A late summer, early spring escape to Massachusetts is one of the most energizing trips you will ever take. With an excess of spectacular scenery and challenging byways, plus a rich history unique to this part of the United States, it offers the perfect setting in which to recharge your personal batteries.

One of the best ways to reach the coast of Massachusetts, at least from where I live, is to travel the Mohawk Trail through the Berkshires. Originally a simple footpath used by Native Americans as a trade and socializing route, the Mohawk Trail was eventually widened and paved to accept automobile traffic.

Winding through some of Massachusetts most dramatic backroad country, three specific stops should be high on the list for all who visit the area. This includes the Bridge of Flowers, Mohawk Trail State Forest and the spectacular 80-ft waterfall at Tannery Falls.

Leaving the Trail behind, our plan was to head north to the New England coast, taking in the sights and fragrant smells around Gloucester and Rockport, before pointing our Ford Escape Hybrid south towards Beverly and our final destination, the bewitching city of Salem, Massachusetts and the Salem Inn.

The famous Salem Witch Trials took place not far from the Inn during the months of June to September in 1692. Renowned as the witch burning capital of the Americas, in actual fact, not one witch was ever burned at the stake on this side of the Atlantic.

Comprised of three unique buildings; Captain West House, Curwen House and Peabody House, the 40 room Salem Inn is located at the heart of this history rich, port city.

The grand, red brick Captain West House was originally built in 1834 under the direction of Sea Captain Nathaniel West. It offers guests the warmth and allure of a bygone era, along with all the contemporary trappings expected of a historic luxury hotel, including spacious sleeping quarters, deluxe bathrooms, (some with whirlpool tub) and furniture appropriate for the time period.

A buffet breakfast is served each morning in the Breakfast room located in the basement of Captain West House. With fresh baked croissants, an assortment of fresh fruit and plenty of coffee, it's the perfect place to begin a busy day of sightseeing.

The Curwen House, (circa 1854), is located close by on Essex Street. A 3-story, yellow and white century home, it showcases eleven guest rooms, including three suites suitable for the discriminating modern day travel-er. All rooms are smoke free and come complete with queen-size beds and private baths. Honey-moon suites include canopy beds, fireplace and whirlpool tub.

Our suite was located a short stroll down the tree-lined Summer Street at the bright and airy Peabody House. Constructed in 1874, the original hardwood floors creaked underfoot as we navigated the hallways of this converted residence. Opulent wood casing surrounded each doorway and thick baseboards escorted us down the long hall to our suite.

Entering the room, we were greeted to by the warmth of real wood fireplace, a king-size poster bed and the last rays of the evening sun shining through a bay window.

A large kitchenette at the rear of our suite provided the perfect place to enjoy a quick snack prior to dinner. Beyond this area was the full-sized bathroom, which included an oversized two-person bathtub. Throughout, the suite was decorated in muted tones of grey and white, while an intricately patterned hardwood floor added warmth and character to the space.

A short walk in any direction from the Salem Inn leads to all the best sightseeing and restaurants in the city. Must see places include touring the Salem Witch Museum, The House of Seven Gables, the Witch Dungeon Museum, the New England Pirate Museum and riding the Salem Trolley.

Our dinner reservations for the evening were at The Landing, an authentic seaport restaurant twenty minutes outside of Salem in the port town of Marblehead.

The fragrant aroma of the sea combined with the setting sun provided the perfect backdrop to enjoy fresh Atlantic lobster and a tall glass of Sam Adams finest brew.

Back at the Inn, we settled down for the night, anticipating the possibility of a haunting visit from one of several resident ghosts. Unfortunately, on this night at least, nothing materialized. In the morning, the sun again shone bright through our bedroom window, with the promise of another enchanting day in Salem, Massachusetts about to take shape.