Halloween has become a big business. Pre-pandemic, Halloween generated approximately nine billion dollars a year. Last year, many events were canceled, and people felt safer staying home. This year Haloween is expected to come back with a vengeance and is predicted to be one the best Halloweens to date. Want to get in on the season and celebrate? Here are 10 of the Best Halloween Happenings in Massachusetts.
Haunted Happenings -Salem, MA
The most famous of all Halloween celebrations not only in Massachusetts, but the whole country takes place in Salem, MA. Salem is home to the Salem Witch trials and has so much history. Haunted Happenings are multiple events that take place during October in the city of Salem. Such events include a Grand Parade, the Haunted Biz Baz Street Fair, Family Film Nights, costume balls, ghost tours, haunted houses, live music, and chilling theatrical presentations.
Please note, there are COVID-restrictions in place in the city of Salem, so please make sure to check their website for the most up-to-date information.
Visit a Haunted Lighthouse or Two
Massachusetts is home to several haunted lights houses. From the shores of Cape Cod to Plymouth, Scituate, Boston, up to Salem, MA. You can read all about them here and plan your visit.
Ghosts and Gravestones Tour
Boston is home to some of the oldest burial grounds in the country. Also, did you know Boston has a fair amount of paranormal happenings? Board the trolly of terror, visit 2 of Boston’s oldest burial grounds, and see some of Boston’s most haunted places. For ticket prices and more, please see the website.
Haunted Boston Ghost Tours
The Haunted Boston Ghost Tour is a 90-minute walking tour through Boston’s most historic areas and haunted streets. Spend an evening searching for the ghosts rumored to haunt the city of Boston. I found this tour to be a reasonable price at $18.00 for adults, $15.00 for seniors, and $13.00 per child. Be sure to check the website for the most up-to-date information.
Boo at the Zoo
Have you ever been trick or treating among the animals? On October 23rd and 24th, join our furry friends at the Stone Zoo for Boo at the Zoo. Spend the day experiencing the chills and thrills of Halloween at the zoo. There will be costume contests, ghoulish games, trick or treating, and yummy seasonal treats like apple cider and cider donuts. I hear even the animals receive a pumpkin treat or two.
Please note, tickets are for a time entry, so you will need to purchase them ahead of time. Adults tickets are $20.95, children 2-12 are $13.95, and kids under 2 are free.
Zoo Howl
Zoo New England is putting on a second event at the Franklin Park Zoo in Boston this Halloween season. Zoo Howl takes place on October 30th and 31st. Join our furry friends from 10:00 am-3:00 pm on either day with mystery animal encounters, trick or treating, and a costume contest. Get the chance to meet with zoo educators to learn all about creepy crawly critters, as well as how you can help animal habitats by purchasing sustainable sweets this Halloween.
Be sure to stop by and speak to a representative from Speak for the Trees Boston. Learn how this organization has planted over 1,000 trees in the city of Boston and what you can do to help. Activities for the little ones will be available to show how we can all get involved in helping save our planet no matter the age.
Be sure to check out the Zoo New England site for tickets and the most up-to-date information.
Witch’s Woods Haunted Hayride and Halloween SCREAMPARK
Witch’s Woods is located in the Nashoba Valley Ski areas in Westford, MA. Open every Friday through Sunday during October; this experience is geared toward adults and older children. If you dare, start the evening off with a haunted hayride through the woods of Nashoba Valley. Be on the lookout for witches, zombies, werewolves, and more. Be sure to keep your hands in the wagon; you never know who may try and pull you out!
If you survive the hayride, next check out the Vampire Passage or dare to enter the dark gates of Castle Morbid. Still brave enough for more, try the 3D Keeper’s Crypt or the Horrowood Chamber of Thrills. Has enough of the scares, then relax a bit by checking out the Jack O’Lantern Jamboree. The festival consists of hundreds of professionally carved pumpkins that are brought to life.
The price of tickets ranges from $35-$42 each and can be purchased here.
Phantoms and Fire at Old Sturbridge Village
Old Sturbridge Village is a living museum depicting life in New England in the 19th century. From October 13-31st from 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm, the museum transforms, and people of all ages will enjoy spooky delights, from bats and bonfires to cauldrons and candy, from ghosts and guitars to horror and creepy drama! Here short stories of Edgar Allan Poe come alive as you walk around to six different villages. Hear of tales of horror, revenge, obsession, and deception.
