BOSTON–Massachusetts is known for its historical political sites, but has a famous spooky side as well.  The famous witch trials occurred here, as well as the pirate legends.  Along with costume stores, haunted houses, and other events, Massachusetts is a fun destination for people of all ages.

Haunted Houses- Where do I go?

The Haunted House at Marshfield Fairgrounds is known to be one of the creepiest places to go during the week of Halloween.  This year’s theme, “Hospital of Horrors” is sponsored by the Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield.  Lots of free kids-and-family activities will be provided from 6-10 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 29 and Thursday, Oct. 30.

For the third year in a row, the East Taunton Kenpo Karate Haunted House will be open.  Originally designed as a dojo, the people of East Taunton transform it into a creepy walk through a haunted house.  With the lights on, the house is open on Sundays from 4-7 p.m. for children, but at 7:00 p.m., the lights go off and the ghosts come out.  ETKK is open in October for two weekends only, Oct. 18-19 and Oct. 25-26, so be sure to stop by because not many places are both a dojo and a haunted house.

Barnum & Buckley’s Haunted Farm is a famous attraction located in Southwick, Mass.  A family run farm, Barnum & Buckley’s is one of the scariest and most chaotic places in Massachusetts.  The farmers raise meat goats, free range chickens, and heritage breed turkeys, but when the sun goes down it becomes a land full of chaos and evil.

Castle of the Damned at Hammond Castle in Gloucester is another scary attraction.  A spooky place to go in Massachusetts, the Hammond Castle must be a priority on Halloween.  Most attend for the weekend, but is not recommended for kids under 13

Costume Stores- What should I be?

Boston Costume and The Garment District are reliable sources for Halloween outfits.  Located in Cambridge, these stores on two floors under one roof, offer costume rentals and ship nationwide.  Open Oct. 1-9 until 9 p.m. and from Oct. 10-31 until midnight.  Boston Costumes is located at 200 Broadway, between Kendall Square and Central Square, and can be contacted at (617) 482-1632.

Eastern Coast Costume (now 911costume.com) is another store specializing in costumes.  The Web site states, “For more than 30 years, this outlet store has been the number one costume store anywhere.”  They promise to deliver superior personalized service and attention to your needs. Eastern Coast Costume offers a full range of quality and affordable products.  With more than 20,000 costumes for both rental and sales, ECC is located at 337 Moody St in Waltham, Mass.  Their new location is open Monday thru Saturday 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Sundays 12-6 p.m.

Halloween Activities- What to do for fun on Halloween in Salem

Salem, famous for its Halloween extravaganzas, is home to the Salem Witch Museum, which offers the Salem experience as if it were still 1692.  An overview of the witch trials is presented through a history lesson on stage with life-size figures, lighting, and narration.  The museum is open every day from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. and on Friday, Oct. 31 and Saturday, Nov. 1, hours will be extended to 12 a.m.

In addition to the Witch Museum, cemetery tours, and candlelit tours of graveyards are provided, leading up to the big night.  Going through the history of witches, witchcraft, and witch hunts, the tours take you back to 1692.  They also offer the Witches: Evolving Perceptions exhibit, so if you don’t believe in witches now, you will when you leave.