Few people think of winter as an ideal time to take a vacation, yet the U.S. has a treasure trove of beautiful winter destinations to enjoy. One such case is Stowe, Vermont. Beautiful any time of year, this picturesque town is positively magical during the colder seasons. Under a blanket of snow or frost, it can look like something of a fairytale. Plus, Stowe Mountain Resort is the perfect destination for outdoor adventure lovers of all kinds. Here's why you'll want to bundle up and plan a trip to Stowe Mountain Resort this winter.
The town of Stowe, Vermont is home to the state's highest peak, Mount Mansfield.
It comes as no surprise that this alpine town is home to some incredible skiing and snowboarding opportunities. Head to Stowe Mountain Resort whether you consider yourself a beginner or a novice and you'll fall in love with winter recreational activities.
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Or, if you prefer activities that are less exhilarating, you'll be totally charmed by the festive storefronts and local cafes in town.
Haunted hayrides are so passé – it's all about haunted train rides in the U.S. this Halloween! Combining the old-fashioned thrill of riding through the dark on a Halloween train ride with the classic frights, spooks, and starts of a haunted house experience, these haunted train rides across the U.S. will make you shiver in a good way.
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1. Oklahoma Railway Museum Halloween Ride, Oklahoma
Looking for a new and fun family activity to do this Halloween? If so, try an old-fashioned steam-engine train ride at the Oklahoma Railway Museum. With the entire train decked out for Halloween, there are costumes and friendly faces everywhere you turn. You will immediately feel like you have been transported back in time when you hear "all aboard." The Oklahoma Railway Museum is located in the heart of Oklahoma City and the ride lasts for approximately 40 minutes. Halloween rides are only offered on October 30 and 31 so order your tickets now because in the past they have sold out early!
2. Hoosac Valley Legends Twilight Train, Massachusetts
Are you fascinated by local history? Do ancient cemeteries give you the chills? Do you like a good scare? If so, the Hoosac Valley Legends Twilight Train is definitely for you.
Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum’s new Hoosac Valley Service offers fun and educational train rides between Adams and North Adams in the beautiful Berkshire Hills of western Massachusetts. This train ride is a living history exhibit that explores the rich railroad history of the region and complements the already popular cultural attractions located in the Northern Berkshire area. During the fall, this spooky train right will take you through some of the creepiest spots in the area!
Hop aboard the California State Railroad Museum's annual haunted train ride this October. back by popular demand, California State Parks and the California State Railroad Museum & Foundation will offer engaging and entertaining "Spookomotive" train rides in Old Sacramento every weekend in October. Steaming out of downtown Sacramento, this ghoulish excursion will take you past dazzling fall foliage and spooky sights. The train and staff are dressed up for the season, and wearing your own spirited finery is highly encouraged. Despite their antique nature (and potential for being haunted), these old trains make for a very family-friendly ride. Just look at this kindly docent ready to lead you on this spooktacular train trip in California!
Each year, the Nevada Northern Railway in Ely transforms its historic trains into mobile fright factories. The Haunted Ghost Train is staffed by over 100 volunteers who are committed to scaring you out of your wits...and giving you a few laughs. You'll cruise through the area and encounter UFOs, headless horsemen, ghosts and other creepy fare. The Haunted Train Ride is run by approximately 100 volunteers every year, who are dedicated to giving you a terrifying experience. The Haunted Train Ride sells out every year, so buy your tickets early or else!
Each fall, the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad offers a Harvest Run and a mid-October fall foliage ride. They’re both beautiful and fun, but if you love Halloween, wait until the end of the month. The Headless Horseman Halloween Train is always on the last weekend of October and it’s as spooky as it sounds. On a foggy day, Chelatchie even looks a little like Sleepy Hollow!
The Boothbay Railway Village is typically a lovely, relaxing place.
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But once a year, witches and goblins arrive at this quaint railroad village to board the Ghost Train. You'll cruise through the local landscape and see all sorts of delightfully creepy characters. The train ride is meant to be a good time for all ages, so the scares are kept pretty tame. For those of us that appreciate Halloween, but prefer bunny costumes over zombies this is the perfect activity!
7. The Halloween Train at Wheaton Miniature Train and Ovid Hazen Wells Carousel, Maryland
The Wheaton Miniature Train and Ovid Hazen Wells Carousel is a fan-favorite attraction in Maryland that delights both children and adults throughout the year. But once a year it becomes a haunted train ride! Located in Wheaton Regional Park, about 40 minutes outside of Washington DC, this fun destination becomes a spooky adventure every October. For a thrilling ride that will be sure to make you scream, head to Wheaton and take the Halloween Train!
