October 21, 2023
Truck or Treat: Cities With The Most Halloween Spirit
We are well into October now, meaning it’s getting closer to Halloween. Although some have been celebrating since August, Halloween is officially in full effect as pumpkins, witches, ghouls, and goblins are lining neighborhoods and whole cities around the U.S. Truckers may not always be around to help decorate, but they also deserve Halloween spirit on the road. Let’s explore some cities that pull out the big guns for Halloween, and maybe you’ll be trucking through one on your next run.
Trucking Through New York for Halloween Spirit
The state of New York sure knows how to celebrate Halloween, with sights and activities taking place in just about every city. New York City is adorned with lights and decorations, themed bars, and restaurants with Halloween thrills on every corner. If you find yourself driving on Halloween and end up in the Hudson Valley, check out Sleepy Hollow, a town with seasonal charm. The setting for Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” the town carries on its haunting, gothic charm.
The Headless Horseman, from the short story and numerous folklore tales, is the town’s unofficial mascot and can be found riding his horse while holding his head in various locations during the Halloween season. Grab a souvenir to take on the road as a memento from the charming yet haunting town. If you’re planning a trip to Sleepy Hollow, try to snag tickets for their annual Great Jack o’ Lantern Blaze, where over 7,000 hand-carved pumpkins come to life with lights and sound.
Truck or Treat Your Way Through St. Helen’s, Oregon
Opposite New York in the U.S., Oregon also has plenty to see if you’re visiting or driving by this Halloween season. When Fall hits the upper West Coast, orange, red, and brown colors are nature’s way of welcoming the holiday season. Add Halloween celebrations, and we have the perfect destination for haunting fun. Head to the city of St. Helen’s for some Halloween traditions that may spark feelings of nostalgia for many. “The Spirit of Halloweentown” in St. Helen’s, Oregon, brings the beloved Disney Channel movie to life, complete with a giant pumpkin in the middle of town.
If you’re a fan of the Twilight movies (we won’t tell anyone) or know a superfan, St. Helen’s is the location of Bella’s house, so remember to snap a picture if you’re passing by. If you have more time, the house can be rented on Airbnb, where you can stay in Bella’s bedroom and even sit in her sad chair pondering life.
The Halloween Capital of the World: Anoka, Minnesota
If you’re still not tired of looking for Halloween spirit while trucking, the best is yet to come, and next up, we’re heading to Minnesota. If your journey brings you through the North Star State, make sure to stop in Anoka, coined the “Halloween Capital of the World.” The city has kept Halloween alive since the first celebrations in 1920. With ghost tours, famous haunted houses, and more, Anoka takes pride in its name by dishing out everything Halloween during October.
Trucking Through Salem, Massachusetts, for the Most Halloween Spirit
I bet you thought Salem was the Halloween Capital of the World. Although Halloween is primarily observed in the city, Salem is famous for reasons besides loving the October holiday. In 1692, The Salem Witch Trials took place, where 19 men and women were hanged after being accused of witchcraft. It may sound like a bunch of Hocus Pocus, but the trials led to fear and suspicion that witches were brewing up curses and potions, making themselves and others around them “ill.” Today, witches are more celebrated than feared as the city comes to life during October. If you’re heading to Beantown anytime soon, or you find yourself near Salem, check out their Salem Haunted Happenings event and the Festival of the Dead, celebrating everything supernatural. The U.S. has Halloween celebrations, but these cities go big and are worth checking out.
Honoring traditions while working on the road is challenging, but keeping home and work-life balance is essential, especially when home time doesn’t come as often for truckers. Bring souvenirs home so your loved ones know you were thinking of them, especially if they love Halloween.
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