Halloween Travel - Spooky Salem VS Sleepy Hollow

[@TheLairofVoltaire]

Greetings! I hope you enjoy this trip to Spooky Salem and Sleepy Hollow! I try to make these episodes while I'm on tour to show you these amazing places. All of the music in the episode is by me and if you'd like to check out my Halloween Hits on Spotify, you can hear them here: open.spotify.com/playlist/4RcXWy6fhmi6oM0jUh4qKs?si=4e7de8b84f154453

[@jamesgallagher100]

I’ve been to Salem Massachusetts a lot. I’vebeen to sleepy Hollow first time.

[@DarkPaly7103]

Awesome tour the tale of the spooky Headless Horseman is a very intersting tale indeed. 😊

[@harvey195]

I highly recommend the lamp-light night tour of the cemetery in Sleepy Hollow. Now Salem, on the other hand, is a real Halloween party town with lots to offer.

[@janefox7332]

@@TheLairofVoltaire thank you I love your music 🎃🎃🎃👍💋

[@tynaverhoeff5124]

Really need to visit Salem sometimes... 🖤🖤

[@3katfox]

For anyone planning a trip to Salem please please PLEASE RESPECT THE LOCAL HISTORY The witch house had a fire break out a couple of years ago because some stupid tourists lit one of the decorative candles and then LEFT IT LIT with no one around! Many of the historic locations are run by volunteers doing their best to preserve the local history among an onslaught of local political pressure to commercialize everything Keep in mind that Salem is the site of a terrible injustice so please be respectful (Thank you Voltaire and Mayumi for the great videos)

[@thornmallow1]

Oh bloody idiots! Were they trying to recreate the Black Flame Candle scene? Humans are so stupid. I hope that nothing that dumb happens this year.

[@LeeannCarver-ll2ej]

Thank you for this comment. I also feel I should point out something people seem to forget, it wasn’t witches that were killed in most cases, it was women , and sometimes men, like you and me, so again, please be respectful.

[@lizzierankin-fe9kj]

@@3katfox yes absolutely if I ever go there I will xx

[@hollyfischer1644]

My husband and I couldn't wait to visit Salem on our way to Maine two weeks ago. We had been there before in August. Oh my gosh, the difference is horrific! This trip we stayed only long enough to take a short walk away from the mass of humanity, and toured the house of the seven gables. We found there what we were looking for. It is beautiful, quiet, historic and spooky. Then we drove away as fast as we could. As you said, Salem in October is way too many people. August gave us an entirely different, and so much better, experience. That being said, the Sleepy Hollow area is not only breathtaking in the fall, but also as frightening as your imagination will permit. Thank you for this video! I wish I would have seen it sooner. Then, I would have been far more prepared for Salem in October.

[@GO_EZ]

Baphomet recognizing Voltaire made me laugh loud enough for my neighbors to hear! Great episode!!

[@EpicMuttonChops]

reminded me of the lyrics to Death, Death: "my wife and i are your biggest fans"

[@megans6660]

That was so funny he was so excited 😂

[@nikihughes6250]

I love the comparison you did between the two areas. Although not classically spooky, the Armour Stiner House in Irvington, NY, just a couple miles from Sleepy Hollow, is one of the most spectacular restored Victorian homes I've ever visited. Pink! Octagon! Egyptian Room! Its the stuff that spoopy girls dream of.

[@sagaignu7399]

I cant stress this enough, my favorite part of your videos is watching you and Mayumi be affectionate to each other, its very wholesome, please take care of each other.

[@MrExpresate]

i really liked "baphomets" reaction to recognizing you. That was awesome.

[@michaelaguilar7771]

I'm so glad I came across your channel. You're quite an inspiration and very creative.

[@TheLairofVoltaire]

WELCOME ABOARD!!!

[@gabrielleangelica1977]

I've been to both places. They are not scary, but comfy cozy when you're a witch.

[@susanmacdonald4288]

I think that I'd rather do Sleepy Hollow in October, and Salem some other time of the year. I don't do crowds very well anymore, and I probably wouldn't enjoy Salem at the height of tourist season at all.

[@kelseychapman1174]

We were in sleepy hollow Sunday night and it was kind of nuts in some spots! Bartender said 3x the people this year

[@susanmacdonald4288]

@@kelseychapman1174 wow! I wonder why so many this year?

