slides: Best Trick or Treat Spots in Central Massachusetts

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

GoLocalWorcester Lifestyle Team

With Halloween just one day away, GoLocal has assembled a list of the top spots in Central Mass., which are sure to satisfy any trick- or-treater.

It's trick-or-treat time this Thursday, and GoLocal has gathered the top spots to grab the tastiest treats, see the best-decorated houses, and tips to stay safe this Halloween.

Top Trick-or-Treat Spots

Sure, countless locations throughout Central Massachusetts may be passing out candy tomorrow, but which ones deliver the best treats? GoLocal has done the research for you and determined the top neighborhoods that continuously dish out the best candy and boast the best decorated houses. We've even included a couple non-traditional Halloween spots, which will be sure to please even the most discerning trick-or-treater.

See the slideshow below for more details about the top trick-or-treat locations in Central Massachusetts.

Trick-or-Treat Hours

As was true last year, numerous cities and towns throughout Central Mass. are enforcing Halloween curfews to ensure that trick-or-treaters have both a safe and fun night.

The following locations have designated trick-or-treat hours on Thursday:

Ashby: 6-8 p.m.

Fitchburg: 6-8 p.m.

Leominster: 6-8 p.m.

Lunenberg: 6-8 p.m.

Rutland: 4-8 p.m.

Spencer: 5:30-6:30 p.m,

Warren: 5-6:30 p.m.

West Brookfield: 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Safety Tips

Now that you know the best locations for trick-or-treating, keep the following safety tips in mind.

Treats: Warn children not to eat any treats before an adult has carefully examined them for evidence of tampering.

Costume Design: Whether purchased or made at home, costumes should be light and bright enough to be clearly visible to motorists. For greater visibility during dusk and darkness, decorate or trim costumes with reflective tape that will glow in the beam of a car's headlights. Bags or sacks should also be light colored or decorated with reflective tape. Reflective tape is usually available in hardware, bicycle, and sporting goods stores. To easily see and be seen, children should also carry lashlights.

Pedestrian Safety: Young children should always be accompanied by an adult or an older, responsible child. All children should WALK, not run from house to house and use the sidewalk if available, rather than walk in the street. Children should be cautioned against running out from between parked cars, or across lawns and yards where ornaments, furniture, or clotheslines present dangers.

Choosing Safe Houses: Children should go only to homes where the residents are known and have outside lights on as a sign of welcome. Children should not enter homes or apartments unless they are accompanied by an adult.

Related Slideshow: Best Trick or Treat Spots in Central Mass.

It's Halloween, and we've got a round-up of what are considered the best spots for lots of great decorating, tons of jack o' lanterns, and great candy houses. Get your best costume on and enjoy the holiday!

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Worcester's West Side

One of the most charming neighborhoods in Worcester, complete with older homes and tree lined streets, the West Side can become delightfully spooky on Halloween. The houses may be slightly spaced apart, but the views of the neighborhood will make the increased "walking to candy" ratio well worth it.

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Charlton

One of the most beautiful neighborhoods in all of Central Mass, Charlton's Carroll Hill Estates is known for its quaint charm and awesome trick or treating. Neighboring towns are said to have slightly larger houses, but in terms of bang for your buck, it's hard to beat Carroll Hill.

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Fitchburg's Main Street

Although this year's city wide Halloween Trick or Treat will take place throughout all of Fitchburg, trick-or-treaters will most definitely want to check out Main Street. Not only does this notable neighborhood feature some of the city's most historic homes, it even contains the Fitchburg Historical Society. If you wish to visit Main Street this Halloween be sure to arrive between the city's designated trick-or-treat hours of 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

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Auburn Mall

Auburn Mall will host a fun and frightening evening of Halloween fun from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday. Participants are encouraged to come dressed in their Halloween costume and trick-or-treat throughout the mall at participating retailers that have a ‘Pumpkin’ sign in the window. Plus, trick-or-treaters can enjoy Halloween arts and crafts activities. This is a free event.

Please note that individuals may not wear face masks, carry weapons or have fully painted faces.

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Halloween Outlet

Halloween Outlet, which is billed as the world's largest halloween store, will host a trick-or-treating event from 4:30 pm. to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday. Participants will receive candy, as well as have the opportunity to get a spooktacular photo taken.

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Worcester County Sheriff

Although most people might think that a Halloween-night visit to the police station is a bad thing, the Worcester County Sheriff's Office is hosting a candy screening event on Thursday starting at 5 p.m. Trick-or-treaters are encouraged to bring their candy to the sheriff's office to have it x-rayed to ensure that it's safe to eat.