Fearsome fun from Salem to Romania

Halloween is here and it’s as good of a reason as any to get the hell out of dodge — so long as you don’t have to sacrifice any spooky festivities to do it. Check out these spine-tingling destinations for spooky fun that will put you in the Halloween spirit.

Not surprisingly, Las Vegas, does the season up right, its nightclubs hosting all sorts of costume balls. Not to be missed is the Fetish & Fantasy Halloween Ball, held this year at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on October 26. Expect vendors, live performances, DJs and titillating costumes galore.

Downtown Savannah, Ga., puts a different spin on the Halloween scene, offering everything from extra-frightening ghost tours to supernatural pub-crawling along River Street, where bars host festive costume parties and a near-endless lineup of live acts.

However, if a truly tropical getaway is your thing, Halloween in Lahaina offers the perfect fix. Held along Maui’s Front Street, there’s a children’s parade, streets are blocked off from cars and costumed revelry is the order of the day. Adding to the appeal, bars are open and packed to the hilt, and many of them host prize-laden contests.

Meanwhile, in Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania, you can embark on a treasure hunt and car rally through a wooded graveyard as part of the Great Halloween Grave Dig event. The winner receives honors at the storied Grave Digger’s Ball that follows.

For a dose of history, though, consider a trip to Salem, Mass., where 26 people were once tried and put to death for being “witches.” Haunted tours, reenactments, fireworks and a parade are among the draws. While you’re there, be sure to check out The Witch House museum, situated in the former home of Salem witch trial judge Jonathan Corwin.

Finally, there’s Dracula’s Castle, also known as Bran Castle, in Romania, It’s open to the public, so visitors can see where Vlad the Impaler mercilessly tortured his enemies. Book a Halloween tour, if you dare.

Tagged: Uncategorized