I fell in love with Salem, Massachusetts the second I drove into this charming New England town. Salem is a town to visit if you love rich history, Halloween and spooky culture, are a fan of Hocus Pocus, exploring coastal towns, or are looking for beautiful fall foliage. While it is known for its witch trials and the House of Seven Gables, this town offers so much more – amazing food, walking tours, and family-friendly fun! This year (2026) will be especially special as they are celebrating their 400th birthday! I hope that you will consider visiting Salem, Massachusetts in October as it is truly magical.

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How to get to Salem

Salem is only a 35 minute drive from Boston. We have always toured Salem on our road trips through New England, but you could fly into Boston’s Logan Airport and drive over to Salem. There are also train and ferry options. Parking is not too difficult to find, but the early bird definitely gets the worm. We always get there in the morning a few minutes before the shops open up to get a great parking spot and take some photos on Essex Street before the crowds get too heavy.

Best Time to Visit Salem

The best time to visit Salem is in the fall. While the crowds are heavier, it is just so beautiful and fun. You feel like you are walking through Halloweentown. They go all out on their Halloween decor and many people dress up on Essex street. The fall foliage is beautiful and the weather is perfect. If you travel to Salem, Massachusetts in October, you can also attend the Salem Haunted Happenings Festival!

How Many Days Do I Need in Salem?

This depends on how much you want to do. If you are only interested in a day trip, you could easily do that. I would stop by the Hocus Pocus filming locations as well as taking a walk through the witch museum or tour the House of Seven Gables. I would then take a stroll down Essex Street and stop in some of the local shops and then grab some seafood at Turner’s Seafood! If you are interested in a weekend (my preference) you could add in more tours and drive around to look at the decorated houses. I would also drive to Marblehead – it is beautiful.

Top 5 Things to do in Salem Massachusetts in October

1. Visit the Hocus Pocus filming locations. Don’t skip out on driving to Marblehead (the graveyard scenes) for incredible views.
   
2. Visit the witch trial history sites such as the Salem Witch Trials Memorial, the Witch House, and the Peabody Essex Museum.
   
3. Take a tour – there are many to choose from. Ghost tours, witch museums, haunted houses and more.
   
4. Kid-friendly spots: The Halloween Museum on Essex Street was a huge hit with my kids! Tour the House of Seven Gables. They have a scavenger hunt for the kids to do that was really fun and they get a treat if they find everything at the end.
   
5. Hidden Gems in Salem: Stroll down Chestnut Street and visit the Pickman House (built in the 1600s). Grab a coffee at Black Craft (you need a reservation mid-September – November) and be sure to visit the store next door as well. Stroll down the Commons and see the orange lights during October. There is also a playground here for the kids. Visit the stores. There are too many good ones to name but I will try: Wicked Good Books, Kakawa Chocolate House (the best chocolates), Ye Olde Pepper Company (candy store), The Coven’s Cottage, Wynott’s Wands, The Lost Library, and Moon’s Gift Shop are some of our favorites.

Where to Eat in Salem

Where to eat in Salem is one of the most asked questions I get each year that we visit. Here is a list of restaurants we have tried and loved.

Bella Verona is one we want to try this year! I’ve had this restaurant recommended to me by many. You must make a reservation. Try the pumpkin ravioli.

Turner’s Seafood is a nice option if you want seafood.

Flying Saucer Pizza was great if you’re in the mood for pizza or need a very kid-friendly place to grab an easy lunch or dinner.

If you need a great brunch spot, Salem’s Retreat is delicious. It was a hit with my entire family.

Black Craft Coffee is a must for coffee, but you must have a reservation during the fall.

Red Line Cafe is right on Essex Street and so easy to grab a cup of coffee or a pastry. You do not need a reservation here.

Grab a sandwich at the Gulu-Gulu Cafe.

We all love The Village Tavern – also located right on Essex Street and very kid-friendly.

Where to Stay in Salem

The Salem Inn and the Hawthorne Hotel are the most popular places to stay in Salem. The Hawthorne Hotel is the most haunted hotel in Salem, so stay at your own risk (cue spooky music). We typically stay in Boston and drive into Salem.

Is Salem Worth Visiting During Halloween?

For lack of a better word…DUH! It is crowded, sure, but it is so magical. If you are a spooky lover, this city was made for you. If you love rich history (like my family does) it is also more than worth visiting. My kids love it and beg to go back every year. There is truly something for everyone in this coastal New England town. The food is fantastic, the Halloween decorations and shops are top-notch and the people are very friendly. Salem is truly a magical town.

Check out my 11 Day Itinerary in New England for more spooky season content, fall foliage and other tips on what to do in Salem!

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It’s April and finally time for spring outfits! I put together some cool and classy looks for going to the farmer’s market, tennis lessons, date night and more!

