'Tis the season for twisted tales, haunted happenings and spooky Salem. The Massachusetts town best known for its infamous witch trials is a popular destination throughout the fall months. Not only do folks from the SouthCoast take the drive up north, celebrities also frequent the area, many to experience a historic stroll with Witch City Walking Tours.

Red Sox Legend Jason Varitek Explores Salem with Family

Channing Tatum, Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker have all gone on a guided tour of the city. Most recently, Witch City Walking Tours was visited by Boston Red Sox legend Jason Varitek. "He loves Salem. He's been here many times," owner Beth Crowley said.

Witch City Walking Tours, which began in 2014, has now grown into one of the most popular tours in the country. "Our history in hauntings has won the number one tour in America for four years in a row," Crowley said.

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Beyond Witch Trials: Maritime History, Architecture, and Broom Making

However, the local haunts are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the information they provide. "I think there's so much more history to Salem than just the Salem Witch Trials," Crowley said. "So when people come here, we want them to get a view of the maritime history and that we have three centuries of beautiful architecture, too."

Courtesy Witch City Walking Tours
Courtesy Witch City Walking Tours

She praises her staff who enhance the experience with their engaging personalities and knowledge. "I think that is why we have attracted people from all over," she said. "And then of course, it doesn't hurt when we get the celebrities as well."

READ MORE: 'Teen Mom' Star Kailyn Lowry Spotted Visiting Salem 

Broom-making instructor, tour guide and diehard Red Sox fan Santiago De Morla recalled seeing Varitek. "He was eating a big ice cream with his two daughters and two of his daughter's friends during the tour...and he was just sitting there on the back of the tour, relaxed. He was so comfortable," he said.

Though De Morla spotted Varitek right away, his coworker had no idea she were guiding a celebrity. Thanks to his down-to-earth demeanor, the Red Sox star blended right in with the crowd.

Courtesy Witch City Walking Tours
Courtesy Witch City Walking Tours

A Tour Guide's Surprise: Leading a World Series Champion Around Town

"Full disclosure, I am not a sports girl," tour guide Kim Fournier said with a chuckle. "I had no clue who he was until the end of my tour."

It was said as a compliment to the World Series champ who was just a typical dad taking his daughters and their friends on a local tour. "They were very nice and complimentary and seemed to have a really good time," she said.

READ MORE: Matt Rife's Haunted Warren Museum Opens in Salem For a Limited Time

It's not just celebrities and famous faces taking tours, it's international visitors, too. Folks come in from the UK, South America, Europe, Mexico, Canada and more to take in the history of Salem.

Witch City Walking Tours even expanded to create the Witch City Broom Company, a popular destination where visitors can attend a broom-making workshop. "All of our wood comes from the Ozarks," Crowley said. "We have the broom horn and the trinkets and the ribbons...it's a really fun class for people."

READ MORE: 'Hocus Pocus' Bully 'Ice' Says 'I Do' in Salem

Whether it's History & Hauntings, Hocus Pocus, Mysteries & Murders or one of their other tours (there's loads to choose from), your next trip to Salem isn't complete without a guided stroll through the city.

"I really enjoy hearing how visitors leave having a better perspective of Salem," Crowley said. "What it is and what we went through and who we are."

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Step inside America’s top-ranked Salem tour. See photos of historic architecture, haunted walks, and custom broom-making workshops in Salem, MA.

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Salem, Massachusetts is celebrating 400 years in 2026, but there's a lot more to the Witch City's story than witches and Halloween. Here are 15 surprising things you may not know about Salem's history.

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Visiting Salem This Fall? Follow These Tips at the Witch City

Last week, in preparation for the influx of visitors to Salem, a local business mirrored the mayor’s requests and offered some guidelines on how to make the most of the Salem experience.

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