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PUMPKIN PROGRAMS AND HAUNTED HOTELSMake Halloween Celebrations SpecialBy Madelyn Miller, the TravelLadyDO PUMPKINS GROW BIGGER IN CALIFORNIA? Half Moon Bay, California truly shines during the fall season. Warm sunny days and cool crisp evenings create the perfect setting for hiking along seaside bluffs while taking in the mesmerizing calm of the Pacific Ocean, shopping for the perfect holiday gifts along quaint Main Street and dining on fresh seasonal produce (including many local pumpkin specialities) at some of the Bay Area's top restaurants. Fall is also the season for “all things pumpkin” in Half Moon Bay, from pumpkin beer, to pumpkin panna cotta and pumpkin spa experiences, it’s truly a pumpkin extravaganza. It’s all here in Half Moon Bay, a vibrant coastal town located approximately 35 minutes south of San Francisco. Nestled between the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, this charming seaside community boasts the best of Northern California all in one conveniently located place. Visit the new web site www.visithalfmoonbay.org that has everything visitors need to plan their trip, from information on cozy B&Bs and luxury coastal resorts to renowned restaurants, farm visits, wine tasting, fishing, whale watching and much more. 33rd Annual Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off
Master Pumpkin Carving 36th Annual Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival
Farmer John Celebrates Pumpkin Season 850 North Cabrillo Highway, Half Moon Bay. For more information, call (650) 726-4980 or visit www.farmerjohnspumpkins.com. Life-long farmers Farmer John and his wife Eda also give private tours of their home farm for an inside look at a working farm. To make reservations, call (650) 726-4980 or email farmtour@farmerjohnspumpkins.com. New Hampshire Believes in Halloween for EveryoneIn New Hampshire, Halloween is for everyone. What else would you expect of the state that just made the pumpkin its official state fruit? Fourth graders from the Keene area took their roots (vines?) to heart when they applied their civics lessons to convincing the State Legislature that the pumpkin should be honored. After all, Keene holds the Guinness World Record for displaying the most lighted jack o'lanterns in one place at one time. Here is a sampling of the treats.
Jackson's Pumpkin People Return, October 1-22, to Mt. Washington Valley as the Valley is inhabited by dozens of playful pumpkin people (stuffed forms with pumpkin heads), created by local businesses and homeowners. Visitors to the region are encouraged to take a self-guided tour and vote on their favorite pumpkin people display. Past pumpkin people “celebrities” have included Charlie Brown, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Louis Armstrong complete with his horn and a pumpkin person decorating a pumpkin tree. Maps are available at the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce. The winning pumpkin people will be announced at an awards ceremony on October 22. Free admission and there are no specific hours to take the tour. Contact: 603-383-9356 or www.jacksonnh.com In Portsmouth, the Ghosts on the Banke 'haunt' the Strawbery Banke Museum on October 27 and 28, 5:30-8 pm Trick or Treat safely from historic house to house on the 10-acre museum of 400 years of Portsmouth history. Collect candy and meet wayward pirates, ancient mariners and ghostly guests who return annually to haunt the streets of this old Portsmouth neighborhood. Admission is $5 per person; members free. Contact: 603-433-1100 or www.strawberybanke.org
On Halloween night, at sundown, the annual Portsmouth Halloween Parade provides a grass-roots, creative, and all inclusive alternative to contemporary Halloween. Represented among the organizers and contributors are musicians, local business owners, directors of after-school programs and artists.After that, New England Curiosities presents its First Annual Halloween Costume Ball Gala. The Library Restaurant in the historic Rockingham House at 401 State Street in Portsmouth is the setting for the gala on Halloween night, from 7 to 11 pm. DJ Scott Langolis of Cuzin Richard Entertainment will “add eerie excitement” to the night and award “best costume” prizes in three categories: Best Overall, Best Couple and Best Period Costume. The ticket price also includes an elegant three-course dinner in the seasonally-decorated Library Restaurant dining room, party souvenirs, readings from a psychic and New England Curiosities storytellers relating tales and legends of haunted Portsmouth, including the story of the ghostly “White Lady of the Rockingham.” The evening will conclude with a special one-hour Halloween ghost walk to Portsmouth's historic waterfront, ending at midnight. Guests must be 21 or older. Tickets are $75 per person before September 15 and $85 per person after. Contact: 207-439-8905 or www.newenglandcuriosities.com In Wolfeboro, Edra Toth's Academy of Dance and Music presents “Dracula” -- an original ballet interpretation of the vampire story -- on October 28. The performance is at Kingswood Regional High School in Wolfeboro at 6 pm. Contact: 603-569-2510.
