October and the eerie beauty (without the gore) of Halloween are especially dazzling at Roger Williams Park & Zoo in Providence, RI, itself a gem of a Victorian city park from the days when the masters designed our public spaces. Map
First up, from October 5 to November 4, is the Jack O Lantern Spectacular, a walk through the woods lined with extravagant carved and lighted pumpkins artfully arranged (even on the surface of a pond). This event loses no charm over the passing years; people of all ages are awed.
You can take a paddleboat ride on a lighted swan boat on Polo Lake in the park during the Jack Spectacular. Your hosts are La Gondola, which founded the gondola rides on the rivers of downtown Providence.
Also, the park now offers a cool two-seater zip line ride 115 feet above the ground, with views of Providence and Narragansett Bay and, during evenings, the glowing pumpkins below.
Plan a visit and do it all. See links and read up on how to buy advance tickets, parking, and other details. SO Worth It!