[@TracyD2]

The last time I went to Salem a few years ago it was just too many people. You couldn’t go in anywhere. Also there was a curfew. I used to go to Salem in the 90s and it was so much fun, just the right amount of crowds and no curfew. Over 1 million people go for haunted happenings now. Oh I stayed at the Salem inn and another amazing bed and breakfast but forgot the name.

[@kelseychapman1174]

@ I think it has a lot to do with TikTok oddly enough haha

[@AndrewBull-ym6jz]

Definitely Sleepy Hollow. Have to pay homage to the inspirations for the legend. Salem some other time.

[@ossaobscura]

Salem would definitely be my choice, mainly for the shopping. Thanks for the tip to go off season. Wow, what a difference in crowd size!

[@shonglor4466]

How about New Orleans, Louisiana? Funeral parade, death city cemetery, voodoo and hoodoo, sticking pins in magic dolls to curse or hex. The food is awesome and the shop is amazing

[@JordanVanRyn]

I went to New Orleans and it was totally worth it!!!

[@woodrabbit8]

Sleepy Hollow is definitely on my bucket list. I went to Salem 10 years ago in early October with my sister and a friend and I would love to go back! It was great! The Coach house inn was quaint. So many great little restaurants. But best of all was the attractions and shops! So many museums, spooky tours and haunted houses. There's something for everyone and shops galore! There where a lot of people but not so crowded in early October.

[@JordanVanRyn]

I actually went to Salem two times and let me tell you, it’s actually better to visit in the Summer because the seafood there is so fresh and delicious. It gets hectic during Halloween. I haven’t been to Sleepy Hollow yet but I’d want to.

[@LadyofBakerStreet]

Head’s up Witch City Consignment will be forced to relocate this year (destination as yet unknown.) Welcome from a local but please take the train and be alert and respectful. This isn’t Disney; it isn’t safe to dawdle in the streets.

[@belleladean6632]

Oh no! Please post when they know where they're moving!!!

[@leavingitblank9363]

That cemetery in Sleepy Hollow was fabulous. It looked like the setting for the original _Night of the Living Dead._ "They're coming to get you, Barbara!" 🧟

[@CallyNT0836]

Thanks Voltaire this was great 👍👍🎃💀💕

[@emilycurtis4398]

Ah, I'd love it if you met the cute couple from "It's A Charming Life" in Sleepy Hollow. Would make for some darling spooky vintage content.

[@hirosoli]

Fantastic! Maybe do a versus with monster themed towns? Lake Champlain's Champy vs Point Pleasent's Mothman, for example?

[@RestinPeaceASMR]

I've been looking forward to the Salem video! That's awesome Blackcraft had Krampus there for winter! I think they have a gothic cathedral themed haunt in the back, but I don't know if it is open year-round. The International Monster Museum in a mall in Salem looks cool too!

[@_Spy_]

It's being a dream of mine since I was a kid to go to Salem one day and leave flowers on the wall with the names of the people who were accused of witchcraft back in the day. It's one of my goals I hope I achieve. Salem wins in my books for its history and how the town's people embraced it.

[@thathellen5737]

I am lucky to live 20 minutes from Sleepy Hollow. I love the night tours they do. I miss the haunted house that they used to do every year before the pandemic. I also love visiting the Lyndurst Mansion in Irvington.

[@samanthab1923]

I love all that! Went to Marymount years ago & that part of the world is still special to me. Even as a kid crossing the Tappan Zee to visit relatives we’d always look for the castle on the hill, gold dome & Lyndhurst 🏡

[@glom8378]

we went to Salem for Samhain and it was so great! I can't wait to go again! Its truly a beautiful city!

[@wompusslompus5424]

I agree what you said @TheLairofVoltaire ! Paraphrasing here but what I love about places like Salem and Sleepy Hollow, is that they would just be like any other regular town unless the local government consciously decided to embrace its macabre history and make it a spooky destination.

[@transition9255]

you guys make October for me! every year round this time i watch all the things from the lair

[@YokosukaVictoria]

Seeing your short clips of Salem in October makes me glad I went in March post-St Paddys day after seeing dropkick murphys.

[@HosCreates]

Dropkick Murphys are BA!

