This Halloween, release your devils the American way by partying till the break of dawn along with the freaky, adventurous, deadly characterized costumes. Halloween is one of the best American festivals and experiencing the country this time around the year is truly recommended. With ghosts on your trails, here are a few attractions in the U.S. that are sure to give you a fun, ghostly thrill.
The Haunted Mansion — Anaheim, California
If Disneyland is the happiest place on Earth, then its Haunted Mansion ride might be the exception. Located in the Anaheim, California, theme park, 40 kilometers southeast of Los Angeles, California, the Southern-style manor is stocked with cemeteries, ghosts and floating objects.
Ghost voices guide visitors on vehicles through a candlelit foyer to long hallways, dark staircases and a grand ballroom, where the spirits are having a raucous party. Don’t miss The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror in sister Disney theme park California Adventure for more thrills. The on-site Disneyland Resort Hotel is convenient for staying the night to visit.
Dr. Frankenstein’s Haunted Castle — Monticello, Indiana
Mary Shelley’s 19th century novel Frankenstein is the inspiration for this eerie attraction at Indiana Beach Boardwalk Resort in Monticello, Indiana, about 180 kilometers southeast of Chicago, Illinois. You’ll walk through the carnival-style attraction on your own — there’s no car on a track to help navigate away from pop-up monsters, neon skeletons and other frights lurking around dark corners. Once you escape Dr. Frankenstein’s Haunted Castle, which costs an additional $3.50 admission, take in sweeping views of Lake Shafer on the giant gondola wheel.
Ghostwood Estate — West Mifflin, Pennsylvania
Don’t be fooled by the sight of this dilapidated house with green shingles, Ghostwood Estate is actually one of the newer rides at Kennywood Park in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, 469 kilometers west of Philadelphia. Animatronics monsters and ghoulish video projections make Ghostwood Estate the theme park’s creepiest attraction. Fear not: You can channel your inner Ghostbuster here. Armed with blasters, you can shoot at moving targets while cars guide you through the eight-room haunted house.
The Mortuary Haunted House — New Orleans, Louisiana
No need to wait for Halloween to experience this spooky year-round attraction in New Orleans, Louisiana. Unlike many other popular U.S. haunted houses, this three-story 19th century mansion has a reputation for being actively haunted.
The property served as a funeral home from the 1920s until it was converted into a ticketed walk-through maze in 2007. Today, costumed serial killers carrying chain saws roam the halls and interact with visitors who are bold enough to enter. Afterward, walk past the historic Cypress Grove Cemetery to enjoy local Creole specialties like fried shrimp and crawfish at the neighborhood bar Mid City Yacht Club.
West Virginia Penitentiary — Moundsville, West Virginia
This Gothic-style prison was among the last places you’d want to end up in the late 1800s. Now, it attracts visitors from all over the world to learn about the walled fortress’s history. Daily tours, which depart every hour, focus on the realities of life — and death — behind bars.
Feeling adventurous? The West Virginia Penitentiary in Moundsville, West Virginia, about 570 kilometers west of Philadelphia, also has escape rooms, three-hour paranormal investigations and even private sleepovers, available by reservation.
Beverly Hills
There’s no need for tricks when Edelweiss Chocolates of Beverly Hills has so many ghoulish treats including candy corn bark, frightfully decorated Oreo cookies and the chocolate skull lollipops.
From Caramel Apple Cupcakes and Spooky Sours at Sprinkles, to haunted house baskets at Sugarfina, sweet shops are a must visit for celebrating Halloween-themed treats in Beverly Hills. Bring home a pumpkin gift basket from K Chocolatier, filled with your child’s favorite chocolates.
Grown-ups will also love celebrating the holiday with Diane Kron’s “BOO”ze chocolates, filled with shots of vodka, tequila or scotch. Additionally, remember to snap or instagram yourself in front of The Witch’s House and purchase your tickets to attend the not-to-be-missed and enjoy casino games, a silent auction, raffles, a dog costume contest, snacks and more at Bow Wow Beverly Hills, the annual pet-friendly Halloween event at Two Rodeo Drive.
Beverly Hills offers a perfect getaway for a spooky holiday for those in the Halloween spirit!
