Halloween is almost upon us! On a wild and windy October night when one's mind is full of visions of witches flying their broomsticks across the bright face of a full moon, it is easy to understand the fear of the isolated settlers in Salem, Massachusetts back in 1692 - when two young girls started exhibiting bizarre behaviour.

To Reach Salem: The best way is to fly into Boston and hire a car. From Logan Airport take a 25-minute Drive on Route 1A North. If you drive from New York (four-and-a-half hours) take route 95 North to Hartford, pick up Route 84 East and follow through to Route 90 East (Mass Turnpike). Follow Mass Pike East to the route 128 Exit. Follow Route 95 North. After Exit 44 the highway splits - stay on Route 128 North, which bears to the left. Take Exit 25A onto Route 114 East and follow 114 East. At the Salem line follow the tricolor signs. There is a bus from Boston's Haymarket Square, or the Salem Ferry from Logan Airport. Commuter Rail in Boston also serves Salem.

The behaviour of those girls - Betty Parris and Abigail Williams (daughter and niece respectively of the Reverend Samuel Parris) - led to one of the most famous "witch hunt" stories ever, which still fascinates the world today and provides travellers with a penchant for the unusual in this remarkable travel destination. The town of Salem - just north of Boston on the US East Coast, is a scenically picturesque town that would no doubt draw tourists anyway. With the added "spice" of the 17th century witch trials, however, it has become a "must see" for anyone "doing" the States. The tourist industry in the town is, of course, flourishing accordingly and visitors are extremely welcome and well catered for. The local authorities justify the way they "cash in" on their historical hysteria and its tragic consequences as "spreading awareness of religious tolerance" and emphasising the dangers of over-reaction.

Click here to read the Salem witch trial story

Be that as it may, Salem is my destination of choice this Halloween and I'd like to take you there for a look-see!

As a result of Betty and Abigail's so-called "possession", three women accused of being witches were "examined" by local magistrates Jonathan Corwin and John Hathorne. These trials sparked off a full-scale "witch hunt" which ended in 24 deaths - 19 were hanged on Gallows Hill and the rest died in prison, some as a result of brutal torture.

The buildings and other relics of those dreadful days are now the haunt of tourists to Salem in institutions like the Peabody Essex Museum, where 552 original documents pertaining to the trials have been preserved. Eerie memorabilia like the "witch pins" used in the examination of witches, and bottles supposedly containing the finger bones of one of the victims, George Jacobs, can be found there too. Then there are the modern "made for tourists" attractions like Salem Witch Village where you can "take a journey back in time to discover both the myths and facts surrounding the subject of witchcraft". There's also the Salem Wax Museum of Witches & Seafarers where "London-made wax figures make history come to life - feel the terror of the Salem Witch Trials of 1692 and relive the daring exploits of seafarers on the high seas."

Perhaps you would be brave enough to invest in a "Terror Ticket" which enables the visitor to tour the Hall of Illusions and "walk amongst the living dead and the truly bizarre, through two adjacent buildings filled with heart-stopping haunts, live scares and special effects, for one low price".

The aforementioned are some of the treats from the "Haunted Happenings" list - events specially planned in Salem for October, Halloween month. Some other choice happenings are: Haunted Footsteps Ghost Tours 8 Derby Square, Salem, MA (978) 745-0666 May 24 - November 1. Eerie lantern-lit strolls offering a "spirited" perspective of Salem's supernatural, bewitching past. True tales of local hauntings, murder and colonial witchcraft.

Haunted Footsteps Ghost Tours 8 Derby Square, Salem, MA (978) 745-0666 May 24 - November 1. Eerie lantern-lit strolls offering a "spirited" perspective of Salem's supernatural, bewitching past. True tales of local hauntings, murder and colonial witchcraft.

• Salem's Harrowing Ghostly Tour
  Come along for a candle-lit walk of fright through the country's most talked about Witch City. Hear tales of Salem's haunted houses and visit sites where ghosts have been known to roam. Expect the unexpected, hidden and scary frights abound.
• Lighting of the Haunted Neighbourhood
  At sundown, witness dozens of Jack-O-Lanterns and eerie illuminations. Beware Salem's most notable, creepy characters lurking upon the grounds. Cross the stage in your scariest costume within our illuminated grounds. Prizes awarded in several categories. October 24 at 6:00pm and October 31 at 4:00pm and 8:00pm - entrance free.
• Psychic Readings
  From October 17 through October 31, our Psychic will be available to read your future from 6:00pm until closing. Our Psychic is also available as a guide for group tours to the Wax Museum and the Salem Witch Village. Please call (978) 740-9WAX or (800) 298-2WAX to arrange reservations.
• Horror, Horror, Horror
  All of your favourite horror flicks running continuously in our Hall of Haunts.

If, like me, you prefer less "Hollywood-style" pursuits and would rather to see more original and natural curiosities on your Salem witch hunt, it is easy enough to get around to the main museums, exhibitions and places of interests. You can either use the Salem trolley or your feet!

Start at the Salem Visitor Centre and follow the "Heritage Trail". We've already mentioned the Peabody Essex Museum, right round the corner from the centre. A block from the centre, facing Salem Common you'll find the Salem Witch Museum which depicts the horrifying events of 1692 in a thoroughly researched presentation. As you continue west along Essex Street past the shops and restaurants, you will come to Derby Square and the Old Town Hall. If you make a right turn a little further on you'll find the Witch Dungeon Museum in Lynde Street, where live re-enactments of a Salem Witch Trial adapted from 1692 transcripts provide a unique experience.

The Heritage Trail also takes you to the Witch House. Built in 1642 this is one of the oldest dwellings in the United States and was the home of magistrate Jonathan Corwin, he of the witch trials. This is in the heart of the McIntire Historic District, where you'll find many architectural gems.

Click here to find lodgings for a visit to Salem

When you've had your fill of witches, you might enjoy a visit to the New England Pirate Museum to discover the exploits of some seafaring villains in days of yore.

Whether you visit Salem with a serious desire to investigate witchery, or just for the fun of the macabre, you certainly won't be disappointed!