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Outfit 3

Outfit 4

Outfit 5

Some of my favorite spring trends for 2026 are statement necklaces (so nostalgic), jelly shoes (again, nostalgic), polka dots, neck scarves, and peplum! I have started mixing some of these pieces into my wardrobe this year and can’t wait to style them. How will you be wearing these spring trends in 2026?

It’s officially Christmas in July – the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is back and better than ever this year! There are so many great closet staples included from some of my favorite brands. From July 12 through August 3, you can get up to 50% off coveted items from top brands like MOTHER, Tory Burch, Ralph Lauren, Hoka, and more. I am especially excited about the ON Cloudnovas marked nearly half off and beautiful Barbour jackets discounted.

Why Shop the Nordstrom Sale?

Why shop the Anniversary Sale?

1. Brand new styles are discounted – unlike typical sales that clear out old stock, this event lets you shop the upcoming season’s hottest arrivals at a discount .
2. High-end brands on sale – from designer fragrances and premium denim to chic handbags and classic outerwear—all discounted up to 50 %.
3. Nordy Club perks – free two-day shipping, alteration services, bonus points (including double or triple point days during the sale), and exclusive events make this a no-brainer.

Tips for Shopping the Sale:

1. Join Nordy Club + get the card.
Signing up is free, but having a Nordstrom credit card unlocks Early Access starting July 8-11th—the first days of the sale before it opens to everyone.

2. Build your wishlist.
The NSALE preview is live and you can begin searching for the items you need to add to your closet – include your size, color, and item specifics and add them to your wishlist. This way, when your access begins, you can checkout quickly ensuring you get the items you want the most. Things sell out before my eyes every year when I’m trying to checkout. Moving quickly is key.

3. Shop essentials.
Start with higher end investment pieces—shoes, handbags, designer denim, outerwear—and only then browse seasonal trends under $100. Shoes (especially sneakers and uggs) often sell out first, so be ready.

4. Check out quickly & choose fast delivery.
Place your initial orders quickly—especially within the first hour of Early Access—and upgrade to two‑day shipping or same‑day pick‑up to reduce cancellation risks if it is available to you.

6. Stay alert to restocks.
This is where I come in! I’ll be sharing restock alerts throughout the sale, so make sure you are following along with me on the LTK app and Instagram! Popular items sometimes come in and out of stock as customers make returns. Keep wishlist notifications turned on and check back often.

7. Use bonus‑points days.
Activate your Double/Triple Points Day for your first Early Access order to maximize rewards, which convert into Nordstrom Notes. You can do this easily by chatting with someone on the Nordstrom website here and they will set it for you.

8. Stick to Your Budget.
Treat the sale as a chance to replace, upgrade, or complete your wardrobe. Don’t get swept up in impulse buys. This sale gets a lot of attention and hype (for good reason) but do not feel the need to overspend. At the end of the day, it is just stuff.

NSALE Dates:

First Look Favorites:

It’s my favorite time of the year again! The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale has officially begun. I am listing my tips for shopping the sale below along with my top picks from the sale. Be sure to follow me in the LTK app and on Instagram for updates, styled outfits and in-stock alerts.

Shop Top Picks HERE

Tips for shopping the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale:

-You must go into the sale with a plan. The more prepared you are, the more likely you will be to grab your favorites.

-Make sure your card information is up to date and check your cardmember status to see which day you can begin to shop. Icons shop today, Ambassadors shop tomorrow and the sale opens to the public on the 15th.

– Do a closet inventory of what you need for this year and make a list of items you plan to shop for. This is also a great time to grab some Christmas gifts and winter items for your kids.

– I tend to stick to buying basics for this sale – think boots, jeans, coats, etc. These brands are great quality and last for years. I love to stock up on sneakers and athleisure as well.

– Add things to your wish list on the Nordstrom website under your account so that you can check out quickly.

If you can’t wait to shop the fall sale, check out their current sale on summer clothes and accessories here!

Follow me on Instagram and in the LTK app for more sale coverage! Happy shopping!

It has been a while since I wrote a post, but I am hoping that now with homeschooling coming to an end, I will have more time to write. Why not kick off the week with a Summer Reading list? I’ve rounded up some new releases that will be perfect to throw in your beach bag or grab for a pool day! Let’s kick off the season with some new books to read this summer!

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Summer Reading List:

The Heiress: The Revelations of Anne de Bourgh (A Pride and Prejudice Novel) by Molly Greeley

Miss Cecily’s Recipes for Exceptional Ladies by Vicky Zimmerman (releases June 9th)

Under the Magnolias by T. I. Lowe

The Newcomer by Mary Kay Andrews – I just ordered this one and can’t wait to read it this summer!

