Happy Halloween! Here’s one for you – where do ghosts go on a Saturday night? Anywhere they can boo-gie! And boy do we have lots of ghoulish stuff going on in the Hampton Roads area to keep your own monsters entertained!

In Williamsburg the James River Plantations will be scaring visitors throughout the month of October! The historic landmark plantations will offer ghostly and spirited activities to suit every ghoul in your group. See the variety of haunted tours, candlelight dinners and vacation packages, as well as regular house and garden tours. While you are there visit one or all of the fabulous dining facilities and gift shops. Location: James River Plantations, various locations. Time: October 1 – October 31, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Fee: varies. Contact: jamesriverplantations@pineygrove.com or visit their website.

In Norfolk, The Norfolk Botanical Garden’s Haunted Forest is sure to be a source of haunting entertainment. According to its web site, it is “the original Tidewater Halloween event and largest outdoor Halloween program in South East Virginia.” The Haunted Forest employs 200 live actors for over 35 different scenes and places an emphasis on family entertainment. Proceeds benefit the philanthropic projects if the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 48. Contact: 441-5830 or visit their website

In Chesapeake, the Chesapeake Central Library is sponsoring a Monster Fest. Get good and spooked with ghostly tales and monsterly games. An event the family is sure to enjoy! Details: TBD. Contact: 382-6591.
At the Northwest River Park take a ride on the Ghost Train! and test your courage to the max! Zombies, vampires, witches and warlocks are sure to make an appearance on this trail of terror! Location: Northwest River Park. Time: October 18 - 20 & 25 - 27, 2007. Contact: 421-7151

In October, Busch Gardens, the world’s “Most Boo-ti-ful Theme Park” transforms into monstrous mayhem after dark! Howl-O-Scream activities are included with paid admission. The whole park is transformed into an eerie adventure land during the evening hours. Nearly every country gets involved, with Ireland paying homage to Jack of the Lantern and Italy holding the Fiesta Dementia. There is also a 4-D show in the haunted Globe Theater. The park will be open on Fridays and Sundays until 10:00 p.m. and on Saturdays until 11:00 p.m. A warning though, Howl-O-Scream may be too intense for young children and parental discretion is advised. For more information and ticket prices go to their website.

In Virginia Beach you can visit the Hunt Club Farm for some ghastly fun and spooky memories! Enter if you dare because you are surely in for a scare! The farm’s annual Halloween festival includes a Haunted Hayride, The Village of the Dead and The Field of Screams. The festival also features more than 75 live performers, live entertainment, amusement rides, a rock climbing wall and bungee jump. Contact: 427-9520 or their website.

Great gourds! In Pungo, the annual Pumpkin Fling at the Henley Farm, held the day after Halloween, is sure to entertain. Leftover pumpkins are catapulted, thrown, smashed and trashed, with proceeds benefiting the historic Ferry Plantation House. Young and old fling the fall fruit in challenges of strength and strategy. Location: Henley Farm, Pungo. Time: November 1. Contact: 426-7501 or their website.

Have a fun and safe Halloween!