Wednesday, October 16, 2019

St. Helen's Oregon: Celebrate Fall at Halloween Town

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 Check out this small town wonder' made famous by the 1998 Disney movie " Halloween Town."  It was great to discover this hidden gem near the Lewis and Clark Trail. 

Celebrate Fall at Halloweentown

IIf you are looking for a fall getaway want to encounter ghosts, goblins and spooky creatures; Saint Helen's Oregon is the place for you! Since the first movie in 1998, the town has evolved into a popular fall destination.  Social media has especially increased visits to the  town square where the movie was set.

Interesting Facts About Halloween town

  • Halloween town has had several sequels
  • The movie was supposed to have a much darker ending
  • The movie had a small budget
  • Halloween town is a book but you can't find it at major retailers
  • The fall film was actually shot in summertime
  • Only two of the original actors were in all 4 movies
  • Aunt Aggie's house is a bed and breakfast fans can stay at

Arrive Early

We left Seattle area around 8 am and arrived in Halloween town at 10:30 am. I would advise getting in as early.  There is ample parking, but the town gets crowded fast. If you want to capture awesome photography, arrive when the crowds are minimal.  Our arrival time was perfect. We were able to see everything without waiting in long lines. After 11 am the town starts filling up.

Should you decide you want to stay overnight, Portland is not far. Even if it's a last minute stay, sometimes you can still find great deals.  Also check out this flight tour of another outdoor wonder nearby.

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Wear Your Costume

As you wonder around, you will see everyone parading through town in their costume. I wish I'd wore mine, but had no time to pull it together. We decided one day to go, and took off the next.  The costume parade will keep you entertained for awhile!

Check Out the Taxi with Benny

If you want to get up close and personal with a skeleton, here's your chance! He may just wisk you off on a wild ride, so proceed to the area with caution, he he.  Benny the driver from the movie, wasn't an actor dressed as a skeleton. Neither was his character completely digitized. He was a robot with his lines dubbed in. 


Feast on Local Treats

The options for dining in town are few. We drove to Portland to eat lunch and shop (20-30 min drive from St. Helens.) However, there are a several local vendors selling yummy treats and snacks.

Your kids will enjoy gigantic poofs of cotton candy, I wanted one myself!  I watched as they spun the sugar into shapes of animals etc. My absolute favorite was Bamford Bake Shop . The actual bakery is in Skapoose, the neighboring city enroute to Portland. Oh my these were some of the best confections!


Experience Fun Activities

Most of the activities to experience at Halloween town are geared for kids. Adults can certainly join in the fun too. It's always great to be a kid again! Some of the activities are free, and some you have to pay for.

If you are going with kids, the best option is the "One Big Ticket".  It's 45.00 and is good for one entire weekend of your choice. We did not purchase the ticket and still had a great time. There is a lot to explore and see.

Are ya feeling brave? If so, you can  roll around by the riverside in a gigantic plastic bubble, how fun is that?!


View Oregon's version of Stone Hedge

The town of St. Helens sits on the edge of the Columbia River. The views around the corner from the square are breathtaking. Experience Stone Hedge in America without flying across the pond to Europe.  You won't be able to get up close unless you pay for the activity ticket. The area is gated off with a paid entry. I zoomed in with my phone and still got a decent shot.



I hope you do make it to St. Helens to experience this fun place. It's a short drive from Seattle, about 2.5 hours. Enjoy your Fall and Halloween, if you celebrate it!

Have you been to Halloweentown ?



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Halloweentown, ST. Helen's Oregon, PNW travel, Oregon Travel






Would you like to comment?

  1. OMG, I honestly had noooo idea that Halloweentown was filmed in an actual destination - I just assumed it was a set. Love seeing how the town has kept the traditions alive!

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    1. I know right..its such a kewl town to visit in fall!

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  2. I loveHalloween but here in the Netherlands it is not a big thing. Perhaps I will decorate this year!

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    1. Hi Nancy... I totally get it..I am not really that big on Halloween either... but I thought it was cool they turned part of the town into a destination movie set for this time of year!

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  3. This looks like such a fun place to visit! I didn't even know it was a real location!

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    1. Hi Laura..Yes its super fun and I didnt know either ha ha until my grown daughter found it online..so off went!!

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  4. Such an cool and beautiful place to visit. I love the decor and colors of Fall with the combination of Halloween.

    Lots of Love: Mariann Yip
    https://www.mariannyc.com/best-fall-activities-in-nyc

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    1. Hi Mariann...Yes Its so fun to visit here! I am not really a fan of Halloween so much..but I did love visiting this town and the movie set: such a fun vibe !
      xo

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  5. Such a perfect place to visit this time of year!

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

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  6. Wow this looks so fun and what a cool thing to have close to you!

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    1. Well it was close to me...ha until we moved to Las Vegas last June. I am liking it here halfway..I really miss the PNW...may go back in the spring not sure yet!

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  7. How fun! I haven't seen the Disney movie but would love to visit this cute little town in the fall!

    Jill - Doused in Pink

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    1. Hi Jill....I hadnt seen the movie either. After we visited the town we saw it on Netflix and I just saw it listed on disney plus too! Such a fun place!~

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  8. OMG I love Halloween Town and this post was really interesting to read and see! These pictures are unique, they made me feel like I was watching de movie again. xx

    https://fallingforvogue.blogspot.com/

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  9. That sounds like it would make a fabulous day or weekend trip!

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  10. What an interesting post. I must confess I haven't seen the film! But it looks like a great place to visit at this time of year. Thanks for linking

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