September 19, 2003 -- To reinforce its ghostly image, the commonwealth infamous for the Salem Witch Trials is dragging some old skeletons out of the closet and rattling a few chains again this fall featuring travel specials on or about Halloween. With a few weeks to go, here are some highlights you might want to consider:
- You could stay in the very house where Lizzie Borden is said to have "chopped her papa up in Massachusetts," now known as the Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast in Fall River. Phone them at 508/675-7333 for rates and availability or visit www.lizzie-borden.com.
- If you prefer more elevated surroundings, try staying at the Colonial Inn, Concord, where Room 24 is said to be the haunt of the late philosopher, Ralph Waldo Emerson. Contact 978/369-9200 or www.concordscolonialinn.com. Rates are $120 per night through October 7, descending to as low as $99 by October 26.
- In Salem itself, the Hawthorne Hotel has an annual Costume Ball on Halloween night, costing $75 per person, food included. Contact 978/744-4080 or see www.hawthornehotel.com.
- At the Village Green Inn in Falmouth, four ghosts (a young girl, a doctor and a couple dressed in 1800s clothing) have been sighted "on many occasions." Contact them at 508/548-5621, www.villagegreeninn.com.
- In Shrewsbury, you can visit the "haunted" Hebert Candy Mansion on 12 weekend nights, starting October 4, 2003. There's a new Spooky Carnival on the Green, the ten-room haunted house, and a bag of candy, plus ice cream sundae. The price is $8 for trick-or-treaters, $2.50 for "walk through" customers. Contact them at 508/845-8051 or visit www.hebertcandies.com.
- Out near Sterling is "New England's largest corn field maze," where there's a Davis Halloween Mega Maze "romp" on every October weekend. Contact them at www.davismegamaze.com or 978/422-8888.
- Similarly, all month, Salem celebrates Halloween throughout October, with a Grand Opening Parade, a "haunted" harbor cruise featuring "creatures of the deep," simulated witch trials, a Psychic Fair, treasure hunts and candlelight tours. Visit www.hauntedhappenings.org or phone 877/744-3663.
For more information on Massachusetts in general, or a free guide, visit www.massvacation.com or phone 800/447 MASS (extension 300).