Those who want to make the most of Halloween can include travel plans in their schedules. North America boasts plenty of locations that have scary-sounding monikers, are supposedly haunted or have attractions that will appeal to those looking for a few extra chills and thrills.
Salem, Massachusetts
Salem is a prime spot to spend Halloween because of the events that took place there in 1692 – 93 surrounding the Salem Witch Trials. Mass hysteria among the area’s Puritans resulted in accusations, convictions and executions of people purported to be witches. Given witches’ relationship to Halloween, Salem is popular among tourists year-round, and especially so in October.
Screams Halloween Theme Park
Visitors to Dallas, Texas, may be expecting to see cows, horses or even oil rigs, but they also can visit a theme park devoted to Halloween fright. Screams Halloween Theme Park visitors can see five haunted attractions and additional entertainment.
Tombstone, Arizona
This is the quintessential Wild West town made famous by Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday. Resident ghosts are said to haunt the theater, and there are haunted hotels where visitors can stay. Some walking ghost tours can make a visit even more frightful.
Hell’s Gate, British Columbia
Hell’s Gate is located on the Fraser River at a point where it narrows and becomes whitewater rapids. Visitors can take an Airtram down into the canyon to see Hell’s Gate up close or traverse a suspension bridge.
Green-wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY
Many historic cemeteries offer tours around Halloween and at other times of the year. Green-wood in the borough of Brooklyn is one of them. Walk the winding paths on your own or sign up for a private tour. While you’re in the area, take the Verrazano Narrows Bridge into Staten Island to visit the spooky-sounding Great Kills area. “Kill” comes from the old Dutch term meaning “creek.” Staten Island also has Arthur Kill and Kill Van Kull, which sound equally ominous.
Sleepy Hollow, New York
“The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” is a classic story by Washington Irving featuring the fabled Headless Horseman. The real Sleepy Hollow is a small town along the Hudson River. During Halloween season, visitors can tour Gothic mansions and enjoy haunted hayrides, blazing pumpkins and more. Make sure you cross the Headless Horseman Bridge with plenty of time to spare to make it out of town before sunset.
Savannah, Georgia
Tourists in Savannah will find the city is billed as “America’s most haunted city.” There are a wide range of architecture styles and plenty of spots that would be right at home in horror flicks. Tours let visitors explore the city’s haunted happenings.
Halloween is a time to enjoy the cool weather by traveling to locations with scary names and scenery.
