A Lesson on Halloween in California is courtesy of: Haunt Rave haunted houses

A Lesson on Halloween in California

Halloween never has been my favorite holiday. As a kid, growing up on the farm, trick-or-treating meant getting in and out of the car (often on very cold nights) and wearing coats over our costumes. I certainly liked the candy, but it never made much sense to me.

As a father, I must admit I have warmed to the holiday, but I still have a problem with all the focus on witches and ghouls and such. A holiday that focuses on scary things still bothers me just a little bit. I've been pleased that my children have typically chosen more wholesome images to emulate through their costumes.

This year was different though. I've actually been looking forward to Halloween since the middle of June. I planned. I prepared. I thought and strategized about it. But, it didn't go quite the way I expected ...

<b>The Garage Sale</b>

Our community has a neighborhood garage sale each June. By planning everyone's sale on the same day more people attend and the event is more successful for everyone. For several years my son Parker has had a stand selling lemonade, coffee, muffins and cookies, taking advantage of all of the shoppers who came to our cul-de-sac. Last year, my neighbor Jim and I added hot dogs and other grilled food to the menu. People could shop and get a meal too! We had so much fun; we did it again this year.

Only this year, we secretly decided to give the proceeds to our neighbors who have a son with autism. At our annual party, after the sale, we presented them with about $120 (a lot of money when you aren't selling anything for more than a dollar!) to give to the autism group of their choice.

<b>Trying Again</b>

The mix of the fun we had and the response we received from our neighbors led to another idea-- let's do this at Halloween. Halloween would be perfect we speculated; lots of traffic (since we always have more than 100 trick or treaters), easy to market (through flyers in the neighborhood), and this year Halloween would be on a Friday. It seemed perfect!

Every few weeks the subject came up. We talked about what to serve and how to market it. Jim, who works in the food brokerage business, got sponsors to provide all the meat. As the calendar turned to October we got more serious and the menu was set: hot dogs, bratwurst, hamburgers and homemade chili.

As I worked on the marketing flyer, all the foods became holiday-themed: Halloweenies, Beastie Brats, Haunted Hamburgers and Chilling Chili. We decided to sell soda and chips. We added a place for kids to bob for apples. We would have the candy from five houses for one stop trick-or-treating. We distributed more than 140 flyers. We were raising money for a great cause. In the final week we even realized we were going to have perfect weather-- upper 60's by "game time." We had the perfect setup for a successful event.

Are you looking for the best haunted houses in California, click here

<b>Halloween is Here</b>

Friday morning Lori and I made the chili. After lunch we finished shopping for the final items. I couldn't wait to set up! We got everything out-- ran extension cords to the street, set up lights, tables and chairs, blocked off the cul-de-sac and fired up the grill.

Two other neighbors were manning the candy-- to help the trick-or-treaters get it and to tell them which houses were empty. Parker, age 11, decided to help with the event rather than trick or treat. He would take money and answer questions. Jim would take and fill orders, and I was grill man. We fed the families around us, ourselves and our kids to get the grill going, and they took off to collect candy and good wishes. We were ready.

It got dark, and we had very few trick-or-treaters, and even fewer customers. One mother said she and her son would be back after they were done. We rubbed our hands and prepared for the onslaught.

The onslaught never came.

<b>The Results</b>

By the end of the evening we probably had half our typical number of trick-or-treaters. We sold a little water and soda. We sold a few grilled items. We made $32 (before expenses).

It was a tough night for me. In retrospect, I was as discouraged and disappointed as I can remember being in a long time. It was Sunday before I was really back to normal.

Find the best haunted houses in California, search here

The Lesson

I shook myself out of my self-imposed funk by thinking back on what we did-- and what we accomplished. $32. I didn't even count it until Monday. Truth be told, it was more than I expected at that point. My reflection helped me realize that several positive things happened:

- We had fun both planning and doing the event.

- We strengthened neighborhood relationships.

- We taught our children a lesson about caring and doing things for others-- through our actions, not our checkbooks.

- We made a memory we will talk about for years.

- We learned what might have to change if we do this again on Halloween!

- I got the subject for this essay.

- A neighborhood shelter got lots of hamburger and hot dog buns.

- And we did add $32 to the Riley Children's Hospital Autism Unit to help them do their work.

However, the best result for me was the lesson of reflection. All the value created by the event was overshadowed in my mind when we didn't reach our goal. My personal goal had been $300. So, in reality, we did about 11% of that goal. I lost sight of all the good by focusing only on the desired outcome.

If you had asked me Saturday morning if the event was a success, I would have grimaced and quickly said no. If you ask me now, I will say that we didn't raise much money, but it was fun, and we learned a lot. Anytime you can have fun while learning is a good experience in my book.

We all suffer defeats, challenges and disappointments. Sometimes they are large; sometimes they aren't. Big or small, I believe there is value and learning in every one of them. Our goal has to be to find those lessons. We only find them by reflecting on the experience and expecting to find them.

Maybe you find yourself reeling from a setback as you read this. If so, please take the message to heart. Maybe the message is more theoretical for you at the moment, that's OK too. Use this as a reminder for the next time you are discouraged. Lift your head up, reflect on what happened, learn from it, smile and go on!

I don't know what next Halloween holds, but we already are talking about the garage sale. We may expand to breakfast. I'll let you know how it goes.

A Lesson on Halloween in Arkansas was originally seen on: https://hauntrave.com/

A Lesson on Halloween in Arkansas

Halloween never has been my favorite holiday. As a kid, growing up on the farm, trick-or-treating meant getting in and out of the car (often on very cold nights) and wearing coats over our costumes. I certainly liked the candy, but it never made much sense to me.

As a father, I must admit I have warmed to the holiday, but I still have a problem with all the focus on witches and ghouls and such. A holiday that focuses on scary things still bothers me just a little bit. I've been pleased that my children have typically chosen more wholesome images to emulate through their costumes.

This year was different though. I've actually been looking forward to Halloween since the middle of June. I planned. I prepared. I thought and strategized about it. But, it didn't go quite the way I expected ...

<b>The Garage Sale</b>

Our community has a neighborhood garage sale each June. By planning everyone's sale on the same day more people attend and the event is more successful for everyone. For several years my son Parker has had a stand selling lemonade, coffee, muffins and cookies, taking advantage of all of the shoppers who came to our cul-de-sac. Last year, my neighbor Jim and I added hot dogs and other grilled food to the menu. People could shop and get a meal too! We had so much fun; we did it again this year.

Only this year, we secretly decided to give the proceeds to our neighbors who have a son with autism. At our annual party, after the sale, we presented them with about $120 (a lot of money when you aren't selling anything for more than a dollar!) to give to the autism group of their choice.

<b>Trying Again</b>

The mix of the fun we had and the response we received from our neighbors led to another idea-- let's do this at Halloween. Halloween would be perfect we speculated; lots of traffic (since we always have more than 100 trick or treaters), easy to market (through flyers in the neighborhood), and this year Halloween would be on a Friday. It seemed perfect!

Every few weeks the subject came up. We talked about what to serve and how to market it. Jim, who works in the food brokerage business, got sponsors to provide all the meat. As the calendar turned to October we got more serious and the menu was set: hot dogs, bratwurst, hamburgers and homemade chili.

As I worked on the marketing flyer, all the foods became holiday-themed: Halloweenies, Beastie Brats, Haunted Hamburgers and Chilling Chili. We decided to sell soda and chips. We added a place for kids to bob for apples. We would have the candy from five houses for one stop trick-or-treating. We distributed more than 140 flyers. We were raising money for a great cause. In the final week we even realized we were going to have perfect weather-- upper 60's by "game time." We had the perfect setup for a successful event.

Are you looking for the best haunted houses in Arkansas, click here

<b>Halloween is Here</b>

Friday morning Lori and I made the chili. After lunch we finished shopping for the final items. I couldn't wait to set up! We got everything out-- ran extension cords to the street, set up lights, tables and chairs, blocked off the cul-de-sac and fired up the grill.

Two other neighbors were manning the candy-- to help the trick-or-treaters get it and to tell them which houses were empty. Parker, age 11, decided to help with the event rather than trick or treat. He would take money and answer questions. Jim would take and fill orders, and I was grill man. We fed the families around us, ourselves and our kids to get the grill going, and they took off to collect candy and good wishes. We were ready.

It got dark, and we had very few trick-or-treaters, and even fewer customers. One mother said she and her son would be back after they were done. We rubbed our hands and prepared for the onslaught.

The onslaught never came.

<b>The Results</b>

By the end of the evening we probably had half our typical number of trick-or-treaters. We sold a little water and soda. We sold a few grilled items. We made $32 (before expenses).

It was a tough night for me. In retrospect, I was as discouraged and disappointed as I can remember being in a long time. It was Sunday before I was really back to normal.

Find the best haunted houses in Arkansas, search here

<b>The Lessons</b>

I shook myself out of my self-imposed funk by thinking back on what we did-- and what we accomplished. $32. I didn't even count it until Monday. Truth be told, it was more than I expected at that point. My reflection helped me realize that several positive things happened:

- We had fun both planning and doing the event.

- We strengthened neighborhood relationships.

- We taught our children a lesson about caring and doing things for others-- through our actions, not our checkbooks.

- We made a memory we will talk about for years.

- We learned what might have to change if we do this again on Halloween!

- I got the subject for this essay.

- A neighborhood shelter got lots of hamburger and hot dog buns.

- And we did add $32 to the Riley Children's Hospital Autism Unit to help them do their work.

