October is a great time to get out and do something spooky. Here are some options to get you started:
Do a ghost walk or a haunted tour. Nearly every city has a ghost tour now, so even if you're not on vacation, you can probably find a suitable tour within day-tripping distance. Also, many historical homes have special spooky tours in October, even if they don't talk up their (supposed) hauntings the rest of the year. These vary wildly in quality, like all tourist-oriented offerings, of course. But lots of them are good fun! (If you're ever in Jefferson, Texas, I highly recommend the Historic Jefferson Ghost Walk. It's the best one I've ever done.)
Visit a cemetery. Some cemeteries, especially historically important ones, have official guided tours, but you can visit any cemetery on your own. I enjoyed the Highgate Cemetery tour I took in London many years ago, but I also enjoy visiting two or three non-famous local cemeteries. Although some people think it's morbid, I find cemeteries interesting and peaceful. You can imagine the history behind names and dates while you stroll -- plus, tombstones can inspire fresh character names if you're a writer. We sometimes need a literal memento mori because none of us -- vampires excepted -- will be here forever. (Visiting cemeteries where loved ones are interred is a whole other activity, in my opinion. But that's also a fine thing to do.)
Take in a "haunted house" attraction. This activity is absolutely not for me, but I know it's part of the essential Halloween experience for many people. I'm too panicky to enjoy these engineered scares, but it might be a blast for you! From what I've seen, there are infinite varieties, though hospitals and asylums tend to dominate. I can't recommend any specific attractions, but there are over 30 in the Houston area alone, so I know you have some near you, wherever you might be (at least in the US). They've also gotten way more sophisticated with their special effects, which means I will never, ever visit one. The chainsaw-wielding maniac who chased me to a porta-potty outside a "haunted house" in 1993 cured me of any interest I ever had in these attractions. But millions of satisfied (and scared) people each year can't be completely wrong!
Create a fictional ghost tour. I did this about 10 years ago when I invited people to a Halloween tea party with a twist. I mapped out our walk in advance and gave a different location to everyone who sent me a "yes" RSVP. (I also sent them the Street View as a visual prompt.) Each guest's assignment was to make up a fictional story to tell the haunting of their stop on the tour. We walked the route on the day of the party, stopping in front of each house or business and taking turns telling our stories. Then we went back to our place and drank tea and ate cake with marshmallow ghosts on it. That was one of the best Halloween parties I ever threw. This is easiest when you live in a walkable neighborhood, but you could adapt the idea to just about any location. (Try assigning rooms in your house, for instance.) This is pure, creative Halloween fun. I highly recommend it!
Get out there and do some fun stuff! October only comes once a year.
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