New Orleans

If Salem is at the top of the list for Halloween travel, well then, New Orleans is right up there with it. Try to stay as long as you can. New Orleans is best enjoyed at a slow pace with a cocktail in your hand. It's going to take several days to see everything at that rate. Part of New Orleans charm is just being able to sit and watch the world go by.

During the Halloween season, the energy level rises. As you well know, New Orleans loves costumes and parades and you'll not be disappointed. Halloween is a less-crowded Mardi Gras.

Here's a quick list of not to miss Halloween activities:

Krewe of  Boo Parade

The Krewe of Boo parade is on Saturday, October 24th this year. This parade features large spooky themed floats, marching bands, and of course thrown beads, coins, and bags of chips. It's a blast!

Royal Street Art Galleries

Spend your afternoons strolling around the French Quarter with a Bloody Mary. The art galleries on Royal Street are filled with creepy, macabre art at this time of year. The musicians are everywhere and the music is wonderful.

  

Wander through the neighborhoods to look at Halloween decorations. Residents put real effort into them.

Frenchmen Street Musicians

Crazy 3-Headed Lady (that's me!)

Frenchmen Street

On Halloween night, the action is definitely on Frenchmen Street. The crowds are so thick you can't drive a car and the costumes are outrageous. Bands play and compete for space on every corner and the bars all have walk-up windows. Need I say more?

St. Louis Cemetery Grave Offerings

Don't miss the guided tours. Even if you're typically not a fan of guided tours like me, the guides are very knowledgeable and fun. We took tours of St. Louis Cemetery #1 and a history of Voodoo tour. Both were excellent. 

If you have a thing for vampires or the Showtime series Penny Dreadful (this year's theme) then you won't want to miss the Endless Night Vampire Ball on Halloween. This is a serious costume ball, my friends. 

New Orleans at Halloween is something you have to experience at least once in your life.