[@RainyCraze]

If you ever do a spooky Savannah, GA visit, you should absolutely do Blue Orb Tours! Hands down the best ghost tours in the city built on its dead!

[@home.and.heart.]

Yes, please! More Gothic Homemaking! I am not even a goth, but I really like your videos! Great voice, and a cute couple. 🖤

[@Bridget-Eleanor1967]

Another brilliant episode from the gorgeous goth duo - Voltaire and Mayumi. I want to visit both places. Thanks for the heads up about the crowds in October for Salem. I think that I will visit when less crowded. Thanks! ❤️❤️❤️

[@paulaschaffer2418]

Went to Salem many years ago and it was wonderful. The people and especially the police dept were all so nice! Its a great vibe but also kind of sobering when you remember what happened there.

[@Lieutenant_Pumpky]

As someone who lives about 20 mins from Salem, it’s so wild seeing you talk about going into local stores like Die With Your Boots On. I literally pointed at my screen like, “HEY I SHOP THERE!” I also remember being super bummed missing your Dec show in 2022 because it sold out, but then I got my photo taken with Krampus at Blackcraft down the road that same night! No matter what time of year, Salem never disappoints us spooky folks

[@goblinb]

I've been to Salem 3 times, twice for Halloween. I have to say, that for Halloween, Salem can't be beat! It is so much fun! Many people hate the crowds, and while I'm not usually a fan of crowds either, I think all the people dressed up and having fun on Halloween night creates a really great, jubilant vibe! And I find that during the day its not too crowded. It's on Halloween night that getting into a shop or restaurant can be difficult. We just walked around in our costumes and got some food from the vendors on the Salem Common(you will wait in line for sure). There are great restaurants; my favorites are Flying Saucer Pizza, Sea Level Oyster Bar(their seafood pie is amazing, and good cocktails too!),Ugly Mug Diner, A&J King Artisan Bakers, Front Street Coffee, Whimsey's Sweet Life, and Nathaniel's and The Tavern at the Hawthorne Hotel(also really good fall/Halloween cocktails). And there are many more that I would have liked to try. I feel like after experiencing Salem, Sleepy Hollow might feel like a let down. I guess if I realize it would be a more low-key experience I'm sure I'd enjoy it.

[@aequitasvox2488]

I definitely enjoyed this vid. I've been to Salem multiple times. The busters are out all year long and you still get the spooky vibes in the off season. Difference is longer crowds, longer lines, extra attractions like shop and food vendors and decorations on houses. There is a castle in Gloucester MA (Hammond Castle). Its definitely a cool little trip from Salem only 30 to 45 min. from there. Salem can be over stimulating or busy if its your first time best thing is to research and watch vids of where you want to go and why? If I gave 3 tips it would be: take trolley it'll give you a lay out of Salem and its one of the best tours, plan trio half to full year in advance and do a hotel and flight combo its cheaper that way, lastly there are so many good places to eat and drink and there are few bathrooms so have a plan. There are so many little charming places to stay and shop some are even themed. Sometimes there are events in Salem through year like parades, music events, fireworks, park events like food and drink festivals, even special events during holidays and Halloween it awesome. parking can get expensive there aren't many places to park so train, uber and ferry are the easiest ways to get into salem. hope this info helps. This is one of the best Salem vids I've seen but now I gotta visit sleepy hallow. I first got into goth music by your band now you are doing these vids ill definitely check out more.

[@kristaselene]

Headless Horseman Haunted Attraction up in Ulster is well worth the drive for those who are visiting Sleepy Hollow!

[@wyrrlynmyrrlyn]

Thank you SO much! I’ve wanted to visit both and really love your takes!

[@MariaFrancesca]

I just realized I've been watching your channel for 8 years! Oh... Tempus fugit!

[@Intergalactic_media]

Awesome video. I've been to both towns and prefer Salem overall. And, Mayumi has a cheat code on adorable! 😄

[@cathypiper9373]

Next stop Whitby , England for the Goth weekend 💀

[@MariaFrancesca]

I love how you are a Halloween attraction unto yourself in Salem! 🙂

[@rachaelgater791]

** forgot to mention that if you visit the Sleepy Hollow cemetery, make sure you go to the office at the main gate. They sell post cards, mugs and key chains that you wont find in the town.

