Spooky Season in South Pas (A.K.A. Haddonfield, IL)

The end of October is near. For many people, this means their favorite holiday is quickly approaching. I personally would love to put up the Christmas tree and turn on literally any Hallmark movie starring Tamera Mowry-Housley. Instead, I'm swapping out my floral pattern towels for black and orange, and trying not to get sick of pumpkin spice. It's always been difficult for me to be excited about Halloween - there’s something about trying to enjoy trick-or-treating in Ohio while wearing a winter coat, scarf, and gloves over top of your princess dress that just takes the magic away. Needless to say, I never really understood the hype. In many ways, I’d be happy to skip it altogether, but after moving to South Pasadena, this isn't really an option. 

Strolling the streets of this city make it impossible to ignore October 31st - the walk will provide you with some of the most iconic backdrops to the 1978 classic, “Halloween”. Taking place in Haddonfield, Illinois, this film was actually shot right here in South Pasadena, California. It seems strange that a Los Angeles suburb could be magically transformed into the Midwest, but maybe that’s what attracted me to our neighborhood in the first place - something about South Pas just feels like Ohio. Once you take a tour of "Haddonfield", you'll start to see what I mean.

Prepare for your stroll with a coffee or tea from Jones Coffee Roasters, and explore some of the local antique shops, thrift stores, and bakeries nearby.

Almost immediately you'll start to feel the "small town" vibe that South Pasadena offers. Soak up the sun and head to South Pasadena Public Library, located directly across from Laurie Strode’s home. The owners still provide you with a pumpkin for your own corner photo shoots!

A few more blocks and you’ll arrive at Lynda’s home on Montrose Avenue, where private homeowners KNOW they can never change the landscaping. Near Montrose Ave and Oxley St, you can reenact Laurie’s first glimpse of Michael behind the hedges.

Circle back to the street you started on and enjoy a bite to eat at Radhika, an Indian restaurant that stands in place of “Nichol’s Hardware Store”, where Michael gets rope, a knife, and one unforgettable Halloween mask.

In case the 90-degree October day has you fooled by now,  SugarMynt Gallery will give you the perfect reminder that, hello!, it's really Spooky Season in South Pas.

SugarMynt Gallery, a local art gallery where "every day is Halloween" envelops you in the world of Haddonfield, offering a glimpse into the film with unique art displays, authentic film props, and other horror film memorabilia. Stepping into their backyard, you'll notice a beautiful space arranged perfectly for their outdoor movie nights - where they screen the franchise each October. Before leaving the gallery, sign up for one of their walking tours or purchase a Haddonfield map and continue the journey alone through these Midwest horrors - right next door is the creepiest stop of all!

The Michael Myers House (located right beside SugarMynt Gallery) seems slightly out of place among the quiet strip of coffee shops. Although bright and renovated, it sits eerily on the corner lurking over the train tracks, asking you to recall the murder that started it all.  

Death has come to your little town, Sheriff. Enjoy!