Top 6 Best and Most Unusual Halloween Haunts in Miami and Miami Beach 2008

We may not have the chilly weather or the fall spectacular colors prevalent in Northern climates but the spirit of Halloween is alive and just as creepy here in the tropical city of Miami. It might be just a bit warmer but not less spirited or ghoulish. Parties and events are planned all over our sun and fun filled "frightful" city and I am going to write about a few that I hope will appeal to people of all ages and who might have different tastes of the lore of the gore.

Number One:

One of the most popular events that take place every year on October 31st is the Rocky Horror Picture Show Halloween Extravaganza. The Miami Beach Environmental Coalition is sponsoring a fundraiser that is sure to raise the hair on your head and other body parts. Come in costume and, for $25, you will get admission to the movie, a free drink and a bag of bloodthirsty goodies. The movie starts at 9:00 but get there early for drinks at 7:30 to show off your imaginative, ghoulish costume and help the environment at the same time.

Colony Theater on Lincoln Road, Miami Beach

Number Two:

Nightmare Miami is coming straight out of New York to the SoHo Studios. An intense 18 room haunted house experience featuring a format that will make you a creature feature star of your own film. Scares galore await with real dressed up characters. Full blown sound effects and sights will be sure to create the terror of the night with the multimedia visuals they will be using. In addition, there will be a Frankenstein, Zombie and Vampire House as well as a funeral with all skeletons in attendance. Cool off your fears with a drink at the Graveyard Bar and Lounge.

Located at 2136 NW 1^st Ave, Miami.

Tickets are $25.00 presale and $30 at the door. For a VIP experience be prepared to shell out $45. For details visit www.NightmareMiami.com

Number Three:

For something a bit different you can take a "Ghosts of Miami Night Walking Tour" which will take you on a guided tour to visit the spooks and horrors of Miami's early pioneers and their final resting places. This graveyard tour will take you to the graves of some of Miami's histories mysteries, those people who had violent or unexplained deaths and whose spirits are said to be waiting for you as they prowl the Miami City Cemetery.

Wear a costume and meet your other adventurous souls at the front gate.

The tours begin at 8 and continue until 10 P.M.

$30. Call 305-375-1492. For more information

311800 NE 2nd Ave.

For lighter fare and for the younger crowd there are so many events taking place it's hard to narrow them down. I'll start with;

Number Four

In Coral Gables, join the revelry during Halloween on the Mile, October 31^st. Ghostly ghouls will be enjoying all the many fun festivities in this very special safe environment of shops and shopkeepers who will welcome all the tricksters with treats. Creepy canines are invited especially if they are in costume. There will be a scavenger hunt as well. These spooky events start at 4:00 P.M...for details check out www.shopcoralgables.com

Number Five and Six

This is a toss up as to which to write about here, since they are all unique in their own way. But two stand out in my mind as favorite events at places I love to visit in Miami

Monster Splash at the Miami Seaquarium, will be holding a special event for all the members of the family, featuring animal shows, a haunted house and a "Pirates of Shark Island Skeleton Walk. A Haunted House will also be ready for the trick or treaters with shocks galore in store, but on the mild side for the youngsters.

These festivities will be taking place on October 24^th-25^th 26^th and the 31^st.

For further information call 305-361-5705

Admission is $15.

Halloween Spooktacular at Jungle Island

The folks at Jungle Island, (formally Parrot Jungle Island), are going all out this year with two fun-filled days of spooky fun with their furry and feathered friends who live on this island. The bounce house will be going in full swing along with the crafty tricks which will be featured and crafts galore. Enjoy the Goblin Pie eating contest and the Creepy Cookie decorating. A costume contest is on the agenda so dress up the kiddies in their Halloween best. See the monkeys, the exotic birds from all over the world and the 2000 lb Crocosaurus while you enjoy the shows. And let's not forget the Liger, a big 900 lb cat who is a cross between a lion and a tiger. Who knows, these creatures be waiting for you in some spooky attire or setting.

Located on Watson island, between Miami and Miami Beach

For more information and prices call 305-400-7000 or visit www.jungleisland.com.

Yes, there are all kinds of spooktacular events coming this season to Miami and on Miami Beach. So Happy Halloween, may it be a safe, fun night and day for all.