However, the best result for me was the lesson of reflection. All the value created by the event was overshadowed in my mind when we didn't reach our goal. My personal goal had been $300. So, in reality, we did about 11% of that goal. I lost sight of all the good by focusing only on the desired outcome.

If you had asked me Saturday morning if the event was a success, I would have grimaced and quickly said no. If you ask me now, I will say that we didn't raise much money, but it was fun, and we learned a lot. Anytime you can have fun while learning is a good experience in my book.

We all suffer defeats, challenges and disappointments. Sometimes they are large; sometimes they aren't. Big or small, I believe there is value and learning in every one of them. Our goal has to be to find those lessons. We only find them by reflecting on the experience and expecting to find them.

Maybe you find yourself reeling from a setback as you read this. If so, please take the message to heart. Maybe the message is more theoretical for you at the moment, that's OK too. Use this as a reminder for the next time you are discouraged. Lift your head up, reflect on what happened, learn from it, smile and go on!

I don't know what next Halloween holds, but we already are talking about the garage sale. We may expand to breakfast. I'll let you know how it goes.

A Lesson on Halloween in Illininois

The following article A Lesson on Halloween in Illininois is republished from: www.hauntrave.com

A Lesson on Halloween in Illinois

Halloween never has been my favorite holiday. As a kid, growing up on the farm, trick-or-treating meant getting in and out of the car (often on very cold nights) and wearing coats over our costumes. I certainly liked the candy, but it never made much sense to me. As a father, I must admit I have warmed to the holiday, but I still have a problem with all the focus on witches and ghouls and such. A holiday that focuses on scary things still bothers me just a little bit. I've been pleased that my children have typically chosen more wholesome images to emulate through their costumes.

This year was different though. I've actually been looking forward to Halloween since the middle of June. I planned. I prepared. I thought and strategized about it. But, it didn't go quite the way I expected ...

<b>The Garage Sale</b> Our community has a neighborhood garage sale each June. By planning everyone's sale on the same day more people attend and the event is more successful for everyone. For several years my son Parker has had a stand selling lemonade, coffee, muffins and cookies, taking advantage of all of the shoppers who came to our cul-de-sac. Last year, my neighbor Jim and I added hot dogs and other grilled food to the menu. People could shop and get a meal too! We had so much fun; we did it again this year. Only this year, we secretly decided to give the proceeds to our neighbors who have a son with autism. At our annual party, after the sale, we presented them with about $120 (a lot of money when you aren't selling anything for more than a dollar!) to give to the autism group of their choice.

Are you looking for the best haunted houses in Illinois, search here!

<b>Trying Again</b> The mix of the fun we had and the response we received from our neighbors led to another idea-- let's do this at Halloween. Halloween would be perfect we speculated; lots of traffic (since we always have more than 100 trick or treaters), easy to market (through flyers in the neighborhood), and this year Halloween would be on a Friday. It seemed perfect! Every few weeks the subject came up. We talked about what to serve and how to market it. Jim, who works in the food brokerage business, got sponsors to provide all the meat. As the calendar turned to October we got more serious and the menu was set: hot dogs, bratwurst, hamburgers and homemade chili. As I worked on the marketing flyer, all the foods became holiday-themed: Halloweenies, Beastie Brats, Haunted Hamburgers and Chilling Chili. We decided to sell soda and chips. We added a place for kids to bob for apples. We would have the candy from five houses for one stop trick-or-treating. We distributed more than 140 flyers. We were raising money for a great cause. In the final week we even realized we were going to have perfect weather-- upper 60's by "game time." We had the perfect setup for a successful event.

<b>Halloween is Here</b> Friday morning Lori and I made the chili. After lunch we finished shopping for the final items. I couldn't wait to set up! We got everything out-- ran extension cords to the street, set up lights, tables and chairs, blocked off the cul-de-sac and fired up the grill. Two other neighbors were manning the candy-- to help the trick-or-treaters get it and to tell them which houses were empty. Parker, age 11, decided to help with the event rather than trick or treat. He would take money and answer questions. Jim would take and fill orders, and I was grill man. We fed the families around us, ourselves and our kids to get the grill going, and they took off to collect candy and good wishes. We were ready. It got dark, and we had very few trick-or-treaters, and even fewer customers. One mother said she and her son would be back after they were done. We rubbed our hands and prepared for the onslaught. The onslaught never came.

<b>The Results</b> By the end of the evening we probably had half our typical number of trick-or-treaters. We sold a little water and soda. We sold a few grilled items. We made $32 (before expenses). It was a tough night for me. In retrospect, I was as discouraged and disappointed as I can remember being in a long time. It was Sunday before I was really back to normal.

Find the best haunted houses in Illinois, click here

<b>The Lessons</b> I shook myself out of my self-imposed funk by thinking back on what we did-- and what we accomplished. $32. I didn't even count it until Monday. Truth be told, it was more than I expected at that point. My reflection helped me realize that several positive things happened: - We had fun both planning and doing the event. - We strengthened neighborhood relationships. - We taught our children a lesson about caring and doing things for others-- through our actions, not our checkbooks. - We made a memory we will talk about for years. - We learned what might have to change if we do this again on Halloween! - I got the subject for this essay. - A neighborhood shelter got lots of hamburger and hot dog buns. - And we did add $32 to the Riley Children's Hospital Autism Unit to help them do their work. However, the best result for me was the lesson of reflection. All the value created by the event was overshadowed in my mind when we didn't reach our goal. My personal goal had been $300. So, in reality, we did about 11% of that goal. I lost sight of all the good by focusing only on the desired outcome. If you had asked me Saturday morning if the event was a success, I would have grimaced and quickly said no. If you ask me now, I will say that we didn't raise much money, but it was fun, and we learned a lot. Anytime you can have fun while learning is a good experience in my book. We all suffer defeats, challenges and disappointments. Sometimes they are large; sometimes they aren't. Big or small, I believe there is value and learning in every one of them. Our goal has to be to find those lessons. We only find them by reflecting on the experience and expecting to find them. Maybe you find yourself reeling from a setback as you read this. If so, please take the message to heart. Maybe the message is more theoretical for you at the moment, that's OK too. Use this as a reminder for the next time you are discouraged. Lift your head up, reflect on what happened, learn from it, smile and go on! I don't know what next Halloween holds, but we already are talking about the garage sale. We may expand to breakfast. I'll let you know how it goes.

Treats for Your Halloween Tricksters

The following blog post Treats for Your Halloween Tricksters is republished from: Haunt Rave Directory Blog

Treats for Your Halloween Tricksters

If you are planning a Halloween party of any type, there is a good chance that food will be involved. However, with Halloween being a night of creeps and spooks, you might want to get a little more creative than the typical chips and dip. Here are some ideas for how to incorporate the themes of the season and the holiday into your kitchen.

Seasonal foods

Halloween comes at the end of fall, a time when there are plenty of fresh harvest items to enjoy. You can incorporate these into your Halloween dining for fresh, (and often inexpensive) delights.

One of the favorite Halloween traditions is the carving of the Jack-o-lantern. And as anyone who has ever carved a pumpkin knows, the glowing creation on your front steps on Halloween night leaves behind a pile of slimy pumpkin guts. However, you can use this pumpkin flesh to create delicious treats. Pumpkin cooks up well into pies, cookies, muffins, and soups that you can serve for your Halloween meal. And seasoned and roasted pumpkin seeds are a popular snack. You can always experiment with flavors to create your own delicious versions.

Another bountiful harvest item around Halloween is the apple. Apples work great fresh, candied, and baked into cakes, muffins, and pies. And of course there is always applesauce! If you are in need of some game ideas for your Halloween party, bobbing for apples has always been a long time favorite.

Other Treats

Of course, your ghouls and goblins are probably not thinking about healthy fruit when they are donning Halloween costumes. For many, Halloween is as much about the candy as it is about getting to dress up. So you will want to have plenty of sweet treats on hand as well.

Cookies are always a favorite with kids of all ages. You can use your favorite cookie dough flavor, and then shape it into fun Halloween shapes using cookie cutters. Bats, ghosts, and jack-o-lanterns/pumpkins all work well for shaped cookies. Or, you can choose to decorate your favorite cookies using orange, black, and white frosting and/or sprinkles. If you are pressed for time, pre-shaped holiday cookies are often available at your local grocer.

If you are looking for another treat idea, popcorn is always fun. You can take your favorite popcorn ball recipe and fashion ghosts instead of balls. Add a few pieces of candy for eyes and a mouth, and you have a fun treat. Or, put fresh-popped popcorn into disposable plastic gloves, with a piece of candy at the finger tip, to create monster hands.

Getting creative
You can always turn your kid's favorite foods into Halloween dishes with a little creativity. Food coloring can turn ordinary foods into creepy monster dishes. Decorate cupcakes with licorice legs and candy eyes to create spiders. Or simply get a little creative with how you serve everyday items to design your own spooky feast.

With a little work and a little creativity, you can come up with your own Halloween treats for your little tricksters.

The following article Discover Halloween Sounds is available on: https://hauntrave.com/

Discover Halloween Sounds

Halloween is a time for scaring folks, becoming what you always wanted to be (a princess or a superhero) or would never hope to be (a monster or a mummy), eating delicious sweet treats, seeing ghostly images, and hearing Halloween sounds that make your blood curdle.

Halloween sounds are a big part of the holiday fun, and you should not overlook the sense of hearing when decorating for your party or rigging up the scariest house in the neighborhood for the trick-or-treaters.

Find the best local haunted house in Chicago, click here!

