A Halloween holiday in Providence is not complete without a visit to the highly-acclaimed Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular at the Roger Williams Park Zoo. From October 6-31, visitors can marvel at thousands of illuminated jack-o-lanterns 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.
While this year's theme has not yet been revealed, past Spectaculars have included expertly-depicted homages to the Renaissance, pop icons, literary classics, fantastical creatures and lands, long-loved childhood favorites and much more. Even waiting in line at the Spectacular is fun for visitors, with a mixture of activities to keep children entertained including costumed characters, performers and games.
General admission is $12-$15 for adults, $10-$13 for seniors and $9-$12 for children ages three to 12. Children under three are admitted free. For more information, visit www.rwpzoo.org. Please click here to view and download photos.
Horror film fanatics will find the best in Providence during the 12th annual Flickers: Rhode Island International Horror Film Festival taking place October 20-23. Some of the greatest independent fright films will be screened along with world premieres of short, feature and documentary films. Admission is $10 per person per show, and films are screened at the hauntingly historic Bell Street Chapel Theatre, Providence Public Library, VMA Arts & Cultural Center and Barrington Public Library. The weekend of frights continues with a live-action
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"Zombiethon Battle" on October 25 at the Bell Street Chapel Theatre, where guests watch as costumed participants demonstrate armored combat. For more information, visit http://www.film-festival.org/Horror_ri.php.
Travelers interested in a hair-raising tour of one of New England's oldest cities can go on a Providence Ghost Tour. Based on research and historical documentation, this tour is for only the bravest who want to know the deepest, darkest secrets of Providence. Guides weave spine-chilling stories while pointing out haunted buildings and scenes of murders, suicides and accidents, providing guests with facts and folklore attached to each location visited. Tours begin at 7 p.m. and are available each evening during October. Tickets are $15 online or $18 on the night of the tour. For more information, visit http://www.providenceghosttour.com.
Another fall diversion in Providence can be found at the beautiful Swan Point Cemetery. Established in 1846, the 200-acre site in the northeastern part of the city offers an irresistible experience for lovers of Halloween lore. When conditions permit, cemetery grounds are open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for visitors to tour the grounds. H.P. Lovecraft, the Providence-born author known for his work in the horror and science fiction genres, is buried at the cemetery. In addition to Lovecraft's tomb, visitors to Swan Point can tour the well-manicured grounds and burial lots, an intimate chapel, crematory and mausoleum, as well as Memorial Grove and the Megalith, arguably the largest single stone ever to have been set in an American cemetery.
For lovers of weird fiction, H.P. Lovecraft Walking Tours are available throughout October. The life and work of Providence's best-known fantasy and horror author, including his "Providence stories" (written between 1924 and 1935), provide the backdrop for this walking tour. The tour visits his former home, as well as the sights mentioned in many of his stories.
The Providence Marriott Downtown helps visitors to stay in comfort while experiencing the Halloween season with its Weird & Wacky Providence Getaway Package. The package includes deluxe accommodations with a king bed or two double beds; buffet breakfast for two at Bluefin Grille; a copy of the book Weird U.S., a guide to the top weird spots and attractions in Providence; and an online discount for Providence Ghost Tours. Rates begin at $199 based on double occupancy and availability. For more information or to book, visit www.marriott.com/pvdri or call 866-807-2171.
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In addition to frightening festivities and ghoulish gatherings, Providence is offering visitors a variety of packages available this Halloween, including:
Visitors can marvel at 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-$15 for adults, $10-$13 for seniors and $9-$12 for children ages three to 12. Children under three are admitted free. For more information, visit www.rwpzoo.org, or click here to view and download photos.
Additional frighteningly awesome fall activities include: 12th annual Flickers: Rhode Island International Horror Film Festival taking place October 20-23; a live-action "Zombiethon Battle" on October 25 at the Bell Street Chapel Theatre; and hair-raising adventures offered throughout the season by Providence Ghost Tour.
The Providence Marriott Downtown helps visitors experience all the bizarre things the city has to offer with its Weird & Wacky Providence Getaway Package. The package 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, based on double occupancy, and the package is available from September 30 to October 31, 2011. For more information or to make a reservation, call (866) 807-2171or 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, based on double occupancy. For more information or to make a reservation, call (401) 608-3500 or visit www.providencedowntownsuites.hamptoninn.com.
Just a 10-minute drive from Providence, Warwick, R.I., offers additional hotel options, including:
The Comfort Inn Airport Hotel offers visitors the chance to check out the spooky sights with 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 October 6-31, 2011. For more information or to make a reservation, call (401) 732-0470 or visit www.comfortinn.com/hotel-warwick-rhode_island-RI400.
Guests who aren't afraid of "things that go bump in the night" can book the Halloween package at the Radisson Hotel Providence Airport, which 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, based on double occupancy. For more information or to make a reservation, call (401) 739-3000 or visit www.radisson.com/warwickri.
Visitors to Providence taking advantage of the Halloween package at the Sheraton Providence Airport Hotel will receive tickets for the Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular, in addition to accommodations and use of the hotel's pool and fitness room. Rates begin at $105 for weekday bookings and $115 for weekend bookings, based on double occupancy, and the package is available from October 6-31, 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, based on double occupancy. For more information or to make a reservation, call (401) 739-1550 or visit www.hamptoninn.hilton.com/Providence.
To book a Halloween or fall vacation in Providence, please visit www.goprovidence.com.