The last night of October is reserved for sweet treats and spooky surprises! Halloween is a fun experience in the downtown area of Gatlinburg as throngs of people jam the sidewalks taking ghosts, goblins, princesses and the latest Superhero trick or treating up the Parkway. You can find long lines going into all the retail establishments as children are treated by the local merchants who graciously hand out candy to all the costumed cuties. You can see everything from a simple face painting to an elaborate costume that would rival a Hollywood production, but one thing in common is that all are there to have fun.
The Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies plaza plays host to the Treat or Treat Kickoff Karnival each year and the festivities are from 1 PM – 5 PM. Located near Traffic light #5 the Aquarium plaza will be filled with Activities for the young ones and vendors selling treats! There will be contests and fun games to keep your little one’s occupied until time to hit the stores for candy! The Ripley’s Haunted Adventure has Friday night Fright Nights during October. Beginning at 6 Pm the Ripley’s Haunted Adventure has a parade of “Monsters” – this year featuring 85 years worth of Movie Monsters. You must at 6 years of age to enter the Mansion and up until the age of 11 you must have an adult accompany you.
The original Haunted Mansion in Gatlinburg on River Road would also be a fun place for a spooky night out! This house has been revamped and presents ” House of the Macabre” and you will be scared to pieces – “Embrace your fear, if you Dare”!
There are also several companies that provide Haunted or Ghost Walk tours of Gatlinburg. They will take you on a walking tour of the downtown Gatlinburg area and give you a behind the scenes tour of the city after dark. These tours are a mix of truth and legend and should be regarded as amusement and not as fact.
Whatever you choose to do – Gatlinburg has your favorite chalet waiting for you to come and experience all the city has to offer!
