Travelers, I am so excited to be sharing this guest blog post with you by Miranda Enzor with the blog Spooky Little Halloween! I virtually met Miranda through a blogger group I’m a part of. When I learned about her blog and how it revolves around Halloween every day of the year, I had to get to know her more. She was willing to share some of the greatest places to visit for Halloween with us. I hope you all enjoy her 5 perfect places for a Halloween vacation!

By: Miranda Enzor, Spooky Little Halloween

When you think of holiday travel, I’m willing to bet my candy corn Halloween is the last holiday that comes to mind. You’re more likely to think of that fantastic Christmas vacation your family took as a kid or the spring break you spent with friends on a beach, right?

But I bet you’re also not thinking about the thing holidays and traveling have in common: they’re a great way to make memories that last a lifetime.

Both are a way to mark the passing of time, spend time with important people in my life and have experiences together that I’ll always remember.

Plus, traveling during Halloween season (September/October) is a chance to travel in the off-season, as Sarah talks about in this blog post. You’re missing the crowds, spending less on hotels and flights and getting a chance to see more! So why not combine them? Today we’re going to do just that as I share

5 perfect places for a Halloween vacation across the U.S. and the world.

1. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Disneyland and Disney World

Celebrate Halloween in the House of the Mouse! Both Disneyland and Disney World are known for going big when it comes to the spooky season with Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Both parks transform overnight into a pumpkin wonderland. The nightly parade takes on a haunted look, new spooky treats pop up in all the restaurants and one-of-a-kind Halloween merch goes on the shelves of park shops. Plus, this is one of the few chances you have to wear a true costume in the park! Learn more about the Disneyland celebration and the Disney World celebration.

2. Salem, MA

There is no spookier spot in the United States for Halloween than Witch City itself! Salem’s Haunted Happenings takes place all October and includes something for everyone, from a witch’s market and family movie night to parades, trolley tours and even great restaurants that embrace “eat, drink and be scary”.

Plus, Salem is in the heart of historic New England. Of course, you can explore spots important to the Salem Witch Trials, but the city also has a rich history in maritime, American literature, and is home to the Peabody, one of the fastest-growing museums in the country. Learn more about Salem.

3. Sleepy Hollow, NY

Sleepy Hollow is just a quick train ride north of New York City and a spot that comes alive in the fall. It is home to Washington Irving’s classic, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”. Stop by the city cemetery for a peek at his grave, a walking tour of a cemetery full of notable American names, like Rockefeller and Carnegie, or even one of their special events. 

Wander the city’s sleepy downtown area for local shops and restaurants (the Bridge View Tavern is a personal fave), then stop by the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze for a Halloween experience you’ll never forget.

4. The Stanley Hotel

Here’s one right in Sarah’s backyard! The Stanley Hotel is famous for inspiring The Overlook in Stephen King’s “The Shining”. It sits at the foot of the Rockies just outside Estes Park in Colorado and quietly embraces its connection to one of the most infamous stories in horror. In addition to offering night tours that share the hotel’s paranormal history, The Stanley also hosts The Shining Ball AND a masquerade ball each October. It’s the perfect spot to spend a night or two anytime in October.

5. Bran Castle

Looking to go international with your spooky travels? Bran Castle near Brasov, Romania in the region of Transylvania is one that’s on my bucket list because it’s also known as Dracula’s Castle. Why? Because the 1970s communist government of Romania thought it’d be a great marketing tool for their country!

And it’s one that worked. While the castle was once home to Vlad the Impaler – a blood-thirsty ruler who earned his nickname for his penchant for impaling enemies and criminals, which one could argue is downright vampiric – there is no direct connection between Vlad and the castle and Bram Stoker’s novel, “Dracula”. The vampire myth, however, stemmed from Romanian folklore well before the book was written, and over the years the two have merged together.

To this day, the castle isn’t one to miss out on the fun and hosts an annual Halloween party.

No matter where you go, there is no wrong way to celebrate October 31st – Happy Halloween!

Miranda Enzor is the writer, blogger and Halloween lover behind SpookyLittleHalloween.com, the blog celebrating October 31st all year long. Halloween has been one of her favorite holidays to celebrate for as long as she can remember. These days she keeps her love of the spooky season alive by hosting her annual party, Halloweenie Roast, carving as many jack-o-lanterns and possible and, of course, writing her blog.

If you are heading to Olympic National Park for the first time, the thought of all you can do can be overwhelming. Depending on what season you go, you can hike, swim, camp, fish, snowshoe and so much more. When I visited Olympic National Park for the first time, it was late spring and I only had a few short days, so I couldn’t do it all! Here are my thoughts on the most memorable things to do in Olympic National Park. I would love to hear what you think after you visit!

