Happy Tuesday, y’all! Can you believe Halloween is a week from today?! I know I can’t!  Below, I’ve listed some of my favorite places in the country to celebrate Halloween, as well as some basic costumes you can put together last minute!  I don’t know about you, but now that I’m an adult, I have way too many other expenses (/I spend all my money on traveling and champagne) to be spending loads of money on a Halloween Costume that I’m never going to wear again. So, I’ve put together a list of easy costumes that you can put together and easily wear some of the pieces again in everyday life!

1. Salem, Massachusetts– Growing up in New England, Salem, MA, was THE place to go around Halloween.  I didn’t realize until I moved away that it is one of the best celebrations in the country, if not the best.  Salem, MA is so well-known for their Halloween celebrations because of its witchcraft history.  This “witch town” dates back to 1692, when the Salem witch trials occurred. More than 200 people were accused of practicing witchcraft and 20 were executed. Eventually, the colony admitted the trials were a mistake and compensated the families of those convicted.  Today, for the entire month of October, Haunted Happenings takes over Salem to celebrate Halloween and with family friendly fall festivities.  Salem, MA is also where the best Halloween movie of all time, Hocus Pocus, was filmed.
2. Orlando, Florida–  Being the theme park capital of the world, Orlando really knows how to throw a Halloween party.  If you’re looking for Halloween nightlife, head downtown Orlando the weekend before Halloween or the actual night of Halloween for the block parties.  Wall Street blocks off their street every weekend for a block party, but on Halloween, the rest of the city closes off their streets too for one huuuuge block party.  Expect it to be hot and sweaty and make sure to dress appropriately.  If you’re looking for something spookier, check out Universal’s Halloween Horror Night’s. The entire park turns into a giant haunted house.  I was once chased half way through the park by a character from Texas Chainsaw Massacre!  Make sure to include sneakers in your costume if you choose this option. If you’re looking for something more low-key and family friendly, Mickey’s Not-so-scary Halloween Party is a fantastic option, as Disney World never disappoints!
3. Sleepy Hollow, New York-  The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze has been going viral on social media because of their festival featuring 7,000 Jack O’Lanterns!  This is the Rockefeller Center of Halloween. Located in Hudson County, this is a great fall day trip from NYC.  You even get to enjoy the beautiful fall foliage on the way out there.  Leaf peepers, I’m talkin’ to you!  Check out the YouTube video here to see how remarkable the festival is for yourself.
4. Madison, Wisconsin–  Madison’s Freakfest is probably the craziest Halloween celebration in the Midwest.  If you’ve ever visited this college town during football season, you know they know how to party, and Halloween is no exception.  This epic college block party began in the early 2000’s as a free event on State Street.  However, in 2005 100,00 people attended and it got a liiiiitttttle out of hand to where the police had to get involved.  Now, they charge an admission to get into the blocked off State Street, but the crowds still reach about 40,000… not too shabby!  In addition to Halloween costumes and festivities, Freakfest also hosts some big time performers including Third Eyed Blind, O.A.R., Little Big Town, Neon Trees, Mac Miller, Chase Rice and many others.  You can buy tickets for this years fest here.
5. Savannah, Georgia– Savannah can be a spooky town at any time of the year, as it is often referred to as the most haunted town in America.  With Savannah’s old creaky houses, large droopy oak trees, and nightly ghost tours, you’re bound to feel a little eerie on your visit.  Check out a list of Ghost Tour’s here and make sure to book in advance if you are trying to catch one over Halloween weekend.
6. New Orleans, Louisiana-  Halloween is the second most celebrated holiday in New Orleans, after Mardi Gras.  And if NOLA does Halloween half as good as Mardi Gras, it’s gotta be the best place in the country to celebrate Halloween!  Don’t miss the official Halloween Parade- Krewe of Boo!  Just like Savannah, New Orleans has a reputation for being one of the most haunted cities in America.  They also offer ghost tours and a number of Haunted Houses during the Halloween season.  Check out their spookiest Haunted Houses here!

 

Last Minute Costume Ideas That You Can Wear Again

 

Photo: Show Me Your Mumu

Channel your inner 90s with this Clueless costume.  This costume is perfect because it’s cute and casual and you don’t have to worry about getting through the crowds in uncomfortable shoes!  Personally, I would wear that velvet pink dress and slides any chance I could.  And I already wear my Adidas superstars and flannels on the reg.

 

Photo by: Akira

How cute is this idea?  Only cute if you’re celebrating somewhere as hot and sticky as your buttered popcorn. Bonus, in this costume you can snack on popcorn all night and no one will judge you.  Toss some chocolate from your Halloween candy in there and you’re all set!  Plus, this entire ensemble is less than $50!

Photo by: Show Me Your Mumu

I think we can all agree that Berets are a staple look this season, so why not use Halloween as an excuse to buy one?  Pair it with a striped top and jeans and you’ve made yourself into a parisian for a night! Oui Oui!

Photo by: Revolve

Denim, plaid, booties, hats.. everything about cowgirl fashion is in style right now!  You most likely  have all the essentials your need for a cowgirl costume in your closet right now, but I’ve linked some options just in case you’re missing a piece!

 

Photo by: Show Me Your Mumu

I don’t know about you, but I’m obsessed with this costume idea.  I’ve been dying to get some bell bottom jeans, and this would be the perfect excuse!  The star print is fun, but I think I would opt for some solid denim bell bottoms to start with.  Plus, this costume would keep you warm up north!