What Are You Doing This Halloween?

When it comes to Halloween there's no lack of variety in the things that you could do. From trick or treating (with the kids) to touring Haunted House attractions, finding something NOT to do would be more of a challenge.

So, where could you go and what could you do on All Hallows Eve? Here are some intriguing, exciting, relaxing and in some cases, just plain creepy ideas on what's available.

Take the kids out Trick or Treating - This is a great way to be a kid again yourself. Follow along and enjoy the scenery. Check out the yards and decorations as you pass. You may even get some candy yourself!

Dress up your yard and yourself - Get into the spirit of the occasion and decorate your yard or entranceway. Dress up in a costume and hand out candy to trick-or-treaters and enjoy some of the inventive and adorable outfits they show up in.

Attend a costume party or host one yourself - Halloween is a growing business where adults are concerned. Get creative and put together a unique costume and attend a Halloween party. Better yet, plan to have one yourself.

Take a Haunted House tour - Many larger cities have several areas that are set up specifically as Haunted House tours. Designed to truly frighten and creep you out, you'd be amazed at the effort put into the whole setup and atmosphere of these places. It may become a yearly event that you won't want to miss out on.

Boo at the Zoo - If your city has a zoo and features this special evening event, gather up the kids and go check it out. Fun decorations, special activities and more are usually planned by the zoo personnel. It's a spootacular place to visit for both adults and kids, although certainly on the mild side.

All night horror flicks - Many theatres set up a special all-nighter of horror and mystery films. Usually they start at midnight and run through to morning, usually featuring three movies. A cult classic often shown is the Rocky Horror Picture Show, although this varies with the theatres. If you're prepared to stay awake, this is a great way to spend the evening with some friends.

Visit old cemeteries - What says "spooky" more than a dimly lit, creepy cemetery at night? Who knows what you'll see as you stroll past the various tombstones.

Pick a few neighborhoods and do a walking or driving tour - Take a look at how some people have spruced up their yard for Halloween night. This is a great way to get ideas on what you could do next year in your own yard. Just be careful if you drive by watching out for the children crossing the road.

Take a haunted hayride - Some farms provide haunted hayride tours on Halloween night. Driving past eerie, leafless trees, hearing the screech of an owl and rolling through moonlit fields, you may just see the unexpected. Often these are followed up by snacks and drinks at a bonfire back at the farm. What a cool way to spend the evening.

Have your own dusk to dawn movie fest - Get some friends together and rent 3 or 4 horror movies. Pop some popcorn, order a few pizzas, put out some cold drinks, get comfy and you're all set for a night of terror and suspense. Not sure what to rent? Check out this list of Haunted House Movies at http://www.halloweenhowl.c om/halloween-movies-haunted-houses.shtml

Get acquainted with some real ghosts - Almost every town or city has some local places that are haunted. Visit the library or buy a book that tells you where they are located. Then go check them out yourself. If you really want to get the bee-jeebers scared out of you, try to hook up with a paranormal investigative team for an evening. There's a lot of supernatural activity that happens on Halloween.

Curl up with a great horror or mystery novel - All by yourself this year? Rather than being scared stiff with a movie rental, how about curling up with a good mystery novel or suspense/horror book?

These are just a few ideas that will keep you occupied this Halloween. Use your imagination, plus talk with friends, family and co-workers and I'm sure you'll be able to come up with an even bigger list of things to do. Enjoy!

=========================

(c) 2005. Rose Smith is the owner of HalloweenHowl.com a website filled with Halloween party ideas, costumes, decorations, games, graphics, crafts and more. It's Halloween fun for all ages! Come visit us at: http://www.halloweenhowl.com/

In The News:


KATU

Holiday travel in Virginia predicted to increase
Progress Index
About 12000 more people are expected to hit the roads in Virginia this year compared to last year's Memorial Day holiday weekend, according to AAA - an increase of about 1.2 percent over 2011. The numbers are the result of a survey of travel intentions ...
Businesses looking up, as shore visits nearCherry Hill Courier Post
Rockford gas prices decreaseRockford Register Star
Arkansas Weekly Gas Price UpdateNewport Independent

all 1,011 news articles »

Holiday weekend first big test of Volusia's new beach-driving rules
Daytona Beach News-Journal
(NJ | Jim Tiller) Floridians are being warned by state and federal officials to keep an eye on a developing tropical system east of the state during holiday weekend activities. The system, which has caused flooding rains in South Florida this week, ...

and more »

Hometown Holidays
Washington Post
Change that the city's annual Hometown Holidays celebration Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 10 pm While dozens of concerts and shows play on eight stages across the Rockville Town Center, nearly 20 of the city's restaurants, from barbecue to baguettes, ...

and more »

USA TODAY

Memorial Day Preview: What to expect
GlobalPost
We trace the origins of the holiday. Members of the Armed Forces unveil the flag to celebrate Memorial Day prior to the game between the Chicago Fire and the New York Red Bulls at Giants Stadium in the Meadowlands on May 24, 2009 in East Rutherford, ...
Memorial Celebrations: Being Thankful For a Job Well DoneNJ TODAY
A time to rememberDaily Freeman Journal
Don't forget why we have Memorial DayMuscatine Journal
CollegeNews -The Coloradoan -Weatherford Democrat
all 134 news articles »