Halloween sounds of things that go bump in the night, screams of helpless victims, songs of monsters, fling bat wings, and spooky howls can add just the right frightening touch to any scene-- whether it is your charity's haunted house fundraiser or your own front yard that awaits the pounding feet of little tykes dressed up in all their finery.

There are a few different ways you can accumulate some scary and fun Halloween sounds to your life this holiday.

You can head to your local costume shop, party superstore, WalMart, or probably even dollar store and pick up a pre-recorded CD or tape of classically frightening Halloween sounds and noises. This is easy, and they are usually only five bucks or less.

For a little more of a personal touch, you can make a recording of your own Halloween sounds. Just get out a tape recorder and bang some pots and pans together. Have your kids enter a screaming contest, and record the screams as they get louder and louder.

Find the best local haunted house in Chicago, click here!

Make your voice sound hoarse like you used to do when you wanted to get out of going to school, and say monsterly things like, "Come here you little ones," or "Have I got a treat for you?" Basically, anything that sounds like it might be creepy after dark will work. Then, of course, on Halloween night, just put it on the porch and let it play.

For a higer-tech version of Halloween sounds, you can turn to your new best friend, the Internet. There are lots of sites out there that have free WAV files and other noises that you can download and burn onto a CD right on your own computer. Just look around for a while and record anything you think sounds pretty darn scary-- or even funny-- if you prefer, and you will have a CD you can pop in your computer or stereo and play after dark when the little goblins are heading up the sidewalk or driveway.

Scary-loking decorations like spider webs, skeletons, jack-o-lanterns, and tombstones are way too much fun to describe, but be sure to include some Halloween sounds into your Halloween decorating plans to make for a really spooky night.

Search Chicago for a haunted house, click here!

Fun & Easy Halloween Party Themes and Ideas is republished from: Haunt Rave

Fun & Easy Halloween Party Themes and Ideas

Halloween is the day of the year that has the most parties thrown in its honor. Everyone loves to dress up and attend Halloween parties with their friends. Most people end up getting several invitations to different Halloween parties that are often on the same night. If you are planning to throw your own Halloween party, how can you get all your friends to head to your shindig and not someone else's? You need to come up with some unique and fun ideas that will get everyone on your list so excited about your party they won't even consider going anywhere else.

Not Just Any Old Theme

Many people don't bother thinking of a theme for their Halloween party since it seems to be somewhat of a theme already. But rather than just putting up some Happy Halloween banners and fake cobwebs, why not come up with a great theme party idea? You can do anything from a haunted house or graveyard to a monster mash or horror movie bash. Once you've chosen your theme apply it to everything from your invitations to your party food. Guests will love some guidance on what to dress up as, especially if you do something a little different.

Find the best local haunted house in Chicago, click here!

Your Halloween party invitations are one of the most important aspects of your party. Invitations are the best way to get your guests excited about your party. Many people don't even send invitations anymore so even sending out simple ones will help your party stick in people's minds. Be sure to apply your party theme to your invitations. If you can't find any invitations at your local party store that go with your theme you can always use invitation templates that you can download for free from the Internet.

You can totally customize invitation templates and add colorful pictures as well. Guests will love to receive these fun invitations in the mail. You should send your invitations out approximately three to four weeks before your party to give everyone time to make plans to attend. If you're running short of time sending electronic invitations is a great idea too. You can add animation and sound to e-invitations and even check guest's responses online. Be sure to contact anyone who doesn't respond via telephone since not everyone checks their email often.

Spooky Decorations

Everyone will expect to see your house decorated to the nines on Halloween so be sure not to disappoint. Your decorations should match your theme, so give them plenty of thought. For instance, a haunted house theme should be complete with low lighting, smoke, a spooky soundtrack, and even live ghouls to jump out and scare the guests as they arrive. A horror movie bash might include retro horror B-movie posters stuck on the walls which you can find on the Internet and print off at home.

Find the best local haunted house in Chicago, click here!

Decorations can be found just about anywhere in the months leading up to Halloween. Even grocery stores carry a wide selection. Start shopping early so you can get the best selection possible and take advantage of any sales. If you can't find just what you're looking for you can always rent decorations from a local party supply shop or even purchase decorations from the Internet. The Internet has an almost endless selection and you can find just about any party supplies or decorations you'll need.

Music is an important aspect of any party as well. While some spooky tunes are fun at first, you'll want to switch over to some more upbeat music once the party gets going. People love to dance so have plenty of high energy songs ready to go. If you are inviting a variety of different people have several different types of music so no ones gets bored.

Tasty Halloween Treats

Food is an important part of any party. While you don't need to provide a full meal, some creative and tasty snacks and treats will help keep your guests fueled for the night's festivities. Turning simple party food into ghoulish culinary delights will surprise and please your guests. Try making some bewitching cupcakes, and put out snacks such as gummy worms and other Halloween candy treats.

Costumes are a given, since this is Halloween after all. If you are having a Halloween theme of some sort, let your guests know on your invitations that they should dress to fit the theme. For instance, if you're throwing a horror movie bash, you can simply say, "come as your favorite horror movie star". Don't expect all your guests to comply with your request. Some people have been thinking up their Halloween costume since last year!

Don't forget about the party favors! Depending on how many people you're inviting and how much you're willing to spend, the possibilities are endless when it comes to party favors. A simple idea is candy bags full of traditional treats such as candy corn. Something more substantial might be a pumpkin carving kit that comes with cutouts and tools. Your guests will love having a little something to take home with them.

Endless Costume Possibilities

If you really aren't into the scary aspect of Halloween, you can always break with tradition and hold a different type of Halloween party. Have a famous couples party or a crazy hat party instead. Guests can still dress up but might be more creative then a white sheet with holes cut out of it. Dressing up for Halloween is something that both adults and kids can enjoy so great creative and have fun with it!

Having games at your party isn't a necessity, but can be a great deal of fun for your guests. Games act as an excellent icebreaker if everyone doesn't know each other. Any games where you can break people off into teams will help to get everyone talking. Pumpkin carving contests are a good idea, as is bobbing for apples. Be sure to give a prize to the best costume as well.

Your Halloween party is sure to be a success if you take the time to plan. Leave yourself plenty of time and don't forget it's all the little details that help to make a fabulous party. Enlist the help of family and friends if you're feeling overwhelmed, and remember, planning is half the fun!

Search Chicago for a haunted house, click here!

Travels Through Yorkshire, England

The blog post Travels Through Yorkshire, England was originally seen on: https://www.hauntrave.com/

Travels Through Yorkshire, England

“Of course, the castle is haunted you know,” teased the waitress as she served up tea and scones.

In Knaresborough everything stops for tea and scones, but only when topped with a healthy lashing of fresh cream and raspberry jam.

“They say the ghosts of several family members walk the halls of Allerton Castle,” she continued in a tone that suggested she had told this story before and obviously enjoyed it.

Her manner was exemplary. Her advancing years were of little consequence to her appearance; she maintained an air of elegance. She was born in the village and had lived here all her life.

The village of Knaresborough sits in the northern county of Yorkshire, around thirty miles north of Leeds.

The journey north along the M1 was instantly forgettable. Wrathful clouds followed me everywhere. The sky was a mishmash of drab greys, an incessant resource for the torrential downpour.

“How old is the castle?” I asked, eager to discover more of this historic landmark.

“I think it was built sometime around the seventeenth-century. I know it was recently damaged by fire. Many of the rooms are off limits during repair and restoration. Is it a social engagement?”

“My partner’s cousin is getting married there tomorrow,” I replied. “I’ve got a room on the high street for tonight.”

The café was sat on the banks of the river that had cut through the landscape for centuries. The riverbed was now part of a great gorge that snaked through the outskirts of the village.

Just before passing out of view, the river ran through the giant support pillars of the old railway bridge.

Directly overhead lay the ruins of the old Knaresborough Castle. Overlooking the river and the gorge, the abrupt drop of the land must have provided the inhabitants of the castle a wonderful natural defence.

Today, a monument stands in the corner of the castle grounds depicting the names of those who lost their lives in more recent conflicts.

I made for the high street and quickly found myself back in the modern world. The pace quickened as shoppers scurried in and out of shops seeking the latest bargains.

Back at the hotel I thought about what the old lady had said. Was the castle really haunted?

I lay in bed wondering about spooks and spirits. As the clock passed midnight the shadows in the room seemed more dark and sinister.

I felt my imagination getting the better of me before thankfully, I nodded off.

Four Best Vacation Places For Honeymooners

The post Four Best Vacation Places For Honeymooners is available on: https://www.hauntrave.com/

Four Best Vacation Places For Honeymooners

A honeymoon is an unforgettable holiday that every newly married couple embarks on, before establishing their marital life. Although a honeymoon is a traditional idea, nevertheless it carries romantic sentiment and in some cases, honeymoon holiday packages are also gifted to the newly weds by parents and relatives.

Choosing a honeymoon vacation destination can be a little confusing, but there are travel agencies out there who offer wonderful honeymoon packages. There are a number of exotic places that a couple can visit and travel agents are the best informed to help with the final choice. The US alone has so many exquisite places to visit.

Hawaii has been ranked as the number one honeymoon destination for decades now. Sun-kissed beaches, azure water, hidden coves, world class accommodation and the delicious cuisine make Hawaii special. Popular and incredibly beautiful, Hawaii is a lovers paradise. For those who are sports enthusiasts, Hawaii is ‘the’ place to be in to enjoy amazing water sports. Hawaii is one of nature’s perfect creations and the weather is simply perfect all year round.

