Tag Archives: halloween

Ghost Dogs: The Cutest Halloween Snack

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Step-by-step collage showing how to make hot dog mummy ghosts for Halloween. The four-panel image demonstrates halved hot dogs being wrapped in crescent roll dough, eyes and mouths cut out with a straw, and the finished baked snacks resembling small golden-brown ghosts on a baking tray, with a pumpkin visible in the background.

Ghost Dogs: A Haunted Snack or Spooky Lunch

This is the time of year when things get spooky, even at mealtime. Not just because the table is surrounded by miniature ghosts, goblins, and superheroes. Wait… is that Spider-Man? It’s also because we all try to outdo ourselves with spooky lunches.Bloody Brains, a halloween based edible

Chocolate-covered rice cereal treats decorated as playful spiders, with pretzel-stick legs and candy eyes, arranged on a light baking tray with colorful sprinkles scattered around. Bright lighting highlights the crunchy texture and whimsical Halloween-themed design.From creepy spiders made from crispy treats to bowls full of bloody brains (spaghetti), we can come up with some pretty gruesome creations. It’s a testament to childhood that anyone would even attempt to eat these obnoxious-looking edibles. But the kids love them. Truth be told, so do I.

One of my favorite snacks is Pigs in a Blanket. They’re little hot dogs wrapped in Pillsbury crescent roll dough. I prefer the plain hot dogs, not the spicy or smoky varieties, but they’re getting harder to find. I’m guessing I’m in the minority when it comes to flavor preferences.

Anyway, I spotted a cute Halloween twist that I think I can live with.

They’re called Ghosts in a Blanket, among other things. Start by cutting a hot dog in half. Make sure your cuts are straight because those little hot dog pieces need to stand upright.

Next, drape a square of Pillsbury crescent roll dough over each piece. Poke tiny holes for eyes and a mouth, then stand them upright on a cookie sheet.

Bake at 375 degrees for about 12 minutes, or until the dough begins to turn golden brown.

A baking tray filled with Halloween-themed ghost-shaped cookies sits on a wooden table. The golden-brown cookies have chocolate chip eyes and mouths, creating surprised ghost faces, with a small bowl of dipping sauce blurred in the background.

The result? Perfect little ghosties ready for dipping into blood (ketchup) or gore (mustard).

When I saw these, I couldn’t wait to try them for myself. They’re cute and easy, two qualities that are really important to me when making an oddball meal like this. I served mine with a side of hay (coleslaw).

This one is definitely a keeper for next Halloween.

 

WMEO Reports- Howl-O-Ween Parade

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This weekend brought another round of festive chaos to Salem, and as a result, WMEO has plenty to report. Before we dive into the details, it’s worth noting that the Howl‑O‑Ween Pet Parade continues to be one of the most anticipated events of Haunted Happenings. With that in mind, let’s head straight to the WMEO News Desk for today’s update.

Two cats sit behind a WMEO 9 news desk; the orange cat wears a black bow tie and the black cat wears a blue witch hat. A microphone, paw‑print paper, and small toy mouse and bear sit on the desk. Behind them, a screen displays a dog in a zebra costume during the Howl‑O‑Ween Pet Parade in Salem, MA.

WMEO — Howl‑O‑Ween Parade , Salem

Good Morning Readers This is the WMEO News Desk with an update on the Haunted Happenings in Salem, MA. This is WMEO — We Meow, You Listen.

Banner: Good morning! This past weekend one of WMEO’s favorite events was held on Saturday — the Howl‑O‑Ween Parade. Now, Balboa… what are you wearing?

Balboa: It’s my genuine Witches and Warlocks hat.

Banner: Well take it off. It looks silly.

Balboa: It is not silly. It gives me great power. Best watch yourself or I’ll be forced to put a spell on you.

Banner: Anyway, let’s get back to the exciting Howl‑O‑Ween Parade. The weather was perfect for the outdoor event. So, let’s go to Pumpkin Spice, on location, to get his first‑hand observations.

