Lafayette: Halloween Movie Set Locations - A Guide to the Spooky Spots
For horror fans, Lafayette, Louisiana isn't just a charming city. It's a place where cinematic nightmares come to life. Thanks to its unique Southern charm, eerie atmosphere, and surprisingly diverse landscape, Lafayette has become a favorite filming location for horror movies, particularly the beloved Halloween franchise.
So, are you ready to embark on a spooky journey through the real-life sets of the Halloween movies? Let's dive into the locations that will send chills down your spine:
The Real Myers House: A Beacon of Terror
1137 Shadowood Drive in South Carolina serves as the iconic Myers house in the original Halloween movie, a house that has become synonymous with the film's terrifying atmosphere. This house is actually not in Lafayette. It is a real house in South Carolina that was used for exterior shots. However, its dark and imposing facade perfectly embodies the sinister aura of Michael Myers' childhood home.
Tip: While you won't find the house in Lafayette, keep an eye out for real-life locations that resemble the Myers house. Lafayette has plenty of houses with similar architecture and a similarly dark, brooding feel.
The Graveyard Scene: A Haunting Reminder
One of the most memorable scenes in the original Halloween takes place in a spooky, moss-covered graveyard. This scene was actually filmed at St. John's Cemetery in Lafayette, giving a glimpse of the city's authentically eerie side. While the graveyard itself isn't on any official tour routes, it's worth a visit for any Halloween enthusiast. The cemetery's secluded location and ancient trees evoke a sense of dread, making it a perfect place to imagine Michael Myers lurking in the shadows.
Tip: If you plan on visiting the cemetery, be respectful of the site's sacred nature.
The Myers House Interior: A Cinematic Creation
While the exterior shots of the Myers house were filmed in South Carolina, the interior shots were crafted on a soundstage. This means that the iconic basement scene with the rocking chair and the ominous hallway were created for the film. However, you can still get a glimpse of this iconic set in the making-of documentaries and behind-the-scenes footage available online.
Tip: Watch the documentaries and behind-the-scenes clips to get a closer look at how the filmmakers created these terrifying spaces.
Other Louisiana Filming Locations
While Lafayette served as a key location for the Halloween franchise, other parts of Louisiana have also played host to some spooky scenes. For example, New Orleans was the backdrop for the "Halloween III: Season of the Witch" (1982) film. The film's story centers on a sinister plot involving a company that manufactures a sinister Halloween mask, and the film captures the unique charm and mystery of New Orleans.
Tip: Explore other locations in Louisiana, like New Orleans, to discover more spooky filming locations from iconic horror films.
Embrace the Halloween Spirit in Lafayette
Whether you're a die-hard Halloween fan or simply curious about the filming locations, Lafayette offers a unique opportunity to step into the world of horror. Walk the streets, imagine the characters, and experience the magic of cinema in a way that only a real-life location can offer. As you explore the city, you'll find that the Halloween spirit lingers in every corner, a reminder that the line between reality and fiction can be thin indeed.