The places worth visiting in Hawaii are Waikiki and Maui islands that display the island’s culture and natural beauty. There are many luxurious accommodation options in Hawaii that offer wonderful packages and benefits like Halekulani, Hyatt Regency and the Kahala Mandarin Oriental Hawaii, to name a few.

Niagara Falls is another perfect destination for honeymooners. Niagara Falls is both, beautiful and economic and its panoramic view can be viewed from the US as well as Canada. The main attractions at Niagara Falls include the ‘Maid of the Mist’ boat cruise that screens an enjoyable feature film from IMAX about the history of Niagara Falls. The other must-see attractions are:

- The Guinness Book of World Records Museum
- Mystery Maze
- The Haunted House
- The House of Frankenstein

You should not forget to visit New York while you are at Niagara Falls. You will get a lot of room to splurge on shopping, restaurants and some of the world’s best theaters.

Florida may be ranked third, but no other destination can compete with Florida in terms of the warm festive ambience that it extends to its guests. Florida offers something for everyone and its itinerary of must see places is so long that tourists are often confused about where to go and what to leave out. Starting from Walt Disney World to the wonders of Orlando, Palm Beach, Miami, Daytona and the Florida Keys, the place is amazing. Along with sightseeing, Florida also offers all its guests lavish accommodation and the most exhilarating assortment of water sports.

Las Vegas is at number four not because it lacks something, but because it has a bit more than a couple on a honeymoon can expect. Las Vegas is also famous as the ‘city that never sleeps’ and is known for gambling and quick weddings, besides sightseeing. This city offers every couple on a honeymoon an experience of a lifetime.

Apart from these places, other hot honeymoon destinations in the US are California (Wine Country), Pennsylvania (Poconos), Louisiana (New Orleans) and almost all the southern states on the Gulf Coast.

Most Popular Vacations for Honeymooners

Most Popular Vacations for Honeymooners was originally published to: Haunt Rave Haunted house reviews

Most Popular Vacations for Honeymooners

After tying the knot, most couples enjoy embarking on a traditional honeymoon of sorts. Some honeymoons are given as a gift to the newly weds from the parents or family of the bride and groom, while others are planned well in advance. Honeymoons are normally a one to two week long vacation for the newly weds, intended as a beautiful beginning to the new life waiting for them. There are many offers and travel packages available for honeymooners through travel agencies or the happy couple may decide to plan their own honeymoon without the help of a travel agency. With all the wonderful places in this world to go, the hardest part can be deciding between all of the beautiful and most romantic places in the world and choosing only one. Although there are many wonderful and romantic honeymoon locations in the US and even through out the world, here is a list of the most popular vacations for honeymooners in the US.

1. Hawaii. Ranking as the number one most popular, beautiful and romantic vacation destinations for honeymooners, Hawaii offers world class hotels, delicious cuisine, beautiful beaches, hidden coves, abounding water sports for those water sports enthusiasts and the perfect weather all year round. Imagine walking into an uncrowded, immaculate beach where the air is serene and touched with the fragrance of exotic flowers. The water a pristine turquoise blue and the thick banyan trees bow their branches to such majesty. Visit Waikiki, Maui and many of the other islands during your stay and enjoy the Hawaiian culture. There is a large variety of hotels and resorts to choose from, such as Halekulani, Hyatt Regency and the Kahala Mandarin Oriental Hawaii. All hotels and resorts offer wonderful packages and benefits.

2. Niagara Falls. Ranking the second most popular and romantic vacation destination for honeymooners, the natural wonders of Niagara Falls is both popular and affordable and can be enjoyed from either the US or the Canada side. Along with the Niagara Falls attractions is the “Maid of the Mist” boat cruise with the enjoyable IMAX feature film of “Miracles, Myths, and Magic” relating to the history of Niagara Falls. Nearby are attractions like the Guinness World of Records Museum, Mystery Maze, The Haunted House and The House of Frankenstein are simply a must-see while visiting the area. While visiting Niagara Falls, step into New York to sample the world’s best theaters, restaurants and shops. There’s a lot to do and see in and around Niagara Falls, with ample room to splurge.

3. Florida. Despite coming in third, Florida has plenty to offer from coast to coast. A warm festive atmosphere, beautiful sunsets and quelling beaches, Florida offers a little bit of something for everyone. The hardest thing for honeymooners with their heart set on Florida is deciding where to go. With choices from Walt Disney World and all the wonders of Orlando, Palm Beach, Miami, Daytona and the Florida Keys, honeymooners can find a variety of havens in Florida. With all the entertainment, sightseeing, water sports and relaxation, there is also an assortment of hotels and resorts from which to choose, all with their own special accommodations.

4. Las Vegas. Although coming in fourth, because it can be a bit more costly, Las Vegas is still a favorite among honeymooners. This is a city that never closes its doors and with all the sightseeing, entertainment and hotel accommodations to choose from, many couples can tie the knot and celebrate their honeymoon in the same city. Known for gambling, celebrities and fast weddings, Las Vegas is an experience that must be lived at least once in your life.

Closely following the four most popular honeymooner vacations are these most popular honeymoon havens: California (Wine Country), Pennsylvania (Poconos), Louisiana (New Orleans) and all the Southern states of the Gulf Coast. There are many beautiful and romantic honeymoon havens to escape to after tying the knot. These vacations can be bought in many different packages with a specific itinerary in mind or done at the spur of the moment. Either way, you don’t have to leave the US in order to have a romantic honeymoon, there are numerous hot honeymoon vacation spots right here in the US.

World of Warcraft’s Shaman: A Class Overview

World of Warcraft’s Shaman: A Class Overview is republished from: Haunt Rave

World of Warcraft’s Shaman: A Class Overview

Shamans are one of the oldest classes in Azeroth and were originally only available to players of the Horde, much as paladins are only available to players of the Alliance. When the Dark Portal opened, bringing the Draenei to Azeroth from Outland, the peoples of the Alliance began to learn to be shaman and the art is now practiced by both the Draenei and the Dwarfs. Four of the Horde’s races, the Tauran, Trolls, Orcs, and Goblins, all practice the shamanistic ways. The most powerful shaman in all the world, Thrall, leads the Horde as well. The totems of the Shamans have been changed with the upcoming Mists of Pandaria release, meaning that many Shaman players will have to re-learn their class. Luckily, many of their abilities were given large power increases, making them even more fun to play.

Elemental Shamans

The Elemental Shamans are spell casters, often compared with warlocks and mages in the ways that they work within a team. They have an Earthquake spell that does AoE damage, much like a warlock’s Rain of Fire or a mage’s Blizzard. They can store up electricity like a battery, unleashing a massive amount of damage through their Earth Shock. Elemental Shamans can even cast down a Thunderstorm, causing massive damage to all enemies around the Shaman and knocking them back out of melee range, giving him or her the chance to escape.

Enhancement Shamans

An Enhancement Shaman is the tank spec for the Shamans, but it differs from all other tank specs in one key way: When played correctly, most of its damage comes from spells and not from melee damage. Enhancement Shamans can dual-wield one-handed weapons, meaning they can carry two swords, maces, or axes (or any combination thereof) and capitalize on that with spells that cause greater damage. There is no “set” rotation, meaning that every strike and every spell must be learned to maximize the damage output of an Enhancement Shaman.

Restoration Shamans

A Resto Shaman, as they are referred to in-game, is a Shaman that heals itself, its party, and/or its raid group. A Resto Shaman’s healing abilities are ideal for large group heals and also for single-person healing. One of the best spells that they normally reserve for tanks is that of the Earth Shield. This provides protection for the tank and also heals the tank each time damage is taken. It can last for up to 10 minutes, which also gives the Resto Shaman time to focus on the rest of the group.

Other Perks

Shaman, like druids, have the ability to shape shift into different forms, providing stealth and/or movement bonuses. Shaman can use shields, one-handed weapons, and even two-handed weapons, which is unique to their class. They can also wear cloth and leather from the start and then upgrade to mail after level 40, giving them much greater defensive capabilities.

As you can see, playing a Shaman will give you many different ways to experience the World of Warcraft. Also, given that you can dual-spec for a really low amount of gold, you can experience it in two different ways at once, letting you pick your two favorite Shammy specs to play with. Which way will you go?

Halloween Family Fun

Halloween Family Fun was first published on: Haunt Rave

Halloween Family Fun

Halloween is a great family holiday. There are plenty of activities that the kids of all ages in your family can participate in, so why not get out of the house and join in the fun? Most cities will have plenty of options for Halloween fun in the month of October.

Trick-or-Treat

One of the most popular Halloween activities is trick-or-treating. If you are concerned about your kids heading out on their own on Halloween night, why not tag along? Don a costume yourself, and take the time to enjoy the scenery and everyone else's costumes. You might even get some candy of your own.

Deck the yard

And the halls, and yourself. If you choose to stay at home on Halloween night, why not make it fun for everyone who comes to visit you? Decorate your yard, entranceway, and yourself and get ready to enjoy the trick-or-treaters that come to call.

Costume parties

If you enjoy costumes, why not attend a costume party or host your own? This can be a great way for adults to have a more mature Halloween celebration, or just a fun way to allow the kids to enjoy their costumes for a little longer.

Haunted Houses

If you really want to get creeped out on Halloween, consider taking a tour through your local haunted houses. Most are designed to be gory and scary, so keep that in mind if there are little ones in your group. These attractions are usually quite popular, and are often open the entire month of October, so if you don't want to wait in line consider visiting them earlier in the month.

Boo at the zoo

If there is a zoo in your city, it might be worth checking to see if yours offers any special events in the month of October. Usually taking place on the weekends, Boo at the zoo usually allows your kids to dress up in costumes, receive treats, visit their favorite animals, and participate in fun activities.