There is a scavenger hunt whereby you gather clues and present them on the way out for a prize.
Of course, what is Halloween without a treat or two? The tavern is transformed into Prosperos Tavern and carries all the seasonal treats. Costumes are welcome, and tickets may be bought online.
SK Pierce Mansion
This next event is not for the faint of heart. In Garnder, MA, Sylvester Pierce, who had achieved great fortune in the furniture business, built a 7000 square foot mansion. His first wife died within weeks of moving in due to a bacterial infection. He remarried and had more children. After Mr. Pierece and his second wife died, the children fought over the house. The youngest son eventually took over and went through some hard times. He turned the house into a boarding house with drinking, gambling, prostitution, and there were rumors of murder.
Over the years, the house has experienced paranormal activity, such as doors slamming, moving for furniture, the pressure on people’s backs, and one visitor was almost pushed out a window.
In 2015 the mansion was bought and restored. During Halloween, the basement is open to the public as a Halloween attraction as the only one in the country to combine the haunt industry and paranormal activity.
On an important note, due to the paranormal activity, participants must sign a waiver before entering the premises. If you dare, click here for tickets.
Naumkeag Pumpkin Show
Last but certainly not least an event for all ages. For those who may not like the spooky part of Halloween, Naumkeag Pumpkin Show is the perfect night out. Naumkeag is a former country estate in Stockbridge, MA. At Halloween, it transforms its gardens and grounds with 1500 Jack O Lanterns, 100 mums pumpkins, and gourds; It is a must-see event. If you happen to be in the Berkshires, be sure to check it out.
Please note, at the time this post was published, this event was sold out for 2021. However, be sure to bookmark the page and keep it in mind for 2022.
As you can see, there are plenty of Halloween Happenings all over the state. Please note, due to most of the events being canceled in 2020, these events are likely to sell out. Buy your tickets early and have a wonderful Halloween!
Fall is my absolute favorite time of year. I love the cooler weather, the different colors across the trees, the smell of apples, and pumpkin spice. I mean, what is there not to like? Growing up in New England, I have been blessed with some beautiful Falls. New England has a LOT to offer this time of year, and I would like to share some of these with you.
Apple Picking
One of our family traditions is apple picking. With over 80 pick your own orchards in Massachusetts, each a bit different, it is hard to decide where to go. We have a family favorite, Honey Pot Hill Orchards in Stowe, MA.
We like Honey Pot for several reasons. First, the orchard has several varieties of apples. The orchard is quite large, and we never feel it is too crowded. Second, it is one of the few places that have ladders to climb the trees. I love that! For some reason, it makes a bit more fun and authentic. Third, APPLE CIDER DONUTS! Hello?!? These donuts melt in your mouth. Now I know many places sell them, but nothing compares to the ones we get at Honey Pot Hill Orchards. The orchard has farm animals, hayrides, three different mazes, pumpkins, a great farm store, and some food stands. New this year, a Cider Garden. They will be a Hard Cider Tent set up on the weekends. We are looking forward to trying that out.
cider donuts -photo courtesy of Honey Pot 
cute little pig – courtesy of Honey Pot
Go Leaf Peeping
The foliage in New England is GORGEOUS! Whether you want to make this a day trip or a weekend-long event, there is plenty of foliage to see among the New England states. Check out the best foliage drives here.
Pumpkin Festival
Did you know that Laconia, NH, has one of the best pumpkin festivals in the country? Neither did I until I started researching for this piece. Each year, New Hampshire residents attempt to amass the largest number of lit jack o lanterns in one place, trying to meet or beat the world record, which the festival held for many years. The festival held mid-October attracts approximately 40,000-50,000 people each year. This year it will be held October 18th and 19th. There will be amusement park rides, a beer garden, music on the streets, a zombie walk, pumpkin displays, yummy food, which of course includes pumpkin everything and a five and a 10k on the morning of the 19th. Also, there are children’s games like pedal tractor pulls, corn hole, and more. There is fun for the whole family. We will be in Maine that weekend visiting colleges, so I am sad we are unable to attend. However, I will be sure to add it to my list for the following year.
