With one of the best holiday’s of the year fast approaching, it’s time to plan out how you’re going to spend your days gearing up for the scary celebration. If you’re anything like me, you’re fascinated by things that make your heart jump out of your chest. The scarier, the better. Also, who doesn’t love having a day where you get to dress up however you want and stuff your face with candy? It’s so good, you have to spend the entire month of October celebrating, not just the very last day. If you’re interested in doing something other than just staying in and having a horror film marathon, I suggest planning a nice road trip to some wicked locations with more to do than you could imagine.
Some of the top choices to check out are as follows:
1. Eastern State Penitentiary
This Philadelphia attraction was once a prison and is now considered a National Historic Landmark. You can visit any day of the year and take a day time tour around the site, equipped with an mp3 player and headset to provide background information on the location. If you’re a bit more daring, I suggest opting for the second tour option, “Terror Behind The Walls.” At night, the former prison is turned into a haunted house with six attractions. You can choose to walk along the halls with zero fear of being touched by any of the actors, or you can bravely decide to allow actors the possibility of grabbing you, putting you into a hidden passageway, or completely being removed from your group. The choice is yours!
2. Adams, Tennessee
Spending your time in Adams, Tennessee for Halloween might not seem like the go-to choice, but there’s something there for those both intrigued by the Blair Witch movies and the legend it’s based on. The original tale centers on what is known as the Bell Witch, who was said to have haunted the family of John Bell for years, torturing them and ultimately killing John Bell himself. Tours are now open to the public so that visitors can explore what was once the Bell property and nearby areas involving the witch. This is a great spot for those looking for something eery. Just hope an entity doesn't end up following you home to haunt your family for years to come!
3. Disney World
Most theme parks like Six Flags or Dorney Park host fright nights for guests that give them the ride and haunted park experience all in one. If you’re capable of going all out, I recommend planning a trip to Disney World! The Park throws an event known as Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Party goers are encouraged to wear costumes for the event. The party itself is also hosted by none other than the Sanderson Sisters from Hocus Pocus!!! There will be a special HalloWishes firework show, a Boo-to-You parade, trick-or-treating, Scream-o-Ween dance party, and all sorts of delicious Halloween treats! This is the perfect option if you’re not big on super scary festivities and want a nice family vacation to remember.
4. Salem, Massachusetts
For those interested in history, taking a nice road trip to Salem, Massachusetts could be just the thing to get you in the Halloween spirit! Salem is also known as “The Witch City,” noted for it’s role in the 1692 witch trials that took place. The city has much to offer as it is an extremely popular tourist spot, raking in millions each year. Some of the attractions include live reenactments, a Hocus Pocus walking tour, other historical tours, museums, cemeteries, and special Halloween related attractions such as Frankenstein’s Castle and Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery.
5. Sleepy Hollow, New York
Most people are aware of the legend of Sleepy Hollow, but did they also know it’s an actual place you can visit? Sleepy Hollow, New York offers an abundance of activities to check out for Halloween time. You can take a tour of the cemetery where “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” author Washington Irving is buried, enjoy a live performance of the famous tale, embark on a haunted hayride, or follow a haunted trail filled with supernatural creatures and the Headless Horseman himself! While not suitable for young children or anybody that gets frightened too easily, it’s worth checking out if you enjoy that major scare factor some haunted houses lack.
No matter where you end up this Halloween season, you're guaranteed to have such a good time, you'll be dying to go back!
