I visited Salem to tour iconic locations from 'Hocus Pocus' and they looked exactly like they did in the movie

Debanjali BoseOct 30, 2020, 03:05 IST

The author outside the house that provided the exterior shot for Max Dennison's home in "Hocus Pocus."Debanjali Bose/Insider

I visited iconic locations in Salem, Massachusetts, featured in the 1993 movie "Hocus Pocus."
I made a point to visit Salem Common, the Old Town Hall, and houses that provided the exterior shots for Allison Watts and Max Dennison's respective homes.
Each spot was accessible and looked almost exactly how it is featured in the movie.
It was my first time visiting Salem, but I was comfortable throughout because I felt like I was visiting places I've seen many times already.
There are some light spoilers in this post.

"Hocus Pocus" is a campy 1993 movie that I love rewatching every Halloween.

Left to right: Kathy Najimy, Bette Midler, and Sarah Jessica Parker as the Sanderson sisters in "Hocus Pocus." Disney

In September, I decided to visit Salem, Massachusetts, which is where the plot of "Hocus Pocus" unfolds.

Salem is north of Boston and located on the water. Google Maps

Salem is about five hours away from New York City by train. I took an Amtrak train up to Boston and then an Uber to Salem.

The view from my Amtrak window. Debanjali Bose/Insider

Salem is best known for the infamous "witch trials" that took place in the 1690s.

A church in Salem. Drea Dizon/Getty Images

Salem today acknowledges and pays respects to the victims of the trials, who have all been declared innocent, with somber memorials around the city.

A memorial to one of the victims. Debanjali Bose/Insider

"Hocus Pocus" was filmed in Salem and there are a few locations fans can visit.

Max and Dani outside Allison's house. Disney

I booked an Airbnb in downtown Salem close to the Old Town Hall, which is featured in the movie. I walked by the building several times on my trip.

The Old Town Hall. Debanjali Bose/Insider

In "Hocus Pocus," Bette Midler's character casts a spell on guests at a Halloween party at the Old Town Hall.

The Old Town Hall in "Hocus Pocus." Disney

About half a mile from the Old Town Hall, you'll find the Ropes Mansion, which served as the exterior shot for Allison's home.

The Ropes Mansion. Debanjali Bose/Insider

Max and Dani trick-or-treat at the Ropes Mansion in "Hocus Pocus."

The Ropes Mansion as Allison's house in "Hocus Pocus." Disney

The Ropes Mansion also has a stunning garden in the back that you can visit for free.

The garden at the Ropes Mansion. Debanjali Bose/Insider

In sharp contrast to Allison's house, Max Dennison's waterfront home is about two miles away in a mostly residential part of town.

Max Dennison's house. Debanjali Bose/Insider

Like Allison's house, the home looks very similar to how it does in "Hocus Pocus" — even almost 30 years later.

Max and Dani's house in the movie. Disney

Whoever lives in Max and Dani's house today has a gorgeous view of the water.

Left: The view from Max and Dani's house; Right: Winnifred Sanderson on her broom. Disney

I visited Salem Common a few times on my trip as well.

The Salem Common. Debanjali Bose/Insider

In "Hocus Pocus," Max and Allison engage in flirty banter at Salem Common after arguing about the Sanderson sisters in class.

Max and Allison at the Salem Common. Disney

There were a few places I didn't get to visit, like the school pictured below.

The Sanderson sisters outside the school. Disney

I also didn't get a chance to visit the pioneer village where Thackery Binx lived with his family.

Thackery Binx coming out of his cottage. Disney

Overall, Salem is very walkable and is a must-visit for "Hocus Pocus" fans.

All the spots from the movie. Google Maps

A 7,000-square-foot haunted mansion in New York is being auctioned off on Halloween night — take a look inside

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