People sometimes talk about “love at first sight” when they arrive in a new city. That probably isn’t what you’ll experience when you first get to Bangkok.
06.10.2023 - 21:47 / lonelyplanet.com
While a large portion of the world considers Halloween to be largely for children, Americans of all ages take the holiday very seriously.
Starting as early as September, cities begin hosting their favorite eerie events designed to celebrate all things spooky – and most everyone takes part.
Across the USA this haunted season, you can discover Halloween events that are equal parts charming and creepy. Here are some of our favorite places to celebrate all things ghostly, macabre and just plain fabulous.
Penned by Washington Irving in 1820, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” has permeated popular Halloween culture for literally centuries. Lucky for us, the town at the center of the story is very real and comes alive for a month-long Halloween celebration.
Take a tour of the historic cemetery by lantern light to learn about Irving and other notable citizens, or head over to the historic Philipsburg Manor, which is converted into a terrifying haunt known as Horseman’s Hollow.
If pumpkins are your thing, don’t miss the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze, which features over 7000 carved gourds, the Museum of Pumpkin Art and even a pumpkin windmill.
As the epicenter of the grim witch trials of the late 1600s, Salem, Massachusetts, sits at the heart of the country’s most visceral Halloween lore. Its heritage played a starring role in the Halloween classic Hocus Pocus, and its fame has led people from all over to make the pilgrimage to this haunted spot year-round.
Visiting Salem during October, however, delivers a special type of energy, as the town embraces the year’s biggest opportunity to delve into its history. Take a candle-lit haunted tour of the city; visit the Witch Trials Memorial and the Salem Witch Museum; dive into the world of the unknown at the Psychic Fair and Witchcraft Expo; and top it all off by attending the annual Witches Ball, a masquerade held at the historic Hawthorne Hotel.
It’s no secret that New Orleans can throw a party like nowhere else – a talent that’s not limited to Mardi Gras in February. Many regard the city as one of the most haunted in the country: ghost tours abound throughout the year, making Halloween a particularly important time here. Hit the French Quarter during October for a supernatural celebration called Krewe of Boo!, which brings Mardi Gras–esque flair to the spooky season.
The parade features what New Orleans does best – with a ghoulish twist: think hand-crafted floats, costumed bands, dancers and even beads (locally sourced and make an effort to be environmentally friendly). The Krewe also hosts an annual Zombie Run, where zombies take to the streets like a scene out of World War Z.
Head to any US city with an art-house movie theater in October and you’ll find a live-action
People sometimes talk about “love at first sight” when they arrive in a new city. That probably isn’t what you’ll experience when you first get to Bangkok.
While the United States of America is certainly on the younger side when compared to certain European and Asian nations, the country isn’t totally devoid of time-honored celebrations, with Halloween serving as a cultural staple at the very end of October. Also known as All Hallows’ Eve, this fall festival took hold across North America due to the influx of Irish and Scottish immigrants during the 1800s, and is celebrated today with pumpkin carving, colorful costumes, and plenty of sugary treats—and when it comes to planning the perfect party, no one does it quite like the East Coast. With the holiday season in full swing, these spirited cities are packed full of lively events and late-night parties for all to enjoy.
Choosing the best places to visit in Florida is like a florist painstakingly selecting the most perfect flowers for a wedding bouquet.
Botswana is famous for its remarkable wilderness areas.
The weather has turned crisp, the leaves are changing colors, and the month of October is halfway over. Which means Halloween is coming up. These destinations offer unique and spine-tingling experiences, ensuring travelers will celebrate the holiday in style—whether they are seeking luxury, tradition, or a touch of the supernatural.
Sri Lanka may only be small, but thanks to its jungle-clad mountains, golden sandy beaches, abundant wildlife in their natural habitats, and spice-laden cuisines, the island nation ensures visitors are never bored.
With bald eagles and bears for neighbours, the mighty Mendenhall Glacier to the north and the Tongass National Forest — the largest national forest in the US — at its feet, Juneau may, at first glance, seem a daunting destination for hikers. Look closer, however, and the rugged wilderness of southeast Alaska reveals itself in stages. In the foothills and valleys just beyond the city, waymarked trails suitable for a wide range of abilities bring Alaska’s wild landscapes to life. Here are three to try.
You might be shocked to learn that, out of 163 countries, the US was ranked the 131st safest country in the world in 2023 by the Global Peace Index.
While many Americans associate kaleidoscopic fall foliage with New England, Seattle also brims with autumnal appeal with cool, crisp air and a stunning backdrop of tree-covered hills and mountains. Also: where else can you take in awe-inspiring views of Mount Rainier, knock back a chambong (champagne glass-beer bong hybrid), savor spicy Laotian chicken laap, and retire to a plush room overlooking Elliot Bay in a single day?
Looking for the best car rental company? You’ve come to the right place. J.D. Power—which also ranks airlines, airports, hotels and more—has just unveiled the 2023 North America Rental Car Satisfaction Study. This annual study ranks the best rental car companies and evaluates customer satisfaction.
Atlanta, Georgia is well-known for being the home to many prominent American brands like Coca-Cola, Delta, and CNN — among others. But the “New York of the South” stands out on its own, for its one-of-a-kind personality and unique lineup of visitor attractions. Here are ten spots to spend the night while exploring this historic Southern city.
The fascination with theNorthern Lights dates as far back as the beginning of civilization, with the dancing waves of coloured light depicted in French cave paintings as old as 30,000 BC. Typically, they’re only seen in the northern parts of the Northern Hemisphere, near the Arctic Circle, on dark, clear autumn and winter nights. The lights are dependent on unpredictable solar flares ejecting charged particles that collide with gases in the atmosphere, so any trip to see the Northern Lights runs the risk of missing out on the spectacle altogether.