July 17, 2011 10:00 PM
Providence, R.I., the city that served as the inspiration and backdrop for tales by horror writer H.P. Lovecraft, will feature a series of off-beat attractions, including the nationally acclaimed Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular, horror film festivals and much more, including Halloween packages.
Visitors can see thousands of illuminated jack-o-lanterns at the annual Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular at the Roger Williams Park Zoo. Created by a team of professional pumpkin carvers, guests can see up to 5,000 carvings on display at one time with a rotating display of more than 10,000 throughout the duration of the festival. General admission is $12 to $15 for adults, $10 to $13 for seniors and $9 to $12 for children ages 3 to 12. Children under 3 are admitted free. For more information, visit www.rwpzoo.org.
Other fall activities include the 12th annual Flickers: Rhode Island International Horror Film Festival taking place Oct. 20 to 23; a live-action "Zombiethon Battle" on Oct. 25 at the Bell Street Chapel Theatre; and hair-raising adventures offered throughout the season by Providence Ghost Tour.
The Providence Marriott Downtown is featuring a Weird & Wacky Providence Getaway package, which includes deluxe accommodations, buffet breakfast for two at Bluefin Grille and a copy of the book "Weird U.S.," as well as a guide to the top weird spots and attractions in Providence and an online discount for Providence Ghost Tours. Rates begin at $199 double occupancy, and the package is available from Sept. 30 to Oct. 31, 2011. For more information, call 866-807-2171 or visit www.marriott.com/pvdri.
The Hampton Inn & Suites Providence-Downtown offers a Halloween package which includes accommodations, two adult and two children's tickets to the Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular, daily breakfast buffet and valet parking. Rates begin at $165 double occupancy. For more information or reservations, call 401-608-3500 or visit www.providencedowntownsuites.hamptoninn.com.
The Comfort Inn Airport Hotel offers visitors offers a package that includes accommodations, tickets to the Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular at Roger Williams Park Zoo, a gift certificate to Chelos Hometown Bar & Grille and daily continental breakfast. Guests will also receive access to free in-room wireless Internet, a 24-hour airport shuttle, the fitness room and the Flight Deck Pub. Rates begin at $70 for weekday bookings and $89 for weekend bookings, based on double occupancy, and the package is available from Oct. 6 to 31, 2011. For more information or to make a reservation, call 401-732-0470 or visit www.comfortinn.com/hotel-warwick-rhode_island-RI400.
Radisson Hotel Providence Airport has a package that includes accommodations, two Providence Ghost Tour tickets and a $15 gift certificate to Libations Restaurant. Additional tickets may be purchased at the hotel. Rates begin at $139 double occupancy. For more information or to make a reservation, call 401-739-3000 or visit www.radisson.com/warwickri.
The Sheraton Providence Airport Hotel has a package that includes the Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular, accommodations and use of the hotel's pool and fitness room. Rates begin at $105 for weekday bookings and $115 for weekend bookings double occupancy, and the package is available from Oct. 6 to 31, 2011. For more information or to make a reservation, call 401-738-4000 or visit www.starwoodhotels.com.
The Hampton Inn & Suites Providence Warwick Airport is offering a Spooktacular Weekend Package, which includes accommodations, two tickets to the Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular, daily breakfast and a map to area attractions. Rates begin at $119 double occupancy. For more information or to make a reservation, call 401-739-1550 or visit www.hamptoninn.hilton.com/Providence. For general destination information, visit www.goprovidence.com.