Movie night

For movie buffs, some theaters will set up all-night horror film festivals. They often feature select cult classics like the Rocky Horror Picture Show, as well as others. This can be great entertainment for those who plan on staying up all night. Alternatively, if you want to stay home, consider having your own movie night at home with your personal Halloween favorites.

Haunted hayrides

For another traditional Halloween activity, consider taking a haunted hayride. Often hosted by local farms (quite possibly the one you pick your pumpkin from) these after dark activities include a spooky hayride, bonfire, and snacks and are usually appropriate for all age groups.

Research your ghostly neighbors

Nearly every town has an area or building that is “haunted” by some local ghost. Visit your local library or historical center to find out where these places are, and take your own local tour. In some areas, paranormal investigation teams will take tours out on Halloween to do some ghost hunting of your own.

Read a book

If curling up at home alone with the leftover candy is more your speed, consider reading a suspense/horror book. Your local library can surely recommend some good ones depending on your tastes.

Halloween always offers plenty to do if you take time to do it.

Recipe: haunted taco tarts

Recipe: haunted taco tarts is courtesy of: Haunt Rave Directory Blog

Haunted Taco Tarts
Makes 14.

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 pound ground turkey
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Egg Yolk Paint (recipe follows)
1 (15 ounce) package refrigerated pie crusts
1 egg white
1/2 cup chopped tomato
1/2 cup taco-flavored shredded cheese

Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until tender. Add turkey; cook until turkey is no longer pink, stirring occasionally. Stir in garlic, oregano, chili powder and salt; set aside.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease baking sheets.

Prepare Egg Yolk Paint; set aside.

On lightly floured surface, roll 1 pie crust to 14-inch diameter. Using 3-inch Halloween cookie cutters, cut out pairs of desired shapes. Repeat with second pie crust, re-rolling dough if necessary. Place 1/2 of shapes on prepared baking sheets. Brush edges with egg white. Spoon about 1 tablespoon taco mixture onto each shape. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon tomato and 1 teaspoon cheese. Top with remaining matching shapes; press edges to seal. Decorate with Egg Yolk Paint.

Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown.

Egg Yolk Paint

4 egg yolks, divided

4 teaspoons water, divided
Red, yellow, blue and green liquid food colorings

Place 1 egg yolk in each of 4 small bowls. Add 1 teaspoon water and a few drops different food coloring to each; beat lightly.

Halloween Beads

The following article Halloween Beads is republished from: https://hauntrave.com/

Halloween Beads

Halloween is one popular occasion celebrated by millions of people all over the world. Both children and adults celebrate it once a year and many have even prepared much for it, not just for costumes, but for everything associated with it.

Being so popular, it’s no surprise to find people crafting Halloween beads for the public to use. They create different designs and styles of Halloween beads before, during and even after the Halloween. The beads are designed for several good purposes, either for gifts or just for keeps, and just like the rest of the beading items, they come in different colors, sizes, shapes, and designs. The designs, however, are all patterned according to what is hot during the occasion. It is typical for the Halloween beads to feature images of pumpkins, bats, spider web, spider, ghost, bones, or skull.

The question now is where can you possibly find Halloween beads that are crafted from high quality materials? Well, finding high quality Halloween beads is a not a big problem though. Besides, a number of jewelry and craft outlets are now operating out there to give you the best selection of beads appropriate for Halloween. These beads are offered at varying prices; however, so visiting the sites in person is truly a matter of consideration.

If you want to know exactly where a number of Halloween beads can be found, then consider the following sites:

CraftsNScraps.com

CraftsNScraps.com is one particular site on the web that features a number of well-designed and well-crafted beading materials for Halloween. The designs are generally created for the trick and treaters of all genders and ages. The beads are made from glass, polymer and acrylic materials. The ones made from glass are crafted with lampwork designs. It is also interesting to know that CraftsNScraps.com offers Halloween beads that can be customized to suit everyone’s need.

JuJeeBeads.com

JuJeeBeads.com currently features a gallery filled with beads of Halloween designs. The Halloween beads highlighted at this site are all well-crafted and are created from quality materials, making each piece precious and priceless. The items are offered in assorted sets, but there are also others that are offered by designs. They also come in different colors and shapes, and each varies in prices.

ShipwreckBeads.com

ShipWreckBeads.com is but another worth visiting portal on the web for Halloween beads. At this site, you can find jewelry and craft beads that are designed for Halloween and other special holidays, like Christmas, New Year, St. Patrick, and Hanukkah. In their Halloween line, you can find about 59 items available for purchase. And, perhaps the nice thing to know about this site is that they offer all their items at a low price.

To know much about the above mentioned bead stores and their services and products, just visit them online. They would be willing to help you find the right beads, for sure.

Haunted Vacations St louis

The blog post Haunted Vacations St louis is republished from: https://www.hauntrave.com/

Haunted Vacations

I see Dead People." Admittedly among the very best movie linesever spoken. From "Ghostbusters" to "Ghost" to "The Sixth Sense" Hollywood has actually had an attraction with the world beyond the living. Yet, why allow Hollywood have all fun? Probably on your next vacation, you wish to attempt your own hand at ghost searching.

There's inadequate room in one short article to list all the supposedly haunted sites in America. For that reason, I'm just mosting likely to familiarize youwith a few of these other-worldly destinations. First off, Moundsville, West Virginia. Don't know why, however West Virginia has greater than its share of hauntings and ghost trips. One such trip happens at the West Virginia Penitentiary in Moundsville, West Virginia, one of the bloodiest prisons in The U.S.A.. The tour begins at 8:00 P.M. as well as lasts an hour. But, it does not end there. From 9:00 P.M. till 6:00 the following morning, you're cost-free to discover the jail under the guidance of a paranormal investigator, or, if you're the actually endure kind, by yourself. Alone. With no one however the spirits to maintain you firm. This excursion is available March via November. Yes, that's right, you can also go on Halloween-- if you attempt.

Our next destination lies in Dresden, Ohio. Right here you' llbe able to tour and also invest the night in Prospect Place, a 29-room mansion built in 1856 by activist George Willison Adams. Cost for a trip as well as guestroom for the evening is just $40, which consists of breakfast when you get up (if you get up, that is). For those not choosing to remain the night, there is a 90-minute trip on Friday as well as Saturday evenings when paranormal investigations are set up.

Are you looking for the best haunted houses in St Louis, search here!

And also, for the real hens amongst us (not directing any type of fingers) there is a daytime scenic tour arranged. While on the ghost tour watch for the lots of souls which obviously haunt the manor. They consist of: The Servant on the Stairwell; Constance, the little woman who dropped from the terrace; The hearts of the many slaves escaping enslavement through the below ground railroad who took sanctuary in the basement.

Currently we pertain to St Louis, MI.  for a Ghost and GravestoneExperience evening tour of several of that city's most haunted places. Themed trolleys will take you and also various other "ghost hunters" to different hauntings, showcasing the Whaley Residence, which some think to be the most haunted houses in The U.S.A.. (Okay, exactly what does "most haunted" imply? To me, just one ghost is plenty).
Whaley Home has a specifically unfortunate background-- it rests atop agraveyard of some of the almost 9,000 Kumeyaay, a regional Indian people who were transformed to Christianity by Father Junipero Serra's goal, that passed away of illness and also violence. The Whaley household itself held lots of Kumeyaay as slaves. It's claimed that a lot of these Kumeyaay haunt your home to this particular day. Various other haunted areas on the excursion include the Villa Montezuma, the William Health Davis home in the Gaslamp Quarter, along with one of the earliest burial grounds in San Diego. Walking footwear are recommended (or, running shoes if you're of the hen variety I mentioned over). The scenic tour is about two hrs long. Reservations can be made by calling 619-298-8687.

Find the best haunted houses in Greater St. Louis by clicking here.

Who’s Afraid Of A Haunted House?

The blog post Who’s Afraid Of A Haunted House? is republished from: https://hauntrave.com

Who's Afraid Of A Haunted House?

It’s that time of year again. Time for all the ghouls and demons to come out of the woodwork. Time for children to dress up in imaginative costumes and go around their neighbourhoods asking for treats. Yes, it’s that enjoyable annual holiday: Halloween. During this holiday, one popular tradition, for many, is to go to the local haunted houses. In these creepy commorancies, people delight in the chance to entertain their primal fears. Many of us get a kick out of a good scare.

Of course, these are just false haunted houses. Annual occurrences of smoke and mirror type frights. They are fun because everyone plays along. The demons are actors, the ghosts, props. These haunted houses are fun because both spook and spooked, know that no one is actually going to be hurt in the process. So then, what of real haunted houses?

Here the rules change. This time the scares are real, and the safety of the victim is placed into question. Now one comes face to face with the supernatural. That is, assuming that there is such a thing as “the supernatural.”

Most neighbourhoods in many parts of the industrial and post-industrial world, seem to harbour one, or two allegedly haunted places. According to Dennis William Hauck’s National Directory of Haunted Houses, there are over 2,000 haunted places in the United States alone. This shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise considering that the only real criteria for a haunted house is a creepy atmosphere, a fairly rich history, and a few eyewitness accounts.

