If you’ve walked past The Lost Library at The Witch Village and assumed it’s just another gift shop, let’s set the record straight — you are missing out on one of Salem’s most intriguingly themed shops.

Located just off Derby Street in the heart of Salem, The Lost Library, previously known as The Witch Village Gift Shop, is less a store and more an experience. With gothic shelves, eerie lighting, and a mix of antiques, oddities, and locally made items, it’s designed to feel like you’ve stepped into a haunted storybook. It’s also the current home of Plumpkin the Pumpkin, a foam-sculpted giant billed as the largest pumpkin in Salem (and certainly the most photogenic).

The space originally opened as a retail shop but was recently transformed into a more immersive environment — complete with a walk-through cottage, hidden curiosities, and handmade décor that tells a story at every turn. Many of the shelves and furnishings are real antiques. Others, like the extensive wooden bookcases, were hand-painted to match and weathered to give the feel of a forgotten archive.

The creators behind The Lost Library worked with local artists to bring the vision to life. Sculptor KTRON created the massive pumpkins using stacked insulation foam and a special carving technique that took months to complete. Muralist Paul Wilson added a moody skyscape along the walls and painted nearly every surface to maintain a cohesive feel. Both artists have film credits — including Beetlejuice 2 and a range of Adam Sandler movies — and the space reflects that level of creative detail.

It’s not just what’s for sale that makes The Lost Library interesting. Yes, you can pick up crystals, candles, and quirky mementos, but you can also (quietly) admire chandeliers and sconces salvaged from one of Stephen King’s former homes in Maine. Or peek into the Curiosity Cabinet, where vintage Raggedy Ann dolls, brass keys, and other local antiques offer a more unconventional kind of Salem souvenir.

And beyond the shelves, there’s more to come. A renovation of The Witch Village into a Halloweentown walkthrough is in the works for 2025. This summer, the back section will host a family-friendly haunted experience — no actors, just lighting, pumpkins, and atmospheric effects meant to evoke that nostalgic “trick-or-treat” feeling. In October, that same space will evolve into a full scare zone, complete with live actors and a more intense haunted house experience. As with most Halloween attractions, visitors are advised to use their best judgment when bringing younger children. Some kids love it. Others, maybe not so much.

Whether you’re visiting Salem in October or looking for something off the beaten path in the quieter months, The Lost Library at the Witch Village offers something different: a shopping experience rooted in mood, storytelling, and a little local magic.

If you’re searching for things to do in Salem that aren’t just witch trials and museums, this might be your next favorite stop. Just don’t forget to look up: nearly everything is for sale, and every item has a story.

The post The Lost Library: Salem’s Most Immersive Shopping Experience appeared first on Destination Salem.

🎆 Salem Celebrates the 4th – July 4th
Gather on Derby Wharf for an unforgettable Independence Day! Enjoy live music from the Hillyer Festival Orchestra, a Kid Space play area, and fireworks lighting up the night sky over Salem Harbor. Bring your blanket, your friends, and your patriotic spirit!

⛵ Fireworks Sail with Schooner FAME – July 4th
Set sail into history and celebrate July 4th aboard the FAME with a sunset cruise and front-row seat for Salem’s fireworks. Toast the night with drinks on board and experience the harbor like never before.

🎻 Firebird Pops Orchestra: Sea to Shining Sea – July 6th
Experience a musical journey across America at the beautiful Hammond Castle Museum. This outdoor concert celebrates cultural heritage with a stirring performance by Firebird Pops brass and strings.

🍻 Salem Summer Sips Beer & Cider Crawl – July 12th
Celebrate Salem’s craft beverage scene with a citywide crawl featuring Notch, Couch Dog, Far From The Tree, and East Regiment. Grab a full pour at each stop to earn stamps toward a commemorative pint glass. Live music, pop-up food, and good vibes round out this celebration of all things brewed and bubbly.

👻 Tales & Tombstones Tour – Fridays & Saturdays in July
As dusk falls, Salem transforms. Ride through chilling tales of ghost ships, hidden tunnels, haunted inns, and eerie legends in this atmospheric tour through the city’s past with the Salem Trolley.

🕯️ The Making of a Witch – July – November 2025
Explore a lesser-known tale from Salem’s witch trial history in this one-act play about Philip English, followed by a guided tour of historic St. Peter’s Church. Performances run twice each Saturday and support local preservation efforts.

🍷 Grand Wine Tasting at The House of the Seven Gables – July 26th
Sip over 90 wines, meads, and ciders in one of Salem’s most iconic settings! This beloved event from Salem Wine Imports features live music, bites, and community cheer!

📆 Click Here to Browse More Events!

NEW Blog Alert ✍️

Aura Photography: A Unique Salem Experience at ASCEND 📸 🌈

Ever wondered what your aura says about you? Our NEW blog is live, and it’s kicking off with a deep dive into ASCEND, Salem’s original destination for aura photography. From colorful energy readings to transformational sessions, ASCEND is one of the most unique experiences in town.

