There is no place like Salem during Halloween

Scenic Six There is no place like Salem during Halloween Plus: New England’s scariest attractions, a cruise with celebrity chefs, and Kennebunkport Hotel Week. Halloween festivities in downtown Salem earlier this month. Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff
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Welcome back to Scenic Six! Is everyone ready for Halloween? No place is readier than historic Salem, where I am heading on Halloween night. Please send positive thoughts as I toss myself into the costumed crowds with abandon. And stay tuned for a few thoughts about that questionable decision next week.
For fans of haunted houses
I don’t enjoy being scared and I’d surely embarrass myself if an actor jumped out at me in the dark. But I admire those who can handle the fear and applaud the fantastic New England venues who answer the yearning for haunted attractions year after year. According to FrightFind, Barrett’s Haunted Mansion is doing it best in Massachusetts. Find out about the other top haunts in New England so you can plan your excursion before they close for the season.
Save money in Boston this November
As holiday shopping starts draining our bank accounts, opportunities for free fun in the city become even more appealing. Check out this list of 10 free things to do in Boston in November for ideas. From a day at the museum to examining antique books to wandering a winter wonderland, there are plenty of cost-effective things to do in Boston. What hidden gems have you found in Boston that are free?
Cruise with celebrity chefs out of Boston next fall
Attention, foodies: The Norwegian Gem is leaving from Boston next fall with a boat full of celebrity chefs and you’re invited. It’s called Chefs Making Waves: Destination New England and the cruise ship travels to Portland, Maine, and Saint John, New Brunswick Oct. 24-28, 2025. Cruisers will enjoy cooking demonstrations, culinary conversations, themed parties, restaurant takeovers, and more, while also taking full advantage of the ship’s amenities of course.
Travel tips
Tickets are now on sale for Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge. Beginning on Nov. 29, visitors can walk the Christmas Tree Trail full of more than 85 decorated trees, cross the Christmas Wish Bridge, knit Christmas stockings, and more. New this year, local artists will reinterpret classic carols.
If a night at the theater is on your wishlist, check out the 2024-25 season for Broadway in Boston, which is celebrating its 40th season. The musical “& Juliet” kicks off Nov. 5 at Citizens Bank Opera House, followed by “Six” at Emerson Colonial Theater.
It’s not too late for a fall foliage hike, and the Trustees of Reservations released a list of its favorite spots this season. From the Cape and islands to the Berkshires, discover trails worth traveling.
Deals and steals
Snag a room for $99 per night this fall in the quaint, coastal town of Kennebunkport in southern Maine. The Kennebunkport Resort Collection’s annual Hotel Week is taking place Nov. 15-24 and includes wine dinners, cocktail classes, and more.
Flights for under $100 to Europe, anyone? PLAY airlines is slashing prices on international trips from Boston this fall and winter via a Halloween sale running through Oct. 31.
Need help traveling to the polls next week? Lyft is offering a 50 percent discount (up to $10) on Election Day rides for those who use the code VOTE24. Speaking of voting deals, SPIN Boston is offering free ping pong on Election Day for those who voted.
I’ll leave you with this photo I took in beautiful Boston on a recent warm day.
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.
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Whether you’re traveling this week or planning your next escape, enjoy the journey.
— Kristi Palma
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