The North American Wife Carrying Championship
Yes, folks, you heard it right. Such a thing exists! Sunday River in Maine is the second largest ski resort in New England. It is also home to The North American Wife Carrying Championship. This annual event is held over Columbus Day Weekend. Ironically, it does not have to be your wife that gets carried across a 278-yard obstacle course. It can be any woman of your choosing. The woman is thrown over the man’s shoulder. She is hauled across the course with her legs wrapped around a man’s neck and her arms around his waist. The obstacle course is made up of mud, logs, dirt, deep grass, and water, where her head is bound to get wet. A Finnish couple has won the event since 2013. This event coincides with the ski resort’s annual festival with chairlifts rides, live bands, food & beer tents and craft fairs.
4th Annual Harvest Festival at the Newport Vineyards
Newport is a seaside town in Rhode Island known for its historic mansions and sailing history. It hosted America’s Cup for many years. Next to Newport is the town of Middleton, home to Newport Vineyards. In addition to being a winery, Newport Vineyard has a brewery that offers fresh craft beer and a farm to table focused menu. There are events such as
This two-day event is Saturday, October 26th and Sunday, October 27th from noon -5:00 pm. It is two days of grape stomping (yes you read that right), sipping delicious wine or beer and eating delectable food. Or perhaps you are a pie lover? There is a pie-eating contest too! The cost of the event is $25.00 per person and includes up to 7 samplings of wine or beer. Children under 15 are free.
Viewing Foliage from High Above the Trees
For the adventurous leaf peepers, Connecticut offers a unique way to see the beauty that a New England Fall has to offer. Tree climbing, ziplining, and adrenaline-pumping rock climbing is some of the ways to take in vibrant hues of the season. Empower Leadership
Hiking with the Family
Not to be missed is the beautiful state of Vermont. Vermont is known for its yummy maple syrup and over 100 19th century covered bridges. It is also a great place to take a hike and see the beauty of The Green Mountain State. We are not that family that can hike for hours. Yes, I can run a marathon, but hiking up mountains for hours is not in the cards. However, we do love the outdoors and seeing the beauty around us. Here are 5 Kid-Friendly Hikes for your family to enjoy.
Cape Cod
Cape Cod is a hot vacation spot in the summer, but did you know that the Fall is one of the best times to visit this New England gem. The crowds are low, but a fair amount of restaurants are still open. House rentals are often half the price, and the beaches are there for all to enjoy. My sister and her husband head down the last week of September each year. Last September we tagged along for a weekend. We enjoyed hanging at the house, walking to the beach and a tour to see the seals that gather each year in Chatham, MA. I highly recommend the Monomoy Island Excursion. It is quite the site to see.
Salem, Massachusetts
The best place to be around Halloween, is Salem, Massachusetts. Salem is North of Boston and is famous for its witch trials in the 1600s. There are over 500 different events during October to
- Haunted Footsteps Ghost Tour Salem Witch Museum
- Peabody Essex Museum
- Halloween Cruises
- Bewitched After Dark Salem Walking Tours
- The People vs Bridget Bishop
- Gallows Hill
- Salem Witch Museum
- Salem Wax Museum
Oh, and before you leave, make sure to stop by Enchanted. It is a magical shop for “witches & muggles” It is home to Laurie Cabot, Salem’s official witch. You can read about Laurie here.
Last, but certainly not least, Sitting by the Fire
Probably one of my absolute favorite things to do in the Fall, sitting out on the patio, cuddled up by the fire enjoying the cool, but pleasant weather. As New Englanders, we need to enjoy this season much as we can because we all know what comes after Fall.
Whoa is it just me or did this summer go by in a blink of an eye? I can’t believe Labor Day weekend has come and gone. Crazy! Thankfully, Fall is my favorite time of year, and we have a lot to look forward to over the next 3-4 months. However, before we bid farewell to summer, I thought I would recap our adventures.
The summer started with a Memorial Day weekend trip out to Chicago with my sisters. It was a whirlwind of a weekend, staying long enough to attend a baby shower, spend some time with family and to experience the Chocolate Pinata from Uncle Julio’s.
Chocolate Pinata 
Kristen & Dick Tracy
Back at home, more celebrating as our nephew Josh graduated high school and Robbie and I went on some college visits. Oh, and Nicholas and I started our ice cream tour. 🙂
Josh’s graduation 
Robbie @Nichols College 
Ice cream time!
The summer continued with me heading down to Orlando for a work conference. I stayed at Universal Studios for the first time, and though the weather was terrible, I was able to try some local treats.
The Chocolate Emporium 
Hello?? Chocolate & Peanut Butter 
Chocolate martini anyone?
And I wonder why I gained a few pounds this summer?
