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Come Write With Me | October 25, 2026

Greetings my lovelies,

If someone told me I could pack my bags tomorrow, money was no object, responsibilities were nonexistent, and I could spend a spooky weekend anywhere my little heart desired, I would have a difficult time choosing.

There are so many places I would love to visit, so many things I want to experience, and so many adventures I have yet to have.

But considering the time of year, I think I would choose Salem, Massachusetts.

And before you assume it’s entirely because of the witches, haunted houses, ghost stories, and all the wonderful spooky fuckery, there’s another reason.

I miss autumn.

Not the version of autumn where stores put pumpkins on their shelves while it’s still hot enough outside to roast a chicken on the sidewalk. I’m talking about a proper autumn.

The kind where the leaves turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold. Where the air becomes crisp, the temperatures drop, and you can finally pull your favorite sweaters and jackets out of the closet.

I miss the aroma of autumn. The scent of fallen leaves, damp earth, and that unmistakable freshness in the air when the seasons begin to change.

I miss watching the trees transform into something spectacular before shedding their leaves. I miss the feeling of stepping outside and actually needing a jacket.

There’s something about autumn that makes the world feel a little more magical, a little more mysterious, and a whole lot cozier.

And what better place to experience all of that than New England in October?

Of course, Ronnie would be coming with me. I can’t imagine having an adventure like this without him.

We would find ourselves a beautiful historic inn in Salem, preferably one with a reputation for being haunted. Give me the creaky wooden floors, antique furniture, centuries of history, and a few ghost stories about things that supposedly go bump in the night.

Would I actually want to experience something paranormal?

Abso-fucking-lutely!

I’m not saying I want to wake up to some terrifying apparition hovering over the bed, but a little unexplained activity would certainly make the vacation memorable. Imagine coming home with our very own ghost story!

During the day, I would want to explore Salem without being tied to some ridiculous schedule.

I would love to wander through the historic streets, admire the architecture, visit the little shops, and see what treasures we might discover.

Naturally, the witchy shops would be calling my name. Crystals, candles, herbs, books, and all the wonderfully mystical things that make those places so fascinating.

I would probably spend far too much time browsing, but who cares? This is my dream vacation, and apparently I have unlimited money.

We would stop somewhere wonderful for lunch, enjoy a little more exploring, and eventually find a lovely restaurant for dinner.

I don’t need every minute filled with attractions. Sometimes simply wandering through an unfamiliar town, enjoying its atmosphere, and discovering things along the way is an adventure all by itself.

And when evening arrives?

Oh, we’re absolutely going on a ghost tour.

I want to walk those old streets after dark, hear the stories, learn about the history, and discover the mysteries surrounding Salem.

I’m interested in more than the spooky entertainment, though. Salem has a complicated and tragic history, particularly the witch trials of 1692. I would want to learn about the people who lived there, what happened to them, and how those events shaped the town.

History has always seemed more fascinating to me when you can stand in the places where it happened.

But here’s where my dream spooky weekend starts becoming something a little bigger.

I want to see the New England coastline.

I’ve seen the Pacific Ocean during my trip to California, and that was an experience I will always treasure. But I’ve never seen the Atlantic Ocean, and I’ve never seen a lighthouse in person.

I think I would be in awe.

There’s something about the thought of standing along the rocky New England coast, watching the waves, feeling the cool ocean breeze, and looking out toward a historic lighthouse that captures my imagination.

I want to experience that.

I want to visit little coastal towns with old houses, harbors filled with boats, quaint shops, and restaurants where we can sit down to a wonderful meal after spending the afternoon exploring.

Places like Marblehead and Rockport sound absolutely delightful.

And while we’re at it, why stop there?

The original writing prompt asked me to design my perfect spooky weekend, but since we’re pretending money and responsibilities don’t exist, I’m extending this little adventure to an entire week.

My imaginary vacation. My imaginary rules.

I would love to spend several days exploring Salem and then venture farther into New England, driving through small towns, admiring the autumn foliage, stopping at antique shops, visiting historic places, and discovering whatever happens to catch our attention.

Maybe we’d find a cozy café where we could enjoy some magic bean potion while watching the world go by. Maybe we’d discover a little bookstore tucked away on an old street. Perhaps we’d stumble across another lighthouse or a beautiful scenic overlook.

I wouldn’t want every moment planned.

I would want the freedom to explore, to linger somewhere beautiful, to change our minds, and to simply enjoy being together.

And I think that’s what makes this particular dream vacation so appealing to me.

It’s not just about Halloween, witches, ghosts, or haunted inns, although those things certainly add to the fun.

It’s about experiencing autumn again.

It’s about visiting places I’ve never seen, learning their stories, enjoying their beauty, and sharing those experiences with Ronnie.

It’s about standing somewhere unfamiliar and feeling that wonderful sense of awe that comes from discovering just how much of this world there still is to see.

And if a friendly ghost decides to make an appearance somewhere along the way?

Well, that would just be the icing on my delightfully spooky cake.

Now it’s your turn, my lovelies.

If money were no object and responsibilities could disappear for a few days, where would you spend your perfect spooky getaway?

Would you explore a haunted town, spend a weekend in a mysterious old hotel, visit somewhere famous for its ghost stories, or stay home surrounded by blankets, scary movies, and your favorite snacks?

There are no wrong answers. Let your imagination wander.

Until next time,

Decorative text design featuring the phrase 'XOXO, Rae' with floral elements, a crescent moon, and stars on a textured background.

I believe the best magic happens in the middle ground. Join the conversation below!”