As trick-or-treaters get older, the yearly ritual of going out to collect buckets of candy becomes less accepted. However, older Halloween-fans still want to have candy to eat throughout November while playing Christmas music in the background.

Story by Ali Garza

Photos by Laura Godinez, Maya Coplin, Sarah Holdeman, and Thea Robinson

There are ways to enjoy Halloween through Zombie food, blood tinted drinks, vampire marshmallow peeps, and sugar-decorated coffins. For those who crave Halloween treats, here are four places around Austin to check out. 

Big Top Candy Shop

Big Top Candy Shop sets up shop during October just in time for traditional Halloween lovers. This gem on South Congress will remind you of your 90’s favorites and obsessions. It has everything from funky pickled flavored candy to traditional jelly beans. Grab a plastic bag and fill it with candy to your heart’s desire. In addition to their wide selection of sweet and sour candy, Big Top has a special Halloween themed treats section where you can find zombie themed candy, liquid blood, candy corn, lollipops and more. Don’t forget to buy Bazooka bubble gum or some Halloween Peeps.

Sugar Mama’s Bakeshop

If you’re craving a fall flavor that drags into November, Sugar Mama’s Bakeshop offers a range of seasonal flavors. The quaint bakery has a selection of cupcakes, cakes, French macaroons, bars and cookies. With regular and gluten-free options, the great pumpkin cupcake is a favorite. The pumpkin flavored cake paired with the creamy icing is mouthwatering and will leaving you wanting another.            

La Mexicana Bakery

La Mexicana Bakery is located across from Sugar Mama’s Bakeshop. The shop sells sugar skulls and coffins, decorated skull heads, skull and pumpkin sugar cookies, and bat decorated donuts. A perfect selection of lively delicious colors to celebrate Halloween and Dia de los Muertos. Be sure to try their traditional Mexican food, too.             

Salty Sow

Last but not least, seasonal drinks can also embrace the spooky spirit. Salty Sow serves up two Halloween themed cocktails, the Blanche, a blood orange margarita, and the Blood and Sands, a sweet and tangy combination that has a kick of Scotch. Pair either of these with their popular duck fat fries or the blood orange sorbet, which is perfect for warm Texas fall afternoons.