All Hallows Eve Old West Festival, Williamsburg

It's easy to get to the Old West Festival—first head about 15 minutes east of Cincinnati, then turn about 150 years back in time. Modeled after the infamous Dodge City, Kansas, the permanent establishment opens its doors every summer to display rootin', tootin', and even a bit of trick-shootin' by professional performers. Take a look at just a few of the sights to keep your steely eyes open for:

• Cowboy Chow: At the Long Branch Saloon, cowpokes and lil' doggies can saddle up to the bar for a big bowl of rattlesnake chili, buffalo burgers, Texas-style roast beef, and loaded waffle fries. Wash it all down with soda, beer, and sarsaparilla.
• Wild Times in the West: All day long, the Arena hoots and hollers with the Rider Kiesner Roping, Whipping, and Spinning Show, and throughout the park, conveniently scheduled gunfights thrill young and old. Be aware, though—carrying firearms is strictly prohibited unless you're part of the show or can prove you're related to Billy the Kid.
• Singing Songs and Spinning Yarns: At the Mockingbird, storytellers tell Fantastic Tales of The West all day long, and at Chisholm Trail, musicians host family sing-alongs and banjo-and-fiddle concerts.
• Fun and Games: families can enjoy activities such as a covered wagon ride, pony ride, train ride, slingshot-shooting range, gold-panning sluice, magic show, or lasso practice.
• Theme Weeks: Check out the special themed weekends to experience the West you'd want to live in, whether that's a Steampunk outpost, a baseball-crazy town that plays according to 1878 rules, or a haunted ghost town held over Halloween weekend.