.

By Sandy Klim

>Haunted Happenings Near You
>Ghost Stories
>More Haunted Tours

As fall winds begin to chill and autumn leaves rustle about trees and windows, ghostly sightings become more frequent and spooky sounds awaken even the soundest sleepers in haunted hotels around the country. Halloween is fast approaching, and for those who love a bit of paranormal fun, these hotels are perfect for a spooky sleepover.

Florida

Don CeSar, St. Pete Beach. Opened in 1928 during the Great Gatsby era, the Don CeSar is a magnificent historic beachfront resort located on the Gulf of Mexico. Sometimes called "The Pink Palace," its design was the result of Thomas Rowe's passion for his forbidden love, Lucinda. The two met secretly in London until Lucinda's parents banished her to their country home. Never to see Lucinda again, Rowe returned to America where he created his "pink lady," complete with a replica of the courtyard and fountain where he and his love once rendezvoused.

Legend says that after her death, Lucinda's spirit traveled to be with Rowe, who died of a sudden heart attack in the hotel's lobby. Rowe's ghost has been sighted wearing a crisp summer suit and signature Panama hat, either welcoming guests to the resort or walking hand-in-hand with a beautiful dark-haired woman in the moonlight.

Casa de la Paz, St. Augustine. St. Augustine, the nation's oldest city, is also known for its fascinating historical sites, charming antique shops and, of course, haunted hotels. One of the most famous is the Casa de la Paz. This charming bed and breakfast inn is located in the heart of downtown.

The inn was originally built in 1915 by J. Duncan Puller as a single-family residence. The story goes that honeymooners were guests of the Pullers and on the last morning of their stay, the young husband decided to go fishing. He told his bride to pack and he'd return later. A terrible storm capsized the boat, and he never returned. Distraught, she remained in St. Augustine and is said to have grieved herself to death. Visitors have reported seeing a young woman, bags packed, waiting at the top of the stairs for her beloved to return to her.

Whether ghostly presences are real or not, this charming hotel remains a romantic and spirited vacation destination. For more information, visit www.casadelapaz.com or call 800-929-2915.

Florida House Inn, Amelia Island. Built in 1857, the Florida House Inn is the state's oldest surviving tourist hotel. It has been restored to its glorious period, with many rooms featuring fireplaces or whirlpool tubs. Noted guests have included General Ulysses S. Grant, film star Mary Pickford, and Laurel & Hardy. Although many of the guests have been famous, most who have witnessed spirited sightings agree the ghosts are former townspeople. For more information, visit floridahouseinn.com or call 800-258-3301.

Georgia

The Marshall House, Savannah. Savannah's been called one of the most haunted cities in America. The Marshall House, which opened downtown in 1851 and was restored in 1999, offers Haunted Hotel Ghost Tour packages. The 88-room inn, which has been featured on the Travel Channel's Haunted Hotels, has been used as a hospital three times—twice during Savannah's 19th-century yellow fever epidemics—and during the Civil War by the Union Army. Ghostly sightings have been reported in the hallways and in the foyer for years. For more information on AAA Marshall House packages click here.

Creepies & crawlies come out as Halloween approaches.
These spooky events will have you screaming for more!

>FLORIDA
>GEORGIA
>TENNESSEE
>NEW YORK
>OHIO
>VIRGINIA
>ALABAMA

FLORIDA

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Howl-O-Scream

Busch Gardens transforms into a creepy crawly adventure for a truly spooky experience. Enjoy six haunted houses, five scary zones and two twisted shows at this year's Howl-O-Scream.

This year AAA will sell two types of tickets: Non-Peak (Sun. or Thurs.) and Peak (Fri. or Sat.). Member price for non-peak dates of Oct. 5, 12, 19, 22, 26, and 29 is $24.95. Member price for peak dates of Oct. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, and 28 is $44.95. Discount tickets available through aaa.com/fun or any Florida AAA office.

Cypress Gardens, Winter Haven
Phobia

Come face to face with the known and unknown in Phobia, with frightful haunted houses, a creepy Black Forest and a journey to the unknown on the Terror Train. "Friendly Frights" await the little ones, with a cute-as-a-button Boo House and fun Halloween activities.

