Take A Spooktacular Trip To The Real Halloween Town: St. Helens, Oregon

Hello my Travel Girl Gang!

As spooky season slowly drifts away (someone cue the sad violin), there’s still one last magical stop worth adding to your autumn bucket list — St. Helens, Oregon, the real “Halloweentown.” Yes, you read that right — this is where the iconic Disney Channel movie was filmed back in 1998. Every year, the town transforms into a real-life set with its Spirit of Halloweentown festival, paying tribute to the movie, the magic, and the lore that has made this small riverfront community a Halloween legend.

I’ve never been here myself, but St. Helens has officially made it onto my list of Free Coconut travel must-sees. It perfectly fits that free coconut lifestyle mix of nostalgic storytelling, quirky local culture, and community charm — the kind of trip where you pack your vacation-ready wardrobe, toss a few eco-friendly travel toiletries into your carry-on, and set out to rediscover your inner kid at heart.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Halloweentown or just craving a whimsical weekend getaway, here are five must-visit spots to make your trip to St. Helens unforgettable — blending iconic movie moments with small-town gems, all with that signature coastal energy the Free Coconut Blog loves.

I'm hooking you up with 5 must-hit spots in St. Helens — a mix of film locations from Halloweentown + local eclectic gems that make the town more than just a set piece.

Start your visit where the movie magic began — the town plaza in front of St. Helens’ historic City Hall (275 Strand Street). Every fall, the square transforms into a film-set dream come true, complete with the famous giant jack-o-lantern that fans from around the world flock to see. During the Spirit of Halloweentown festival, the entire downtown is decked out in cobwebs, costumes, and twinkle lights — a true celebration of community and creativity.

This is the photo-op moment of your trip, so plan your outfit accordingly. Think coastal casual fashion meets spooky-chic: a travel-ready sweatshirt layered over a breezy dress or one of your favorite graphic tees for vacation. Don’t forget your reusable travel bag for festival goodies and local treats.

If you can, time your visit for early October when the pumpkin is first lit — the whole town gathers, the air smells like cider, and it feels like stepping into your own movie montage. Even after the festival ends, the charm lingers year-round, making it a must-see stop for any vacation lifestyle blog lover.

A short stroll from the plaza, the Columbia Theatre (212 S 1st Street) is a local landmark that still oozes old-school charm. It’s rumored that parts of Halloweentown were filmed here, but even beyond its cinematic fame, it’s worth the visit for its nostalgic neon marquee, vintage popcorn machine, and that cozy “movie-night-in-a-small-town” vibe.

Catch a local screening, grab a soda, and let the retro magic take over. It’s the kind of place that reminds you why small towns like this deserve the spotlight. The Columbia Theatre perfectly reflects the free coconut brand energy — community-oriented, warm, and just a little bit timeless.

Fashion tip: slip into one of your easy outfits for warm weather (if you visit in late summer) or a comfy airport sweat set if you’re chasing that “travel-day turned movie-night” aesthetic. Either way, you’ll fit right in with the relaxed, tropical minimalist lifestyle we love so much.

Once you’ve gotten your movie fix, head toward the Columbia Riverfront District, where the town meets the water in the most picturesque way. The riverside walk offers views of Mt. St. Helens in the distance, charming piers, and plenty of spots to sit and soak in the coastal energy.

This is where you’ll want to slow down, breathe deep, and lean into those slow living travel tips. The weather can change quickly here, so pack layers — a lightweight travel fashion jacket, vacation carry-all bag, and maybe even one of your favorite travel-ready sweatshirts for the breezy waterfront air.

Stroll through the small shops tucked along the riverbank — you’ll find local artisans selling everything from handmade ceramics to beachy accessories that look like they came straight from the free coconut vacation store. Grab a cup of coffee, watch boats drift by, and let that sun-soaked style shine even in the Pacific Northwest drizzle.

To round out your trip, dive into St. Helens’ local food scene and small-business charm. Downtown is sprinkled with cozy cafés, family-run restaurants, and unique boutiques that perfectly capture the town’s character. Kozy Korner is a must for brunch — think stacked pancakes, friendly service, and that “everyone knows your name” feel. It’s the kind of place where you can sip coffee, chat with locals, and experience the heart of the community.

After breakfast, spend the afternoon exploring the nearby shops and boutiques that mirror everything the free coconut brand stands for: authenticity, community, and style without the excess. Pick up travel-friendly totes, handmade jewelry, or local art that adds personality to your vacation lifestyle blog aesthetic.

As the day winds down, head back toward the riverfront for dinner with a view. Watch the sunset reflect off the Columbia River while enjoying a casual meal — maybe fresh seafood or something seasonal and cozy. Between the glow of café lights, boutique windows, and that crisp evening air, you’ll understand why this little Oregon town has captured so many hearts.

From the cinematic charm of Halloweentown Plaza to the peaceful trails of Nob Hill Nature Park, St. Helens, Oregon is proof that magic still exists in the smallest places. It’s a destination that blends nostalgia with nature, community with creativity — and it feels tailor-made for the free coconut lifestyle.

Bring your vacation-ready wardrobe, pack your eco-friendly travel toiletries, and embrace that slow living travel tip mentality. This isn’t just another Instagram-perfect stop — it’s a reminder that travel doesn’t have to mean jetting off to a tropical island. Sometimes, the real magic happens in a riverside town where witches once walked (on camera, at least).

So, if you’re planning your next achievable adventure, consider heading north to St. Helens — the real-life Halloweentown that’s calling all cozy-season lovers.

As always ladies, happy traveling!

XO,

Ava