When the leaves start to turn and the air takes on a crisp chill, it's the perfect time to embark on a Halloween-themed road trip. Our destination? The bewitching town of Salem, Mass. and the enchanting streets of Providence, R.I. Buckle up for a journey filled with haunted history, spooky spectacles, and tantalizing treats.

A spellbinding start in Salem

Our first stop on our eerie escapade led us to Salem, where my husband and I kicked off our adventure at the Town Hall on Essex Street – a spot made famous in the film "Hocus Pocus." We had to snap a photo to commemorate the film’s 30th anniversary. 

We then ventured to Bit Bar, a haven for gamers of all ages. We indulged in delectable appetizers and tried our luck at pinball, skee ball, Dance Dance Revolution, and retro video games. A word of advice: Bit Bar welcomes kids during the day with adult supervision, but after 8 p.m., it's a 21-plus affair. 

But here's a real treat: "Hocus Pocus" cast members Thora Birch, Omri Katz, Jason Marsden, and Vinessa Shaw will grace Salem with their presence at two special events in October. Adults can mingle with the actors at the Halloween Costume Party on Friday, Oct. 20 at Bit Bar. And fans of all ages can attend the meet and greet on Saturday, Oct. 21 at Salem Town Common. For details, check out ItsJustaBunchaHalloween.com. 

Just a stone's throw away from Bit Bar, we headed to the Witch House, one of the few structures with direct ties to the Salem Witch Trials. Home to Judge Jonathan Corwin, this historic site offers a chilling glimpse into Salem's dark past. 

Continuing our Salem sojourn, we explored the House of Seven Gables, made famous by Nathaniel Hawthorne's literary masterpiece of the same name. Daily tours are available for this historic gem.  

As the sun set, we strolled through the Salem Maritime National Historic Site. The picturesque setting made for the perfect photo opportunity, capturing the beauty of this historic, coastal town.  

And what's a trip to Salem without experiencing the supernatural? We were so excited to go on a Salem Ghost Tour, where we explored the city's haunted sites and heard spine-tingling tales and eerie encounters. Highly recommended and with top reviews on TripAdvisor, it's a must for thrill-seekers. AAA Members can save over 25% on tickets by visiting AAA Tickets. Act fast; these tickets vanish like ghosts. 

For accommodations, consider staying in nearby Peabody, Mass., where you'll find a wider selection of hotels and favorable pricing. Explore AAA hotel rates and more. 

A Halloween extravaganza in Providence, R.I.

After our day in Salem, we took the hour and 40-minute drive to Providence. 

We headed right to Federal Hill to grab some food. Renowned for its Italian cuisine, you'll find many delicious options here to satisfy your cravings.  

But the grand finale of our road trip was the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular at Roger Williams Zoo. It was a Halloween event like no other, as thousands of artistically crafted jack-o-lanterns illuminated the night. I took tons of photos and videos as I tried to capture the magic. This year’s theme is “Pumpkins Around the World.” Perfect for the whole family, this event sells out quickly, make sure to secure your tickets in advance.  

Salem and Providence are two bewitching destinations that cast a spell on me and my husband, leaving us eager to return for more Halloween magic next year.  

More ways to save

Don’t want to put extra miles on your car? Consider renting a car for your road trip. Hertz offers fantastic car rental deals and benefits for AAA Members. And don't forget to equip yourself with a AAA roadside kit, available at your local AAA branch. 

In search of more Halloween discount savings? Check AAA for even more spooktacular deals just for AAA Members. 

AAA Discounts