Hiking Trails in Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is not short on hiking trails. They range from short distances to day long or weekend long hikes. Pick and choose which one fits your hiking preferences and explore! We chose to do the Hoh River Trail (just part of it, since it is 17.5 miles long, one way!) and the Hall of Mosses. Both trails were so vibrant lush with all shades of green I wondered if I was back in Ireland!

Hall of Mosses

The Hall of Mosses Trail is part of the Hoh Rain Forest and is 0.8 miles long. This is a quick beautiful walk through an actual rain forest! I couldn’t believe how tall the trees were and how green and luscious everything looked. Make sure to remember your raincoat. I never knew if it was actually raining or if I was just getting wet from the moisture filled air. When it was raining, I never got too drenched because the trees are a great umbrella for protection.

Hoh River Trail

The Hoh River Trail is also a part of the Hoh Rain Forest. This trail is 17.5 miles long one way! We only walked and explored a little ways and then turned around. It was just as beautiful as the Hall of Mosses, but a bit more strenuous. We went on a Saturday and still only saw one other couple on the trail. It’s very secluded and serene. It’s a great trail to get out in nature, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and just be. 

The Coast at Olympic National Park

One of the most memorable things to do in Olympic National Park for me was walking the coast at low tide. This could be because I love the ocean and the calm it brings my soul when I’m near the tide or it could be all the starfish we got to see! Make sure you check the time of low tide and go to Kalaloch Beach during this time. Just look at all we got to see!

While you are here, see if you can find this tree that is basically just hanging in thin air. Some call it the ‘Tree of Life’ and some call it ‘Tree Root Cave’. Whatever it’s official name is, make sure to explore this area and underneath the tree. Technically, the tree shouldn’t be alive with its roots so exposed to the coastal weather, but hey, sometimes we just keep fighting!

Also, the walk down to the beaches (like the photo below on the left) at Olympic National Park are a site to see themselves! There is no shortage of beauty in this park, that is for sure. 

What things do you love to do in Olympic National Park that I missed? I will definitely be getting back here one day!

There is a lot you can do in Seattle for a day! My husband and I spent the weekend in Olympic National Park and decided to spend a day in Seattle before flying back to Denver. My list was, of course, way too long to fit into one day. So I narrowed it down to five essentials. A little bit of beer, food, art, and touristy sites! 

Pike Place Market

You can’t go to Seattle and not walk around the long halls of the public market, Pike Place Market. We stumbled upon a store that has years upon years of old magazines and newspapers. It was fun to flip through and see all the headlines year after year. There are also rows and rows and rows of tulip and flower shops! If we weren’t flying home the next day, I would have bought a bundle! And finally, if you get lucky, you can see the iconic fish throwers whipping their catch around the store.

Eat (and drink) at Old Stove Brewing

Head around the back side of Pike Place Market and find Old Stave Brewery. It is right on the water and has beautiful views of the city! The food and beer is delicious, definitely what you deserve from walking around the market for awhile.

Chihuly Garden and Glass

After your stomachs are satisfied, make your way to Chihuly Garden and Glass. We got tickets here in advance that included entrance to the Chihuly Garden and Glass and a ride to the top of the Space Needle that is right next door. 

I am obsessed with blown glass. It’s my favorite souvenir to purchase… so far in Hawaii, Italy, and now Seattle. Walking through an entire museum of incredible blown glass work blew my mind. I also really wanted to touch each piece but held back! These artists in my opinion are magicians, and it was a special treat to be able to see so many beautiful pieces of blown glass all in one space.

Space Needle

I could have spent all day at the Chihuly Garden and Glass, but we had tickets to the Space Needle, so next door we went!

Normally, I am not afraid of heights, but it was a bit trippy at the top of the Space Needle! I can’t believe that when they built this, none of the workers were wearing harnesses or protective gear to keep them from falling 80 feet to their death. Miraculously, no one was injured during the construction of the Space Needle! It was insane to see the progress photos and the men just hanging out at the top of the needle doing work with no harnesses. 

The view from the top is amazing, but be forewarned if you are afraid of heights!

Optimism Brewery

And finally, end your night with a drink or two at Optimism Brewery. The atmosphere is really fun with outdoor space for games and the beer is delicious. It’s hard to not end your day in Seattle on a high note with cute glasses like this! Oh and don’t worry about tipping- they pay their employees fairl here :)

What is your favorite thing to do in Seattle in a day?

