Our Final “Spell” in New England

The last stretch of our New England journey carried us through Ipswich and Salem, another perfect autumn day with the convertible top down. We chose the back-road route, winding through small seaside towns where the first hints of fall were beginning to show in the trees.

Ipswich was unforgettable. We toured the RT Crane mansion—especially meaningful since my husband works for the company. The vast estate, with gardens spilling toward the ocean and over a thousand acres of preserved land, felt both historic and breathtakingly serene.

From there, Salem offered its own brand of magic. We spotted filming locations from Hocus Pocus…….a treat for me since, every Halloween, I transform into my alter ego, Winifred Sanderson, much to the delight of my grandchildren and their neighborhood friends. Beyond the Hollywood fun, Salem’s history was sobering and fascinating. We visited the site of the witch hangings at Proctor’s Ledge, the Witch House, and the House of the Seven Gables, before settling in for lunch in the square. With costumed witches and goblins already roaming about, I can only imagine how wonderfully chaotic the city must become closer to Halloween.

That evening, we returned to Boston for our last night. A crisp gin martini set the stage for a celebratory dinner at Ruth’s Chris in the stately Old City Hall, welcomed at the entrance by none other than Benjamin Franklin’s statue. It was a fitting way to toast my husband’s milestone 60th birthday.

On our final morning, we made one last stop at Eataly, where the shelves of Italian delicacies and chefs preparing meals reminded me that travel is as much about taste as it is about sights.

After ten days of history, coastal charm, and indulgent seafood, I’m content to return home—grateful for every step, every bite, and every breeze off the Atlantic. Renting the convertible was the perfect choice, letting us soak in the crisp, salty air at every turn.

And now comes the biggest question of all: where will next September’s adventure take us?