[@suburbohemian]

Hmmm, I think I'd opt for Sleepy Hollow. Who can beat a castle? and that menu at the restaurant looked delish. I live in Los Angeles so shopping is always available. I prefer the literary experience, and that fabulous Blaze event!

[@joiedevivre2005]

Y'all need to head down south for a little Southern Gothic & check out New Orleans at Halloween.

[@TheLairofVoltaire]

I perform there on Oct 25th

[@karapedersen1927]

Loved salem when I went with my mom. Been still wanting to go back with my husband and sleepy hollow is definitely on my list.

[@BATTLEVAN]

I'd kill to visit both these places at least once in my life, such neat areas

[@Jolamprex]

To add to the list, surely Voltaire is aware of Hell, Michigan.

[@motionlesskilljoy]

-My Dear Friends, this episode is absolutely amazing! I had such a spectacular time embarking on this impeccable journey with the both of you! This travel vlog was so very immersive and I absolutely had such a wonderful time, today! This was truly an extraordinary precedent to prepare for the Spooky Festivities. Just as you said, Sleepy Hollow is very atmospheric and has its own idiosyncratic culture and the story is one of my most favorite Gothic tales of all time and I love the Tim Burton film adaptation from 1999 as well! I would love to visit beautiful Sleepy Hollow one of these days and as a Metalhead Goth who is a massive fan of Iron Maiden, the Eddie masks from the "Die With Your Boots On" shop absolutely made my day, as well. So very cool! You are both such amazing artists and I love your content so much! Thank you so much for brightening my week, today! Thank you so much for your beautiful artistry. I cannot wait to see the next episode. With all of my enthusiasm and care, -Marla. ☺🖤🖤

[@aprilrichards762]

I've been to Salem during the spring and summer. I like it.

[@Rayvana]

So go to Salem in November. Got it.

[@inpuris13]

I had the same take away from this

[@ljtlove4519]

I loved your informative tours as usual, but the last 20 seconds of this video was absolutely the best! You guys are beyond being so cute together! I love seeing you both so happy! ❤❤❤❤

[@rachaelgater791]

Salem. I went to Salem in May of 22 and everything was spooky and amazing. Sleepy Hollow outside of October is far from spooky or interesting. The cemetery is the only thing worth visiting off season. I won't be going back but it did tick off a box. Salem though, I'm planning on a revisit right now.

[@D-bow288]

The haunted hayride in sleepy hallow cemetery will forever be my cherished memory of Halloween PERFECTION It’s so family friendly there Love that town Salem is better in the fall but not Halloween it’s damn near the Mardi Gras of the North during Halloween

[@mariascalzitti4190]

Thank You, I really enjoyed the comparison and contrast of each place!!!

[@HeyaItsSoup]

Thanks a lot for making this video, Aurelio! I just wanted to let you know that I came back from my trip to Salem and it was a fantastic experience! Captain John from the pirate museum was very nice and seems to know you as well, so if you ever have the chance to return back to the witch city, I would suggest you to come say hi to him :) Much love!

[@fruitygarlic3601]

To me, having been to neither, it seems like Sleepy Hollow is the place if you want your Halloween to come before Christmas, while Salem is sufficiently spooky at less peopled times of year. I'd love to take either.

[@ThePoizonkiss]

Wow! I want to see both! It was super seeing you react to being an attraction yourself. And it was soo sweet seeing the very end watching you guys kiss! Thank you for sharing all you do with the world, you're an inspiring and positive influence to me in my life! 💜😺😈🌠🌜⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐LOVE FROM MINNEAPOLIS!

[@valkiridr2583]

again great video voltaire!...thank youuu so much for the content!...the spooky season is even better with you and your videos!

[@talesofnightmares13]

Boyfriend and I just got back from Salem but sleepy hollow is our next east coast trip! We loved Salem and can't wait to do sleepy hollow hopefully next year if not next year then the year after that.