Every Thurs.-Sun., as well as Halloween night, beginning Sept. 29. The event is included with park admission. Discount park tickets available through aaa.com/fun or any AAA office. 

Lowry Park, Tampa
Zoo Boo

Lowry Park Zoo transforms at night into a special event called Zoo Boo. This family-friendly Halloween celebration includes six haunted houses and trails, game zone, shows and a spooky horse-drawn carriage ride. New this year: "Frankenstein's Foam Party" for kids, and "Unearthed: Secrets of a Museum," a haunted house.

Sept. 29-30; Oct. 1, 6-7, 12-14, 20-21, 26-31. Additional charge for event. May close due to inclement weather. Visit lowryparkzoo.com or call (813) 935-8552.

Miami Seaquarium
Halloween Monster Splash

This Halloween, Monster Splash Nighttime Bash has three nights of ghoulish fun, trick-or-treating, Halloween-themed animal shows, the Pirates of Shark Island skeletons and two haunted houses. Candy stations and other cool surprises will be set up around the park for trick-or-treaters in costume. The nighttime shows will feature cadaverous creatures performing at Flipper's Thrills and Chills Show, follow the yellow brick road to The Wizard of Oz Sea Lion Show, and see buccaneers put up a fight at Pirates of the Top Deck Show.

Oct. 27-Oct. 29. Additional price for Nighttime Bash. Visit miamiseaquarium.com or call (305) 361-5705.

Magic Kingdom, Lake Buena Vista
Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween

Boo! Don't be afraid. The screams you hear are squeals of delight, not fright. Seize this rare opportunity to visit the Magic Kingdom in costume, and trick-or-treat for candy and goodies with your favorite Disney Characters, all in their finest Halloween outfits. Event includes expanded Mickey's "Boo-to-You" Halloween Parade and Happy HalloWishes fireworks.

Sept. 15, 22, 29, Oct. 2, 5, 6, 10, 12, 16, 17, 19, 20, 23, 24, 26, 27, 30, & 31. Additional charge for Mickey's Halloween. *Advance purchase savings is available for every night except 10/27, 10/30 and 10/31. Visit disneyworld.disney.go.com or call 407-W-DISNEY.

SeaWorld, Orlando
Shamu's Halloween Spooktacular

Friendly and fanciful costumed characters haunt the park as little goblins participate in ghostly activities and enjoy unique, Halloween-themed entertainment. Shrieks and giggles abound with trick-or-treating, bewitching shows and autumn harvest décor.

Oct. 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29. Event is included with park admission. Discount tickets are available through aaa.com/fun or any AAA office.

Universal Orlando
Halloween Horror Nights

Dare to face the most frightening Halloween Horror Nights ever, when Universal Orlando Resort transforms into a darkened world where ghastly creatures emerge from the darkness. Chilling haunted houses are sure to thrill. This year, Halloween Horror Nights celebrates its petrifying "Sweet Sixteen."

Sept. 29 and 30, Oct. 6-8, 11-15, 19-22, 26-29 and 31. (May be too intense for young children.) Additional charge for Halloween Horror Nights. AAA will be selling Non-Peak tickets in all Florida branches. Price is $32.95 and non-peak dates are Sep. 29, 30, and Oct. 8, 11, 12, 15, 19, 22, 26, 29, and 31.Discount tickets available through aaa.com/fun or any AAA office.

Ybor City, Tampa
Guavaween

Guavaween Family FunFest offers Safe Trick-or-Treat, Spooky Story Time, Scavenger Hunt, amusement rides and the always popular Children's Costume Parade & Contest. In the evening, it's the adults' turn to play with live music on multiple stages featuring national and local artists and the Mama Guava Stumble Parade!  Mama Guava takes the "bore" out of Ybor with her annual Halloween Happening in the heart of the "Big Guava."

Oct. 28. Admission: $5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free admission for daytime only for children under 12 in costume. After 3 p.m. all admission is $15.

Pinellas County
Haunted Village

Heritage Village, Pinellas County's 21-acre living history museum, and three local Rotary Clubs will be home to the spooks and spirits of Pinellas past for three nights only at the Haunted Village, a Halloween spectacular that presents a safe and not-too-scary family trick-or-treating experience.

