall activity of them all is the Topsfield Fair. Running from October 4th – 14th this year, the Topsfield Fair doesn’t just have a midway, but bunnies, vegetables, fowl, flowers, goats, artwork, the region’s largest Pumpkin, concerts, and so much more. Spending all day at the fair and seeing all the exhibits in addition to enjoying the rides is about as autumn as it gets.
If the fair doesn’t leave you satisfied after it has come and gone, try Connors or Marini Farm. Both offer corn mazes, hay rides, fresh farm foods and more. Visit Marini Farm to pick your own flowers, lavender, and grab a cider donut. Swing by Connors Farm for go karts, jumping pillows, ropes courses, and more fun fall activities.
What about the ever-classic venture of apple picking? Russell Orchards is a go-to with its 120 acres of farmland, varied farm stand, and barnyard animals. In the same vein is Brooksby Farm, which grows and sells a large assortment of fruits and vegetables including apples, peaches, blueberries, cherries, squash and more (though their store sells much more than just fruits and veggies).
Though many farm-stands have already been mentioned, there’s always so many more vendors selling their locally grown products. Tendercrop Farm, Meadowbrook Farm, RoseHip Farm, and the Beverly Farmer’s Market for a few more weeks will all sell fresh, locally grown products as per Autumn harvest tradition.
For those interested in the history of the Salem Witch Trials rather than the allure of fictional witches, there’s certainly plenty to see outside of Salem. The Rebecca Nurse Homestead allows a true look inside the life of one of the victims as tours show her belongings and the inside of her home, and even the surrounding fields and trees preserve the 1600s time-period well. Another way to get transported back to colonial days is to visit the The Samuel Parris Archaeological Site, where they’ve conserved the very location where the first accused witch, Tituba, had her first “fit” that resulted in the witchcraft accusation. Both of these locations are in Danvers but used to be part of Olde Salem Village, something tourists will be too busy trying on witch hats to find out for themselves.
Image Credit: Northshore Magazine
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