Five New England towns offer Halloween alternatives to Salem

Salem remains the primary destination for New England's Halloween season, but residents of Boston and nearby areas have five other towns to visit for distinct autumn events this year. Each location offers a different style of spooky activity, ranging from parades to haunted houses, without the heavy congestion associated with the Massachusetts historic site.

Portsmouth, New Hampshire, sits one hour from Boston. The town decorates its Colonial and Federalist streets with pumpkins and ghosts. On October 31, the community hosts a parade that includes pumpkin smashing, live music, and flash mobs. Participants do not need to sign up for these interactive activities.

Providence, Rhode Island, is accessible via MBTA and Amtrak trains. The city's main attraction is the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular at Roger Williams Park Zoo. The festival displays more than 5,000 decorated pumpkins throughout October. Visitors can also walk Benefit Street to see Victorian homes and gas lamps, or drive to Steere Orchard for apple picking and cider donuts.

Fall River, Massachusetts, appeals to those who prefer darker themes. The Lizzie Borden House, site of an unresolved 1892 murder, offers museum tours and nighttime ghost excursions. The Factory of Terror operates inside a 125-year-old industrial building, using strobe lights and professional scare actors. Stumpy's Hatchet House, located nearby, hosts a costume party with axe throwing during Halloween weekend.

Rockport, Massachusetts, provides a quieter coastal experience. The town features pedestrian streets with fudge shops and galleries, including Motif No. 1. Travelers can also visit Halibut Point State Park and Long Beach to view fall foliage. This option requires an MBTA trip from Boston.

Chatham, Massachusetts, is a one-and-a-half hour drive from Boston. Local residents create the Pumpkin People in the Park display in Kate Gould Park. These sculptures are carved into human figures. Falmouth Main Street features boutiques and restaurants that display homemade scarecrows, creating a festive atmosphere throughout October.