Savannah, Georgia has become one of my favorite cities USA. It is beautiful and romantic, has an unbelievable history, and is exciting to explore. Here are my top tips for visiting Savannah, Georgia.

When to Visit Savannah

Summer in Savannah is incredibly hot and humid. August is the rainiest month along with the second hottest month (July being the hottest month). In July and August, prices for activities and hotels are pretty reasonable because most people are heading to the beach to get a break from the Southern summer heat. 

Winter in Savannah is “cold”, and by cold I mean in the mid-60s and not humid, which is perfect for some people. Temperatures can get close to freezing, though, so be prepared if you run into some icy, cold conditions. Prices of hotel rooms are significantly lower than the summer.

Fall and Spring is a great time to visit Savannah. The temperatures are mild, room rates are reasonable, and it isn’t too crowded with most kids being in school. During spring time you can see plenty of blooming flowers all over the city. 

If you want to avoid the crowds, heat, humidity, and high prices, my suggestion is visiting Savannah in late October through March.

What to Do in Savannah

Visit Jones Street

You can’t visit Savannah without seeing one of the prettiest streets in America. Yes, Jones Street has officially been named one of the most beautiful streets and for good reason!

Located in the heart of the Historic District of Savannah, most of the homes were built in the mid-1800s on Jones Street. The extra wide street and sidewalks are paved with brick. The trees lining the street have hanging moss, which makes it a very romantic and peaceful location. Make sure to take a leisurely stroll down the brick paved sidewalk and dream of a life in one of these homes!

Enjoy One (or all) of the Historic Squares

Savannah has 22 historic squares spread throughout the Historic District. The first squares were designed in 1733! These mini parks are a great break among all the historic homes and buildings. They provide shade and a comfy place to sit and read (and possibly visit with some ghosts).

Do a Haunted Pub Crawl

Savannah is one of the most haunted cities in the country… or so they say! Whether or not you believe in ghosts, doing a haunted tour or haunted pub crawl is a great way to learn the history of Savannah. On most of these tours, you walk around the Historic District of Savannah with a tour guide sharing stories of the most haunted squares, homes, and buildings. And of course, you end at a cemetery!

Get Lost in a Book at The Book Lady Bookstore 

If you are a book nerd like me, finding a good bookstore is like visiting the candy store. The Book Lady Bookstore is Savannah’s only full service independent bookstore. They have all types of books, including brand new, slightly used, out of print, and rare finds. I can guarantee you will find some hidden gems in this tucked away oasis.

Stroll Around Forsyth Park

When visiting Savannah, Forsyth Park is a must-stop. It is one of Savannah’s most well-known and largest parks. It’s iconic feature, the Forsyth Fountain, is at the north end of the park. There is almost always an event going on, and you can often see a wedding group taking photos near the fountain. 

Walk Savannah’s River Street

River Street is supposedly one of the most haunted areas in Savannah. If you are willing to battle the ghosts, River Street is a great area to explore at night. There are pubs and restaurants up and down the river. One of my favorites is Kevin Barry’s Irish Pub. They have live Irish music each night. With a glass of Guinness, it almost felt like we were back in Ireland!

Where to Eat and Drink in Savannah

Brunch at Clary’s Cafe

Visiting Savannah without stopping at Clary’s Cafe is not an option. Clary’s Cafe is a classic cafe with a basic menu, but the food is so good I’ve eaten there multiple times! Oh, and they serve breakfast all day! 

Visit the Olde Pink House

Fun Fact: The Olde Pink House hasn’t always been pink! In 1771, the mansion was built with bricks and covered in white stucco. Over time, the red of the brick faded through the white of the stucco to give The Olde Pink House it’s pink hue!  

The Olde Pink House is now a restaurant, but be careful of the ghosts that are said to roam the halls!

Drink and Walk Around Town

One of the many wonderful things about Savannah is the open-container law. This means you can take your drink to-go and explore Savannah with a drink in hand. Make sure to head to Wet Willies to get your frozen alcoholic drink to-go!

Where to Stay in Savannah

There are plenty of places to choose from when looking for a place to stay in Savannah. We chose to stay near Forsyth Park so we had easy access to all the hot spots in the Historic District. One great thing about Savannah is their free trolly system. The dot connects you (for free!) all around Downtown and the Historic District. They even have a free water ferry shuttle! This free shuttle system makes it very easy to find affordable lodging and get to where you want to go around Savannah. 

Day Trips from Savannah

If you have extra time when visiting Savannah, make sure to check out these four place just a quick drive away.

Wormsloe Historic Site

You may have already seen photos of Wormsloe Historic Site without even knowing what it was! The iconic road surrounded by rows of live oaks is what I am talking about.