So, where are some of the best places to go, to see a “real” haunting? How about two of the most haunted places on earth?:

• Whaley House – Located in San Diego, California, this is the current reigning champion for the nation’s most haunted house. The abode was partially built on an old cemetery, as well as some of San Diego’s first public gallows. The residence has stood there for the past 148 years. Placement of the house, has made it a prime scene for many gruesome acts over the past century. Because of this, vast arrays of ghostly sightings have occurred on this property. These include the ghost of a young girl who accidentally hung herself on a clothesline whilst running down a hillside. Noted thief Jim Robinson, was hung 5 years before the house was built. His place of death now resides between the parlor and music room. Visitors have reported feeling a coldness and constriction of the neck, when around the archway that separates these rooms. Along with these two ghosts, there are numerous accounts of phantom scents in some rooms, cries of nonexistent babies in other rooms, and various apparitions that have been seen in the house’s mirrors and windows.

• Borley Rectory – Not to be outdone by the States, England is also host to a number of haunted places. The most haunted of which is, allegedly, Borley Rectory, in the small town of Borley, in Essex. The rectory (lodging for priests) was built in 1863, on the site of an ancient monastery. Interestingly enough, it was built on a spot that was already known to house a ghost (a nun who was bricked up alive, in one of the monastic cellars). The rectory has since had numerous sightings of the nun, as well as many poltergeist activities, where various objects would be smashed, or displaced. Strange sounds, odors and cold spots are all known to occur there as well.

While both of these places claim to be haunted, one must ask if haunting is even a real thing, or just a psychosomatic phenomenon. Are ghosts real, or just figments of our imagination? This remains a controversial topic among the general public. A recent Harris poll (February 2003) found that a whopping 51% of people surveyed, believed in ghosts.

Of course belief in something, and the reality of it, are not always one and the same. After all, there was a time when much of the world believed that the planet was flat, and that disease was caused by the influence of the stars. While there is much debate over the validity of ghosts among the general public, there is little to no debate among the scientific community. To date, there has been no concrete evidence to suggest the validity of ghosts, or any other preternatural occurrences.

Okay then, so what are people seeing? Along with the various ghost seekers out there; there are also a handful of ghost-busters. Reading the various reports from these guys, has shown that ghostly encounters are the result of one of two things.

1. Hallucinations
2. Hoaxes

The first term is just reserved for clinically insane, right? Not really. Hallucinations are more common among the general public, than one might think. A hallucination is simply a moment where one’s brain mistakes a sight, sound, or smell, for something it isn’t. Most hallucinations occur during “dazed” moments. That is, moments when the person is in a fairly relaxed state. The two most popular times are just when one is going to, or coming out of sleep, or when doing a relaxed, fairly monotonous activity.

Hallucinations that occur when one is about to go to sleep, or when one has just come out of sleep, are called Hypnopompic Hallucinations, or “waking dreams.” The brain is not fully out of “sleep mode” when one wakes up, and thus, moments of dreaming, leak out into reality. Hallucinations can also occur during monotonous activities like cleaning. When one is placed into a daydreaming type state, apparitions have a tendency to occur. Many people report seeing something out of the corner of their eyes. This is often the result of their eye registering the sudden movement of some small thing (e.g. a fly, their eyelash, or pieces of drifting material inside the eye itself), and their brain associating it with a larger thing. Sometimes these take on the form of a person standing, or sitting. The degree of the detail in the hallucination, has a lot to do with how susceptible/imaginative the hallucinator is. The result, though, is always the same. The second the person looks away, the “apparition” disappears.

As for why so many people report the same thing; this has a lot to do with the power of suggestion. People who are aware of the stories associated with a particular place, are often predisposed to seeing the objects in question. Most of the time, the hallucination is just attributed to some portion of the stories the person may have heard (often getting molded to fit the scenario after the fact). Other times, the hallucination is vivid enough to create a new ghostly tale. This is usually the result of a person with a “fantasy prone” personality type. That is, a person who is particularly good at fantasizing. Many people like this go on to write fantasy/science fiction books, or claim to have psychic abilities. They also tend to be easily hypnotized. Cases where objects are found displaced, or moving, are often exaggerations of what actually happened. Sometimes the person might even subconsciously move stuff about in an effort to bring their fantasy to life.

Which, then, leads us into our second major type of haunting: hoaxes. Many haunted places around the globe, are staged that way to elicit the feeling of paranormal activities. Many places that have a history of being haunted, are probably getting a helping hand from owners/staff members who are trying to keep the legends alive. This can be small things like synchronized stepping sounds during a certain portion of the night, to intentionally flicking light switches on and off, creating ghostly images, and making up secondary stories.

Oftentimes, these “hoax houses” are readily ferreted out. Occasionally though, a haunted house retains its air of paranormal for much longer, and resists attempts at debunking. Take, for instance, the infamous case of the Amityville Horror. The Amityville Horror took place in Amityville, New York in 1975. The home had been the scene of the gruesome murder of the DeFeo family by family member Ronald “Butch” Jr. a year prior. The home was bought by George and Kathy Lutz, and their three kids. Not long after moving in, the Lutzes reported the demonic possession of their house, and gave a somewhat detailed account of what occurred there during their 28 day stay.

The story was turned into a book by authour Jay Anson, in 1977. This was then followed by a 1979 movie based on the book, and now a 2005 remake. All three feature the tagline: a true story. This, though, was far from the case. Ever since the initial tale was brought to the public’s attention, there have been detractors. Yet despite the noted compilation, by researchers Rick Moran & Peter Jordan, of over 100 different factual errors seen between the book’s story, and the actual facts (e.g. the supposed demonic hoof print found in the snow, could not have occurred as there was no snowfall that night), despite these facts, the legend continued.

In the end, it finally took the confession of William Weber (the DeFeo’s attorney), and the Lutzes themselves, to finally put this legend to rest. The Amityville Horror was finally debunked, but the damage was already done. All successive owners of the DeFeo’s old estate must now deal with multitudes of gawkers and paranormal investigators, who insist on touring the ill fated home.

So this Halloween, if someone dares you to spend the night at the local “real” haunted house; just remember the famous words of investigative authours Robert Baker and Joe Nickell:

“There are no haunted places, only haunted people.”

The Demand for Sexier Halloween Costumes is Increasing Every Year

The Demand for Sexier Halloween Costumes is Increasing Every Year was originally published on: https://www.hauntrave.com

The Demand for Sexier Halloween Costumes is Increasing Every Year

The trend toward sexier Halloween costumes has been skyrocketing in recent years. These outfits have surpassed children's costumes in demand, leading companies to increase their stock of these types of outfits by leaps and bounds. Large buyers are also asking for more and more of these costumes.

Whether it's the influence of shows like "Sex and the City" or the convergence of fashion even on holidays, sexy costumes are all the rage for all ages. These outfits are showing more leg and midriff, and sexy versions of classic characters are emerging. In addition, while many customers will put a cap on what they are willing to spend on costumes, they will often go the extra mile for the accessories needed to put the finishing touches on an outfit, such as wigs, eyelashes, nails and jewelry.

Fashionable and sexy are overlapping in all walks of life, and Halloween is no exception. Increasingly, contemporary styles are being reflected in Halloween costumes, and higher-quality fabrics and embellishments are being used. Fashion-conscious shoppers want to wow other party goers rather than scare them, and they know exactly what they want to accomplish this trick. Halloween has become less a holiday to these shoppers than a reason for putting their style on display. Where Halloween once existed in its own realm, it is now an event that has become in sync with style trends.

An area that will expand this year and in coming years is the middle ground. Parents and children will always disagree on what is tasteful and not, and even adults occasionally are at odds with what they feel comfortable wearing. Some customers just wan t to be flirty and playful, while others desire more revealing looks. The argument between what is too sexy and what is not sexy enough will linger, but companies are entering the fray by offering more costumes that lie somewhere in the middle.

The best news for customers is that, due to increased demand and competition among businesses that sell Halloween costumes, quality, creativity and choices are rising. The result is better and better costumes with more variety and size options-and the customer always wins in such situations.

Costume Party Shop has stayed ahead of the trend toward sexier Halloween costumes by compiling an enormous collection of sexy costume. We have outfits and accessories to fill all of your needs, plus a wealth of ideas for you to choose from. We're constantly updating our offerings to make sure that you'll be the talk of your next Halloween party.

The post The History Of Halloween was originally published to: www.hauntrave.com

The History Of Halloween

Halloween is a holiday that is loved by many people especially the Americans. It is celebrated on the eve of November 1. People on the night of October 31 dress Halloween costumes which makes Halloween the second highest grossing commercial holiday since people who will attend Halloween parties intricate their costumes. Traditional activities on this day include visiting haunted houses, designing jack-o-lanterns, and making bonfires. In some ways to cut costs, people are making homemade costumes instead of buying one, using the Halloween decorations in the previous years, and buying inexpensive candies.

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The tradition of Halloween root back in Samhain, an aged harvest festival held during the end of Celtic year. The harvest festival marks the start of winter and the end of summer season. It was imagined that dead spirits returned on the eve of the harvest festival to play tricks and harm the crops of the living. The celebration of Samhain usually involved bonfires since it is believed in the ancient times that fires attract insects to the places which allured bats to that area. It mentions that wearing of masks and Halloween costumes are efforts to imitate the bad spirits.

In the early times, the arrival of the Romans to the Celtic territories including Scotland, England, and Northern France leave a mark in the celebration of Samhain. The Romans influenced the people in these countries by bringing their holidays such as Feralia, the day of the Romans where they show respect to the dead. The evolution on the history of Halloween has become known to several countries in which Halloween activities such as trick-or-treat have become popular in many countries including the U.S., Canada, and Great Britain. It states that during the old times, Great Britain showed resistance to the growth of Halloween, wherein British policemen threaten to perform legal action to parents who permit their children to carry the "trick" element. Also in continental Europe, the act of practicing Halloween is perceive with skepticism as the police have raised suspicion on this game in general.

