Trunk-or-Treat!

Here at InTown Suites, we know it can be difficult to partake in simple, fun Holidays like Halloween when you’re traveling, new in town, or far from a suburban community. That’s why when our Orlando UCF (YOF) team suggested Trunk-or-Treating as a fun alternative to traditional door-to-door festivities, we knew we had to share this spooktacular idea that’s quickly sweeping the nation.

Trunk and what you say? Around the country “Trunk-or-Treat” events are popping up everywhere from rural small towns to big cities, making Halloween celebrations more accessible than ever to children everywhere. You may have heard about these events and wondered what they’re all about or how they differ from standard ol’ Trick-or-Treating.

TRUNK-OR-WHAT?
Trunk-or-Treat events bring Halloween to parking lots where kids can go from car to car and get candy. Many places host them as a community building event before the actual Holiday, making sure that every child gets to enjoy a Halloween celebration, regardless of their civic address.

SPOOKY BUT SAFE
With a focus on community, Trunk-or-Treat events are often put on by local churches, schools, shopping malls—even hotels. Like our Houston Northwest/Cy-Fair (XHW) Extended Stay, which hosted a Halloween Party full of games, food—and of course—treats, for all the little ones staying with us. These locations make for a safe alternative to trick-or-treating, especially in areas that aren’t pedestrian friendly, or neighborhoods where houses and businesses are far apart. With a more organized approach, Trunk-or-Treating makes it easier to control the classic Halloween concerns like allergies, supervision, and traffic. Also, less walking means parents won’t spend their evening carrying tired trick-or-treaters door-to-door.

TAILGATING FOR CANDY
Think of Trunk-or-Treating like tailgating, but without the football and BBQs. Get creative! Come up with a theme—Candyland, Monster Mash, or a spooky carnival—and deck out your car and self with costumes to match.

FUN HOUSE TO HAUNTED HOUSE
Create a creepy trunk in a flash using everyday items like Christmas lights, cardboard, or fake cobwebs. Set up games like cornhole and mummy wrap, and play spooky music—the only limit is your imagination (and budget). Need a little Trunk-or-Treating theme-spiration? InTown is here to help:

• Monster Mash – Mummies, Ghosts, and Goblins, Oh My!
• Mad Scientist’s Laboratory – Think lab coats, monster brains, and bubbling beakers.
• Graveyard – Tombstones, skeletons, and cobwebs complete the look.
• Harry Potter – All you need is a broomstick, chocolate frogs, and a little magic.
• Pumpkin Patch – Set up a pumpkin carving station!
• Pirates – Chocolate coins, eye patches, and a treasure hunt will have your guests saying “Argghhh, matey!”
• Creepy Carnival – Serve up some classic carnival treats like popcorn and cotton candy.
• The Mummy’s Curse – Grab some rolls of toilet paper and wrap guests up, Egyptian-style!
• Superhero – Pin-the-star-on-Captain-America’s-shield anyone?

TIPS AND TRICKS
Can’t find a Trunk-or-Treat near you? Follow our tips to plan your own frightfully good event in your community:

• Hold your Trunk-or-Treat event shortly before Halloween, in case there are families who still want to trick-or-treat in their neighborhoods or attend other community events.
• Choose a well-lit parking lot or, do it during the daytime!
• Have someone on-site to direct cars to parking spaces.
• Estimate how many trunk-or-treaters will attend in advance, so you have enough candy to give out.
• Request candy donations from your local schools and community members.
• Provide trash cans for all those candy wrappers!
• Create excitement by planning a contest and giving out prizes. Think spookiest trunk, best costume, or people’s choice.

Need somewhere to rest your head, that’s all treats, no tricks? With 189 properties across 22 states, InTown Suites extended stay accommodations are an easy and budget-friendly place to call home this Halloween.