Spirited party

In New Orleans, there's a Halloween treat around every corner.

In a town that needs no excuse for a costume party, Halloween is something of a perpetual state of mind. The festivities begin weeks ahead and run the gamut for kids of all ages in the Crescent City.

There's no better place to start than the French Quarter. For the thrill of a good ghost story, take one of the Haunted History Tours that leaves at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. daily from 500 and 723 St. Peters Street. "People take photos on the tour, and things show up that weren't there," says guide Paul Chasse. "The history of this city is bizarre enough. Why embellish it?"

Also visit Musee Conti Wax Museum, where in a dungeon-like setting you'll encounter life-size wax monsters, including Frankenstein and Creature From the Black Lagoon.

For lunch, don a pointy hat, and join the costumed crowd at Galatoire's Restaurant on Halloween. Or head to Restaurant August, where chef John Besh produces a delicious pumpkin-inspired tasting menu.

On October 25 and 26, the whole family will enjoy Scarium at the Aquarium, with themed activities in this fascinating setting of swimming creatures. For an afternoon splurge, the children's Halloween tea at The Ritz-Carlton is a treat ($22).

For families with small children, the place to be on the evenings of October 24, 25, and 31 this year is Boo at the [Audubon] Zoo. This event features special children's games and entertainment, trick-ortreating, and a ghost train. Be sure to reserve your tickets in advance.

Set your hair on end at Sheriff Foti's annual Haunted and Unhaunted (friendly goblins, perfect for children) Houses in City Park. Both are designed by deputies and inmates in the parish prison's art program. Between screams, I kept repeating to myself: "Remember, the ghouls jumping out of the shadows are really undercover police officers."

Finish your bewitching evening at Muriel's Jackson Square with its perpetually "reserved" ghost table and balcony overlooking the square, where the show goes on far into All Hallows'Eve. MELANIE PARKER

For more information: Call the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau at 1-800-476-1651, or visit www.neworleanscvb.com.

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Oct 2003
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