Come to New Orleans to celebrate October 31st and you’ll see this special date like you’ve never seen it before. Halloween is second only to Mardi Gras for being wild and crazy – for everyone – that includes gay/straight adults and the little ones. Okay, kids of all ages, from the smallest trick-or-treaters to the biggest party monsters.

 THE MOST HAUNTED CITY IN AMERICA

NOLA is widely known as the most haunted city in the entire country because it is so rich in “haunted” history. Which brings us to this: you may want to start by going on a haunted tour in the French Quarter or even take a cemetery tour. To help you decide CLICK HERE for our detailed description of the cemetery tours.

 WE HAVE A NUMBER OF VOODOO SHOPS

Check them out and learn more about the history behind these centuries-old spiritual practices. The spirit of Marie LaVeau, who is known as the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans still lingers and the crypt where she’s buried is believed to be the most haunted cemetery in America. People leave candles, flowers and Voodoo dolls on her grave and make a wish on her tomb – if it comes true they return and leave three “X” marks as a sign of their gratitude.  

AND YES, YOU’LL FIND COSTUME SHOPS

We all know that Halloween is more fun if you dress up. You can get everything from cat ears and vampire fangs to over-the-top outfits with feather boas. Go for it. Why? Because once you’re in costume you’ll be welcome at an open party or bar that’s into the spirit of Halloween. CLICK HERE for a list of costume and mask shops

HEAD FOR ONE OF THE BIGGEST STREET PARTIES

The LGBT community is out in full regalia on Bourbon and St. Ann streets in the heart of the French Quarter. Elaborate costumes, drinking and dancing go into this festive celebration – with the proceeds going to Project Lazarus – a home in New Orleans for people living with AIDS.

 FAMILY FRIENDLY HALLOWEEN IN NEW ORLEANS

If you’re looking for something for the kids, check out “Boo at the Zoo” that is held at the Audubon Zoo located at 6500 Magazine Street. You find an evening with entertainment, food, trick-or-treating, fun rides and a haunted house. It also gives the little ones a chance to get up close and personal with some of the more friendly animals at the zoo.

WHY NOT GET IN THE MOOD FOR YOUR OCTOBER TRIP? 

Nothing gets one thinking about a town faster than hearing a song about it. Why do you think they play Frank Sinatra’s New York, New York every New Year’s Eve after the ball drops in Times Square? Why does Tony Bennett singing I Left My Heart in San Francisco always bring back memories?

Here’s my suggestion: if you want to get in the mood for your trip to The Big Easy why not listen to The City of New Orleans? It’s a great folk song that was written by Steve Goodman. It describes a train ride from Chicago to New Orleans via the Illinois Central Railroad in bittersweet and nostalgic terms. Goodman got the idea while traveling on the train itself.

This song was a hit for Arlo Guthrie on his 1972 album Hobo’s Lullaby. It has since been done by: Willie Nelson, John Denver, Johnny Cash, Judy Collins, Chet Atkins, Hank Snow and others. CLICK HERE FOR THE SONG AND THE LYRICS

Shaun Nelson-Henrick