Halloween is a time when people dress up in costumes, carve pumpkins, and indulge in sweet treats. It is also an excellent time to travel and experience the spooky season in new and exciting destinations. In this article, I will take you through some of the best places to visit for Halloween. From haunted attractions to Halloween-themed festivals, you will find something to suit your taste.
Introduction to Halloween travel
Traveling during Halloween has become increasingly popular over the years. It is an opportunity to explore new destinations and experience the holiday in a unique way. Halloween travel can be a great way to escape the mundane routine and immerse yourself in a world of spooky fun. You can visit haunted attractions, attend Halloween parades, and explore creepy historical sites.
Benefits of traveling during Halloween
Traveling during Halloween has numerous benefits. First, it is an opportunity to experience the holiday in a new and exciting way. You get to explore different cultures and traditions and learn about the history of Halloween. Second, Halloween travel is an excellent way to bond with family and friends. You can create lasting memories while indulging in spooky activities. Third, Halloween travel is an opportunity to explore new destinations without the summer crowds. You can enjoy the sights and sounds of a new place without the hustle and bustle of peak season.
Spooky destinations in the United States
The United States is home to some of the spookiest destinations in the world. From haunted houses to ghost tours, there is something for everyone. The following are some of the best places to go on Halloween in the United States.
Salem, Massachusetts
Salem is a city steeped in history and known for its witch trials. It is a popular destination for Halloween travelers, with numerous haunted attractions, ghost tours, and Halloween events. The Salem Witch Museum, Salem Haunted Happenings, and the House of Seven Gables are some of the must-visit attractions in Salem.
Sleepy Hollow, New York
Sleepy Hollow is a small town in New York that is famous for its connection to Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” The town hosts numerous Halloween events, including the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze, Horseman’s Hollow, and Sleepy Hollow Cemetery tours.
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is known for its voodoo culture and spooky history. During Halloween, the city hosts numerous events, including the Voodoo Music + Arts Festival, Krewe of Boo Parade, and Ghost Tours of New Orleans.
Haunted attractions and events
Halloween is the perfect time to visit haunted attractions and events. Whether you are a fan of haunted houses or prefer a more immersive experience, there is something for everyone. The following are some of the best haunted attractions and events to visit during Halloween.
Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights
Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights is one of the most popular Halloween events in the world. The event features haunted houses, scare zones, and live entertainment. The event takes place at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort.
Knott’s Scary Farm
Knott’s Scary Farm is an annual Halloween event that takes place at Knott’s Berry Farm in California. The event features numerous haunted attractions, scare zones, and live entertainment.
Eastern State Penitentiary’s Terror Behind the Walls
Eastern State Penitentiary’s Terror Behind the Walls is a haunted attraction located in a real abandoned prison in Philadelphia. The attraction features six haunted attractions, including a 3D experience and a prison escape challenge.
Best towns for Halloween on the East Coast
The East Coast is home to some of the best Halloween towns in the United States. These towns offer a unique Halloween experience that is not to be missed. The following are some of the best Halloween towns on the East Coast.
Annapolis, Maryland
Annapolis is a picturesque town that is perfect for a Halloween getaway. The town hosts numerous Halloween events, including the Halloween Hike, the Haunted Pub Crawl, and the Pumpkin Walk.
Stowe, Vermont
Stowe is a beautiful town that is known for its fall foliage. During Halloween, the town hosts numerous events, including the Stowe Foliage Arts Festival, the Pumpkin Chuckin’ Festival, and the Ghost Walk of Stowe Village.
Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania
Jim Thorpe is a historic town that is known for its Victorian architecture. During Halloween, the town hosts numerous events, including the Halloween Ball, the Haunted Jail Tour, and the Ghost Walk of Jim Thorpe.
Must-visit Halloween festivals and parades
Halloween festivals and parades are a great way to experience the holiday in a new and exciting way. From giant puppets to elaborate costumes, these festivals and parades are not to be missed.
New York Village Halloween Parade
The New York Village Halloween Parade is one of the largest Halloween parades in the world. The parade takes place in Greenwich Village and features elaborate costumes, giant puppets, and live music.
West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval
The West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval is one of the largest Halloween events in the world. The event features live entertainment, costume contests, and numerous food and drink vendors.
Keene Pumpkin Festival
The Keene Pumpkin Festival is an annual event that takes place in Keene, New Hampshire. The festival features thousands of carved pumpkins, live entertainment, and numerous food and drink vendors.
Creepy historical sites and ghost tours
If you are a fan of history and the paranormal, then creepy historical sites and ghost tours are a must-visit during Halloween. The following are some of the best historical sites and ghost tours to visit during Halloween.
The Stanley Hotel
The Stanley Hotel is a historic hotel located in Estes Park, Colorado. The hotel is famous for its connection to Stephen King’s “The Shining” and is said to be haunted. The hotel offers ghost tours and paranormal investigation tours.
Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Island is a former federal prison located in San Francisco Bay. The prison is said to be haunted by former inmates and offers night tours that explore the prison’s haunted history.
Ghosts of Gettysburg
Gettysburg is a town that is steeped in history and is known for its connection to the Civil War. The town offers numerous ghost tours that explore the town’s haunted history.
Halloween-themed activities for families
Halloween-themed activities are a great way to bond with family and friends during the spooky season. The following are some of the best Halloween-themed activities for families.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is an annual event that takes place at Magic Kingdom Park in Walt Disney World. The event features trick-or-treating, a parade, and live entertainment.
Sesame Place Halloween Spooktacular
Sesame Place Halloween Spooktacular is an annual event that takes place at Sesame Place in Langhorne, Pennsylvania. The event features Halloween-themed shows, pumpkin decorating, and trick-or-treating.
LEGOLAND Brick or Treat
LEGOLAND Brick or Treat is an annual event that takes place at LEGOLAND theme parks across the United States. The event features Halloween-themed LEGO displays, costume contests, and trick-or-treating.
Safety tips for traveling during Halloween
Traveling during Halloween can be fun, but it is important to stay safe. The following are some safety tips for traveling during Halloween.
Plan ahead
Research your destination and plan your itinerary ahead of time. Make sure to check the weather forecast and pack accordingly.
Stay visible
Wear reflective clothing and carry a flashlight when walking outside at night. This will make you more visible to drivers and other pedestrians.
Be aware of your surroundings
Stay alert and aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas. Keep your valuables close and avoid dark alleys and isolated areas.
The post Uncover the Spookiest Destinations: Best Places to Visit for Halloween appeared first on NSF - Magazine.