Small dog wearing a black witch hat with purple spiderwebs sits in a pink stroller at an outdoor event, looking toward the camera.

Pumpkin Spice: Good morning, Banner. I’m here on Essex Street where the Howl‑O‑Ween Pet Parade is in full swing. As you can see, spirits are high, costumes are questionable, and at least one participant has already tried to eat my microphone.

I’m joined now by two parade participants. First, can you tell WMEO what inspired your ensemble?

Three cats in colorful costumes sit inside a red cardboard car; one wears a red‑and‑white striped hat, one wears a blue tulle headpiece, and one wears an orange “Thing 2” outfit during a festive pet parade.

Black Cat in Red Bow Tie: Professional attire. I saw Banner wearing a bow tie and thought, “Yes. That’s the look.”

Orange Cat in Blue Tulle Wig: I didn’t choose this. My human did. Please send help.

Pumpkin Spice: With that, powerful statements from the field. Back to you, Banner.

Two cats sit behind a WMEO 9 news desk; the orange cat wears a black bow tie and the black cat wears a witch hat. A microphone, paw‑print paper, and small toys sit on the desk, while a screen behind them shows a dog in a lion costume for the Howl‑O‑Ween Pet Parade.

Banner: Thank you, Pumpkin Spice. As always, it’s a pleasure hearing from our field team — especially when they’re not being chased by bears.

Now then, Balboa, I understand you also attempted to attend the parade?

Balboa: I did! I was ready to march proudly in my hat of mystical authority.

Banner: You mean the silly hat.

Balboa: The powerful hat. I was prepared to bless the parade with enchantments, but someone — (glares at Banner) — said I wasn’t allowed to leave the studio wearing it.

Banner: For the record, WMEO does not endorse unsupervised magical activity.

Balboa: For the record, WMEO does not appreciate my greatness.

Two cats sit behind a WMEO 9 news desk as if hosting a broadcast. The orange cat on the left wears a dark blue bow tie, while the black cat on the right sits beside a small gray mouse toy and a brown teddy bear. A sheet of paper with red markings lies on the desk. The front of the desk displays the text “WMEO 9” in large yellow letters and “Thank you for watching” in white. The blurred newsroom background features blue and red tones.

Banner: In conclusion, that wraps up our update on the Howl‑O‑Ween Pet Parade. Stay tuned for more Haunted Happenings throughout October.

Balboa: And stay tuned for my spell of revenge.

Banner: Balboa…

Balboa: I’m kidding. Probably.

Banner: This is WMEO — We Meow, You Listen. Have a safe and spooky day.

Black cat wearing a dark witch hat with a crescent moon sits with a press badge and camera, posed against warm blurred lights.

 

 

 

 

Haunted October: Bridgewater University

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A lone figure stands on a forest path surrounded by tall, bare trees. Cool blue light filters through the mist, creating an eerie, dreamlike atmosphere. The ground is covered in reddish leaves that contrast sharply with the blue haze. The person faces away from the viewer, adding a sense of mystery and quiet tension to the scene.

Welcome to the Triangle

A detailed map of southeastern Massachusetts with towns such as Taunton, Bridgewater, Easton, and North Dighton labeled. A large black triangle is drawn over the map, with its three points marking the traditional borders of the Bridgewater Triangle. The shaded regions, roads, and town names remain visible beneath the triangle, highlighting the area’s geography and the towns enclosed within the Triangle’s boundaries.Welcome to the Bridgewater Triangle — the most unsettling, folklore‑soaked region in Southeastern Massachusetts. Within these 200 square miles, you’ll find creatures, spirits, lights, legends, and mysteries that locals have whispered about for generations.

Here, Bigfoot is said to roam the Hockomock Swamp. Pukwudgies — small, mischievous forest beings — play tricks on the unsuspecting. UFO sightings, glowing orbs, and strange triangular craft appear in the night sky. Phantom monks wander historic sites. And Taunton sits right in the middle of it all.