And for adult Halloween fun, check out Manchester’s Halloween Party, the 10th Annual HOWL at the Moon Masquerade Ball takes place on October 27, 7:30 pm to midnight at The Event Center at C.R. Sparks. The evening’s events include entertainment by The Knights Band, dancing, a silent auction featuring a tantalizing array of items, a 50/50 cash raffle and a live auction with exclusive items. Proceeds benefit Manchester Historic Association's education programs. Tickets are $75 per person ($50 for members). Contact: 603-622-7631. For more suggestions for Halloween events and seasonal packages, go to www.VisitNH.gov/harvest The Haunted Ocean Edge Resort & Club on Cape Cod Lures Guests to its Spooky MansionStay is On the House for Spirit Seekers Who Spot Addie the Ghost Ocean Edge Resort & Club on Cape Cod is haunted! Goblins, ghosts and ghouls are known for making “appearances” around Halloween. Ocean Edge Resort & Club dares ghost hunters to visit its haunted mansion to try and catch a glimpse of the resident ghost, Addie. The “Spooky Mansion” package boasts deluxe accommodations, daily breakfast for two, a jack-o-lantern of treats and complimentary late-night coffee and flashlight for night owls on the lookout for Addie. Those who show “proof” of spotting the capricious haunter will enjoy their entire stay on the house…the haunted house that is.* Ouija boards are available at the front desk for guests who want to have a séance to reach out to Addie. The Spooky Mansion package is valid throughout the month of October and starts at $189 per room, per night.** Spirit seekers are invited to visit Addie throughout the year with room rates priced seasonally. The Ghost Story For reservations or information please visit www.oceanedge.com or call (800) 343-6074. From Pumpkins to Paperweights at The Corning Museum of Glass, Finger Lakes, NY
In addition to galleries filled with more than 45,000 glass art and historical objects spanning 35 centuries, hands-on exhibitions dealing with the science and technology of glass, and live glassblowing demonstrations, the Museum also offers a unique fall line-up of special activities.
The Corning Museum of Glass is located in America’s “Crystal City,” Corning, NY, in the heart of Finger Lakes Wine Country and is full of charming shops, abundant restaurants, and many unique glass galleries. The surrounding region is populated by several beautiful wine trails, featuring regional food, wine, and outdoor attractions, including gorges, lakes and waterfalls. Visit www.fingerlakeswinecountry.org for details, or to find great deals on accommodation packages for your trip. Corning, NY, and The Corning Museum of Glass are conveniently located directly off Exit 46 on I-86/Rte. 17. The town is 4 hours north of New York City, 2 hours south of Buffalo and 6 hours north of Washington, D.C. The Corning Museum of Glass (www.cmog.org) is home to the world’s most comprehensive and celebrated collection of glass, with more than 45,000 objects reflecting 3,500 years of glassmaking history. An independent, non-profit, educational institution, the Museum is dedicated to the art, history, science, research and exhibition of glass. The Museum is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day and from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the summer. Children 17 and under receive free admission. THE SPOOKIEST PLACE TO HAVE A DRINK IN NEW ORLEANS
As the ghouling season creeps up on us, the historic Hotel Monteleone located in the French Quarter spooks up some cocktails at the famous Carousel Piano Bar and Lounge – and if guests are lucky, some spirits of the paranormal variety just might reveal themselves during their stay at the Hotel Monteleone. The Carousel Piano Bar and Lounge will be transformed into a ghastly sight with Halloween décor and a specialty cocktail menu. The famous Apple Bobber, mixed with Bacardi Big Apple Rum, Bacardi Vanilla Rum and Cranberry Juice and garnished with a gummy worm will be featured – guests won’t even have to trick-or-treat to get their fill of candy at the Carousel Bar! If a stronger, more powerful drink is the preference, guests can try the Grey Ghost made with Grey Goose L’Orange Vodka, Grey Goose La Vanilla Vodka with a splash of Crème de Cocoa and ½ and ½. The Hotel