This Quaint Massachusetts Town With Salem Ties Radiates Downtown Charm And Historic Appeal

Visitors come to Boston to see America's most historic churches and landmarks along the Freedom Trail, making it a popular vacation destination. Known for areas like Union Square, a thriving artsy neighborhood that is diverse and walkable, the city's quaint suburbs provide the perfect opportunity to explore the area's rich history. Among them is the charming town of Danvers, located around 20 miles northeast of Boston Logan International Airport, with a significant connection to the Salem Witch Trials.  

Danvers, once known as Salem Village, was settled by Europeans in the 1630s. Although the town was part of Salem, it had established its independence by 1672. In 1692, the daughter and niece of a local reverend began experiencing unexplainable episodes, which rapidly spread to other young women. This obviously caused the villagers a lot of distress, so they concluded that these fits were a result of witchcraft. Three women were imprisoned because of this hysteria. Two of the accused women denied these claims, but the third, Tituba, admitted to consorting with the devil and said there were still other practicing witches. As accusations increased, the courts jailed around 150 residents of Salem Village and neighboring towns. Innocent people were tortured and hanged as a result of the Witch Trials; 12 out of the 19 were from Salem Village. 

Modern-day Danvers, with a population of 27,924 in 2023, comprises 13.3 square miles. Residents enjoy its outdoor spaces and recreational areas, like the beloved Endicott Park. Visitors can see historic farm buildings and a variety of ecosystems in this all-purpose park, perfect for activities year-round. Downtown Danvers is filled with charming coffee houses and taverns that will make you feel like you stepped into an old-timey village in colonial New England.

Those who visit Danvers can enjoy a serene atmosphere among eclectic shops and bistros, while having the amenities of a big city. Before embarking on your explorations, grab some Liquid Sunshine at Rebel Coffee & Creamery; they have bags of freshly-farmed coffee to take home, with fun names like Johnny Darko. You can peruse quaint stores around the Liberty Tree Mall shopping district, or tour historical landmarks and homes. The Derby Summer House, also known as the McIntire Tea House, is a majestic white mansion located on the grounds of Glen Magna Farms. The property is often used for weddings, providing a spectacular backdrop amidst its gardens.

With Boston's best neighborhoods boasting mouthwatering global cuisine, it's no surprise that downtown Danvers has delicious gourmet food. Nine Elm American Bistro is an affordable upscale dining establishment serving scrumptious dishes like Butternut Squash Ravioli and Grilled Fillet Mignon. For a more laid-back meal, enjoy Steak Tips or a Blue Burger at The Berry Tavern. They have a selection of fine beer and wine, as well as delectable house cocktails, like Berry Cosmo and Bailey's Chocolate Martini. Maple Square Cafe is a charming little bistro serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner— perfect for a buffalo chicken wrap or a club sandwich. Sawasdee Danvers is great for Thai cuisine, serving delicious dishes like Lemon Thai Chicken and Tamarind Duck. 

Along with beautiful parks and quaint downtown hotspots, visitors are attracted to Danvers because of its connection to the tragic history of the Salem Witch Trials. Although there is no evidence that victims were actual witches, the mass hysteria created left its mark on the town. To learn more about these harrowing stories, visit the Salem Witch Museum in nearby Salem. 

After visiting the Salem Witch Museum, travelers will find much to do in Danvers related to the dark history of the Salem Witch Trials. You can tour the Rebecca Nurse Homestead, the farm where one of the executed alleged witches lived, which contains a reproduction of the Meeting House where the infamous trials took place. Legend says Rebecca's post-mortem body was stolen and secretly buried on the farmstead; there is a commemorative monument on site with a poem dedicated to her. 

Those wanting a deep dive into the town's local history must visit Samuel Parris Archaeological Site, where the trials originally took place. It can be hard to find, as the remains sit between two residences, but it's worth the effort. Determined travelers can find it by locating 65 and 67 Centre Street on their GPS. While there is not much to see except ruins, those invested in the history and folklore of the Salem Witch Trials will appreciate seeing the location where the witchcraft accusations first originated and later caught like wildfire. 

To see the site where Salem Village Church stood during the town's early days, visit First Church of Danvers. This village house of worship was where Reverend Parris started his congregation in 1689, the group that began the witch hunt. While you won't be able to tour the original church building, you can see the newer church erected in its place. There is a place commemorating these unfortunate victims of the 1962 witchcraft frenzy. The Salem Village Witchcraft Victims' Memorial is the first of its kind to honor these individuals. While the monument was dedicated in 1992, it is still a testament to the dangers of these frivolous accusations and the impact they can have for generations.