Most people know that Halloween is my favorite holiday. I don’t just celebrate it on October 31st: for me, the entire month of October is “Halloween season.” Since I won’t be home tomorrow to post on October 1st, I’m kicking off the Halloween season a day early with a few of my favorite Atlanta-area Halloween destinations.
–Netherworld Haunted House: This place is an annual ritual for my friend Coco and me. Other girls are welcome to join us, but no boys allowed. We always scream ourselves hoarse, laugh hysterically, and leave with giant grins. It’s the best haunted house (two, in fact) I’ve ever been to, and I love it…even if I have to deal with the guys wielding chainsaws. Just thinking about them gives me the creeps.
–The Little 5 Points Halloween Parade: This year, the strangest parade in Atlanta’s strangest neighborhood kicks off at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 22. We go every year, stake out a spot in front of the Vortex Bar and Grill on Moreland Avenue, and raise a PBR to the best entries. Wear a costume if you want to blend in!
–Capturing the Spirit of Oakland Halloween Tour: Historic Oakland Cemetery is only open to the public at night during three days at Halloween time. The tours aren’t scary, but they are unique. A costumed guide will lead you through the dark paths of the Victorian cemetery, stopping at various graves to hear from the “residents” themselves. Oakland is my favorite place in Atlanta, and it takes on a whole new vibe after the sun sets. I’ll be there as a guide, but you should make your reservations in advance because it always sells out.
–Atlanta Zombie Apocalypse: You get to shoot zombies with a paintball gun. Does it get any better than that? Actually, it does. You also get to go through a total-immersion zombie haunt. It’s like being in a horror movie as your group is escorted from one bad idea to the next. The zombies will run after you, and it’s best to wear a good pair of sneakers so you can escape.