The Triangle is formed by points from Abington (north) to Freetown (south) and Rehoboth (southeast), with communities like Bridgewater, Taunton, Brockton, and Dighton tucked inside its borders.

So let’s pick a mystery and dig in.

Ghosts of Bridgewater University

(formerly Bridgewater State College)

George — The Mischievous Spirit of the Student UnionA stately brick campus building with white columns and a central clock tower stands surrounded by green lawns and trees. The sun is setting behind it, casting a golden glow across the sky and creating long, warm shadows over the grounds. Smaller brick buildings sit nearby, completing the peaceful university scene.

Imagine being a brand‑new student, still learning your way around campus, when a mischievous spirit starts pulling pranks. Meet George, the campus ghost who loves attention.

Students and staff report:

  • Objects moved when no one is around
  • Lights flicking on and off
  • Music starting or stopping by itself
  • Doors locking unexpectedly

George hangs out at the Student Union, and while he’s playful, he’s never harmful. What makes him especially strange? No one knows where he came from. There’s no tragic backstory, no recorded death, no historical tie. George is just… George. A friendly prankster, a little like Casper — if Casper enjoyed messing with your playlist and locking you out of your study room.

The Tillinghast Hall Headmaster

A large three‑story brick campus building with white trim and rows of windows stands behind a paved walkway. Leafless trees frame the scene, and sunlight reflects off several windows. The surrounding grass and bare branches suggest late fall or winter.Tillinghast Hall carries a quieter, more somber legend.

According to campus lore, the former headmistress fell from the roof while climbing up to discipline noisy students late at night. Whether the story is literal truth or campus myth, students agree on one thing: she never left the building.

Reports include:

  • Soft, measured footsteps in the hallway
  • A faint scent of old‑fashioned perfume
  • Doors closing gently on their own
  • A shadowy figure with upright posture at the end of the corridor
  • Cold spots near the stairwell

She’s not violent. She doesn’t frighten. She supervises. A ghost still doing her rounds, making sure her dorm stays orderly.

Woodward Hall’s Phantom A red‑brick multi‑story building identified as Woodward Hall at Bridgewater State University. A large maroon sign in the foreground displays the building’s name and address. Tall windows, dormers, trees, and landscaped greenery surround the hall, all lit by bright sunshine.

Woodward Hall brings a different energy — sharper, louder, more chaotic.

Students and visitors have reported:

  • Shadow figures darting through hallways
  • A man running through the historic corridors
  • A disembodied voice screaming “FIRE!” — believed to reference historical fires connected to the site
  • Elevators behaving strangely: stopping on the wrong floors, opening without being called, or refusing to close

Woodward’s ghost is more intense than George or the Headmaster — a restless presence tied to the building’s past emergencies.

Anything Goes in the Triangle

Anywhere else, these hauntings would be remarkable — maybe even frightening. But this is Bridgewater, the beating heart of the Bridgewater Triangle.

Here, ghosts, creatures, lights, and legends are simply part of the landscape. Part of the history. Part of October.

Registration is open — if you don’t mind sharing your dorm with George, the Headmaster, and a phantom yelling “fire” at 2 a.m.

Bright orange and yellow flames rise and curl against a completely black background. The fire burns on a flat surface, its shapes shifting and glowing sharply in the darkness.

 

October in the Witch City

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Front entrance of the Salem Witch Museum, a dark stone Gothic building with tall arched windows glowing red from interior lighting. The museum’s sign hangs above the doorway, and an iron gate with surrounding greenery frames the scene, creating an eerie, dramatic atmosphere.

Circular “Witch City” emblem featuring a silhouette of a witch flying on a broomstick against a yellow background. Below her are red‑roofed buildings and green trees representing Salem, Massachusetts. The text “1692 WITCH CITY” appears at the top and “SALEM, MA” at the bottom.Salem’s Haunted Happenings 

October is Salem’s month — how could it not be? The city is rich in history, tragedy, folklore, and theatrical flair. And this year is extra special: Salem is celebrating its 400th anniversary, a milestone that predates the United States itself. (We only just marked our 250th.)