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Today, some states in the U.S. like Iowa, Massachusetts, and Ohio have designated the night of October 31 for trick-or-treating also called as the Beggars Night. It states that with the increasing influence of the American culture through constant exposure to media such as television, the Halloween practice of trick-or-treat began to happen among children in Saudi Arabia and in many parts in Europe. The trick-or-treat is a children's activity in Halloween where they go house to house in costumes, asking "trick or treat?" The treat asked by children is confectionery such as candies. If the homeowner answers "trick," a threat to play trick in his property is given. The main tradition of trick-or-treat expects children in the neighborhood to buy treats for the trick-or-treaters. The history of trick-or-treat which serves as an adult invention to prevent Halloween activities from vandalism has not been supported.

Halloween costumes are a part of the Halloween history. The customary practice of wearing Halloween costumes on the eve of Halloween, as well as the begging of food door to door, are practiced since the Middle Ages. The trick-or-treat activity symbolizes the act of "souling," when poor people would go door to door to receive food in exchange of praying for the dead on All Saints Day, which is held in November 2. In Great Britain and in Ireland, the same practices of souling were the same as in Italy. Despite the lack of evidence that testify the practice of souling in the U.S., it is believed that treat-or-trick was adopted in the country.

In addition, the early documentation of ritual begging in Halloween happens in 1911 when an Ontario newspaper reported that is acceptable for smaller children to make street guising on the holiday such as visiting neighbors and shops, and being given with candies and nuts as a reward for their songs and rhymes. Also, many Halloween postcards made in the turn of the 20th century depicts to show something about Halloween but does not represent trick-or-treat. Also, the immigration of many Scots-Irish in the U.S. from 1717 to 1770 started ritualism of begging in Halloween which became uncertain in the U.S. until the generations that came after.

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Halloween Family Fun is available on: https://www.hauntrave.com

Halloween Family Fun

Halloween is a great family holiday. There are plenty of activities that the kids of all ages in your family can participate in, so why not get out of the house and join in the fun? Most cities will have plenty of options for Halloween fun in the month of October.

Trick-or-Treat

One of the most popular Halloween activities is trick-or-treating. If you are concerned about your kids heading out on their own on Halloween night, why not tag along? Don a costume yourself, and take the time to enjoy the scenery and everyone else's costumes. You might even get some candy of your own.

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Deck the yard

And the halls, and yourself. If you choose to stay at home on Halloween night, why not make it fun for everyone who comes to visit you? Decorate your yard, entranceway, and yourself and get ready to enjoy the trick-or-treaters that come to call.

Costume parties

If you enjoy costumes, why not attend a costume party or host your own? This can be a great way for adults to have a more mature Halloween celebration, or just a fun way to allow the kids to enjoy their costumes for a little longer.

Haunted Houses

If you really want to get creeped out on Halloween, consider taking a tour through your local haunted houses. Most are designed to be gory and scary, so keep that in mind if there are little ones in your group. These attractions are usually quite popular, and are often open the entire month of October, so if you don't want to wait in line consider visiting them earlier in the month.

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Boo at the zoo

If there is a zoo in your city, it might be worth checking to see if yours offers any special events in the month of October. Usually taking place on the weekends, Boo at the zoo usually allows your kids to dress up in costumes, receive treats, visit their favorite animals, and participate in fun activities.

Movie night

For movie buffs, some theaters will set up all-night horror film festivals. They often feature select cult classics like the Rocky Horror Picture Show, as well as others. This can be great entertainment for those who plan on staying up all night. Alternatively, if you want to stay home, consider having your own movie night at home with your personal Halloween favorites.

Haunted hayrides

For another traditional Halloween activity, consider taking a haunted hayride. Often hosted by local farms (quite possibly the one you pick your pumpkin from) these after dark activities include a spooky hayride, bonfire, and snacks and are usually appropriate for all age groups.

Research your ghostly neighbors

Nearly every town has an area or building that is "haunted" by some local ghost. Visit your local library or historical center to find out where these places are, and take your own local tour. In some areas, paranormal investigation teams will take tours out on Halloween to do some ghost hunting of your own.

Read a book

If curling up at home alone with the leftover candy is more your speed, consider reading a suspense/horror book. Your local library can surely recommend some good ones depending on your tastes.

Halloween always offers plenty to do if you take time to do it.

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Options for Halloween Fun is available on: https://hauntrave.com

Options for Halloween Fun

Halloween is a fun holiday for both kids and adults. It gives them to chance to dress up as a favorite character and eat tons of sweets. Plus, thanks to the commercialization of all holidays, there is always a variety of things to do during the month of October. Here is a look at some of the fun ways that you can celebrate the holiday.

Trick or treating

Perhaps one of the most time-honored tradition of Halloween, trick or treating can be fun for many children. What could be more exciting than dressing in a great Halloween costume and getting candy for it? Adults should always accompany the youngsters when they go out, and everyone should carry flashlights and stay in well-lit areas. Adults should also inspect the candy before allowing kids to eat it.

Due to safety concerns, some neighborhoods are setting assigned hours for trick or treating-- or even doing it on Halloween afternoon instead of after dark. Sometimes local shopping centers will do trick or treating events at their stores as well for parents who prefer a public locale.

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Haunted locations

For older children and adults, haunted houses can be a great source of fun for Halloween night. Some places will even have toned-down attractions for the younger ones. Call ahead to find out hours and pricing, as well as the age of admission for scarier attractions.

Some churches will have Halloween alternative activities planned that are open to the community. Often kid will wear costumes, and there may be other activities like face painting, apple bobbing, hayrides, costume contests, and more for a more family-friendly celebration of the holiday.

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If you are lucky enough to live near an amusement park, you can find out whether or not they have any Halloween activities. Some will have special evening hours where you can come in costume, ride the rides, and hang out with various spooks and characters. There may also be stations set up where you can play games or receive treats. In general, these events are designed to be more silly than spooky.

Staying at home

There are also plenty of alternatives that you can do at home to celebrate Halloween. For instance, you could create your own haunted house and invite the neighborhood to stop by for a visit. Or, throw your own Halloween bash. Some party planners will choose a special theme for the evening, while others will simply go with the traditional Halloween icons. Costumes are a must, of course, and you can have your own games and activities tailored to the specific age group attending.

If you would rather just spend a quiet evening at home, you could consider renting some of your favorite Halloween flicks. A bowl of popcorn and your favorite Halloween candy and you are set for a quiet evening at home.

There are plenty of ways that you can choose to celebrate the Halloween holiday. A costume, some candy, and a little holiday magic and you are all set for a "spooktacularly" good time.

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For Lauderdale Ghost Tours — Hunt The Haunted Tonight!

For Lauderdale Ghost Tours — Hunt The Haunted Tonight! was originally seen on: Haunt Rave

For Lauderdale Ghost Tours --- Hunt The Haunted Tonight!

Hunt ghosts with the Ghosts, Mysteries & Legends tour of Old Fort Lauderdale, https://ift.tt/2f0lUCx, Fort Lauderdale's premier ghost tour. Ghost Guides introduce visitors and locals to Fort Lauderdale's "other night life" as they walk along the banks of the New River in the city's historic district.

The ghost tour takes guests to the city's most haunted places right in the heart of downtown, where the Tequesta Indians lived when the Spanish Conquistadors arrived and where the city as we know it today began.

The tour's chief ghost guide, Christian Rieger, says, "We concentrate our tour in the area where Fort Lauderdale started as a modern city — where the Flagler railroad came through in 1896.

"The freeze of 1895 that killed the citrus trees through central Florida, caused Henry Flagler to extend his Florida Eastcoast Railroad from Palm Beach to what is today Miami.

The city's first hotel, built because the railroad's coming through, was built next to the tracks at the river. Historians say that it is this area, where we have our ghost hunting, that the city, as we know it today, began."

Ghost tour guides, wearing a cape, top hat and carrying a lantern, tell stories of the fabled New River, trading posts and 100 year-old mansions. Is the Ghost Train that speeds silently over the tracks the train that caused the death 500 people in the Labor Day Hurricane of 1935? Some locals who claim to have seen it think so.

Visitors on the tour will discover the mystery of the woman in the white wedding dress and why she stands alone on the balcony of the city's oldest standing hotel building. Guides also tell tales of Seminole Indians that still haunt the river, the ghosts of early settlers, and the haunts of a popular restaurant.

"It is great family entertainment," says Rieger, "something for the family to do after dinner besides watch television in the hotel room. It also works great for local families, because ghost tours are a clever way of introducing local history to children — a way of making history interesting and easy to listen to."

"And bring your digital camera. We have had many guests who have photographed various images in the spirit world."

For more info, contact 954 523 1501or admin@fortlauderdaleghosttours.com

Printable Halloween Masks

Printable Halloween Masks is republished from: https://www.hauntrave.com

Have you ever thought about what makes Halloween so much fun? Are you jealous of the little ones because they get to have such a great time while all the adults are supposed to do is answer the door all night long?

Well, that is no longer the case. Halloween is no longer just for the kiddies. Halloween is a time for the grown-ups to have a howling good time as well, and one of the coolest ways to do that is to become a kid again. What better night is there for that than Halloween?

One of the greatest tools we adults have for making our own Halloween fun for our October celebration is the computer. If you are planning a Halloween party this year, why not make it a return-to-childhood Halloween theme? The computer offers all kinds of freebies that can make your Halloween childishly fantastic – from printable Halloween masks to coloring pages to great costume ideas to tips for decorating your house.