[@nancypetersen105]

Great video , you showed more than most of the ones I have seen other than the authentic channel for Salem . Love watching you and your beautiful lady ! You two are great together . Benn a Fan of yours for years 👻💀💜

[@jenniferfarvour4852]

I loved this episode. I've wanted to go to Salem and Sleepy Hollow for a while. Thank you for sharing your time at these awesome destinations.,💀🦇👻🎃

[@exinilda]

That’s a great way to compare. Thank you for showing the busy and off season. Loved it! I say both!! ❤️🦇❤️🦇❤️🦇❤️

[@PatricS123]

I love you're videos but I can never wait to click the next one so I always have to go back to the last video to finish watching it ❤

[@janiebrossmann1178]

I have to say that I’m an incredible fan of Salem 🖤 Everything about it is makes me feel extremely excited each time I go there 🦇🕷️🐈‍⬛👻🖤

[@PlantEnchantress]

When you go to Salem ..... Count Orlok's is THE BEST horror fan museum. The Ouija museum is also great! September is my favorite month to visit Salem because Halloween has technically already started there, but still far less crowds. Also .... I use to frequent club Darq for many many years. I use to even go to the promoters personal Halloween party at his house, which I think is now on VRBO.

[@hjliebheart1646]

I am happy every time I see there's a new video of you. It makes may day after a looong shitty day. I glad to see you can have some fund while traveling and you can record it and share it with us. Thanks for taking time in makings these videos, I know they may not be a great success by KZbin standards, but they bring joy to a lot of people and I wish they could get more views, you deserve it! Como siempre le digo a todo al que logro hablarle de ti, eres una de las personas mas polifacéticas con las que me he cruzado y da igual si un proyecto DIY, música, decoración, o como escritor, siempre te las arreglas para hacer algo genial y ser divertido. Mil gracias por todo lo que haces! :D

[@harukoanor88]

I have listened to your songs, since I was in high school and now sharing with my kiddos who are in middle school!!

[@karenritter2574]

Interesting, I'll add these places to my list

[@donnadunlop7853]

I live in the uk 🇬🇧. Planning a trip to Salem next year. Changed my mind about going in October. Thankyou so much.🖤🖤🎃

[@searoses]

Man... This made me want to go back to the East coast so bad 😢 I went to Salem 2 years ago and have dreamt of going back there ever since, I wish I could be there now. I'm jealous

[@cindyk.3022]

You were right both were equally great for their own reasons..

[@Krucek6666]

Love it Voltaire. But I don't know when and if ever I'll be able to go.

[@KrevetkaPhoenix]

visiting places off season is whole another experience

[@mysweetness2009]

Thank you so much for the info on sleepy hollow!

[@noahfitzgerald6830]

I must say this was a very really nice way to relax in the middle of stressful French work. Great video as always!

[@tracy_222]

What a fantastic trip👍🏻🪦🕸️🕷️💀lots of history and long time ago🐈‍⬛

[@BlackBatProductions]

I love that you cover travel destinations and trips. My husband and I got married in March and are planning our honeymoon for our one year anniversary. I am trying to sale him on Salem or out other top pick is New Orleans.

[@brandykratz561]

You need to do a Haunted New Orleans tour. Esspecially the cemeteries which unfortunately some you cannot go in unless its a tour.

[@MMDMizuki]

Good to know, my fiancé and I are planning on going to New Orleans for our honeymoon sometime next year.

[@josephzowghi4313]

I was in Boston to see the Hu and took a little day trip to Salem while I was there. I was lucky regarding the timing. For one thing, it was in September, just a little while before it got filled with tourists. For another, it was 2019, just before the lockdown. My main focus was the House of the Seven Gables where Nathanial Hawthorne lived. (I still need to finish the book)

[@leavingitblank9363]

How was the Hu? I'd like to see them.

[@josephzowghi4313]

@@leavingitblank9363 Fantastic. I was fortunate enough to be standing behind someone who spoke Mongolian. Of course, the show would have been great without translation, but it certainly added to the experience.

[@SpookyBrixx]

I love both. Each have their own charm.

[@mathra07]

speaking of walking tours - if anyone wants to see a totally different side of Salem, try Salem Food Tours! I've been on a tour a number of times and always discover something new to love about the city. Karen will take you around the main areas and have you try all different foods - and is very accomodating for allergies, restrictions, and diets

[@AbsyntheAndTears]

Sleepy Hollow is on my bucket list, mainly because of the scenery and that I am a fan of Washington Irving. I love the architecture as well. Salem, I would only go there off season. The Halloween crowds would be too much for me.

