By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
It’s the last weekend to get your Halloween on and the West Michigan Tourist Association has a few suggestions on just how to do that.
For Those ‘Wine-ers: Round Barn Winery in Baroda, which is south of South Haven, will be hosting its HalloWine Party from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27. The event features all the treats of food and wine along with some rockin’ local bands such as Steve Foresman and the JGJ Band. The HalloWine Party is part of a series that goes for 26 weekends with 68 bands and 108 live performances. Dress in your best Halloween costume and vote for “best costume.” Admission to the event is $5. For more information, visit https://www.drinkmichigan.com/round-up.
The Party Ain’t Over Until the Monster Sings: Coldwater is home to the state’s second oldest opera house, Tibbits Opera House, 14 S. Hanchett St. The Tibbits will host its annual sppoktacular film festival, Monsterfest 3, Saturday, Oct. 27, starting at 5:30 p.m. The event will feature B-movie monster classics such as “Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein,” “Monster on the Campus,” and “The Mole People.” The Monsterfest 3 is part of a 10-part month double feature showcasing Hollywood classics and it’s free. For more information, visit tibbits.org.
The Whodunnit: Here is a twist for Halloween, head over to Kalamazoo’s Henderson Castle and be part of a murder mystery on Wednesday, Oct. 31. The story goes, there is a towering Castle located in the heart of Scotland. Spend the days walking the Scottish Moors and the evenings in the front of our large and spacious fire place as we’ll assail you with days of valor in a time when Knights walked the land protecting the weak and the innocent. Fair warning: everything is not as it seems.
The evening is $142 and includes the dinner game, a three-course dinner with a special Halloween Spirit Drink for each course. Also, the event is Halloween themed so dress in the costume of your choice or best match your given character. For more information, visit hendersoncastle.com.
The Big Blowout: One area that really knows how to celebrate Halloween is Saugatuck, which hosts two events for all ages on Saturday, Oct. 27. Activities start at 3:30 p.m. with the annual Halloween family and pet parade. Judges will determine the winners and will distribute cash prizes at the end. After the parade, stay for an array of activities that include music, a puppet experience, horse-drawn wagon rides, and more.
Hit the Trail: The Lakeshore Museum’s Michigan Heritage Park turns into the Haunted Trail Friday and Saturday, Oct,. 26 and 27, from 7:30 – 10 p.m. The park partners will the Muskegon Civic Theatre with actors telling legends, myths and tales from the 1600s to 1900s as participants walk through 10,000 years of horror. Due to scary elements, this event is recommended for ages 13 and older. Tickets are $15 per person.
For more ideas, check out the West Michigan Carefree Travel Guide that is available at the WKTV station, 5261 Clyde Park SW, or visit WMTA.org, There is also still plenty of time to follow the 2018 Lake Michigan Lighthouse Map and Circle Tour, also available at the station.
