New England Area Has One Of The Best Halloween Parades In The U.S.
The fall season is certainly one of the most festive times of the year. Now, in the coming weeks, children (and adults) will be dressing up in their best costumes. To recognize this fun, USA Today‘s 10Best, published a report of the best Halloween parades across the county and a New England area made the list.
“Some of the biggest Halloween parades across the country attract locals and visitors alike to see spooky magic happen or simply march along in the fun,” 10Best explains.
What constitutes a great Halloween parade? Of course, it must be filled with kids. Sure, parents enjoy dressing up, but most Halloween parades are about the excitement of youth. There’s not a kid on earth who does not love getting compliments on how great their costume is. Furthermore, try to pay attention to the way you deliver the question, “What are you supposed to be?”
Though Halloween parades all have their standard components, there are also variations that make each one unique to their city or community. Some bring in the most decorative jugglers, or haunted costumes for guests to marvel (or scream) at. Others allow the kids to be the main attraction, walking down the street. Regardless, it goes without saying, there must be an abundance of candy.
In New England, the area recognized for having one of the best Halloween parades in the country is a tradition that just started in the ’90s.
Portsmouth Halloween Parade – New Hampshire
The Portsmouth Halloween Parade in Portsmouth, New Hampshire actually takes place on Halloween night. “The Portsmouth Halloween Parade is a grassroots, all-inclusive celebration of community, creativity and free expression that walks, stalks, dances, trumpets and drums its way through downtown Portsmouth each year,” Portsmouth explains.
10Best adds, your creativity here is encouraged and is even expected. “Everyone is welcome to participate, but costumes — preferably homemade, not store-bought — are strongly encouraged,” they said.
This year, the festivities start at 7 p.m. What makes this event special is that it is entirely funded and arranged by the community. It operates off fundraising and marshals guiding the way. To learn more about the Portsmouth Halloween Parade, how you can participate, volunteer, or partake, visit portsmouthhalloweenparade.org.
New England: 4 Of The Best Places For A Weekend Getaway
Wellfleet, Cape Cod
Cape Cod is an obvious location. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend, there is perhaps no place that is more popular in Massachusetts. To me, it’s about finding that specific corner of Cape Cod that is right for you. You can camp or find cottages along Cahoon Hallow Road that will enable amazing trips to the beach. Trekking those sand dunes, hitting the three-foot waves (yes, sometimes there are shark warnings), and then getting food at the Beachcomber while listening to the great live music, is my perfect day.
North Conway, New Hampshire
There is never a bad time to visit this charming town. You can ski Cranmore in the winter. Hike, hit the waterfalls, or visit Storyland in the summer. Either way, you will be graced with some amazing local restaurants. In fact, North Conway flies under the radar as one of the best pizza towns in New England. The hotels like Eastern Slope in accommodate any season, and are right in the middle of town where all the bars, restaurants and stores are. This weekend getaway is probably the least “quiet” but has the most amount of options at your fingertips.
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Woodstock, Vermont
The river that runs through Woodstock has a way of speaking to you. It’s serene but can also provide a thrill of pushing you down stream. It’s calming to provide that fresh water cleanse to rid yourself of all that comes with the lights on the city. Lastly, the various rope swings scattered around the town provide a liberating rush. From the climb up the rocks to the swing, to the plunge, you focus on nothing but the joy of that ride. Ramunto’s Brick Oven and Brews is also an essential stop upon each visit.
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Sebago Lake, Maine
Lake life just hits differently. Depending upon where you go around Lake Sebago you get the feeling that nowhere else on the planet exists while you there. Frye Island has the magic of no public cars, local watering holes, and the ability to bike incredible dirt roads. There’s a history there to learn about and local taps to enjoy. It’s common to see jet skiing or pontoon boating anywhere you look within the glistening waters. Furthermore, certain towns offer that one and only general store that has everything you can imagine, from household cleaning supplies to steaks to grill for dinner.
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