Cool AF Ways to Celebrate Halloween

Anyone who knows me knows that Halloween is my favorite holiday. It's not just one day of the year. In my opinion, every day can be Halloween, which means any chance there is to do something spooky, dress up, or put up skulls and bats, I'm going to take it. Half of the year, my house is decorated as Hogwarts (or some version of Harry Potter). 

When October rolls around, I'm in my element. I love all the pumpkin patches, the corn maizes, the haunted walks, etc. I'm not one for haunted houses, because I'm the biggest chicken, but I jump to go to actual haunted houses, undergrounds, and catacombs. When there is something that sounds awesome that I can take part in, I want to be there. This weekend I'm hitting up Halloweentown (also known as St. Helens, Oregon) with a bunch of friends, but if I could, I'd be doing all of these things as well:

Spend the night in Alcatraz

Okay, so it's not actually Alcatraz Prison, because that is highly secure, though you can take a nighttime tour there, which I highly recommend. Instead, the San Francisco Dungeon will let you sleep in a reconstructed Alcatraz cell, all at the low, low price of $666. Expensive, right? Well, it comes with a spooky bedtime story, themed pajamas, midnight snack, and breakfast in your cell in the morning. That's got to be worth the chills and thrills. {You can also do even more in SF by purchasing a Go Card for your trip.}

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Travel to learn new customs

Though there are destinations in the US on this list (must-visit places like New Orleans and Salem), the others are made up of different countries that do Halloween just a bit (or a whole lot) differently. Why not learn a new way to enjoy the season. Maybe some things you can take home and incorporate into your own celebrations for family and friends. From flying giant kites in cemeteries to a giant furry beast who exorcises evil. There's lots of takeaways from travel all year long.

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Enjoy a movie in a cemetery

Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Hollywood, California often holds fantastic events that people are dying to get into (see what I did there?). The month of October is for spooky movies, where you can pack your blanket and camp out on the lawn and enjoy with a bunch of other peeps who love the same things you do. Unfortunately, this year's movies (Ghostbusters, Night of the Living Dead, and Labyrinth - with a fancy dress ball!) are both sold out, but that just means you need to get on it for next year. {Los Angeles visitors can also save a ton with the LA Go Card.}

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Head to Salem

Where better to celebrate Halloween than witch-central? All October long you’ll find themed festivities and attractions including a carnival, haunted house, spooky tours and more. Every day of the month you’ll find something going on. This is my kind of town.  Where else can you hit the farmers’ market during the day and then see the Crucible at night and get your palm read and go to a witchcraft shop in between? There might be some places, but I doubt many. And there are even fewer places where you can visit the actual places where witch trials took place. This is definitely on my list of must-see places. I can't wait to run down my camera battery here. 

• 4D Haunted Adventure at Salem Time Machine - It's a "haunted" attraction for the whole family. You get 3D glasses, walk around in a blacklight environment that takes you through a narrated Olde Salem. It sounds really dumb, but also really fun. If you want to be scared, do the 4D Haunted House instead, with live scare actors.
• Derby Street Carnival
• Museum Place Mall - They show two 3D short films that tell you about Salem and the history of Halloween. There's also live music on the weekends.
• Salem Haunted Magic Show - 'Nuff said.
• Visit Lady Irene - A Greek psychic who reads coffee...? I dunno what that entails, but I want to see!
• Haunted Dinner Theater at the Hawthorne Hotel - The show changes every year, but it always sounds fun.
• More things to see and do can be found here.

Get magical to Philly

Yes, I know this sounds like a weird place to tell people to go for Halloween, but it really makes sense, especially if you're a Harry Potter lover like I am. The weekend before Halloween is dedicated to all things Potter, with a three-day festival (and Quidditch tourney!) in Chestnut Hill, Pennsylvania. 

Not only will there be witches and wizards aplenty, but you can also visit the Mutter Museum (that museum full of crazy medical oddities) and take a tour of the abandoned Eastern State Penitentiary, once the most famous and expensive prison in the world. You can visit the prison during the day or at night in October, and possibly meet with a former inmate. Laurel Hill Cemetery is not only the final resting place of many well known people, but it's also incredibly beautiful, a great way to get exercise, and hosts an annual Gravedigger's Ball.

{If doing a ton of stuff in Philly is important to you, then you may want to invest in the CityPASS, where you can also save up to 44% off your sightseeing.}

Jump in the car for a spooky road trip

Pack your favorite sweater, some boots and whoever makes you feel safe and go on a road trip to/through some of the most haunted places. It may be creepy, or it may be downright terrifying in the case of Clinton Road in West Milford, New Jersey, where you can see some strange apparitions and possibly have a spirit boy control your mind and make you drive off the Ghost Boy Bridge. 

Drown yourself in fall beverages

If you can't get out on a trip for the season, indulge in some October tasty hot drinks. It's not all pumpkin spice out there. Seek out the non-Starbucks coffee shops near you to find yummy flavors like chai, maple, cardamom and others. Here's just a taste (sorry, not sorry) of what Portland's shops are serving up this season. Between you and me, that s'mores latte is legit!

Obviously, there are a ton more ways to celebrate Halloween, like Universal's Halloween Horror Nights, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, and throwing the ultimate bash at home, but these are some of the fun things I've found. Keep watching Facebook for my 31 Days of Halloween event, where I share something cool, spooky, scary each day of the month. 

What are your favorite ways to enjoy the season?

5 Perks to Visiting Destin at the Cheapest Time

Most people visit Destin, Florida’s jewel-toned waters for annual family beach vacations in the summer. Vacation rentals reach their highest peak rates this time of year due to the strong demand. The sizzling summers are obviously a great time to come to what is now known as the Emerald Coast. Many visitors luxuriate in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico near the sugary white sand shoreline. 

