Ringing doorbells and collecting edibles isn't the only fun activity associated with Halloween, however. Just ask the proprietors of local pumpkin patches, who've seen scores of children—some with their families, some with their school classes—searching for the perfect squash to transform into "the great pumpkin." In some cases, the pumpkins weigh more than the kids themselves!

Speaking of the big orange squash, where did the tradition of carving jack-o'-lanterns originate? According to history, the original "jacks" weren't pumpkins at all, but rather potatoes, turnips and other vegetables that ripened in autumn. In times of old, people living in the British Isles carved these vegetables to hold candles, which they used like miniature lanterns as they traveled through dark villages or country roads.

Saratoga won't be particularly dark this Halloween, however, thanks to the large numbers of creative homeowners who spend surprising amounts of time and money decorating their homes and gardens.

From gravestones with witty epitaphs to amuse the passersby to hauntingly interactive installations that lure visitors into participating, there's a treasure trove of places and spaces in which to enjoy a good laugh, a good scream ... or perhaps a combination of the two!