At the end of the month, our travels took us to West Dennis Beach and Provincetown, MA. P-town is located at the tip of the Cape. My sister had a family wedding and needed someone to her little guy. My other sister and I, along with my kids, got and kept JJ overnight. We took in some of the local sites as well.
West Dennise Beach 
Cousins-minus one 
Always fun with Auntie Jen 
“Living” Statute
June came to a close and the 4th of July was upon us. Every July 3rd, we head over to Gilette Stadium,
My bib. 
It is all about the bling. 
Baby you’re a firework!
I feel blessed to live in such a great area of the country. Yes, it gets warm and can be stifling, but it rarely lasts more than a few days. The weather is great for hanging at the beach or exploring our cute seaside towns. We can watch movies outside while enjoying some yummy meals.
Roasted Brussel Sprouts 
Lobster Salad 
Halloween in July! 
Lobster Mac & Cheese 
Raspberry Lime Rickey 
Marblehead Harbor 
Rock sandwich anyone? 
Deveraux Beach 
Do it for Johnny 
Dinner and a show
Ahhh, Topsail Island, you own a piece of my heart. Five years ago we started spending part of our summer on this little piece of paradise. After taking a couple of years off to sail to Alaska and the Mediterranean, we went back. This time it was Nicholas and I, along with a friend and her family. Bill and Robbie chose not to come due to work obligations. The vacation started a bit rough as I had some sciatic nerve pain and numbness in my foot. The 16-hour drive was brutal. We stopped in VA overnight, but that was not enough time to recoup. The remaining 5 hours was horrible. Each morning I could not sit until I had taken 4 Motrin and 2 Aleve. Even then, I could not sit for long periods. However, I made the most of it and enjoyed our time on the island. We spent plenty of time on the beach, went to a craft show, ate out, explored the island, and found fresh farm goods, explored Bellamy Mansion, and did an Escape Room.
Our backyard 
Surf City Pier 
Nicholas met a friend. 
SHARK!! 
God Bless America 
Fresh jam and maple syrup 
Slave quarters at the Bellamy House 
Escape room 
Our home for the week.
The drive home was a tad better. I made sure to stop and stretch every two hours. Nicholas and I treated ourselves to a stay at the Gaylord Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland. I was a bit sore, but we did take some time to eat and snap a few photos.
Virginia is for lovers. 
Girl Power! 
A Marine like his Grandfather.
Back home, Robbie was busy at his new job and spending lots of time with his grandfather. I missed having my boy with me, but I understand that he has obligations, and I am proud of him.
We had a couple of weekends home before our next adventure, so we stayed closed at home. I worked on my 2018 vacation scrapbook. I am happy to report I finished that. I read a couple of books, and we went blueberry picking. Nicholas attended camp at a local college. For three weeks he took Fishing, Forensics, Chemistry, and Wildnerness Exploration. He has participated in this camp for three years in a row and looks forward to it each year.
Bill and Nicholas picking blueberries 
Yummy blueberries 
Forensics 
Gone Fishing
No sooner did he finish camp up at home, we were on a flight to Huntsville, AL where Nicholas was to attend a week at Space Camp at the U.S. Rocket and Space Center. I will be doing a separate post on this, with help from Nicholas, so be on the lookout for that. Nicholas stayed onsite at the camp, while I worked out of a hotel for a week. I spent some time walking the grounds of the Space and Rocket Center each morning and afternoon. I also checked out the Huntsville Botanical Garden.
Challenger Monument 
Where the campers stay. 
Having fun! 
Botanical Garden
Phew.. after a whirlwind trip back home, we had a half a day to recoup and then it was all about celebrating this cutie. Our nephew John Joseph, IV (JJ) turned one year old!
Finally, we ended our summer at the most magical place on Earth, Disney World. Be on the lookout for more on this trip, but it was an adventure. It involved a hurricane, a journey to a Galaxy Far, Far Away, club level at the Beach Club, walking onto rides with little to no waits, a Halloween party and more. What a way to end the summer!
Jessie & Woody 
Haunted Mansion 
The famous Blue Milk! 
Mickey blowing kisses 
My boy 
Kylo Ren’s ship 
Magic Shot
No wonder the summer went by in a blink, we were go, go go Were there things on our bucket list that we did not get to do? Yep! Fortunately, these are things that can be carried over to the Fall. Speaking of Fall, I am working on a post about the top 10 things to do in the Fall in New England. I will also be sharing my bucket list for the remainder of the year.
Until then,
Heather