Monteleone, dating back to 1886, has long been haunted by several otherworldly spirits. In an effort to learn more about the property’s longest guests, the Hotel Monteleone recently partnered with the International Society for Paranormal Research (ISPR) to conduct paranormal investigations throughout the hotel. Throughout the exploration parapsychologists made contact with a dozen earthbound entities, which only confirmed the stories that the guests and hotel employees have been testifying for years. Inquisitive guests flock to the hotel year-round hoping for their chance to encounter a paranormal presence, and now they can stop at the Carousel Piano Bar and Lounge and get their spooky spirits first! For more information or to make reservations, please call 504.523.3341. About Hotel Monteleone The Hotel Monteleone is the most haunted hotel in New Orleans. There are a few ghosts in residence. Each Halloween the famous Carousel Piano Bar and Lounge is well decorated for the event. The locals congregate in the bar to get the evening rolling. Here are a couple of favorite cocktails but you are on your own to find the other spirits. APPLE BOBBER $ 7.50 GREY GHOST $15.00 LIFT YOUR SPIRITS IN GEORGIA Bob for Apples Frisky Witch All in good spirits. Jekyll Island Club Hotel New York Chocolatier Crafts Tricky Flavors into Delectable TreatsChocolate Moderne Puts a Tasty Spin on Classic Flavors of
the Season HAUNTED HOUSE TOURS IN NEW JERSEYIf spooky stories and ghosts appeal to you, enjoy all the frights available in New Jersey. Halloween is always a great time to get out of the house before winter’s chill descends, and New Jersey has plenty of events planned.
OCTOBER –Fun in the sun turns into fear in the dark on this candlelight tour! Take a spooky stroll on the beach for the Ocean City Ghost Tour and hear the lore of a haunted shore town. Hear ghoulish guides tell tales of shipwrecks, shadows that lurk on the dunes and the infamous Jersey Devil in this hour-long tour. www.ghosttour.com/ocean_city.com or 09-814-0199) $13.00 per person. OCTOBER 1-29—Nightmares Haunted Attractions located at Depiero’s Farm in Montvale offers 3 nail-biting attractions—The Mayhem Funhouse in 3D, the Horror Museum with original props and wardrobe from horror films, and The Twisted Maniac Trail, a 28,000 sq. ft. outdoor maze that takes you through 4 terrifying trails of the unknown ($17.00). There is also a Children’s Haunted Tour which is a non-scary tour of a new 3D Maze ($6.00). For info www.night-mares.com or 201-637-7913. OCTOBER 6-15 – Cape May’s Victorian Week is a celebration of Cape May’s Victorian heritage with historic house tours, evening “ghost tours”, Cape Island boat tours, beer tastings, lectures and mystery dinners, brass band concerts and the temptingly titled “Chocolate Fantasy Buffet” (609-884-5404 or www.capemaymac.org . Couples can rekindle the romance with a stay at the stately Peter Shields Inn (609-884-9090 or www.petershieldsinn.com , a Georgian Revival mansion overlooking the beach, and enjoy sumptuous cuisine at the inn’s gourmet restaurant. OCTOBER 7-29—Jersey Devil Haunted Hayride at Indian Rock Resort in Jackson (732-928-0034 or evilqueen@jerseydevilhayride.com ) celebrates 13 years of haunted hayride fun. Victims board authentic vintage tractor-pulled hay wagons.$15.00/person/ OCTOBER 20 & 21 & 27 & 28 -- The Haunted Mill at the historic Red Mill Museum Village www.theredmill.org or 908-735-4101 ext. 100) in Clinton, comes alive with some seriously ghoulish characters in their Nightmares Haunted Mill. $20 & $40 for express admission and t-shirt. OCTOBER –The Field of Terror in Blers Corner has expanded it’s famous haunted acre walk from 3 acres to 5 full acres! You can walk through the Haunted Corn Maze ($10.00) or take the Terror-Ride or Haunted Hayride ($12.00). Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday www.fieldofterror.com or 609-758-7817. NO MORE SCARY HAIR DAYS
