35 Beautiful Literary Spots Across America for Every Reader

20. The Inspiration of The House of the Seven Gables (Salem, MA)

For fans of Nathaniel Hawthorne and Gothic literature, a visit to The House of the Seven Gables in Salem, Massachusetts, is like stepping directly into the pages of a classic novel. This seaside mansion, built in 1668, became the real-life inspiration for Hawthorne’s 1851 novel of the same name, and today, it remains one of the most fascinating literary sites in the country. The house itself is an architectural marvel, featuring hidden staircases, intricate wood paneling, and period furnishings that bring 17th-century New England history to life. Visitors can tour the rooms that Hawthorne described in his novel, including the famed secret stairway that adds an air of mystery to the experience. The property also includes Hawthorne’s childhood home, relocated to the site, where guests can learn about his family’s Puritan roots, his literary influences, and the real-life witch trial connections that shaped his work.