A guide to Salem for witches, pagans and heathens
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Even Townie couldn't resist Coven's Cottage. Photo: Steph Solis/Axios
There's the Salem tourists flood in October and the Salem that pagans, heathers and weirdos like me enjoy the rest of the year.
Nothing against the tourist traps, but the best shops feature local artists and curators who ethically source bone, plants and other materials for their products.
- Maybe it's sage. Maybe it's a preserved snake in a jar or some marino moss for prosperity.
Where I go
Diehl Marcus & Co.: I get teas and handmade soaps, but they also sell antiquities and trinkets.
Emporium 32, right across the street, has a line out the door year-round.
- The owners come from the RenFaire and Steampunk worlds, and it shows. They sell everything from Victorian men's vests to tarot card decks to stationery.
- My partner and I usually buy enamel pins to add to our collection at home.
The Coven's Cottage: A witchcraft shop that caters to Norse, Germanic, Celtic and nature-based traditions — and the highlight of our visit.
- They carry dried organic herbs and tinctures, as well as books, knives and pendants.
- I often grab some incense and leave early lest I risk burning a hole in my wallet. But I've had my eye on a Green Man plaque for a while.
- Be smart: You're not allowed to take photos or use your phone in the store.
Hive & Forge: One of the best collections from local artists and makers.
- They sell soaps, brooms, ethically sourced animal bones, spooky jewelry and taxidermy.
- I once got a violin adorned with preserved spider webs.
Plus: Some of my favorites show up at the flea markets but don't have a brick-and-mortar (real estate is stupid expensive).
- Feral Fawn for spooky jewelry (some glow in the dark).
- Amuck Broom Co. for handmade brooms.
- A Forest, then for stationery, jewelry and taxidermied butterflies.