Leisure

Road Trips

'Tis now the very witching time of year, when kiddies dress up in costume and traipse around the neighborhood collecting sweet treats. If you're a parent who wants to avoid that annual ritual but still stay in the spirit of the season, take the kids on a ghost walk. You won't need costumes, there will be no mounds of candy to squabble over for weeks to come, and they (and you) might even learn something. There are famous ghost walks in Savannah and Charleston, but no need to drive that far. We have some super choices right here in the metro area.

For the second year in a row, Lawrenceville Ghost Tours takes groups on a 90-minute adventure in the town's historic square. The costumed guide shares vivid stories of the strange and supernatural. This year the Aurora Theatre, which produces the tour, has added a mystery writer and a psychic to entertain people. It's a walking history lesson and an hour and a half's good entertainment. Call for times, pricing, reservations and special tours featuring area crime writers and other special guests. Tours begin at the Aurora Theatre, 128 Pike St., Lawrenceville. (678) 226-6222.

Roswell is well known for its antebellum houses. But what about its ante-bellum spirits? Tour directors Dianna Avena and her husband are paranormal investigators, so you may get more than you bargain for. She says she has really seen ghosts on the walking tour, which lasts about two hours and covers a mile. It's also wheelchair-accessible. The tour is not recommended for very small children but is a great idea for birthday parties. Visit www.roswellghosttour.com or call (770) 649-9922 for schedules and pricing. Tours meet in the big white bandstand/gazebo in the Roswell Town Square directly across the street from the Roswell Visitors Center at 617 Atlanta St.ÊFree parking is available along the square and behind the Visitors Center.

Marietta is another historic town with its own ghost walk. Longtime residents tell stories of wandering Civil War soldiers, slaves and residents of the city's old stately homes and business buildings who haunt the night. Tours last about 90 minutes and depart from the courtyard of the Marietta Welcome Center, 4 Depot St.. Call (770) 881-8011, or visit www.mariettaghosttour.com.

If ghosts aren't your thing, maybe beer is. In that case, you won't want to miss Oktoberfest in Helen, just a lovely scenic drive north of town. With falling leaves and pouring beer, it's a glorious way to spend an autumn day. Helen's celebration began in mid-September and runs through the first week in November, with lots of oompah music, wursts, dancing and, of course, beer. Just drive carefully, OK? And stop on the way to enjoy the gorgeous mountain colors. For more information, visit www.helenga.org.