It's the most wonderful time of the year: October. Which means it's time to get spooky! Autumn is undoubtedly the best season — the changing leaves, sweater weather, pumpkin spice lattes, and a myriad of activities to engage in. Here are just some of the best places in and around Portland, Oregon, to visit during the spookiest season of the year:
1. "Halloweentown"
Remember in the
early 2000s when you would be a little more terrified on Halloween because you were worried that the portal to Halloweentown might open? Well, in St. Helens, a
small town 40 minutes outside of Portland, it does. Every year in October, St. Helens, where the first Halloweentown movie was filmed, transforms into the spooky alternate universe, with witches and ghouls alike. And t
his year, actress Kimberly J. Brown, the original Marnie Piper,
will be visiting St. Helens, doing meet and greets, and book readings.
2. The Sauvie Island Haunted Corn Maze
While I'm sure there are
many haunted corn mazes to visit around Oregon, my personal favorite is the one at Bella Organic Pumpkin Patch and Winery.
The Sauvie Island Haunted Corn Maze is a great activity if you enjoy being chased by zombies and monsters through muddy fields of corn. This year, they claim to be inspired by
Star Wars stormtroopers, so expect some galactic zombies to be jumping out at you, too.
The Haunted Maze is $14, but you can get $2 off with groups of 20 or more.
3. The October Spooktacular Menu at Salt & Straw
If you've ever been to and loved Salt & Straw, be prepared to love it
even more (I know, I didn't think it was possible either). As one of Portland's best local ice cream chains,
Salt & Straw is known for its wacky and unusual flavor choices (Ever had olive oil ice cream? Me neither ... until I came here). During October, they release their
"Spooktacular" menu, which was created by asking important questions such as,
“What do ghosts taste like?” This year their options include: Essence of Ghost, Jack O' Lantern Pumpkin Sherbet, Dracula's Blood Pudding, and The Great Candycopia. I can't tell you what these will taste like, but I can tell you this: Dracula's Blood Pudding
really isn't for vegetarians. 4. Run2Survive Zombie Fest
Need an incentive to run? On October 29th, 30 minutes outside of Portland, run for your life as you participate in the annual Run2Survive 5K Zombie Fest. You can sign up as either a "Survivor" or a "Zombie." Survivors are given "lifelines" for the race and your goal is to make it to the finish line without "dying" first. Zombies (makeup provided at the start lines), can chase survivors throughout the course, with the incentive of taking away "lifelines" and ultimately "killing" you. More information on the race here.
5. West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta
Another event that takes place maybe 20 minutes outside of Portland is the 13th Annual West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta. Have you ever seen anyone race across a lake in a giant pumpkin? Me neither, but I fully intend on changing that.
Of course, these are only a few of the many, many activities available during the Halloween season in Portland. Have any favorites? Let me know in the comments below! And, of course, have a spooktacular October!
