In 1998, Disney unveiled a cult classic that would forever change the way people viewed Halloween. “Halloweentown” introduced viewers to the enchanting world of Marnie Piper, a young witch discovering her magical heritage in a whimsical town filled with goblins, witches, and other fantastical creatures. St. Helens, Oregon, a serene community of fewer than 15,000 residents, served as the real-life backdrop for this magical tale.
Celebrating 25 Years of Halloweentown
Hosting the Spirit of Halloweentown events in September and October, St. Helens becomes a magnet for fans of the film and lovers of all things Halloween.
This year marks a significant milestone for St. Helens as it celebrates 25 years since the release of the iconic movie. To commemorate this special occasion, the town has organized a series of thrilling events.
Highlights of Halloweentown’s Festivities
Visitors to St. Helens can look forward to several spine-tingling, spooky-themed events. The Big Halloween Parade, scheduled for Oct. 7, promises extravagant costumes, captivating floats, and eerie displays. The Pumpkin Lighting Ceremony will illuminate the town’s grand pumpkin throughout the season. Halloweentown’s Haunted House, open on weekends and select weekdays until 8 p.m., offers a thrilling experience for brave souls. On Oct. 14, the Haunted Hot Rods car show will rev up the excitement with a day of special events. The official Disney fan club, D23, will host exclusive screenings of “Halloweentown” on Oct. 21.
Additional Information for a Halloweentown Visit
St. Helens officially transforms into Halloweentown from Sept. 16 to Oct. 31, with the most significant events obviously scheduled for October. The town enjoys lovely fall weather during this time, with average highs ranging from the mid-70s in September to the low 60s in October.
Accommodation options include lodges, home rentals, and nearby hotels. St. Helens is conveniently located just a 40-minute drive from Portland and approximately 2.5 hours from Seattle. Tickets for various events and attractions can be purchased on the Spirit of Halloweentown website.
A New Boutique Hotel Opens Its Doors in a Charming Historic Paris Neighborhood
There’s no shortage of beautiful hotels in Paris, with 5-star services, excellent amenities, and of course, Eiffel Tower views. But quality travelers always know that, in Paris, it’s the neighborhood that sets the tone of the trip. The city takes pride in its localization and walkability. While neighborhoods surrounding Place de la Concorde or the Louvre are touristy, tasteful travelers know that Parisians themselves flock to Saint-Germain-des-Pres, fondly known as a neighborhood of artists. Now, this historic neighborhood houses a gorgeous new boutique hotel!
The Star-Studded Neighborhood
Saint-Germain-des-Pres is a quintessential Parisian neighborhood, with winding cobblestone streets, Haussmann architecture, and cafés and bistros frequented by artists. Located on the left bank of the Seine, the streets of this neighborhood are lined with roadside parks and distinct Haussmann-style buildings. Museums and art galleries dot the area, while venues like Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots Café carry the centuries-old legacy of being favorite spots of Ernest Hemingway, Sharon Stone, Jack Nicholson, and many other iconic figures. From Pablo Picasso to Johnny Depp, many celebrities have been drawn to the allure of this Paris neighborhood and made their second home base here. Several Michelin-starred restaurants like Armani Ristorante contribute to the blossoming culinary scene of the area.
The New Hotel
Right down the street from Les Deux Magots and Café de Flore, and a few blocks from Armani Ristorante, Hotel Bel Ami is located in a former 18th-century printworks establishment. The hotel is filled with book collections, paying an ode to the creative minds that inhabited this locality in Paris for centuries. This new art-inspired hotel showcases playful artistic touches like cozy Silvera bubble chairs, solid glass circles, etc. The 102 rooms of the property continue the artsy theme with tasteful prints and pops of colors. The hotel also includes expansive apartments with multiple bedrooms, outdoor terraces, kitchenettes, and washing machines.
The Curated Offerings
This new boutique hotel in Paris also features an on-site sauna and a small fitness center. The guests are greeted each morning with a full organic breakfast, which includes homemade bread, freshly-squeezed juices, and a wide selection of cold and warm breakfast dishes. Those who won’t opt to have their meal in the comfort of their rooms can enjoy it in the airy and brightly-lit Restaurant Les Mots Passants, overlooking the pretty city streets through a wall of windows. The evening in this Saint-Germain-des-Pres hotel comes with tapas paired with an extensive drink menu, setting the tone for a quintessential night out in Paris.