From 5:30-9:30 p.m., Sun., Oct. 29, through Tues., Oct. 31, the Village will take on a ghostly air, with over 15 historic structures decorated in themes that will tell more frightening tales than their original stories. In addition to the trick-or-treating, festivities will include a full line-up of entertainment each evening and make-and-take children's Halloween crafts. Food vendors will be selling a variety of tasty treats, too.

Admission is $5 per person; under 2 free. Free event parking on 119th St., between Ulmerton and Walsingham roads, with a free shuttle to the entrance gate. For more information, call (727) 582-2403, or e-mail heritagevillage@pinellascounty.org.

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GEORGIA

Six Flags, Atlanta
Fright Fest

Celebrate Halloween with specially themed rides, shows and attractions offering guests "thrills by day, chills by night." Fright Fest Halloween events include haunted mazes, costumed ghouls, special shows and rides. Most of Six Flags' roller coasters and non-water rides will still be operating during the Fright Fest events.

Sept. 29-Oct. 29. The event is included with park admission. Discount tickets are available through aaa.com/fun or any AAA office.

Wild Adventures
Phobia

Dare to brave your deepest fears in the dark recesses of new haunted houses, fearsome forests, a terrifying train ride and other ghastly delights.

Sept. 29-Oct. 31. Event is included with park admission. Discount tickets are available through aaa.com/fun or any AAA office.

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TENNESSEE

Nashville Zoo
Ghouls at Grassmere

Taking place throughout zoo grounds, this family-friendly event features plenty of treat stations for children as well as animal shows, activities, crafts, games and more. Back again this year is the zoo's wildly popular Haunted Hayride and mini-pumpkin painting. Guests can tour the Grassmere Historic Home to learn about the customs of death and dying in the 1800s. 

Oct 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29. Additional fee for this event. Visit www.nashvillezoo.org or (615) 833-1534.

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NEW YORK

Great Escape & Splashwater Kingdom, Queensbury
Fright Fest

Halloween event for all ages including a Trick-or-Treat Trail, costume contest, haunted house and more.

Sept. 30-Oct. 29, every Sat. & Sun. For more information, visit sixflags.com or call (518) 792-3500.

Landmark Society of Western New York, Rochester
Ghostwalk

The Landmark Society of Western New York's ever-popular Halloween event grips audiences with true, gory tales from Rochester's past told by "resurrected Rochesterians" in period costumes. Lantern-bearing guides lead participants under the cloak of darkness down a 19th-century street to each performance.

Oct. 20-21 & 27-28. For more information, visit landmarksociety.org or call (585) 546-7029.

Greenwich Village, New York
33rd Annual Halloween Parade

All those in costume are welcome to join hundreds of puppets, 53 bands of different types of music, dancers and artists, and thousands of other New Yorkers in costumes of their own in this new brand of Carnivale. Parade begins on Spring Street and goes to 23rd Street.

Oct. 31. For more information, visit halloween-nyc.com or call (212) 475-3333.

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OHIO

Circleville, Ohio
Circleville Pumpkin Show

This year is the 100th anniversary of the Pumpkin Show, which normally brings in upwards of 300,000 visitors. Visitors can see the "World's Largest Pumpkin Pie," measuring five feet in diameter and weighing in at 400 pounds.

Oct. 18-21. For more information, visit pumpkinshow.com

COSI Toledo Museum
Spooky Science

Plan now to bring your little ghosts and goblins into COSI for a howling good time. Spend the day making monster slime and face masks within a safe family environment with fun for kids of all ages. It's Spooky! Spooky Science at COSI.

Oct. 21-22 & 28-29. For more information, visit cositoledo.org or call (419) 244-2674.

Kings Island, Cincinnati
FearFest

When the sun goes down, the terror begins as Paramount's Kings Island transforms into the Midwest's Largest Haunted Playground. Brave souls can experience a host of haunted attractions, including a Haunted Wooded Trail and sinister mazes. Guests looking for a different type of thrill can enjoy any of their favorite rides and attractions until the park closes.

Oct. 7-28, and running select Fri. and Sat. nights. (May be too intense for young children.) For more information, visit pki.com or call (513) 754-5700.