DWI Enforcement Common Over Holidays in Cortlandt
The Daily Cortlandt
by Jessica Glenza (email) New York State Police say enhanced enforcement of DWIs and safety restraints are now a common feature of holiday patrols. CORTLANDT, NY – Many consider Memorial Day the unofficial beginning of summer, and barbecues and beer ...

and more »

This is Money

Holiday money postcode lottery: Currency providers' exchange rates for euro ...
This is Money
Richard Lloyd, Which? executive director, said: 'Holidays don't come cheap and these anomalies don't help hard-pressed consumers.' A Thomas Cook spokesman said: 'Our foreign exchange bureaux in our stores are able to offer local rates that compete with ...
Some holiday money rates unfair, says Which?BBC News
Holidaymakers in exchange rate 'postcode lottery'Telegraph.co.uk

all 8 news articles »

Holiday display controversy resurfaces as committee drafts policy recommendation
Washington Post
As Memorial Day weekend approaches, Loudoun County officials are already thinking ahead to the winter holidays — specifically, the matter of holiday displays outside the historic courthouse in Leesburg. Over the past several weeks, ...

and more »

Columbus Dispatch

Dear Abby: Time to decline niece's holiday invitations
Philadelphia Inquirer
DEAR ABBY:My sister “Ruth” and I spent most holidays dining out together after our families grew up and left home. Ruth died last year and her daughter “Lara” began inviting me for holidays “so I wouldn't be alone.” I have tried to decline, ...
Dear Abby: Poor plan leaves aunt home aloneGoErie.com

all 29 news articles »

Most couples end up arguing on holiday
Times of India
Going on a holiday is supposed to be a chance to escape routine and relax with your partners, but unfortunately it also seems to provide couples with the perfect opportunity to argue. And most of the bickering starts before the trip has even begun, ...

and more »

Schafer: Holiday is a very special day of remembrance
Coldwater Daily Reporter
Unfortunately for too many people the reason for this holiday has lost its purpose. This is true of many American holidays, which have become just a time to eat, drink and have a good time. To other Americans though, this holiday is a very special day ...

Google News

Christmas Decorating Ideas - Edible Ornaments

Although it is now more decades away than I care... Read More

Fitness Tips On How To Avoid Gaining Weight During The Holiday Season

This holiday season don't be trendy ? avoid the Seasonal... Read More

Youre How Old?!?

"Well, Happy Birthday! How old are you anyway?""Oh, I'm just... Read More

Use H-O-L-L-Y to Beat Christmas Cooking Stress

What does holly, that untidy traditional greenery you just have... Read More

Creative Kid Birthday Cake Ideas

A Creative Dream Come TrueA hush falls over the room... Read More

Glorious Holiday Decorating: Ten Tips

If you're looking for ways to decorate your home in... Read More

Decorate for Thanksgiving

Years of having to make do have turned me into... Read More

Memorial Day a way to Celebrate

Memorial Day is May 30th this year, are you ready?... Read More

Honoring our Fathers

This weekend as we celebrate Father's Day, take an opportunity... Read More

Top 5 Ways for an ADD Adult to Have a Happy Holiday

Holidays have the potential to send an adult with Attention... Read More

Honor Mothers: Song Remembers Mom Forever

In the spirit of Mother's Day, two songwriters are sharing... Read More

Sweet 16th Birthday Party Ideas

Is there any party more delightful than sweet 16? If... Read More

Event Planning 101

One of the tools I use as a professional organizer... Read More

Secrets to a Stress Free Holiday

December and all the excitement that comes with it can... Read More

Angel Costumes! Theres An Angel Inside Us All, But Are You Naughty Or Nice?

When searching for Angel Costumes, there are so many choices... Read More

Greeting Card Tango: How To Impress, Not Stress, During The Holidays

When it comes to holiday greeting cards, to send or... Read More

A Simple Little Holiday Plan

The Thanksgiving leftovers have all been eaten and the gift-buying... Read More

Home For The Holidays: Heirloom Stories Are A Perfect Gift

Selecting the right gift for a special someone is sometimes... Read More

Christmas Shopping Online Might Or Might Not Be For Everyone: This Article Shows How Doing It Onlin

Christmas shopping online is not for you? If you are... Read More

Unique Mothers Day Gift - No More Flowers and Chocolate

With Mother's Day approaching fast, it's time to begin thinking... Read More

Strategies for Surviving Holiday Dinners, Family Events and Other War Zones

No matter how well we may have weathered our basic... Read More

The Evolution of Christmas Ornaments

Things have come a long way since a Christmas ornament... Read More

New Years Resolutions

Ah, the start of another year! In a groggy haze... Read More

Spice Up Your Life with an Adventure Holiday!

Are you bored with the routine of city life? Do... Read More

Memorial Day Flowers

Monday, May 30th is Memorial Day. Your local florist can... Read More