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The days get shorter, the shadows get longer, and the temperatures get cooler signaling Halloween Season is soon to be upon us!  It seems Halloween becomes more popular every year.  Towns and cities across the country celebrate with simple trick or treating and elaborate events. Many towns celebrations span the month of October.  Check out these three fantastic Halloween destinations and contact Awaken Travels to help you plan the best Halloween trip.   

Salem, Massachusetts

In 1692-1693 Salem Massachusetts held the most famous witch trials in the U.S. if not the world.  Fast forward to current day and the charming seaside village of Salem has become a thriving spot to visit year-round.  During the months of September and October Salem is a mecca for Halloween revelry. With events geared toward families and adults, this historic town welcomes all ages.  The events kick off at the end of September and include both free and paid events.  The historic Hawthorne Hotel hosts two balls, The Endless Night Vampire Ball, and the Official Salem Witches Halloween Ball.  Hawthorne Hotel was built in 1925, is believed to be haunted, and was featured in Ghost Hunters in 2018.  Witness the annual Zombie Walk, it is a site to see even if you still possess your full human form. Visit the Ropes Mansion, the iconic house from the Hocus Pocus movie and enjoy some of the special events they hold in October. To see some wicked awesome Jack-O-Lanterns visit the Hallowed Harvest Wicked Labyrinth.  For the kids don’t miss the Broom Decorating and the Haunted Happenings Market Place has something for everyone!  Download the Salem app for both iOS and Android. The app provides current information on all the Haunted Happenings and other events throughout the year. 

Fall in New England is a time for leaf peeping, Octoberfest, farmers markets, corn mazes, hiking, biking, and boating. Consider spending some time exploring Massachusetts before or after your Halloween adventures.  Contact your Awaken Travels consultant to arrange an autumn trip to remember!

Sleepy Hollow, New York

Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow has been raising hairs on people’s necks for more than two centuries!  The Headless Horseman, a character in the story, has been the subject of literature, comic books, cartoons, movies, around the world.  It is no surprise that the best place for Headless Horseman sightings is in the town of Sleepy Hollow NY.  Despite the name, Sleepy Hollow is anything but sleepy, especially during Halloween season.  This town is jam packed with spooky events that are sure to thrill as well as Octoberfest, farmers markets, street fairs, and parades.  This picturesque setting on the Hudson River has all the charm of a historic village during harvest season and is sure to delight.  The Great Jack-O-Lantern Blaze features over 7000 hand carved and illuminated pumpkins on the historic Van Cortland Manor’s riverside landscape. Set to an original soundtrack and synchronized lighting this is more than just a stroll in the Pumpkin patch! Historic homes including The Octagon House and Washington Irving’s home host historic tours and special events.  A tour of the 90-acre Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in the twilight of the evening is sure to hold some surprises.  For a truly unique and breathtaking experience take in The Legend – Cirque Theatre.  Performed by the Westchester Circus Arts company and narrated by a hologram of Washington Irving, this interpretation of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is sure to thrill!

Sleepy Hollow has events ranging from family friendly to downright creepy and everything in between.  An easy 15 miles north of New York City on the Hudson River, it is a great opportunity to combine some Halloween fun with some big city culture.  Your Awaken Travels expert can help you plan it all!

St. Helens, Oregon

Running from mid-September through Halloween St. Helens Oregon hosts events suitable for all ages.  St. Helens celebrations includes themed parades including The Big Halloween Parade, Haunted Hot Rods, and the Pirates Parade.  The Pumpkin Plaza is open daily for strolling and photos.  The main plaza is a hive of activities on the weekends with a pirate area, vendor village, food vendors, street performers including dancing witches.  There is a costume contest every weekend with categories for adults, family, and children.  Pirates entertain on the banks of the river with canon fire and campfires.  A trip in the water taxi lands you on Sand Island where elaborately carved pumpkins line the nature walking path and a scavenger hunt for all ages.  The town has included events and activities for lovers of movies that were filmed there.  Fans of Halloweentown will be whisked off to Whispers in the Woods aboard the Spirit of Halloweentown Train. Along the route they will hunt for forest characters in the trees.  The schedule also includes photos and autographs with stars from Twilight, The Magicians, and Halloweentown. The meet and greet events occur at specific locations and times and are an additional cost. Be sure to check the schedule of events and plan accordingly.  An Awaken Travels agent can help you with all the details.

Over the years Halloween has become more synonymous with the kickoff to the Holiday Season than Thanksgiving.  Whatever the perfect Halloween means to you, there are many great places to celebrate with your sweetheart, friends, or your tiny ghosts and ghouls from big cities to small villages.  Contact your Awaken Travel agent today and surprise your Halloweenies with a trip during the upcoming Halloween Season.  

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