Halloween typically means dressing up in costume and dishing out candy to trick-or-treaters. This October 31st, why not forfeit the conventional celebrations and head out for a thrilling holiday with your family for a memorable Halloween getaway? Choosing the right vacation destination goes a long way in determining how much fun you’ll have, but with so many options on the table, it may prove challenging. If you’re still scratching your head, here are three prime holiday spots worth exploring this Halloween.
Smoky Mountains
The Smoky Mountains touch the North Carolina – Tennessee border and offer a rich diversity of flora and fauna. The mountain range got its name from the blue fog that floats above the peaks created by vapor from the numerous plant species. At the base of the mountains lies The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which draws over 12 million annual visitors, making it America’s most-visited park. The park lies within a 24-hour drive from over half of the US population, making it an easily-accessible destination. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park houses numerous attractions for a thrilling Halloween day with your loved ones. Highway 441 cuts through the park and connects the towns of Gatlinburg in Tennessee and Cherokee in North Carolina. This famous road provides access to renowned attractions, including Clingmans Dome and Newfound Gap. Clingman’s Dome rises to an elevation of 6,643 feet and offers panoramic views of the landscape alongside gorgeous sunrise and sunset views. Newfound Gap rises to an incredible 3,000 feet and features diverse forest ecosystems, including fragrant woodland, cove hardwood, northern hardwood, and pine oak. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to many wildlife species, such as elk, wild turkeys, deer, and a healthy population of black bears. Gatlinburg on the Tennessee side and Cherokee on the North Carolina end offer excellent amenities, including restaurants, shopping centers, and movie theaters.
Asheville
This beautiful mountain city in North Carolina’s Buncombe County offers a unique blend of natural scenery and a vibrant social scene, making it an excellent Halloween go-to. Once you arrive, kick off your stay at the Asheville Visitor Center for city maps and local tips on maneuvering around town. Downtown Ashville is home to a robust city center with attractions such as trolley tours, shops, bookstores, and art galleries. Head out of town and enjoy the breathtaking scenery, including the famous Blue Ridge Mountains. The Blue Ridge Parkway, famously nicknamed “America’s favorite drive,” stretches for 469 miles, opening up to epic outdoor adventures. The Nantahala National Forest covers over half a million acres and has several recreational activities, including whitewater rafting, camping, hiking, biking, off-roading, and horseback riding. For the ultimate outdoor aquatic experience, head to the French Broad River and enjoy tubing, standup paddleboarding, or boating. The Botanical Gardens of Asheville span over 10 acres and feature 600 Appalachian wildflower species, flowering trees, and shrubs. The North Carolina Arboretum stretches for around 434 acres and offers access to beautiful natural areas and gardens.
New York City
This iconic city dates back nearly 400 years and has been a vacation favorite for visitors from across the globe. Times Square is a New York City must-see that offers a diverse range of restaurants, shops, museums, art galleries, and famous Broadway shows. The Rockefeller Center delivers thrilling experiences, including skating at The Rink, relaxing sessions at Channel Gardens, and panoramic city views atop the indoor and outdoor observation decks. Venture to the Empire State Building and enjoy access to world-class restaurants, including Tacombi and State Grill & Bar. The observatories lie in the heart of Manhattan and feature two decks offering unparalleled views of New York City. If you’re a history enthusiast, The American Museum of Natural History has fascinating exhibitions such as Invisible Worlds, Davis Family Butterfly Vivarium, Garden of Green, and Extinct and Endangered. A trip to New York City would not be complete without visiting the famous Statue of Liberty. This iconic statue made its way to America on June 17, 1885, and has been a unique symbol of New York ever since. Head up to the pedestal for mesmerizing views on the observation deck, or climb the double-helix staircase to the crown and relish the jaw-dropping sights.
Book Your Halloween Rental Early
Halloween should be about more than costumes and candy. Elevate your October 31st experience by treating your loved ones to a thrilling holiday. Whether you settle on the Smoky Mountains, Asheville, or New York City, each destination offers something unique. As you plan your Halloween getaway, Mighty Tree Properties is ideal for all your lodging needs. We have exquisite vacation rentals with top-notch amenities in the three destinations for the ultimate home-like experience. Contact us today to book your preferred vacation rental from our impressive list of properties for an unforgettable Halloween getaway.