A spooktacular October in St.Louis, Missouri.

Do you like haunted houses? Furry spiders your thing? Spending the night with ghosts sound fun? Do you like to hear terrifying tales of local creepy characters and wander through neighborhoods inhabited by the spirits of St. Louis? Haunted hayrides? Well then October is the right time for you!! Muwahahahahaha!

I have had so many requests for things to do in October that are scary and creepy. Hope you enjoy. And, as always, if you have any questions contact me and as soon as I wake I'll give you a call.

LEMP MANSION:

If you like haunted houses one of the best is the historic Lemp Mansion where spirits of the past are said to walk the halls of the home once owned by the ill-fated family of one of St. Louis' old beer barons. The brave of heart can have the ultimate Halloween experience by booking a room at the mansion, now a popular inn.

Despite fabulous wealth amassed from their brewery empire, the Lemps were plagued by tragedy including the suicides of several family members. Who knows? Maybe their spirits do still roam the halls. If you're not up to spending the night with ghosts, have dinner in the mansion's dinner-theatre restaurant, but beware - murder happens. Or, take a ghostbusting tour of the house led by a genuine paranormal investigator.

Tours are scheduled every Monday night throughout the year and more often during the Halloween season. Lemp Mansion, 3322 DeMenil Place. For tour schedules and reservations, call St. Louis Spirit Search at 314-776-4667. Lemp mansion telephone# 314-664-8024.

St. John's Mercy Children's Hospital
Pumpkin Prowl Nights at The St.Louis ZOO

Nightly, October 20 - 30
5 p.m. - 9 p.m.

The Zoo's non-scary, kid-friendly Halloween experience is filled with laughs and adventure. Children are encouraged to wear costumes.

Admission

• Admission is free! Our treat.
• Enter through South Entrance at Z-O-O pylon.
• Parking is available for $5 for members and $10 for non-members on the South Lot.
• No reservations necessary

Spooktacular Fun for Families

• "Heads up" as you pass through the Headless Horseman Graveyard.
• Got the heebie jeebies from creepy crawlies? Then you'll want to steer clear of the Palace of Insects and Spider Alley.
• Hold on to your loose change when you enter Pirate's Cove!
• Who's that floating in the Dead Man's Bayou? He's probably headed straight for Boneyard Park.
• Peer into the past at the Old Western Cemetery and Miner Forty-Niner Mine Shaft.
• Keep your eyes peeled for the Phantom of the Zoo!
• Make a creepy craft to take home at the Kid's Craft Corner.
• Kids receive a spooky treat at the end of their visit.
• Lots of photo opportunities

Animals Along the Way

Find out what the black and white ruffed lemurs are screaming and hollering about at the Emerson Children's Zoo! Stick around a little longer in the Children's Zoo building to play peek-a-boo with the pouched tree kangaroo, catch sight of the meerkat bandits, observe the owl keeping his night watch... and don't be alarmed if you discover the naked mole rats have left their costumes at home!

Swing by the stage for an animal show at 6, 7, or 8 p.m.

Docents will be lurking around the grounds to give you an up-close and personal sneak peak at some of the Children's Zoo's night crawlers!

Night Hikes

Scared of the dark? The animals aren't! There are predators, rivals and other dangers to be wary of, though. Find out what animals do when they're scared... or scary... as you creep around Historic Hill at night. Spy on the animals at the Herpetarium, Bird House and Big Cat Country. Your Zoo guide will tell true tales of animal defenses, and you may find yourself in the middle of a Zoo mystery.

• Hikes offered every half hour beginning at 5:30 p.m. Last hike begins at 8:00 p.m.
• No "hikers" under 2 years of age.
• Fee is $5 per hiker.

Rides

• Eerily draped in cobwebs, the Conservation Carousel will be transformed to the not-so-spooky "Scare-ou-sel." (Additional fee $2/person. Note: Anywhere Passes are not valid at this event.)
• Older kids can experience "Superstition," a hauntingly fun motion simulator roller coaster adventure. (Additional fee $3/person)
• Crack a deal and get a bundled attraction pass including both rides for only $3!

Food and Souvenirs

• See what's brewing at Lakeside Café
• Shop the Halloween boo-tique for souvenirs
• Dress in style with your very own Boo at the Zoo t-shirt!
• Visit Build-A-Bear Workshop® At The Zoo and receive a free plush pumpkin carving playset when you buy a make-your-own furry friend.

Parking

Parking is available for $5 for members and $10 for non-members on the South Lot on Wells Drive near Highway 40. Enter the event through the South Entrance at the Z-O-O pylon. Please note The Living World North Entrance and North Parking Lot will not be open for this event.

Sponsors

St. John's Mercy Children's Hospital, Rottler Pest and Lawn Solutions, Build-A-Bear Workshop At The Zoo, North Star Frozen Treats, Laclede Gas, and WMVN-Movin' 101.1

Want some ideas on safe alternatives to carving pumpkins? Ideas for halloween parties and food and decorations? Check out the link below. Boo!!!!

HALLOWEEN CONCOCTIONS 2007: FROM CANDY TO GRAVEYARDS