Before the big event, send out your invitations and make sure everyone knows you will be doing childlike things again as a part of this year’s Halloween fun. Here are things you can do:

Go online and get some printable Halloween masks. Give one to each party guest and have him or her color them in (if you choose the kind that need to be colored) and put them in a big box and let people pick their favorite to wear.

Or go online and get printable Halloween masks that don’t need to be colored in. Simply print them and follow the directions for applying some elastic and cutting out eyeholes. Then, as each person is greeted at your door, he hides his identity behind one of the printable Halloween masks. Everyone gets to be someone else for the night, and trust me, that’s one of the most fun things about Halloween.

You could even turn it into a guessing game if you like. The guests are required to arrive in costume – minus the mask. Then, each one gets one of the printable Halloween masks as they enter. The only one who knows who is who is the host; all the others have to guess who is behind the mask simply by observing the costume and the mannerisms of the hidden person.

Another option for a way to use printable Halloween masks is to tell everyone who is coming that they must arrive wearing a printable Halloween mask that they got off the Internet. That way, there is a little continuity and a theme is produced – the printable Halloween masks party.

When planning your adult get-together this Halloween, it can be so much fun and way cheap if you incorporate the use of your computer and use printable Halloween masks.

Halloween Tips: How To Pull Off Tricks And Treats Safely

Halloween Tips: How To Pull Off Tricks And Treats Safely was originally published to: https://www.hauntrave.com/

Halloween Tips: How To Pull Off Tricks And Treats Safely

Boo! Ha-ha. Got you. Honestly though, Halloween can be a spooky time for everyone. Kids are scared of the un-known ghosts and goblins that possibly reside behind trees or in gutters while parents are scared of un-known people who are out and up to no good.

To ensure your employees and clients’ families are safe and have a stress free Halloween, make a check list or consider giving them promotional products before Halloween. Not only will the products increase safety, they will also promote your business!

Here are a few promotional products ensure safe trick-or-treating in your community:

1) Flashlights

Sidewalks are sometimes uneven and many neighborhoods are not lit well. Help your clients and employees’ kids avoid injuries by giving them flashlights. Flashlights are an easy and economical way to keep kids safe and aware of their surroundings.

2) Tote Bags

Occasionally plastic bags and even worn pillow cases can get holes in them, leaving candy to spill on the pavement. Help clients and employees’ kids avoid this problem by giving them a tote bag. This product may not aid in safety, but it will make carrying candy easier for kids. A tote bag can be used for gathering candy…a lot of candy.

3) Glow Bracelets

Ensure that kids are easily seen with these nifty glow bracelets. While most people are aware children are out and about collecting candy on Halloween, some people may forget. Glow bracelets can help people driving cars see children quicker and make them slow down. Plus, kids love them!

These promotional products can take some of the stress off parents before their kids go out on Halloween. Not only will they promote your business, but they will show your community that your company cares about its well-being. Make sure all your clients and employees’ have a spooky, not dangerous, Halloween.

Diverse Opportunities With A Computer Animation Degree

Diverse Opportunities With A Computer Animation Degree is available on: https://hauntrave.com

Diverse Opportunities With A Computer Animation Degree

If you’re considering a computer animation degree and have been discouraged by people telling you that there isn’t much opportunity in this field, don’t believe it. Computer animation is actually a field that covers an incredible amount of territory and is currently in need of qualified, talented people. What surprises many people is the diversity of opportunities for individuals with a computer animation degree.

The first and most obvious opportunity (and the one that usually generates someone’s initial interest) is computer animated films such a cartoons and feature length movies. A generation ago these weren’t even dreams, but today some of the greatest money making films of all time have been computer animated. Studios like Pixar and Industrial Light and Sound are staffed by computer animators who design their films from conception to final cut.

Not Just Movies Anymore

But you don’t have to move to Hollywood to put a computer animation degree to good use. In fact, large cities that have dynamic advertising industries are increasingly drawing computer animation specialists. Advertising firms recognize the value of unique, unusual and compelling commercials, and computer animation is a favorite method of catching viewers’ attention in today’s marketplace. Whether it is talking lizards or elaborate accidents, animation takes advertising to the next level.

Theme parks also rely heavily on those with computer animation degrees to make their rides and other features more appealing. How many times have you waited in a long line for an attraction and been entertained by a short animated feature that sets the tone for the coming attraction? Today’s haunted houses and many other entertainment venues feature some form of computer-generated animation as either the main component or to enhance the overall effect.

Almost everyone has played a video game these days; video game developers may hire more computer animation degree graduates than any other industry. No matter how interesting or complex the game concept is, if the graphics and animation aren’t top-notch, the game is doomed to failure.

Advancing Research through Computer Animation

Individuals graduating with a computer animation degree frequently overlook research and development. This is a shame, because researchers in the scientific and medical communities are in desperate need of qualified animators to bring their work to life. More and more, researchers are relying on animation to help them clearly present their research and findings at seminars, hospitals and to the boards that fund their work.

Hospitals and clinics also use computer animation to demonstrate surgical techniques and other procedures to patients.

There are so many different ways that computer animation is used today and the market is steadily growing. In the future, it will be used in more inventive and diverse ways as technology advances, increasing the demand for skilled experts with a computer animation degree.

One Day London Travel Museum Guide

One Day London Travel Museum Guide was first published on: Haunt Rave Directory

One Day London Travel Museum Guide

A single day maneuvering through London’s museums will prove to be very enlightening and educational. With perhaps the world’s highest concentration of museums per square mile, the choices are as varied as the tastes of the visitors. An itinerary of one day, depending on energy levels, can prove to be absolutely packed to the brim with not a moment to spare. This one-day guide will provide the most interesting options for a packed itinerary, and for those who want a calmer day, pick and choose what sounds best for your energy and speed levels. As everyone knows, London can be expensive; as not everyone knows, some of London’s best museums, like the British Museum, are free of charge. Thus, an itinerary is provided for those who want to spend the minimum of money seeing the maximum of London’s culture. On the other hand, some of the best museums, like the Tower of London, are quite pricey. The London Pass can be an economical solution, giving free entry to countless London attractions for a set fee. Tourist-oriented museums, like Madame Tussauds wax museum, are a category in themselves, perfect for the day when the visitor seeks entertaining education rather than analytical thought in a museum visit. So, let this article be your guide through the best that London’s museums have to offer for minimal or free admission fees, through the benefits of the London Pass, and through the attraction museums that provide fun and fast-lane learning.

The museums in London whose permanent collections are free of admission are not too few in number, and will fill up your one day of London travel. To start, the British Museum is one of the world’s best-known museums, showcasing one of the widest collections of world cultural history. Some highlights are the Rosetta stone; the first known image of Christ; Lindow Man, whose well-preserved 2000-year-old body was found in a bog; and the Reading Room, where Lenin, among others, studied and wrote plans for his Revolution that would affect the whole world. After this contact with world heritage, promenade over to the National Gallery on Trafalgar Square, where you can see art by Europe’s best painters and sculptors. Nearby is the National Portrait Gallery, concentrating its collection on England’s most famous citizens throughout the centuries. For a change of taste, follow up with the Tate, London’s best modern art museum, with paintings, photo exhibitions and installations. If you have time at the end of the day, conclude with the Museum of London, informing its visitors about London’s history and culture. If you’re interested in London, this museum is for you; and, presumably, you are interested in London if you’ve traveled all the way to get here!

When you think of the distance you’ve traveled to get to London, you may think it worth spending a few pounds while you are here. The one-day London Pass costs 27 pounds (it can be bought in combination with an Underground Travelcard for 32 pounds), gives you free access to countless museums, castles, and other places of interest, saving you a good sum of money at the end of the day. In this sample itinerary, you would save 30 pounds: start off at Kensington Palace, former home of Princess Diana, and enjoy the museum as well as the grounds and gardens. Next, St. Paul’s Cathedral is a stunning architectural achievement, offering stunning views of London from its cupola. Shakespeare’s renovated Globe Theatre will have the bard charm you “encore” with his wit as you learn more about him and his theater. In the afternoon, climb up Tower Bridge and learn about the history and construction of this world famous bridge. Conclude the afternoon with a tour of the Tower of London, which will glitter your eyes with the Crown Jewels, and turn your stomach with the tortures and mystery surrounding the prisoners of this VIP prison, which definitely lacked in VIP treatment. Finally, wind the evening down with a discounted West End show, to give you a full and well-spent day discovering London’s culture.

For those seeking to discover London’s culture in a more interactive setting, attraction museums are ideal. The London Dungeon mixes history with a haunted house theme, with museum employees and wax figures unexpectedly frightening the visitors. In the north of London are the London Planetarium and the neighboring Madame Tussaud’s wax museum, which not only houses the world’s largest and most up to date collection of wax figures, but also the most life-like – you will likely take a double take to make sure Prince William isn’t really standing in front of you. For those who want to stand at the location where “time begins”, the nearby town of Greenwich, home of the Prime Meridian, will impress you. There you can visit the Royal Observatory, enjoy the beautiful park at the base of the Observatory’s hill, the National Maritime Museum, the famous Cutty Sark ship, and get a feel for an English village, so close to the metropolis of London.

Whether you choose to partake of the free collections of London’s museums, the countless options that the London Pass provides, or the attraction museums both in and near to London, you will be happy with the result. London’s museums are very well organized and are full of surprising facts about the city that jump out at you from paintings, photos, sculptures, documents, architecture, and wax figures! Any visitor is bound to be surprised and impressed by the London they see guided by its museums.