✨ Click here to read the blog!

Things to Do ✨

Sunset Sail Salem ⛵️
Set sail on the Salem coast aboard a beautifully restored 1930 schooner with Sunset Sail Salem. Whether you’re chasing golden hour or enjoying a breezy daytime cruise, this is an unforgettable way to see the North Shore. With craft cocktails available from the bar and sails running daily, it’s the perfect mix of luxury, history, and waterfront magic.

North Shore Glass School 🔥
The North Shore Glass School is lighting up the creative scene in Salem – with two locations, including their newest studio at Artists’ Row! Whether you’re just getting started or looking to refine your skills, NSGS offers a hands-on introduction to the mesmerizing art of glass working. Sign up for private lessons, group classes, summer workshops, birthday parties, or team-building events – and walk away with a one-of-a-kind creation.

Explore the magic of glass and check out upcoming workshops today!

Salem Night Tour 🌙
Explore Salem after dark with Salem Night Tour, a locally owned, family-friendly walking tour that blends eerie stories and haunted history with expert storytelling. Led by passionate local guides – not scripts – each tour weaves together tales of witches, ghosts, and legends for an engaging, all-ages experience. It’s a fun and spine-tingling way to uncover Salem’s eerie past, one story at a time.

🚣‍♀️ Click Here to View More Things To Do!

🛍 Click Here to Browse Places To Shop!

🍻 Click Here to View Food & Drink!

🛌 Click Here to See Places to Stay!

Get Your Guide to Salem!

📖 The Official 2025 Salem Visitor Guide is Here! Plan your perfect Salem adventure with our official guide, now available online. Packed with must-visit spots, insider tips, and can’t-miss events, it’s your go-to resource for exploring Salem.

Take the Quiz!

Take our quiz to discover your ideal Salem Itinerary!

Download the app!

Visit Salem.org to begin planning your visit today!

The post Things to Do in Salem in July ☀️ appeared first on Destination Salem.

If you’re looking for unique things to do in Salem, look no further than ASCEND, Salem’s original destination for aura photography. This hidden gem offers more than just a vibrant photo — it’s a spiritual experience and a deep dive into your personal energy.

What is Aura Photography?
Aura photography captures your electromagnetic energy through color, revealing insights into your emotional, creative, and spiritual self. At ASCEND, the team uses the official AuraCamera® 6000 to provide detailed readings that reflect how you process emotions, where your energy is focused, and even highlight blocks or opportunities for transformation.

This isn’t your typical photo booth. It’s a transformative experience for anyone curious about the chakra system, spiritual wellness, or simply seeking something memorable in Salem.

What Your Aura Says About You
What sets ASCEND apart is the heart-centered approach of its aura interpreters. Alicia, one of the intuitive readers, explains, “Every photo tells a story, and we help fill in the blanks.” Whether you’re a local or a visitor, ASCEND’s warm and insightful team makes every session meaningful.

When we (Bridie & Jess from the Destination Salem team) visited, our aura photos glowed with a full spectrum of colors. We were taught that each hue represents a different energy center: red for passion, orange for creativity, yellow for optimism, green for growth, blue for communication, and magenta for vision.

Explore the Aura Packages

Whether you’re seeking insight, renewal, or a full energetic reset, ASCEND offers four immersive aura experiences:

• Aura + Guidance: A compass for your energetic path. This 65-minute session includes an Aura Polaroid, a 15-page Aura Report with personalized insights into your energetic field, and a 25-minute Intuitive Reading to realign and recharge your aura.
• Aura + Balance: A reset to return to your center. This 60-minute session includes Before & After Aura Photos showing your energy shift, a 15-page Aura Report with personalized insights into your energetic field, and a 30-minute Cleanse + Rebalance to realign and recharge your aura.

• Aura + Cleanse: A visual journey through your energetic shift. This 70-minute session includes Before & After Aura Photos showing your energy shift plus a 50-minute Cleanse + Rebalance to realign and recharge your aura.

• All Things Aura: A transformative spiritual reset. This hour and 45 minute session includes Before & After Aura Photos showing your energy shift, a 15-page Aura Report with personalized insights into your energetic field, a 20-minute Intuitive Reading, and a 30-minute Cleanse + Rebalance to realign and recharge your aura.

ASCEND After Dark
Planning a special celebration? ASCEND After Dark offers private, after-hours sessions ideal for bachelorette parties, birthdays, family gatherings, team-building, or any special gathering.

Each guest receives an aura photo and reading, followed by a private shopping session. It’s a fun, meaningful way to connect and create lasting memories with your favorite people.

Planning Your Visit
Walk-ins are welcome, but if you’re visiting during September or October — the peak season in Salem — it’s highly recommended to book in advance. Sessions are intimate and personalized, making it easy to understand why this is one of the most unique experiences in Salem.

