8 Bay Area neighborhoods that make trick-or-treating a scream

"Fortunately, the Bay Area still has dozens of neighborhoods where the streets are safe, the candy is plentiful and the Halloween decorations are immersive and deliciously over-the-top. Here are eight of our favorite neighborhoods to trick or treat this year. Gold Coast, Alameda The island of Alameda, with its grand old houses and small-town enthusiasm for public holidays, is a fine place to hunt for treats, and perhaps a few tricks."

"Last year, residents reported having good luck treatin' and sight-seein' on Grand and Paru streets just south of Encinal Avenue. And while the famed "Christmas Tree Lane" on the 3200 block of Thompson Avenue shines especially bright in December, its lights and inflatable-loving residents put on a terrific show for the spooky season, as well. Willow Glen, San Jose The Willow Glen neighborhood is worthy of a driving tour"

"Toddlers (up to age 4) get the first time slot, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and school-age kids (ages 5 to 11) are welcome from 3 to 4:30 p.m. But the real treat during those hours will come from a nonprofit group called Books for Treats. Operating since 2001 with the motto "just one great book can spark a lifelong love of reading," the group will let each preschool and elementary school child select a free book of their choice."

Many Bay Area neighborhoods retain a nostalgic, low-tech Halloween atmosphere with safe streets, plentiful candy, and immersive decorations. Eight neighborhoods stand out for trick-or-treating and community displays. Alameda's Gold Coast features grand old houses, active holiday enthusiasm, and popular spots on Grand and Paru streets south of Encinal Avenue. The 3200 block of Thompson Avenue, known as "Christmas Tree Lane," fills December and Halloween with lights and inflatables. Willow Glen offers decorated homes on Cherry, Cottle, Lester, Glen Una and Lupton avenues and a Trick or Treat Along Lincoln Avenue on Oct. 30. That event schedules toddlers from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and school-age children from 3 to 4:30 p.m., and Books for Treats provides each preschool and elementary child a free book.

Read at The Mercury News