Issue Date: October 22, 2006

HOLIDAYS

Scare yourself silly

5 shocking celebrations from across the U.S. to experience first-class Halloween thrills

By Judy Mandell

Halloween isn't just for kids. Who doesn't love a good scare? "A chemical reaction occurs in our bodies when we are scared," says Christopher Knippers, a California counselor. "We get a rush of adrenaline that can make us feel energized and alive."

And for serious scare-seekers, the thrill lasts all month at most of the following Halloween celebrations:

Go to Hell. In this Michigan town named Hell, you can stay at the Dam Site Inn, eat in Hell's Kitchen and dip weird toppings out of a coffin at Screams Ice Cream parlor (hell2u.com).

Jailhouse shock. In Philadelphia, experience Terror Behind the Walls at an old, abandoned prison. Tour empty cellblocks, including Al Capone's, and hear creepy stories that were recorded by ex-inmates (easternstate.org).

Scary circus. At Las Vegas' Circus Circus hotel and casino, the Adventuredome becomes the Fright Dome. The 5-acre family party has five haunted houses, including a zombie mansion, and costumed actors as killer clowns (frightdome.com).

Extreme haunts. The Beast in Kansas City, Mo., pioneered the "open format" haunted house concept, where visitors wander freely, never knowing what or who will be jumping out at them (kcbeast.com).

Staying home? Catch the Travel Channel's "Most Haunted Live," airing now through Halloween. For times, check local cable listings.