Columbus Zoo & Aquarium
Boo at the Zoo

This delightfully haunting Halloween celebration offers candy stations, storytellers, magicians, a haunted train ride and other thrilling activities. Don't miss Pumpkin Smash on Oct. 21 and Oct. 28, when animals throughout the zoo will be presented with pumpkins as part of the zoo's enrichment program.

Oct. 20-22 & 27-29. For more information, visit colszoo.org or call (800) 666-5397 or (614) 645-3581.

NW Ohio Railroad Preservation, Findlay
Train of Terror & Haunted Engine House

Teenagers and young adults don't want to miss the Train of Terror & Haunted Engine House for a trip of scary fun. Passengers take a frightening night quarter-scale steam train ride past the woods. Then, for those that survive, there is a walk through the creepy, dark, haunted engine house building. Watch out for suprises that will make you scream!

Oct. 6-28, every Fri. & Sat. (May be too intense for young children.) For more information, visit nworrp.org or call (419) 423-2995.

Ohio Village, Columbus
All Hallow's Eve

A tradition at Ohio Village, this program invites visitors to experience a family-style 19th-century Halloween celebration. A children's activity area, Halloween traditions, fortune telling, a Museum of Oddities, and games and crafts are among the many activities featured this evening. A reading by the bonfire of Washington Irving's Legend of Sleepy Hollow and an appearance by the infamous Headless Horseman finish this fun-filled evening. Refreshments will be available for purchase.

Oct. 21 & 28. For more information, visit ohiohistory.org or call (614) 297-2666, (800) 686-1541.

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VIRGINIA

Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Howl-O-Scream

Howl-O-Scream creeps into Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Busch Gardens Williamsburg is the perfect place to be scared silly this Halloween season. Throughout October, the park transforms after dark into a "scream park" for guests to enjoy Howl-O-Scream festivities.

Sept. 15-Oct. 29, every Fri.-Sun. (May be too intense for young children.) For more information, visit buschgardens.com or call (800) 343-7946.

Hunt Club Farm, Virginia Beach
Halloween Festival & Haunted Hayride

17th annual Halloween Festival and Haunted Hayride featuring three scary haunted events: Hampton Roads Original Haunted Hayride, The Village of the Dead, and The Field of Screams. A cast of 75 live performers nightly. Amusement rides, games, concessions, pumpkins and more. Strongly recommend purchasing tickets in advance for Fri. and Sat. night shows.

Every Wed. Oct. 6-22, and every night Oct. 25-31. For more information, visit huntclubfarm.com or call (757) 427-9520.

Maymont Children's Farm, Richmond
Boo at the Barn

Little ghouls and goblins have a howling good time at this safe and fun Halloween event. Activities include cool crafts, spooky storytelling, a creepy corral, hay wagon rides, a costume contest and other Halloween traditions. Fees vary. Proceeds benefit the Adopt a Living Thing program to feed and care for the 700 animals that live at Maymont.

Oct. 29. For more information, visit www.maymont.org or call (804) 358-7166.

Hampton History Museum
Historical Haunts of Hampton

Explore the more eerie stories of Hampton's history. What horrors will you see, hear and feel as you travel through 400 years of history on this spooky quest? Who will be waiting for you in the museum's darkened depths? Indians? Pirates? Soldiers? Poets?

Oct. 27-28. (May not be suitable for children ages 5 and under.) For more information, visit hamptonhistorymuseum.com or call (757) 727-1610.

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ALABAMA

Oakleigh Historic Complex, Mobile
Haunted Oakleigh

Oakleigh Historic Complex features performers and storytellers who appear as characters in vignettes through a "haunted tour" of the museum. Special children's area with fun games and no scares for youngest visitors.

Oct. 1-31. Call for dates. For more information, call (251) 432-6161.

Burritt Living Museum, Huntsville
Trick-or-Treating in the Historic Park

Trick-or-Treat at all of the houses in the Historic Park. Children can safely go from house to house and visit the interpreters for holiday treats! Bring a carved pumpkin and enter our Pumpkin Carving Contest with your most Ghoulish Gourd.

Oct. 28-31. For more information, visit www.burrittmuseum.com or call (256) 536-2882.

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