Myrtle Beach Couple Creates Spooktacular Halloween Village
In the heart of Myrtle Beach, visions of haunted houses and twinkling lights are coming alive this Halloween, thanks to one dedicated couple’s passion project. Meet Joan and Alex Lopez, who spent the last two months transforming their garage into a vibrant “Spooky Town.” Creating this magical place has become a labor of love that reflects the joy and creativity of the Halloween season.
A Dream in the Making
Joan and Alex, residents of Oxford Street in The Market Common, dove into building their Halloween village from August through September. With meticulous care, they crafted their miniature village, making sure every tiny detail was just right. Their effort didn’t go unnoticed! Merlene Blaylock, a neighbor and close friend, couldn’t help but sing their praises. “With all the hard work and all that she puts into it, I thought more people should see it,” she said, emphasizing the festive spirit Joan and Alex share with their community.
How It All Started
For Joan, the magic of Halloween started a long time ago. “I collected my first piece in 1999,” she recalls. It wasn’t long before she became the buyer and designer of decorations while Alex took on the role of builder and electrician. Together, they have developed what is now known as “Spooky Town,” a showcase of holiday cheer that draws in curious visitors.
Stepping into their home feels like being part of a Halloween fairy tale. Joan welcomed visitors dressed as her favorite witch, channeling her inner Wicked Witch of the West while cheerfully saying, “Happy Halloween!”
A Family Tradition
Joan credits her Halloween passion to her mother, who always found creative ways to celebrate. “She would create scenes on the porch, and we had homemade costumes. Halloween was just a fun time,” Joan reminisced, highlighting how that spirit of creativity has carried on.
The Craftsmanship Behind “Spooky Town”
In the last few years, Joan and Alex have taken their crafting skills to new levels, making their own bases for mountains, train tracks, and ponds. Alex has been working with XPS foam to design breathtaking mountainous landscapes and train tracks, while using resin to make ponds sparkle. He meticulously cuts out rocks and tracks with utility knives and Hot Melt tools to create a truly enchanting setting.
A Tour of Joy
What’s more heartwarming is Joan’s eagerness to show off their creation. She loves treating fans of Halloween with a special tour of “Spooky Town” and even engages younger visitors with a fun scavenger hunt. “Everybody wants to come and see what I’ve done. If it brings them joy, then it makes me happy too,” she expressed, lighting up at the thought of sharing their hard work.
More than Just Candy
The Lopez’s creation is a reminder that Halloween is certainly about more than just collecting candy! “Just have fun with Halloween because there’s so much to enjoy,” Joan advised, encouraging others to look into collecting pieces from companies like Lemax or Department 56. “It’s a wonderful hobby and a very creative outlet,” she added with enthusiasm.
What’s Next?
As Halloween draws near, Joan already has her sights set on the next big holiday. Once the spooky decorations are put away, she’s excited to start crafting Christmas trees. “I love the holiday spirit, and I can’t wait to bring that home too!” she said, grinning with anticipation.
So, if you’re in the mood to feel the magic of Halloween or want to see the envious charm of “Spooky Town,” take a stroll down to the Market Common, and let the Lopez family bring some spooky sparkle to your life!
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
