The best time to visit is near halloween. Although there is a lot of ado about halloween, remember this is a historic area. Many people beleived to be witches were killed by being hung, pressed to death or stoned. So look beyond the hype. "For fun" have your tea leaves read or have a palm reading. May good places to eat and shop. The ocean is nearby. The Salem Common is a nice place to sit back, relax and people watch. Freshly made salt water taffy at the Salem Willows; an old open arcade area - ski ball anyone?