Whether you’re a spiritual seeker, a curious traveler, or simply looking for cool things to do in Salem, ASCEND delivers an unforgettable experience that’s as photogenic as it is meaningful.

Visit ASCEND at 192 Essex Street in downtown Salem. Learn more and book your session at AscendGetLifted.com. Follow ASCEND on social media at @ASCENDGetLifted on Instagram.

The post Aura Photography: A Unique Salem Experience at ASCEND appeared first on Destination Salem.

🌈 Mimosas with Madam – Pride Kick-Off Brunch – June 1st
Start Pride Month with sparkle and sass at Village Tavern! Drag diva Madam Zapple returns with a fabulous lineup, themed brunch, and bottomless vibes. Bring your crew and raise a glass to love and glitter!

🎨 Salem Arts Festival – June 6 – 8th
The Salem Arts Festival returns for three days of FREE family fun! Wander through downtown and experience live performances, mural painting, interactive art projects, pop-up exhibits, artisan shopping, and the fabulous Tiny Art Spree. Art is everywhere – come celebrate it!

🍻 Cheers to 15 Years with Notch Brewing! – June 6 – 8th
Raise a glass to Notch Brewing’s 15th anniversary! Stop by for new beer releases (hello, XV Czech Pale Lager!), food trucks, exclusive glassware, and limited-edition pours. Stichfass tappings and rare bottle drops make this a must-do for beer lovers.

🌕 Full Moon Yoga – June 11th
Flow into summer with a special yoga class under the full moon on the historic House of the Seven Gables lawn. This monthly class offers peaceful movement and stunning views – don’t forget your mat!

🥕 Salem Farmers’ Market – June 12th – October 9th
A Salem tradition since 1634, the Farmers’ Market is back every Thursday from 3–7 p.m. Stock up on fresh produce, baked goods, and local treats while supporting regional farms and makers. See you in Derby Square!

🌴 The Ledger’s 4th Annual Luau – June 26th
Say “aloha” to summer with tiki cocktails, island-inspired snacks from Chef Gursha, and live music from Redemption Band. Tickets include food, drinks, raffle entry, and major tropical vibes. This one always sells out!

🏳️‍🌈 North Shore Pride Parade & Festival – June 28th
Show your pride and join the celebration! The North Shore Pride Parade brings joy, color, and community to downtown Salem, followed by a full-day festival with music, vendors, and more. ALL are welcome – let’s march together!

📆 Click Here to Browse More Events!

NEW Blog Alert ✍️

Rare Witchcraft Texts Now on View at the Salem Witch Museum 📚

Things to Do ✨

Coast to Coast Paddle is back in Port 🛶 🌅
Think you’ve seen all of Salem? Try exploring it by water with Coast to Coast Paddle! 🛶 Launching from the scenic Salem Willows, they offer kayak and paddleboard rentals, sunset tours, lessons, and family-friendly adventures. Whether you’re new to paddling or an experienced explorer, their friendly team will help you plan the perfect route for a refreshing and unforgettable day on the water.

Personal Rainbow Aura Photos 🌈 📸
Stop into HausWitch for an out of this world experience – you’ll capture your unique energy in an instant-film aura photo and receive a personalized reading of your colors and patterns. Bring a friend to double the vibes – buddy readings are included at no extra charge! Appointments run Thursday – Monday.

NEW Salem Kid’s Ghost Tour 👻 📚
Looking for a ghost tour that’s just right for kids? Salem Kids Tours now offers an evening ghost tour designed specifically for children and families! Perfect for ages 7-13 (with grown-ups in tow) and features just the right amount of spooky fun – think slight scares, not nightmares. Led by a middle school teacher with a passion for storytelling, this tour is a great way to explore Salem’s ghostly side in a family-friendly way!

Rev 250 🇺🇸

🥁 Rev 250 Tour

Explore Salem’s pivotal role in the American Revolution with the Salem Historical Tours‘ brand NEW Rev 250 Tour. From resistance to British rule to launching privateer fleets, discover the bold actions that helped shape the nation’s fight for independence.

🚣‍♀️ Click Here to View More Things To Do!

🛍 Click Here to Browse Places To Shop!

🍻 Click Here to View Food & Drink!

🛌 Click Here to See Places to Stay!

Get Your Guide to Salem!

📖 The Official 2025 Salem Visitor Guide is Here! Plan your perfect Salem adventure with our official guide, now available online. Packed with must-visit spots, insider tips, and can’t-miss events, it’s your go-to resource for exploring Salem.

Take the Quiz!

Take our quiz to discover your ideal Salem Itinerary!

Visit Salem.org to begin planning your visit today!

The post Things to Do in Salem in June 🏳️‍🌈 appeared first on Destination Salem.