While the main draw of Halloween is easily the candy (who doesn’t love a holiday dedicated to sweets?), watching scary movies is a close second. From scare-you-out-of-your-seat classics to family-friendly varieties for the kiddos, these frightening flicks are essential to a horror movie marathon (just add popcorn).

Hocus Pocus. Between Bette Midler and Sarah Jessica Parker, this movie is a Halloween classic that NEVER gets old.

A Nightmare on Elm Street. If you weren’t an insomniac before, you will be after watching this movie. “One, two, Freddy’s coming for you…”

The Witches. This Jim Henson production (yes, you read that right) teeters on scary-movie territory, so it’s perfect for not-quite-ready-for-horror-flicks kids.

BeetleJuice. Full of wit, whimsy, and sometimes creepy moments, this cinematic masterpiece shows why Tim Burton is the king of the strange and unusual.

The Shining. This iconic Stephen King–inspired thriller haunts you long after you hit the stop button. Spooky fact: Jack Nicholson’s famous “Heeeere’s Johnny” line was actually ad-libbed.

Ghostbusters. Because every thrill-fest needs a side-splittingly funny break.

Poltergeist. The fact that this 80s film franchise is said to be cursed (due to premature deaths among the cast and crew) just makes it that much more scary.

The Exorcist. Simply the kind of movie where you spend half the time under a blanket.

Casper. When it comes to a family fright fest, this ghost story should be at the top of your list.

Friday the 13th. Hockey fans beware: watch this movie, and you’ll never look at a hockey mask the same way again.

Sleepy Hollow. Two words: Johnny Depp.

Halloween. The movie that launched Jamie Lee Curtis’s career may not be the first slasher movie, but it’s definitely one of the best.

Psycho. Because no scary movie marathon is complete without a little Alfred Hitchcock.

By Keriann Coffey, Associate Blog Editor

What movies make your Halloween hit list? Share them in the comments below or tweet us @ruelala.

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Down to earth
Contrary to what you may think, a vacation is great to take with kids. The key to making this happen: Choose a destination and accommodations that are age appropriate. The Breakers is such a classic, established hotel that doesn’t immediately scream “kid friendly,” but once we were there I was pleasantly surprised. The staff goes out of their way to ensure that people of every age feel comfortable and welcome. Extensive thought was put into creating an environment with a space for everyone to relax - alone or together.

Up in the air
When it comes to traveling with kids, certain carry-on items are a must. A few of mine: Hand sanitizers (you never quite feel like your hands get clean on an airplane, and they’re great for cleaning up after the kids), hand cream, a gentle face moisturizer, and lip balm (that both myself and the kids can use - it gets dry in the cabin, especially on long flights), and a variety of books. I also never check anything of real value to me. If I’d be sad and sorry to lose it, it stays with me in my carry-on luggage. This includes kids’ blankets and any other much-loved comforts.

Around the hotel
The Breakers offers so many fantastic choices for families. I love that they have both a family and adult-only swimming pool, a spa, fitness center, a kids’ club (for ages 3-12), a kids’ entertainment center, two golf courses, and an excellent array of restaurants for every mood and occasion. The Italian Restaurant has an adjacent, supervised kids’ play area so parents can truly enjoy a long meal while kids head off for safe fun without the logistics and expense of hiring a babysitter. Absolutely ideal!

At the end of the day
Our oceanfront rooms had amazing beach and ocean views. An entire wall was comprised of windows, with a waterview front and center. Nighttime was our favorite time of day, as the water was lit up and you could watch big fish come inland for feeding. Our whole experience was mesmerizing.

The Breakers Palm Beach Boutique opens Thursday, August 5, 2010 at 11AM ET.