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Pumpkin Rehydrating Shampoo: This shampoo features moisturizing pumpkin fatty acids that increase the moisture content in the hair and the condition of hair. As a natural hair therapy, beta-carotene and ascorbic acid work together to combat oxidative and free-radical damage as well as help protect hair color (natural or chemically treated). Boasting a super-sweet and spice pumpkin scent, the Pumpkin Rehydrating Shampoo is ideal for daily use on all hair types and is packed with pumpkin enzymes, aloe, wheat germ oil, panthenal, vitamins A, C and E, natural fruit acids and minerals. (10 fl.oz/300ml; SRP $15.95) Pumpkin Detoxifying Shampoo: The Pumpkin Detoxifying Shampoo uses pumpkin enzymes as the key ingredient to providing one of the highest sources of antioxidants to gently detoxify hair. Featuring a delectable pumpkin fragrance, this shampoo can be used daily on all hair types. Jam-packed with aloe, wheat germ oil, panthenal, vitamins A, C and E, natural fruit acids and minerals, the Detox is a natural hair therapy containing beta-carotene and ascorbic acid, both of which combat oxidative and free-radical damage as well as help protect hair color (natural or chemically treated). (10 fl. oz/300ml; SRP $14.95 Pumpkin Puree Treatment Masque: Fragranced like fresh out of the oven pumpkin pie, this highly concentrated moisturizing hair masque uses pumpkin fatty acids, wheat and soy proteins, panthenol and aloe to increase the moisture content of the hair and to deeply condition, stimulate circulation, promote healing and provide nourishment to dull, dry hair. Containing an intense amount of nutritious pumpkin enzymes, wheat protein, soy protein, panthenol, aloe, vitamins A, C and E, natural fruit acids and minerals, the Masque works well on all hair types and can be used daily as needed. (8.5 fl oz/250ml; SRP $24.95) Pumpkin Enzyme Therapy Mist: This mist is a wearable leave in conditioner that also functions as a finishing product that helps give body and lift to finer hair, as well as providing thermal protection. With a mouth-watering pumpkin scent, the Therapy Mist can be used daily on all hair types. Containing pumpkin enzymes, vitamins A, C and E, natural fruit acids and minerals, the Therapy Mist is a natural hair therapy that uses beta-carotene and ascorbic acid to fight oxidative and free-radical damage as well as help protect hair color (natural or chemically treated). (8 fl. oz/250ml; SRP $14.95) Pumpkin Potion Leave In Conditioner with Ginger Root: This concentrated leave in conditioner contains a unique combination of pumpkin enzymes and ginger root as well as chamomile, green tea, safflower oil and jojoba seed oil, which work closely together to revitalize dry, brittle damaged or over-processed hair. The Pumpkin Potion aids in mending split ends, minimizing frizz and delivers body to limp, lifeless tresses. In addition, this leave in conditioner defines curly hair, gives body and lift to all hair types and can be used daily. Featuring a spicy, pumpkin ginger fragrance, this product is a natural hair therapy that uses beta-carotene and ascorbic acid to combat oxidative and free-radical damage and help protect hair color (natural or chemically treated). (10 fl. oz/300ml; SRP $17.95) Pumpkin Whipped Soufflé Styling Crème: With a yummy, pumpkin soufflé scent, the Whipped Styling Crème is a light holding styling agent used to provide shine, reduce frizz, protect hair color (natural of chemically treated) and can be applied to both wet and dry hair. Rich in pumpkin enzymes, mineral oil, avocado oil, lanolin, vitamins A, C and E, natural fruit acids and minerals, the crème can be used with all hair types. (4 fl.oz/125g; $17.95) Sexy Hair® puts high-quality products right into the hands of celebrity hairstylists with a whole new styling philosophy. Hollywood stylists include Gwyne Redner ("The O.C."), Lisa Marie Rosenberg ("Desperate Housewives"), Anna Maria Orzano, Faye Woods and Mary Guerrero (“Dancing with the Stars”), 2002 Emmy Award Winner Michael Moore ("Passions"), Cynthia Romo (Vanna White), Anthony Miner ("Numb3rs"), Pauletta Lewis-Irwin (“Everybody Hates Chris”), Lucia Mace ("Pirates of the Caribbean 1, 2 and 3"), Brooks Stenstrom (“Strong Medicine” and Nancy O’Dell of “Access Hollywood”), Laurie Caccioli and Wayne Bilotti (“One Life To Live”), Mary Ann Valdes (“Miami Vice”), Deborah Huss and Desiree Dizard (“The Jimmy Kimmel Show”), Maria Valdivia “(The George Lopez Show”), Margaret Dempsey (“The Tonight Show”), Emilo Uribe (Gloria Estefan), Suzana Neziri (“Sex and the City”) and Maggie Hayes (“Las