It’s September 6th, which for me means that I’ve probably watched Hocus Pocus close to 10 times already. You see September 1st starts the Halloween season in my little world and there is no better way than to usher in the start of fall with this Disney classic! HOCUS POCUS it’s like a fine wine; it only gets better with age. It is the movie’s 25th anniversary this year and I can’t of a better way to celebrate than taking an epic road trip to see all the filming sites in Salem. So grab your broom, a couple of Clark bars, and some hob goblins and enjoy your trip!
1. Salem Pioneer Village – 98 West Ave. Salem, MA
This is where the movie first starts we briefly get to see the lovely Thackery Binx in person. He awakes when his sister Emily is swept away by the very cunning Sarah Sanderson for not so good reasons. If you’d like to see the little village you can but
though a fence 😦 There has been a dredging project going on for some time and it has forced a closure of the village for the time being. It is worth a look-see even if it is closed.
**Lanterns in the village held on October 5th is about your only chance to see this place up close and in person Tickets available online ONLY starting 9/13/18.
For tickets visit – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lanterns-in-the-village-collins-middle-school-fundraiser-salem-ma-tickets-48159962745 This event is a fundraiser for Collins Middle School in Salem, MA.**
2. Jacob Bailey High School and the Salem Common – Washington Square South Salem, MA.
Ah, we are now introduced to Max and Allison at Jacob Bailey High School; and what a cool school they went to. You can find both the high school and the common where Max and Allison briefly talk after school in the center of Salem. The high school was actually a vacant elementary school at the time and was used for filming and what a great location. It is now used as an apartment complex. I’d like to live there! The common is a great place to take a stroll, and to relax and look at the many shades of autumn that surround you. From the middle of October til Halloween there are tons of food vendors in this area as well.
**The Salem Common holds movies on the green every weekend in October if you’d like to watch Hocus Pocus where Hocus Pocus was filmed check it out on October 6th. The movie starts at 6:00 pm, additional entertainment on Salem Common begins at 2:00 pm.**
3. Old Burial Hill – Orne St. Marblehead, MA
Now we meet Jay and Ernie, excuse me ICE in the graveyard in Salem which was actually filmed at the Old Burial Hill in Marblehead. Getting there is about a 20 minute drive. I personally think its worth the drive it is a very old cemetery and the area it is located in is very quaint and cute. Old Burial Hill was established in 1638 and is one of the oldest graveyards in New England. If headed here I suggest you check out the grave of Mrs. Susanna Jayne d.1776. There is an huge abundance of symbols on her stone. http://oldburialhill.org/ministers/ministers_02a.html#symbolism talks about her stone and it’s a good reference to gravestone symbolism.
4. Max & Dani’s House – 4 Ocean Ave. Salem, MA
Max now arrives home to finally relax after what seems to have been a tough day for a teenager. Max & Dani’s home can be found right in Salem. Not much has change since the filming of the movie and I’m glad because this house IS Hocus Pocus. It’s still painted the same way right down to the trim; and you gotta love that Cupola I wish I had one in my house. I have taken quite a few pictures of this house throughout the years. Every time I come to Salem with someone new it is a must stop and hence another pic. The home owners do not mind and most likely you will not be the only one there taking pictures it seems like everyone does. This house right on the bay and it is VERY close to the pioneer village so I would suggest hitting these to places together instead of driving across town twice. **This is private property so please be very respectful while you visit**
5. Allison’s House – The Ropes Mansion 318 Essex St. Salem, MA
While trick-or treating Max and Dani reach Allison’s house; Oh Allison!. The Ropes Mansion is also a house that has not changed since filming; due to the fact that it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s a classic Federal style home built in 1724. There are FREE self guided tours of the home offered every Saturday and Sunday during the fall. The home is now owned by the Peabody Essex Museum. While visiting feel free to walk in the back of the home they have very beautiful maintained gardens and it often blooms until mid to late October. It’s a great opportunity for a selfie or two.
6. Old Town Hall – 32 Derby Square Salem, MA.
Our last location threw one heck of a Halloween party in Hocus Pocus. I mean the Sanderson sisters really threw it down. I would sometimes fast forward the movie to the hour mark and watch I Put a Spell on You over and over again. The Old Town Hall is located on Derby St. right in the heart of all the action in Salem. It is close by to shops and restaurants and walking distance to the Salem Common/School and Allison’s House. The exterior was only used and the building is extremely recognizable from the film. It now houses the Salem Museum and the play interactive play Cry Innocent.
localtouristy.com 