Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, Photo Credit: Nemacolin Woodlands Resort
While Halloween isn’t necessarily a holiday you might associate with traveling, we think that any celebration is an excuse to visit a thrilling new destination. Why not head to a hotel tricked out like a haunted house or deck yourself out in an elaborate costume for a contest? Here are eight not-to-be missed places to be on Halloween weekend.
Laurel Highlands, Pennsylvania
At Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, just southeast of Pittsburgh, you’re invited to participate in the family-friendly Boonanza on the Mountain, featuring a slew of festive activities on October 27 and 28.
Big kids can experience wolf encounters, go on a ride through the haunted woods, play a round of zombie target paintball and much more. Little ones will love the trick-or-treating parade and costume contest.
After all those thrills, rest your head at the property’s rustic Falling Rock hotel or the elegant Chateau Lafayette.
Orange County, California
The Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Island Hotel Newport Beach hosts a Casino Royale-themed Halloween party on October 28 from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Channel your inner James Bond while enjoying signature drinks and DJ beats in the hotel’s posh Aqua Lounge. Casino-inspired costumes are required.
The Broadmoor, Photo Credit: The Broadmoor
Colorado Springs
Celebrate the 40th anniversary of The Rocky Horror Picture Show with a devilishly delightful screening party on October 24 at Pikes Peak Center in Colorado Springs, hosted by actor Barry Bostwick.
Fans are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite character from the cult classic and be ready to sing and dance the Time Warp. Bostwick, who played the Brad Majors in the original movie, will select the most outlandish costume and crown the wearer the belle of the ball.
Make a long weekend out of it by booking a room at Five-Star The Broadmoor, which is just a four-mile drive from the venue.
Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa, Photo Credit: Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa
Palm Beach
After a day of fun in the sun, children can have a ghoulishly good time at Five-Star Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa. The property’s AquaNuts kids club hosts its second annual Halloween Spooktacular Party on October 21. The family friendly fright fest will scare up fun from 6 to 9 p.m. with treats, dinner, games and a movie ideal for kiddos ages 5 to 12 years old.
Singapore
Dine if you dare at Four-Star The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore’s Trick or Treat Halloween Dinner. On October 28, the Marina Center hotel’s Colony restaurant will host a scary gathering for all ages — think face painting, a photo booth and a trick-or-treat door — in addition to having a good meal. Menu items include crispy chicken wings with Tabasco, pork jowl char siu in supreme broth, pumpkin soup and unlimited pours of prosecco and draft beer — for the grown-ups, of course.
Voodoo Music and Arts Experience, Photo Credit: Katrina Barber
New Orleans
The Crescent City is always up for a party and the weekend before Halloween (October 27 to 29) is no exception. With this year’s Voodoo Music and Arts Experience, more than 2,000 acts have been booked and more than a million people are expected to descend on NOLA to enjoy contemporary concerts in City Park.
Headliners include Kendrick Lamar, Foo Fighters and The Killers. Be sure to purchase tickets for the music festival in advance, as these big names will likely spark a sellout.
To enjoy your weekend to the fullest, book a room at the elegant Four-Star Windsor Court Hotel. When you need a break from the craziness that is Voodoo, you can retreat to your relaxing room here with views of the Mississippi River.
London
Usher in the holiday with a spooky afternoon tea at Four-Star The Milestone Hotel. The historic Kensington property serves elegant Halloween-themed treats that range from a creepy coconut meringue lollipop and a “poisonous” pistachio cheesecake to RIP red velvet cupcakes.
And if you need something a little stronger than your average brew to wash it all down, the hotel has also crafted a new signature blood-red SOUL (which stands for “some of us live”) cocktail that’s so good, it will give you chills.
Great Wolf Lodge’s Howl-O-Ween, Photo Credit: Great Wolf Lodges
Nationwide
At Great Wolf Lodge, which has 15 locations across the country (including Anaheim, Traverse City and Charlotte), celebrate Howl-O-Ween with a month of kid-centric festivities. Participate in trick-or-treat trails, scary-silly story times, monster bash dance parties and lots more. Once you enter the indoor water park at each property, small guests will receive a pair of neon-orange ears to ensure everyone knows they’re a part of the wolf pack.
