I found all of these witch references to be over the top. It seemed too planned and targeted, more like a section in a Disney Park than a real city. However, just a few blocks away, the dark (now turned lively) witch history of Salem gives way to the more authentic maritime past. Though the port and wharfs are no longer bustling, it is easy to see how they once were. Furthermore, the maritime sector of Salem has not been as exploited as its witch history, in part it seemed to me because it is still relevant. There are many good seafood restaurants in and around Salem, and as a result the maritime/ sailing industry still exists (though to a much lesser extent than it once did). Walking around the coastline, it was much easier to envision Salem’s past than it was in the center of Salem. As it was less of a tourist spot, the coast retained more original features and houses. For me, seeing some of the original buildings as they were, and not surrounded by or turned into tourist spots, made it possible to envision