These days, Halloween seems to be yet another one of those holidays that adults have co-opted for themselves to use as an excuse to dress silly and get drunk in a bar. Kinda like St. Patrick's Day, Cinco de Mayo, Arbor Day (OK, so maybe not Arbor Day...yet).
But to me, Halloween is still a kid's holiday, a day to eagerly anticipate, to plan on a scary costume and collect lots of yummy candy. Never mind we rarely get a handful of kids trick-or-treating in the neighborhood anymore - a sad commentary on our society.
Yet, what do you do if you want to celebrate in the Halloween festivities but fall in the "I'm too old to trick-or-treat and don't want to expose myself to amateur hour with the boozers in the bars" category? Well, there are still some fun - and hopefully scary - things to do around San Diego. Here are some suggestions:
Haunted Hotel (Gaslamp District, Market Street):
In the Gaslamp District, the Haunted Hotel is is where horror movies come to life - movies like Hostel, Saw II and Texas Chainsaw Massacre, from past years. Find out what films will fright you this year, and it all begins on Sept. 28 and runs through Oct. 31. The Haunted Hotel features terrifying special effects and illusions that are hauntingly real. Through Oct. 31, closed Mondays and Tuesdays except Oct. 29 & 30.
The Haunted Trail:
Located in Balboa Park, The Haunted Trail is San Diego's only all-outdoor haunted attraction. It is a stroll through the park, that you will never forget! The horror of fairy tales comes to life at the Haunted Trail, something not even the Brothers Grimm could make up. Experience outdoor terror that is simply too big to house indoors! Begins Sept. 28 through Oct. 31, clossed Mondays and Tuesdays except Oct. 29 & 30.
The Scream Zone:
A full-blown Halloween extravaganza at the Del Mar "Scaregrounds," the Scream Zone features a Haunted Hayride, the House of Horror, and a Chamber of Chills. Sept. 28-29, Oct. 5-7,
Oct. 12-14, 18-21, 24-31.
Mira Mesa Monster Manor:
In four years, this community project has become as much a Halloween tradition as all the others. And it's pretty impressive: A 4,000 square foot Halloween haunted house is a drug-free, alcohol free, intergenerational, entertainment experience for San Diego. It is designed and operated completely by volunteers. They even have a "Lite Frite" for younger ones who don't want nightmares (October 20,21,27 and 28). Night Haunt: 12, 13, 19, 20, 26-31. Opening at 7 pm . 8235 Mira Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92126
National Comedy Theatre Halloween Spooktacular
The “Halloween Spooktacular,”is a variation on their regular improv comedy show, complete with Halloween-themed subjects, spooky games and an ending so bizarre that it will be discussed until Thanksgiving. It’s sort of a combination of “Friday the 13th meets Whose Line is it Anyway?” The National Comedy Theatre, San Diego’s nationally acclaimed improvisational comedy show, will be presenting its annual “Halloween Spooktacular” on Friday, October 26th and Saturday, October 27th at 7:30 & 9:45, with an additional “Midnight Show” on Saturday, October 27th at 11:45 p.m. The National Comedy Theatre is located at 3717 India St. in San Diego. For additional information, call 619.295.4999.
Ghost Sightings:
There are several places where ghosts have been claimed to have been sighted. Here are a few suggestions to get spooked:
The Whaley House:
The Whaley House is one of only two "haunted" houses registered in California. Located in Old Town, from swinging cleavers hanging on the kitchen wall to the scent of lavender perfume, ghost sightings in the Whaley House are documented.
El Campo Santo Cemetery:
Located blocks from the Whaley House, the cemetery's 477 gravesites include hanged thief Yankee Jim Robinson, as well as the founder of Tanner Theatrical Troupe, another Whaley House "resident."
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