As “Practical Magic 2” prepares to materialize on the silver screen Sept. 11, many of us are getting “swept up” by witch fever. To conjure your own fun before the movie’s release, check out these Owens sisters-approved destinations in Missouri:
Spend a day exploring a charming Victorian town
Though The Show-Me State doesn’t have its own quaint seaside town, Hannibal, Missouri, is a worthy substitute. Located on the banks of the Mississippi River in northeast Missouri, this little town oozes charm and an intriguing history, complete with Victorian mansions, waterfront views and a spot known by locals as Lover’s Leap. Wandering through town it’s not hard to feel the spirit of homegrown author Samuel Clemens (better known as Mark Twain). Literature lovers can retrace his steps by visiting Mark Twain Birthplace State Historic Site and the Mark Twain Boyhood Home.
To truly capture the “Practical Magic” aesthetic, climb to the top of the town’s lighthouse (also dedicated to its favorite author), and stop by Lover’s Leap for breathtaking views of the river. End your day with a cozy night at the Garth Woodside Mansion, a stunning Victorian estate that would be the perfect home away from home for the Owens sisters.

Climb to the top of Mark Twain Memorial Lighthouse for sweeping views of Hannibal. Photo courtesy VisitHannibal.com.
‘Plant lavender for luck’
Though every good witch knows you should always plant lavender for luck, if you’re not lucky enough to grow your own lavender, fret not — you’ll find plenty to satisfy all your apothecary needs at Battlefield Lavender. Located just minutes from Columbia, Missouri, Battlefield Lavender grows more than a dozen varieties of lavender at its sprawling farm. Purchase lavender to create your own concoctions or browse Battlefield’s extensive collection of lavender-infused items, like decadent lavender dark chocolate shortbread cookies, indulgent soaps and body butters, or fragrances to keep your home smelling practically magical year-round. After stocking your pantry, be sure to feed the resident chickens. Battlefield Lavender is located at 20601 N Rangeline Rd., Centralia, MO.
Round up the coven for margaritas
Worried the tequila you found on the porch might be cursed? Let the experts at Afterword Tavern & Shelves in Kansas City work their magic. The house margarita, Mimi’s Marg, originated from a handwritten recipe handed down to the bartender from their grandmother. As if this concoction isn’t intriguing enough, you’ll find it inside an establishment that’s part tavern, part bookstore. Afterword Tavern & Shelves is located at 3105 Gillham Rd., Suite 100, Kansas City, MO.

Round up your coven for Mimi’s Margaritas. Photo courtesy Afterword Tavern & Shelves.
Visit your local apothecary
Gillian occasionally got herself into trouble for sampling Sally’s apothecary products. Who can blame her? There’s nothing quite as soothing as locally produced moisturizers, cleansers and creams, and the products at Peace Love Happy, located on Main Street in St. Charles, surely deserve to be on the shelves of Verbena (Sally’s botanical store—a deep dive into “Practical Magic” trivia, for true fans). Pep up your peepers after a late-night coven meeting with the shop’s in-house Coffee Eye Cream, or suds up after pulling that pesky rose bush that appeared overnight with a bar of Too Matcha Pressure soap. With a variety of crystals, sage bundles, and even a resident cat, we’re sure this botanical store would make Sally a little green with envy. Peace Love Happy is located at 524 S. Main Street, St. Charles, MO.
‘Keep rosemary by your garden gate’
Every good witch worth her salt knows the magic of gardening, and a trip to Missouri’s own Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company is the perfect way to connect to Mother Earth. Though it’s the largest heirloom seed company in the country, Baker Creek is firmly rooted right here in Missouri. Visit the main farm in Mansfield to learn more about sustainable farming practices and find gardening inspiration at the farm’s historic village. For a truly immersive experience, visit during The National Heirloom Expo Sept. 27-28. The ticketed event will include a seed swap, vendors and more. Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company is located at 2278 Baker Creek Rd., Mansfield, MO.
‘Have chocolate cake for breakfast’
This is easily one of our favorite Owens’ family rules. We are certain that Frances and Jet would insist on chocolate cake that was made with only local ingredients (it is breakfast, after all), and Pint Size by Bedeviled Bakery delivers. Located in South City’s Lindenwood Park neighborhood in St. Louis, this bakery uses only eggs from small family farms, milk and cream from pasture-raised cows, and the freshest, in-season fruit to manifest top-notch baked goods. The self-proclaimed “Kitchen Witches” cook up a variety of sinful baked goods and always have chocolate cupcakes available for pickup. For a traditional chocolate cake (or perhaps a S’Mores Devil’s Food bundt cake?), be sure to call and order ahead at 314-645-7142. Note that the bakery is closed on Sundays and Mondays. Pint Size by Bedeviled Bakery is located at 3133 Watson Rd., St. Louis, MO.

The Kitchen Witches at Pint Size by Bedeviled Bakery serve up chocolate cupcakes from their bake shop in Lindenwood Park in South St. Louis. Photo courtesy Pint Size by Bedeviled Bakery.
Trade the broom for a trolley
On Friday nights in September (Sept. 11, Sept. 18 and Sept. 25), the Hermann Trolley will offer themed Practical Magic Dark History Tours. Witches can learn more about the dark history and haunted locations of Hermann, Missouri, on this one-hour ride. Practical Magic celebration tours will be offered at 7 p.m. Sept. 18 and 7:15 p.m. Sept. 11 and Sept. 25. Guests must be 21+. Note that tours are booking quickly. EDITOR’S NOTE: This event is now sold out.
‘There’s a little witch in all of us’
Because how do you celebrate a movie about the power of witches without a little magic? Check off everything on your supply list at Made in Hell, a new metaphysical supply shop in Kansas City specializing in crystals, tarot cards, apparel and more. Made in Hell is located at 2711 Troost Ave., Kansas City, MO.
Kathryn Deters McDonald is a Missouri native, writer, author and lover of all things spooky, ooky and eerie. Salem, Shmalem. It’s all right here in The Spook-Me State.





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