Search Results for: blog spooktacular halloween travel destinations for thrill seekers

Where To Have a Haunted Halloween

It’s that time of the year again. Time to get your scream on at amusement parks nationwide. According to the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, 81 percent of amusement parks are hosting Halloween or fall-themed events this year. Thrill-seekers can partake in a variety of hair-raising events from haunted houses complete with bloody zombies and three-eyed monsters to corn mazes featuring ax-wielding madmen. Here’s a list of some of the most spooktacular Halloween events taking place this month: “Hall of Terror” and “Haunted River Ride” at Adventure Landing in Jacksonville Beach, Florida “Howl-O-Scream” at Busch Gardens, Tampa Bay, … Continue reading →

Who’s Your Favorite Movie Villain? Part One

Entertainment Weekly just listed its 50 favorite movie villains. You know, the bad guys that we love to hate. But, they also got hammered for leaving some fan favorites out. Who made their top 50 list? (Warning, if you haven’t seen all these movies, there may be some spoilers mentioned) Of course, Star Wars nemesis Darth Vader was on the list. Trying to kill your own son (Luke Skywalker) and daughter (Princess Leia) certainly qualifies you to head straight to the top of the villain list. Voiced by actor James Earl Jones, Darth Vader is an iconic villain that will … Continue reading →

Halloween Horror Nights: Can Your Marriage Survive It?

If you read Date Night at a Haunted House is Supposed to Be Fun, Right? you know I have issues about haunted houses, haunted barns, scream parks, whatever you might call them. That’s why you might be surprised to know I did try to go to one with Wayne again. Round Two It was about four years ago. We were living in Jacksonville, Florida and I had a writer’s conference down in Altamonte Springs, which is right outside Orlando. It was during October and the height of Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights. It was supposed to be amazing and both … Continue reading →

Creepy Halloween Beverages: Using Dry Ice

Using dry ice is the best way to get that creepy, spooky grave yard effect. It gives the impression that you’re serving some sort of concoction or brew rather than plain old homemade punch. You can pretty much make any type of beverage using dry ice so grab your favorite punch recipe, and some dry ice for a spooky brew. What It Is Dry ice is frozen carbon dioxide. Dry ice must be handled carefully because it is much colder than regular ice. In fact, you should always use gloves when handling dry ice. (Think about how when it’s really, … Continue reading →

Date Night at a Haunted House is Supposed to Be Fun, Right?

From the time I was allowed to watch them, I’ve always loved horror movies. In my teenage years I was less discriminating and would give almost any of them a shot. These days I don’t watch every single one, and I don’t like ones that are just about guts and gore. There has to be some kind of plot and, preferably, some kind of reason, twist, or mystery associated with the chills. Wayne’s always been a good sport and humored my horror movie loving ways. He’ll go see them with me, even though he doesn’t much like them himself. It … Continue reading →

Where To Get Your Scare On In Chicago

Confession time: My 3-year-old daughter and I put up some Halloween decorations yesterday. Yes, I know, it’s only the second week in September. (Relax, they’re just pumpkin window clings… and she begged me all morning.) Ever since we got her new Halloween costume a few days ago… listen, I refuse to hang my head in shame about this since my daughter had to wear a giraffe costume a size too small last year (she changed her mind twice). I made the mistake of waiting until the second week in October to purchase it and apparently savvy parents in these parts … Continue reading →

Spooktacular Halloween Travel Destinations For Thrill Seekers

Each time my 3-year-old sees the commercial for Six Flags’ annual Fright Fest she runs for cover. Needless to say, we won’t be driving to the Illinois amusement park to take in the Halloween festivities this year. But, if you have older children who live for all things creepy and chilling then you might consider visiting some of the many Halloween-themed spooktacular events taking place around the country. Here’s a small sample of some the scream-inducing offerings: UNIVERSAL STUDIOS Halloween at Universal Studios theme parks is sure to send chills up your spine. This year the Orlando park celebrates the … Continue reading →