Our Pump-Kween Barbi Jo visits the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular drive-thru and says the longstanding tradition continues to live up to the Halloween hype!
“I’m going to see the pumpkins!” For us life-long Rhode Islanders, we already carved-out the translation, “I’m going to the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular.” The iconic attraction, our long-standing tradition at Roger Williams Park Zoo is back, but this year it’s not the usual celebration.
In short, the tradition continued to live up to the Halloween hype from the comforts of my car. Frankly, I enjoyed the experience even more! A warm & cozy car-ride, an open pathway to take in the dazzling scenes, and the feeling of full-on joy from the spooky vibes… and yes, I was driving! Just by rolling down my window, I immersed myself in the magic… the unmatched sights, the eerie sounds & music along with the smells of the season. My sister coming up with the best idea of all, “Next time, it would be fun to take the convertible!” I’m not sure that’s allowed, but it was fun to entertain the idea.
Joyride aside, the ohhhs and ahhhs started as we entered Roger Williams Park! Every pumpkin-goer greeted with a glittery display on the water of neon illuminated pumpkins, spider webs and Halloween staples. The festive colored-lights dancing across the lake and sparkling onto the unmistakable swan boats…my favorite! I always found the boats to be so enchanting. C’mon, it’s hard not to swoon over the illuminated night rides.
Finally, time to get this pumpkin-patch show on the road…or trail! At this point, you think I’ve seen one pumpkin I’ve seen them all… think again! In my opinion, the zoo has some next-level pumpkin activity with more than 5,000 intricately-carved designs. Imagine, a glowing village of pumpkins twinkling in trees or set on stunning displays. You can’t help but what wonder, who are these pumpkin experts? I did.
This year, the Spectacular’s celebrating an extraordinary theme: Special Places with so many pumpkins lurking behind. Get wild with carved zoo animals and hear stories with fairytale favorites. Each one, absolutely GOURD-geous for boys and girls of every age! For me, the sweetest pumpkin in the patch is Alice in Wonderland’s Mad Tea Party!
If you want a pumpkin and a history lesson, you came to the right place! Learn about bluegrass history or hang out with some rock legends. I admit, the pump-kings of Rock ‘N’ Roll did not disappoint!
And just when you think the show’s over, you’re DEAD wrong. If you’re a DIE-hard fan of the Spectacular like me, you’re going to die over Ghost Town! Some might call it, a graveyard smash! Drive-thru a town of happy haunts dug up from the grave. What better time to hang with some bone-chilling skeletons, huh? I wouldn’t be caught dead anywhere else.
Fear not, Jack is BACK! The RWP Zoo’s Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular drive-thru is the new way to celebrate our much-loved Halloween staple. Don’t scrap the attraction this year… round-up the family for a joyride through the pumpkins!
-Your Pump-Kween Barbi Jo
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