Vegas”). Sexy Hair® products, including Big, Curly, Healthy, Short, Silky, Straight and Simply Sexy Hair, Fresh Concepts™, Sex Symbol® Aero Tan® and Big Sexy Lips™, are available in more than 25 countries. Retail sale of Sexy Hair products is authorized only in professional beauty salons, including chain salons such as JCPenney and Trade Secret. For more information on all Sexy Hair products and where to find them, please visit the website at www.sexyhair.com or call (800) 848-3383. Madelyn Miller is a writer and web entrepreneur who writes for www.travellady.com, www.chocolateatlas.com, www.cocktailatlas.com, and www.carladynews.com Photo Credits: |
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The world-famous Keene Pumpkin Festival takes place October
21. See whether the Festival breaks its own Guinness World Record of 28,592
lighted jack o'lanterns all in one place at one time. They surround the town
square and line the streets, on scaffolds reaching to the sky. Meanwhile there's
a costume parade, face-painting, live entertainment, pumpkin pie eating contest,
pumpkinseed-spitting contest and a variety of pumpkin treats. Contact:
Throughout the month of October, the Children's Museum of
Portsmouth presents seasonal events, including a visit and reading from
everyone's favorite storybook bat, “Stella Luna” on October 4. The Museum
presents “Costume Day and Audience with Dracula” on October 28. Kids have
another great opportunity to dress in costume and enjoy special annual treats,
and meet a child-friendly Dracula in the Museum's decorated clock tower from 11
am to 1 pm. Those who want to visit the clock tower without Dracula can join a
tour at 1:30, 2 and 2:30 pm. The Wacky Scientist gives visitors a hand with zany
science experiments at noon, 1, 2, and 3 pm. Non-food/candy trick or treating is
offered throughout the museum from 10 am to 3 pm. Kids (including those who
might not have a costume handy) can try on costumes donated by Ballet New
England. The Museum also offers face-painting and the opportunity to make "silly
spiders" all day long. The Museum is open from 10 am to 5 pm and all activities
are included in the regular admission ($6 for children and adults, $5 for
seniors, free for members and children under age 1). Contact: 603- 436-3853 or
Nashua presents its 4th Annual Great American Ghost Town on
October 28 from 3 to 4:30 pm. More than 80 downtown businesses will distribute
treats and be decorated in the Halloween spirit. Along with trick or treating
under safe and supervised conditions, children in their Halloween costumes can
have their pictures taken at the Hunt Memorial Building, 6 Main Street. The
Nashua Public Library will present scary tales and special treats during their
Spooky Story hour. Contact: 
It’s harvest season in the Finger Lakes region of New York
State. The hills are bursting with apples, the wineries are harvesting grapes,
and the fields are plump with pumpkins. At the center of it all is the colorful
Corning Museum of Glass, where guests can step inside the world’s largest glass
museum this fall to explore glass pumpkins, paperweights, and everything in
between.
Through October 30, visitors to the Museum can watch as
expert glassblowers create glass pumpkins of all shapes, sizes and colors during
live, narrated Hot Glass Shows at 9:45 a.m. every day. Working with professional
glassmakers, all ages (from 2 to 92) can also blow and shape molten glass to
create their own glass pumpkins at a half-hour Walk-in Workshop (through
November 30; additional fee). Those who prefer to buy rather than make can
choose from a patch of glass pumpkins ripe for the picking in the Museum’s
international GlassMarket, one of the largest museum retail shops in the
country.
Spirits Abound at the Hotel Monteleone – Both Paranormal &
Mixed
SEPTEMBER 29-OCTOBER 29 - Schaefer Farms in Sergeantsville
offers classic Fall activities – hayrides, pumpkin picking and farm animals –
but steps up the intensity with Schaefer’s FrightFest, (best for children 10 and
older) which includes the Trilogy of Terror: a 45-minute hair-raising hayride
through 200 acres of fright, a “Mass-Acre Maize,” and a “Carnival of Chaos” (
Healthy Sexy Hair Pumpkin A Genuine “Treat” For Healthy,
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