[@hirosoli]

It's been a long time since I've been to Salem!

[@timvantassel]

I really enjoyed visiting Washington Irving’s estate while in Sleepy Hollow, where they now do a dramatic reading of the eponymous tale (it used to be read at the Old Dutch Church in the cemetery).

[@revoltaiignoto3881]

You should do another Spooky Mexico City: you didn't even visit the Mummies of San Angel

[@TheLairofVoltaire]

That's what you think! Lol! It's in a different video about Mummies for another show I haven't yet released. 😉

[@AutumnHarvest1]

Really excellent video. Very helpful. I had no idea Salem gets that packed in October. Although I'm sure it's probably fun at night 🌙 🦇

[@RebecaLawrence-w6e]

Love your video. About Sleepy Hollow and Salem. I like both towns. Hope to visit both places one day. Salem is the home of the witch trials. Sleepy Hollow is the home of the headless horseman. Salem looks more crowded in October then Sleepy Hollow. Thank you for telling us about the two places. Happy Halloween. 🎃💀👹🧟🧛🦇🦈🔪👻🪰🕷️🐈‍⬛🕷️🐍🐊

[@shonglor4466]

Go visit New Orleans, Louisiana next. Foods are delicious. Shops are stock with shrunken heads, voodoo dolls, and hoodoo charms are collection for your lair. Funeral dance parade. Stories and histories about new Orleans.

[@glitterbox6325]

I've been to Salem and New Orleans for Halloween and NOLA wins! It's almost a yearly trip for me for Halloween

[@TheLairofVoltaire]

I've been! About 30 times or so. Great place! Will be back in Nola to perform on Oct 25th!!! 🎃🎃🎃

[@m.maclellan7147]

I love in Massachusetts, so I visit Salem during the summer, MUCH fewer tourists ! Lol 😅 I appreciate that you are often using trains & the like. I know it would be impossible to afford a car in NYC, BUT, I DO wish more people used trains, busses, etc. Plus, the traffic & parking during the height of tourism is a nightmare !

[@cherwilkes4564]

Salam in December looks fun (in Oct no thanks) I am a Scare Actor and trust me when I say our haunt in Feb has a lot more scares. (in october it is scary too but feb is better)

[@kelseydahlstrom1071]

I go to Salem all the time.....Salem, Oregon 🙃😜. Confused the crap out of me as a kid when i saw a scooby doo episode about salem.

[@mofman1]

Its wildly cool that you're out here still able to do your thing for a living

[@elisesilverfox]

Which months are good for travelling to Salem and Sleepy Hollow? 👻 In which months are they less crowded? What about September, November, March or April? 🍁

[@angelaryer8981]

I used to live an hour away from Salem and went on my birthday about every year. I've been inside the Witch House and it's amazing. Also took a day to visit Sleepy Hollow/Tarrytown when I was relocating earlier this year. I hit up Bella's and bought so much (including the post card you were holding) she gave a discount. Lovely lady and so helpful! I also hit up Horsefeathers as well. LOVE the literary ambiance, but what I had didn't agree with me..... might have been the drink I had mixed with my entree. Don't get me started about the Cemetery....I took some of my best shots there. I paint from my own photos... I would love to live in Sleepy Hollow....

[@Fascinatingstreet]

As much as I love Sleepy Hollow, I loved visiting & I grew up loving the story, Salem always wins for me. I just adore Salem so much I go every year 🎃🦇🕸️🖤🖤🖤🧡🧡🧡

[@pamaladarsow2763]

Salem in Dec sounds great

[@Victoria-ik1kt]

❤wow that former bank building looks amazing ❤

[@redsun1211]

Man, I said to myself that I'll go to salem some others' day. didn't know Voltaire would come back to Massachusetts. I really wanted to meet you, good sir😭 oh well

[@capricorndragon6268]

Such a fun watch. Definitely BOTH! Thanks to V and Mayumi.

[@charmontravel]

This was AWESOME! Great video. 🎃

[@devalaellune]

Great video! I already just want to be in Salem all the time but now I definitely want to go to Sleepy Hollow too. I want to add Nocturne to the list of amazing stores in Salem. And The Ossuary, a sister store to Die With Your Boots On.