Savvy travelers know that the best time to visit this piece of paradise occurs from November 1^st through early March. Here are 5 key perks available to those who visit Destin during the cheapest time to come.    

1. Vacation Rental Rates are a Real Bargain!

High demand escalates all rental costs during the hot summers but the quieter winter months offer the lowest rates available for every property. Most guests use vacation rental properties instead of a hotel for great value since they offer multiple sleeping quarters and they can share the cost.  Kitchens are included and provide big savings on meals when “dining in”. Although rates in Southern Florida hit peak during the winter, properties along 

The Emerald Coast in Northwest Florida are at their absolute lowest. Temperatures range from the mid sixties during the day to high forties at night with almost daily sunshine. Even if you may not be swimming, it is perfect weather for sightseeing, golf and other delightful diversions at a huge savings.

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2. Christmas Shopping is a Bargain too!

The famous Silver Sands Premium Outlets in Miramar Beach is one of the largest discount shopping center in the entire nation. Millions of visitors shop there every year for prestigious store brands at bargain rates up to 70% off retail prices. It is the perfect place to shop and especially at Christmas time. These huge discounts are available at over 110 designer stores for men, women and children’s clothing, shoes, handbags, leather goods, household items, crystal, china and jewelry.

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3. The Holidays are here!

Places like the New Orleans French Quarter inspired Village of Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin and charming Disneyesque Harborwalk Village in Destin celebrate the holidays in a big way. Major seasonal festivals are held here for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years and Mardi Gras. Expect lots of vibrant lights, free outdoor concerts, parades, holiday festivities, great food and even fireworks.

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4. The Wide Open Spaces!

This time of year you may enjoy wide-open spaces compared to the throngs of people who visit the Destin area during the summer. There are no heavy traffic jams or waiting in line at popular restaurants. It’s a wonderful time to spend serene times on beautiful beach listening to the soothing surf sounds, watching distant dolphins frolic and see squadrons of pelicans flying overhead.

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5. Romantic Rendezvous!

The lack of a crowd provides a perfect time for enchanting walks along mostly deserted sugar white beaches, especially when the sun sets in spectacular fashion right down into the gulf. Restaurants on the beautiful beach side provide romantic sunset dinners during this special time of the year. (Think Valentine’s Day, special birthdays or anniversaries!)

Many visitors to Destin’s Emerald Coast stay at distinctive privately owned vacation homes and condos, many of which come with heated pools and bubbling hot tubs for sensuous relaxation. One real bargain includes rental properties at the Sea Cabins by Ocean Reef Resorts, which includes a heated pool and a private beachfront gazebo on the sugary shore along Scenic Gulf Drive in Miramar Beach. Four to six guests may stay here starting at $64 per night or weekly at $385. These same properties rent for more than twice these amounts during the summer months!

Take time to plan your own special winter getaway during the Season of Savings. You can experience a special holiday or memorable time away with loved ones in Destin at bargain rates. 

Extend Your Summer with These 5 Trips

It's October and it's turning into our cold and rainy season here in Oregon. It's not hard to endure one or the other, but both at the same time can be brutal. This is one of the reasons we usually travel this time of year. The others are that it's cheaper and destinations are much less crowded, because the kids are in school.

I don't mind packing a coat and boots when I travel, but there are lots of places you can go in the early fall that are still warm, so you don't have to take your swimsuit and shorts out of your carry-on to finish packing.

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Marrakech, Morocco 

With temperatures still in the mid-80s, you can revel in the sunlight during the day, then add a layer for the evening when they dip into the 50s. This gives you the option to enjoy the beach, hiking, wandering the souks for items to bring home, and wandering the gardens and streets to take pictures of amazing architecture and different flora. October hotel rates are pretty low, so you can definitely fit it into a budget.

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Gran Canaria, Spain

Located in the Canary Islands, Gran Canaria is off the coast of Spain and Africa. The black and white beaches are something to behold, that you won't find elsewhere. And there are 37 miles of them, meaning you won't have to fight for a stretch of sand of your own. Hike the famous dunes, explore the lovely little coast town, and soak up some history while you're there. Whether you're looking for a totally chill vacation or one full of sightseeing and more, you'll find it here.

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Santa Barbara, California

Southern California is usually very comfortable this time of year. We're headed to San Diego, but Santa Barbara is just as fantastic. The weather in both are in the mid- to high 70s, which means you can still head to the beach if you like. Not only are there plenty of sandy spots to call home, there's also awesome hiking and wine tasting venues. If you're a shopaholic or a foodie, you won't run out of places to give you an easy vacation high. Hotel rates are fairly low, as well as airfare, so your wallet will definitely thank you.

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Crete, Greece

Packing your walking shoes and be prepared to climb a billion steps, but with the most amazing views you'll see anywhere. Even the blue and whites of the buildings on the cliffside are photo-worthy. The days will range between the 70s and 80s, making it much more bearable than the crazy hot summers. Not only can you find accommodations in all price ranges, but you can laze on the beach, explore charming villages, go hiking (on more than just steps) or immerse yourself in history. And if you love food, Greece is not the worst place to be to get your eat on.

Sedona, Arizona

Want to rest and recharge? Hit up Arizona when the weather isn't like visiting Hell. Sedona is known for luxury and healing. Get in on outdoor activities, like hiking, golf, and wine tasting, or indulge in spas, yoga retreats, and hot springs. Depending on where you want to stay, you may be paying a little bit more for a hotel room, but you'll make up for it in affordable airfare.

Fall travel without the fall weather is doable if you're creative and think outside of the box. Like I always say, every destination has awesome stuff to see and do if you look hard enough. Ask friends on social media, research online, and do whatever you can to plan the most awesome, off the beaten track, trip you can. What's your favorite fall vacation destination?