Although I’m not a Halloween lover, I gave birth to two Halloween fans. One is more into the whole spooky, scary, gory aspects of the holiday. The other one enjoys scoring enough candy to last him for a year just for dressing up, or attending neighborhood events. Since we’re also fans of traveling, it didn’t surprise me when I went digging for unique Halloween destinations for future trips with the kids and found perfect ones right in the United States!
Unique Halloween Destinations to Visit in the U.S.A.
When you become a parent, you often do things and participate in things you aren’t totally passionate about, right? What I’ve learned over the years: it helps to combine my children’s interests with my own. I’m not into paranormal shit, or Halloween, or scary movies, and a plethora of other things. Don’t get me wrong, I can’t always join our interests so we can do things together (I won’t watch scary movies with my daughter), but I try to do it when I can.
Recently, Paranormal Cirque by Cirque Italia came to our area. I love cirque performances, the kids love the paranormal. My daughter dressed up for it, went through the haunted house before the show, and then we all enjoyed a fantastic Friday night cirque show. Everyone wins! What we also love is traveling, so why not find some spots we can join our travel bug desires with their favorite Halloween season.
Salem, Massachusetts
If you’ve never heard of Salem, Massachusetts, I’d be shocked. It’s one of the most well-known locations in all of the United States for witch trials held back in the late 1600s. All year people visit to take tours, visit cemeteries, and explore the extensive history. During the night of witches season…. Salem draws a big crowd.
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans isn’t just about Mardi Gras. It’s all about celebrating, and jumps at the chance to have a party whenever possible. It’s why it’s the ultimate Halloween destination for your more “adult” celebrators. Events upon events are hosted to help visitors make the most out of their favorite holiday season: Halloween! You’ll want to hit all the best attractions, eat all the great food, and immerse yourself in the fun with your friends, or your romantic partner. This isn’t the town to head to with kids – not enough for them to enjoy during this particular time of the year.
Hudson Valley Area
New Yorkers LOVE road trips to Hudson Valley. It’s got some of the most picturesque views, luxury experiences at resorts like Mohonk Mountain House, and restaurants serving up local farm-to-table dishes. Halloween destinations like Sleepy Hollow and Ulster Park just sweeten the experience for kids like mine, who love haunted houses and crisp fall air.
Sleepy Hollow in
Sleepy Hollow in New York’s Hudson Valley attracts year-round visitors to its literary fame, but during the Halloween season (which starts in September for this area) it’s like a mecca for those who ache for unearthly experiences. The Sleepy Hollow attractions are non-stop, and its proximity to New York City makes it a great day trip, or a fun weekend getaway for your next road trip. See the changing leaves, eat great food, and get your spook on.
Ulster Park in
With a kid attending school in the Hudson Valley, there’s a lot of weekends over these next couple of years to explore the area. Halloween season is no different, and since my daughter’s addicted to the season of witches, it helps having the Headless Horseman attraction right in Hudson Valley. It’s also not a long drive for those who want a fun day away from New York City. If you have smaller kids, there’s a children’s day, too.
Laconia, New Hampshire
A great spot for those with younger pumpkin loving goblins to visit in the Northeast: Laconia, New Hampshire. They’ve got a pumpkin festival and tons of pretty sweet events like a Run/Walk, costume parades, and plenty of chances to check out pumpkins.
St. Augustine, Florida
It’s no surprise an ancient city like St. Augustine in Florida would be a hot Halloween destination. With all of its rich history, Halloween fits in well. What other holiday is as old and can be traced back 2000 years? Not many. It’s changed through the years, for sure. However, hard core fans have remained loyal through all of its twists and turns. Heading to St. Augustine will prove entertaining in a place surrounded by a long US History.
Go on ghost tours, participate in plenty of activities and events, and enjoy some amazing Florida weather in your favorite costumes.
Anoka, Minnesota
Anoka, Minnesota calls itself the Halloween Capital of the World. I mean, they even registered the name, so it must be true, right? Listen, I don’t know if it’s legit to call it that, because again, I’m not a lover of the holiday. However, enough people mentioned it to me when I told them about my travel search centered around Halloween destinations, so here goes….
During their favorite fall holiday there’s pumpkin carving contests for children and also for adults. Kids can participate in a costume contest, as well as a whole parade filled with school kids. Don’t worry, there’s also a public parade for everyone to view, along with a Medallion Hunt the public can participate in. It seems to be a Halloween Capital, and worth a visit.
Reno & Virginia City, Nevada
Ever watch Ghost Adventures on the Travel Channel? You might recognize The Washoe Club. Well, now you can go on a ghost tour there, or even be locked in with your friends for an overnight investigation just like those Ghost Adventure hosts!!!!! I don’t know what is more Halloween season than ghost tours and paranormal activity experiences in Virginia City, Nevada.
While you’re in the area, might as well take part in a Zombie Crawl over in Reno. It’s a yearly thing people flock to each spooky season. My kids can’t participate in this one, as it is a bar crawl and my two are still teenagers. However, once they’re older, I’m sure it’ll be on their must-do list with their crazy group of friends.
Kennebunkport, Maine
If you’ve got littles, or just love a laid back non-spooky Halloween vibe, Sandy Pines Campground hosts a fun Spooky Pines weekend every October. They do it a couple of weekends before the official holiday, too, so you don’t miss out on your more local trick-or-treating close-to-home. There’s face painting, costume contest, bounce houses, and even a site decorating contest. It’s the perfect family-friendly spot to pull out those themed family costumes, too! There’s also ghost tours over in Bar Harbor, Maine, for those who enjoy scary stuff.
Wherever You Go
Wherever you end up visiting this year, and in future years, any of these Halloween destinations will light your soul on fire. And, if you’re not a huge fan of dressing up, or ghost tours, there’s plenty of other fun stuff to check out in each location during the fall season. Pick a city you know you’ll find great food, interesting landmarks to explore, and a climate you fancy for fall.
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