Halloween is almost upon us, and after several Covid years, you and your family might be ready to celebrate. Since Halloween falls near a weekend this year, consider taking a road trip – or flight – to a Halloween destination. Throughout the country, towns in nearly every state go all out for the spooky holiday. Here are 7 of the best towns to visit to enjoy the Halloween spirit this year.
1. Salem, Massachusetts
Visiting Salem, Massachusetts is an absolute treat for
fans of the mysterious and magical at any time of the year, but it is
especially exciting at Halloween. Salem is famous for the witch trials of 1692,
and the residents of the town embrace their history. You can enjoy ghost tours,
museums, creepy cemeteries, and witchcraft and magic stores all year. If you
are visiting at Halloween, you have your choice of adult and family-friendly
entertainment, such as Halloween Speakeasies, The Official Salem Witches’
Halloween Ball, and Slightly Spooky Salem Tours for Kids & Families.
2. Sleepy Hollow, New York
Sleepy Hollow, New York, is another legendary town in the U.S.’s Halloween history. Famous for being the setting of Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleep Hollow,” the story of the Headless Horseman, it also boasts cemetery tours, haunted hayrides, and visits to historic homes. The Headless Horseman even makes an appearance.
3. Independence, Kansas
Independence, Kansas, hosts the state’s largest tourist event, the 9-day Neewollah event. In recent years, up to 75,000 visitors have attended the city’s parades, carnivals, fun runs, and other activities. If you are interested in a less spooky and more family-friendly getaway, this event is for you.
4. Dearborn, Michigan
Dearborn, Michigan also hosts a multi-week Halloween celebration. Greenfield Village, Dearborn’s 80-acre living history museum, turns into a Halloween extravaganza during October. The events mostly cater to families and children can enjoy themselves at such charming events as the Fairy Tale Feast. This is one trip you will need to plan ahead. Tickets for the events go on sale on September 1, and they sell out fast.
5. Estes Park, Colorado
Estes Park, Colorado might seem like an unlikely place
to celebrate Halloween, but it is home to the Stanley Hotel, the hotel that
inspired Stephen King’s novel The Shining. Every year they host The
Shining Ball at the hotel, a must-see event for Halloween party enthusiasts.
For the family, Estes Park hosts Main Street trick-or-treating on Halloween
night. Festivity and the natural beauty of Estes Park is the perfect weekend
getaway combination.
6. Anoka, Minnesota
The residents of Anoka, Minnesota, declare their town the Halloween Capitol of the World, and they celebrate with activities for the entire month of October. They began this tradition in the 1920’s to provide activities to keep local teenagers from causing too much mischief. Now a host of volunteers put on a wide array of events and activities for residents and tourists alike.
7. New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans, Louisiana is famous for its parties, but
it is also well-known for its haunted history. Halloween gives the citizens of
New Orleans the opportunity to merge the two in true New Orleans’ style. If you
are into raucous parties, check out the New Orleans Vampire Ball. For a little
more relaxed fun, take a walking tour of the ghosts of the French Quarter and
the famous tombs in the cemeteries. You can also visit voodoo stores and the
New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum. You can finish off your night with Ghost
City Tours Haunted Pub Crawl.
No matter where you spend your Halloween night, you’re
likely to indulge in at least a few sweet treats. If you do take a trip, make
sure to pack some healthful snacks to keep your family satisfied. Superberries
Aroniaberry Gummy Chews are an easy-to-pack road snack that your whole family
will love, and you can relax knowing that these sweet treats are packed with
vitamins and antioxidants to keep them healthy.