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The season kicked off with the Grand Parade on Thursday, October 1. If you missed it, don’t worry — Haunted Happenings is a full‑month celebration. One of our favorites is the Howl‑o‑ween Pet Parade, coming up fast on Saturday, October 10 at 10:30 a.m.

Black cat wearing a tall witch hat with a crescent moon decoration, holding a camera and wearing a press badge around its neck. The background is softly lit with warm, blurred lights, giving the scene a whimsical, Halloween‑themed atmosphere.

Salem in October: A City TransformedSkeleton figure wearing a red bandana posed inside a tall, narrow black metal cage outdoors. The cage sits on a brick walkway in front of a red‑brick building, with the skeleton gripping the bars as part of a Halloween or spooky decorative display.

For eleven months of the year, Salem is a quiet New England port. But in October? It becomes a full‑scale carnival.

The streets fill with witches, warlocks, zombies, pirates, ghosts, and every costume imaginable. The energy is contagious — it’s almost impossible not to get swept up in the fun.

Parking, however, is another story. City officials strongly recommend taking the train, ferry, or public transit. Driving into Salem in October is… well, let’s just say it’s a topic best left undiscussed.

Visitors stand near a historic dark‑wood colonial house with steep pitched roofs, while a stone church with arched windows and a tower rises behind it. The scene is set on a sunny day with greenery and a sidewalk in the foreground, highlighting Salem’s blend of preserved architecture and modern tourism.So Much to See — It Can Get Overwhelming

You’ve got the classics:

  • The Witch House
  • The House of the Seven Gables
  • The Salem Witch Museum

But then add dozens of special events, pop‑ups, tours, performances, markets, and historical programs — and suddenly your day fills up fast.

This is where a local guide can make a huge difference.

⭐ GoWithGuide – A Helpful Option for Navigating the Chaos

 


One way to make the most of your visit is to use a local guide who knows the city, the crowds, and the timing. GoWithGuide is one option we recommend. Our interactions with them have always been friendly, helpful, and responsive.

A local guide can:

  • help you plan your route
  • make sure you don’t miss the sites you care about
  • steer you away from bottlenecks
  • save you time and frustration
  • answer questions before you even arrive

With the 400th anniversary drawing bigger crowds than usual, having someone who knows the city inside and out can be a real advantage.

The Big Finale – Halloween NightColorful fireworks burst against a dark night sky, with red, blue, white, and gold streaks radiating outward in bright, celebratory patterns.

Events change daily, building toward the grand finale on October 31. This year’s closing event is a 400‑drone light show over the North River at 10 p.m.

It will be packed and it will be loud. It will be unforgettable.

Have a Boo‑tiful Halloween

Enjoy Salem. Get into the spirit. Wear the costume. Eat the treats. Take the photos.

You’ll fit right in.

Group of people dressed in Halloween costumes—including witches, skeletons, and other spooky characters—posing indoors in a room decorated with bats, cobwebs, and orange ornaments. A small round table with Halloween props like a skull and a spider sits in the center, creating a festive party atmosphere.

 

A Halloween Caution

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Black cat sitting in a pumpkin patch

Halloween brings spooky stories, ghostly wanderings, and old superstitions. But black cats are not evil. They are loving companions and symbols of good luck.

Sadly, black cats are often the last to be adopted from shelters. And during this season, some people target free‑roaming black cats. It’s cruel and heartbreaking.

A sleek black cat lounges on a dark wooden mantel in front of a fireplace, front paws stretched out as he gazes calmly to the side. A TV and small digital clock sit behind him, with a blue wall and plants adding a cozy backdrop.

Please keep your black cats indoors and safe. They deserve protection, love, and a world that sees their beauty — not outdated fear.