The Scarier, The Better
Sleepy Hollow, New York
Sleepy Hollow, New York, has a major reputation to live up to, as the host to the creepy tale of the headless horseman. October hopes are fulfilled with the Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze, one of the largest Halloween happenings in town. For 46 nights (from September 28 through November 2), 7,000 jack-o'-lanterns, carved in an array of odd expressions, are illuminated in an impressive show that's as fun as it is family-friendly, even with discounted prices for kids (free if they're under 3 years old!).
Image courtesy @jkscatena via Twenty20
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Don't think that just because Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the City of Brotherly Love that it goes easy on the chills and thrills. There are big scares for scream seekers, including the haunted Bates Motel and Pennhurst Asylum. That said, there's still plenty for those looking for a lighter Halloween experience. Visitors can drop in on Pumpkinland, the giant pumpkin patch, or attend a special holiday movie screening. If you're looking for a span of spooks so the whole family has options this Allhallows' Eve, Philly is your city.
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St. Louis, Missouri
Pulling many of its major attractions into the frightening fall festivities, St. Louis, Missouri, transforms itself for the haunted holiday season. Six Flags St. Louis provides a wholesome, Halloween-themed good time for all ages during the day, but parents are warned to get the kiddos out before night falls, when the more mature monsters show face. The St. Louis Zoo follows a family-friendly path with Boo at the Zoo every night, which allows tiny trick-or-treaters to celebrate without the scare.
Chicago, Illinois
The Windy City brings a different sort of chill this month. Dyeing the water orange in the Daley Plaza fountain might give you an idea of just how serious Chicago is about Halloween. Constantly listed as one of the best cities to go trick-or-treating in America, Chicago offers kids opportunities to rack up candy while adults enjoy a long list of activities, too. Ghost tours every night, fall festivals every weekend and standout events like a play about Edgar Allen Poe or a "Boo-lesque" show cover a broad menu of possible events.
Image courtesy @dbromo via Twenty20
Romeo, Michigan
It's a small town and an otherwise quiet neighborhood, but Tillson Street in Romeo, Michigan, doesn't attract thousands of visitors each year because of its size. The close-knit community of homeowners on Tillson Street have, for generations, helped one another decorate their homes in eerie and elaborate ways. Every year, crowds get bigger and thousands of pieces of candy are handed out by the welcoming residents who are happy Halloween hosts.
Image courtesy of "Halloween on Tillson" Facebook page
New Orleans, Louisiana
No matter what time of year it is, New Orleans knows how to throw a party. Considered by many as the most haunted city in the country, New Orleans has a beauty in the way the dead are celebrated during Halloween. Cemetery tours, especially the well-known St. Louis Cemetery, highlight the stunning above-ground mausoleums and crypts. Add the exceptional haunted houses and the Voodoo Festival into the mix, and NOLA is a top contender for out-of-this-world Halloween experiences.