This estate is only 15 minutes from Savannah. There is a lot more to this Historic Site than the beautiful tree-lined road, though. It holds the ruins of the oldest standing structure in Savannah, built in 1745. Head there yourself to see this beautiful estate! 

Savannah National Wildlife Refuge

When I was in Savannah with my family, we got the chance to go on a kayak tour with Savannah Coastal Ecotours in the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge. Kathryn and Fran helped us navigate the marsh and educated us along the way. I would highly recommend Savannah Coastal Ecotours for water excursions in and around Savannah. We didn’t see any alligators, but maybe you will!

Tybee Island

Tybee Island, also known as Savannah’s Beach, is the closest beach to Savannah. It is only about a 20 minute drive from the city, but is worth the drive, especially on a hot, humid summer’s day. If you want tips on what to do on Tybee Island, head to my friend Bree Pair’s blog. She created a really great Travel Guide to Tybee Island!

The Crab Shack

On the way back from Tybee Island, make sure to stop at The Crab Shack. It has a really laid back, beach feel with delicious seafood.

When you sit outside, the tables have a hole and trash can in the middle where you can throw the shells of your discarded seafood for convenience. Make sure to have a Captain Crab’s Sampler Platter for me!

Have you visited this beautiful city? What is your favorite thing to do in Savannah?

So you’re heading to Oahu, Hawaii, but you’re not sure what you should do or things that shouldn’t be missed? Here are my top ten recommendations on what to do when traveling to the Island of Oahu!

1. Watch the Sunrise

Inevitably, you will have jet lag waking up the first morning in Oahu if you are flying in from the mainland. When you wake up before the sun, head over to the East side of the island to watch the sunrise. Lanikai Beach is great for this.

2. The Royal Hawaiian Hotel & Mai Tai Bar

Check out The Royal Hawaiian Hotel. Built in 1927, this hotel has incredible history. It is truly beautiful inside and out… it will be a hard one to miss considering it is a light pink on the outside, sometimes nicknamed the Pink Palace. Outside just steps from Waikiki Beach, make sure to try out the Mai Tai Bar. There are so many different mai tais and taste delicious.

3. Cinnamon’s

Eat at Cinnamon’s in Kailua for breakfast. Their guava pancakes are award winning for a reason! Also, try their ginger tea, and let me know if you can find out the secret ingredient that makes this tea so delicious.

4. The North Shore

Drive to The North Shore along the Kamehameha Highway. It is one of the most scenic drives on Oahu and there are plenty of food trucks to pick from along the way. The famous Shrimp Shack was my favorite spot! The North Shore in winter has huge waves with well known surfer competitions, but in the summer the ocean is pretty calm and this is a good floating spot for you and your favorite floatie!

5. Honolulu Botanical Gardens

If you need a break from the beach and sun, head to one of the Honolulu Botanical Gardens. There are five gardens throughout the island, so plenty to choose from depending where you are staying. We went to Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden. There are so many tropical plant species to learn about and see with plenty of walking trails. Also- free admission!

6. Hanauma Bay

If you are interested in snorkeling, head to Hanauma Bay. It is a very popular snorkel spot, so get there early. They will close if they reach capacity. They provide snorkeling gear and a quick tutorial and safety 101, if you need it. Otherwise, you can head on down to the beach and start snorkeling!

7. Waikiki Brewing Co.

Along the main drag in Waikiki is Waikiki Brewing Co. They have great beer and food and a fun atmosphere with plenty of seating indoors and out.

8. Hike

Three of my favorite hikes were Kaena Point, Manoa Falls Trail, and Diamond Head. Kaena Point is super hot and dry, so make sure to bring plenty of water. Fun Fact – It is also the most Western point of Oahu.  For a hike where you are pretty much guaranteed to get wet, head to the center of the island for Manoa Falls Trail, You’re basically hiking through a rainforest, so bring a raincoat! Diamond Head is a touristy hike to do, but the views from the top are amazing. It is also very easy to get to if you are staying in Waikiki.

9. Luau

Experience an authentic Luau.  We went to Germaine’s Luau and had a blast. You will learn the history to the Hawaiian Luau, enjoy a traditional Hawaiian feast, and watch and maybe participate in an authentic luau.

10. Shave Ice

And a final classic Oahu tradition is eat all the shave ice you can! You can find shave ice stands pretty much everywhere you go. There are so many flavors you can mix, and they are especially refreshing when you get hot from being out in the tropical sun! Let me know what your favorite flavor is when you are back on the mainland!

What are some of your favorite things to do when traveling to Oahu, Hawaii?