In a Bookclub Far Away by Tif Marcelo

Are We There Yet? by Kathleen West

The Little French Bridal Shop by Jennifer Dupee

The Vineyard at Painted Moon by Susan Mallery

The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah

Waiting For The Night Song by Julie Carrick Dalton

Neighbors by Danielle Steel

The Last Anniversary by Liane Moriarty

Beach Read by Emily Henry

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow

Madewell just launched their new spring line and it is good! I love the new shoulder bag (their bags are my favorite) and dress options. Their denim remains my favorite as well! You can not beat the price for the quality. Madewell is currently having a buy more, save more sale! Shop my picks here:

Madewell Spring Outfits:

This is my favorite gift guide every year because it is like putting together a wish list for myself and it is so fun! Some of these things I own and love and others are on my personal wish list (hint hint, Ryan)! I will be sharing more specific gifts in lower price points and stocking stuffer ideas in my next gift guides, but for now, here are my splurge-worthy items that are great ideas for the ladies in your life!

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Weekly Recap:

This week, we kicked off my favorite month of the year with a bang! October is finally here, but it definitely does not feel like it here. It apparently got up to 101 degrees the other day according to our weatherman. It definitely felt like it. I am excited to see it cooling off a tiny bit next week. Maybe it will finally feel more like fall. We went to the pumpkin patch for Sophie’s field trip yesterday and had the best time! I shared a few more photos on Instagram. We played in a corn pit, pet a donkey, played in the bouncy houses, and picked a pumpkin (of course)!

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My little man turned 6 months old last Sunday. I shared a little update on him here! I also shared a few bible verses for stressed out moms here. On Wednesday, I shared a small Amazon haul in my insta stories! I will share more Amazon finds on the blog soon, but for now, check it out in my stories highlights here or in the LTK app! Everything I post (and other exclusive app-only content) will be found in the app.under my name (logan_can).

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This sweater was this week’s top seller by a landslide! It really is a good one and is so cute in person! It fits TTS and comes in several other color options.

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Weekend Sales:

Abercrombie – Everything is 25% off if you shop through the LTK app this weekend! This is an in-app discount only. I linked my favorites here! Up to 50% off clearance + extra 15% off with code: 14977.

American Eagle – 25% off when you buy a new arrival with code: FALLNEW and BOGO 50% off jeans and Joggers!

Express – 50% off jeans (including my favorite flare jeans) and 30% off everything else!

Madewell – Up to 30% off Fall Favorites with code: YOUCHOOSE

Old Navy – up to 50% off storewide + 25% off your purchase!

I am so excited to share this little sneak peak of the Nordstrom Sale! There are so many great finds this year and let me tell you, snake print and leopard print will be HUGE this year! I am most excited about the shoes, but there are great finds in every category! Here is a little sneak peak for all my early access girls who will be shopping on Friday! I am shopping Thursday and can’t wait to share more finds with you in the Liketoknow.it app, so be sure to follow me there! Stop back by here first thing Friday morning for a huge post breaking everything down into categories for you to easily shop the best items fast!

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I love putting together reading lists for y’all and this one is one of my favorites every year! Summer reading is my favorite. There is nothing like being on a beach somewhere and diving into a good story…or if you are like me this year, you are more likely on your couch reading and feeding the baby. haha Either way, it is so nice to get lost in a good book during the sweet summertime. I am about halfway through my second book so far and have ordered a couple of these on my list to read next! A few of these were suggestions by this community and I have come to really appreciate when you give me suggestions because you guys are way more in the know that I am on things and I always love reading and trying things y’all suggest to me! With that being said, Where the Crawdads Sing was the #1 suggested book by you guys, so I think it is safe to say that you should definitely read that one! I ordered it and can’t wait to read it next.

Summer Reading List:

Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng
It’s Not You It’s Him by Sophie Ranald
Oddly Enough by Carolanne Miljavac
The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine
The Bookshop on the Shore by Jenny Colgan
Summer of ’69 by Elin Hilderbrand
Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan
Hey Ladies by Michelle Markowitz and Caroline Moss
Lost Roses by Martha Hall Kelly
Eleanor Oliphant by Gail Honeyman
Again, but Better by Christine Riccio
The Cactus by Sarah Haywood
Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
The Road Back to You by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile
The Summer Guests by Mary Alice Monroe
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens – Most suggested by this community**
What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty
When Life Give You Lululemons by Lauren Weisberger
All We Ever Wanted by Emily Giffin
The Lost Vintage by Ann Mah
Beach House Reunion by Mary Alice Monroe
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
Sunset Beach by Mary Kay Andrews

And as always, I’m ending this list with a classic, so make sure to read To Kill a Mockingbird this summer! Even if it’s your 100th time to read it! One of my favorite classics and so very relevant in today’s society.

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