Operating out of Mount Pleasant, the Midwest Central Railroad's haunted train ride is a one-mile excursion that definitely delivers a few frights, but won't dish up anything too scary for the younger set. The railroad has steam locomotives and railroad cars, and you’ll enjoy a scenic ride, with plenty of sights and sounds along the way. You'll see plenty of creepy decorations, and get the chance to test your courage at the haunted house.
This autumn train ride in Pennsylvania will take you on a terrifying rail adventure. You'll be whisked into the woods of New Hope on a one-hour trip filled with spooky surprises, haunted happenings, and even an excursion into a creepy corn maze. The train runs select dates during the month of October, so visit the New Hope Website and reserve your spot now!
What's your favorite way to celebrate the spooky season in your neck of the woods? Have you experienced any of these haunted train rides in the U.S. before? If so, we'd love to hear all about your spooky experience! Looking for more fall fun? Here are some of our favorite fall festivals across the U.S. And, if you decide to check out fall activities around the state via a road trip, check out our ultimate road trip packing list!
When it comes to traveling by air, one of the most dreadful things is having to deal with everything that leads up to you actually getting to your terminal. Between waiting in long lines to check in and go through security, most travelers are doing everything they can to speed things along.
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If you’re a frequent traveler who does all they can to make getting through the airport a quick and painless process, you might want want to look into joining the TSA PreCheck program, not to be confused with other trusted traveler programs for U.S. Citizens and lawful permanent residents like Clear or Global Entry, which aids in international travel.
Is TSA PreCheck Worth It?
If you are a frequent flyer, TSA PreCheck is absolutely worth it.
Frequent travelers who are interested in joining the program will be required to pay a non-refundable application fee of $78 dollars and complete an in-person interview. The fee covers a 5-year membership and for TSA to conduct a background check and screen potential members.
After years of meaning to join TSA Pre-Check and it slipping lower and lower on my priority list, I finally took the plunge this summer and officially have my Known Travel ID number in hand. My husband has had TSA PreCheck for years, and I was tired of splitting up through the security line so he could beeline to the closest airport coffee shop or skip the hassle of security screening with our toddler.
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As a frequent flyer myself, if I had known how simple the process was beforehand, I would have signed up years ago, but I guess we’re better late than never.
Making A TSA PreCheck Appointment
The online application process for TSA Pre-Check is simple.
I made my appointment two weeks in advance at the Staples near my house, and while this location was simple to find and navigate, I have heard that many TSA PreCheck enrollment centers are in unassuming storefronts that can seem a bit, well, unassuming.
The In-Person Appointment
When I arrived, and found the TSA PreCheck kiosk in the store, which happened to be a makeshift cubicle (pictured below).
Once escorted inside, I gave the worker my passport. He asked me a few questions about myself, including the city where I was born, my maiden name, and other identifying information. The in-person appointment includes fingerprinting, taking a photograph, and giving your signature.
The entire TSA Precheck application process — including making the appointment and the appointment itself — took less than 15 minutes, and all I needed was my passport. If you don’t have a passport, you can bring in other supporting documents to prove your identity and citizenship status, including your driver's license, federally-issued ID, and birth certificate. Your application will walk you through which documents you’ll need to bring with you.
Three days after my appointment, during a holiday weekend, no less, I received an email that my application was approved. At the time of publication, most applicants receive their Known Traveler Number (KTN) within three to five days, though some applications can take up to 60 days. I added my KTN to an upcoming flight reservation and will report back with any issues as I use TSA PreCheck to get through airport security checkpoints for the first time. I look forward to the time-saving of avoiding regular security lines.
If you’re on the fence about TSA PreCheck membership or are worried about the cost, many rewards credit cards will pay for the fee in the form of a statement credit or reimbursement. Two of my current travel credit cards – the American Express Platinum card and the IHG One Rewards Premier – offer this perk. The Chase Sapphire Reserve is a popular option among my friends as well. Other credit cards that offer this perk include travel cards from Bank of America, Capital One, Citi Bank, and MasterCard, as well as various airlines, from American Airlines and Delta to Southwest and United.
TSA PreCheck Benefits
Once you’re a member of the TSA PreCheck program, the perks start rolling in. As of right now, more than 200 American airports and 85+ airlines are part of the program.
If you are a precheck passenger traveling with your family, children 12 and under are allowed to accompany an enrolled parent or guardian in the TSA PreCheck lanes without restriction, while children 13 to 17 may join enrolled adults when traveling on the same reservation and if the TSA PreCeck indicator appears on the child’s boarding pass. The overall process of becoming a TSA PreCheck member is quick and easy, with more than 55 million travelers using the program since it began in 2013.
To find out what U.S. airports and airlines are part of the TSA PreCheck program and who's eligible for this program, click here.
