A Nightmare on N. Charles St.

Too young to drink in bars but too old for trick--or--treating? Not to worry -- despite Hopkins students' preoccupation with Fell's Point, there are other options for Halloween diversions.

Fell's on Halloween is like nothing you've ever experienced -- tons of costumed college students from all over Baltimore come out for a night of drunken debauchery. But perhaps Halloween at Fell's is (gasp) overrated. Although it will always be on the list of "Things to Do Before You Graduate from Hopkins," Fell's has it's downsides.

If you're under 21, you can forget about being served at any of the bars. And if you decide to BYOB or drink yourself silly at a pre--Fell's party, you have to be willing to relieve yourself in an alleyway -- there isn't a bartender in Fell's that will let you in just to use the facilities.

Of course, you could choose not to drink at all and still partake in the costumed revelry. But it's much harder to tolerate a drunken Batman putting the moves on you if you're sober. Although Hopkins will offer free shuttles from the library to Fell's (between 10 p.m. and 1 a.m.), don't count on getting a ride home -- and if you're lucky enough to catch a cab, the ride will run you at least $8.

So if you've already tried and been disappointed by Fell's, or if you suspect that being shoulder to shoulder with inebriated freaks isn't your thing, take it easy this Halloween by seeking entertainment closer to campus. Although tales of drunken traumas are the stuff that memories are made of, no one will think less of you if you forgo them this year.

If you want to break out the costume a little early and wouldn't mind winning a few prizes, head over to the Resident Advisory Board--sponsored Masquerade Ball, held Thursday night in Terrace Court Caf??. The free food, music and costume contests start at 10 p.m.

Don't have a costume yet? Take some friends to Hampden, where you can dig through the racks at the numerous vintage and thrift stores on The Avenue (36th St.). The storeowners are used to last--minute costume hunters, and many love to offer advice and ideas. Putting together the costume is half the fun -- even if you only end up wearing it to Terrace.

If you prefer slightly more cultural pursuits, check out the Haunting Visions of Poe: Illustrations by Manet, Matisse and Gaugin exhibit at the Baltimore Museum of Art. The exhibit features over 20 prints and drawings by modern French artists that depict scenes and ideas from Edgar Allen Poe's literary works.

There's nothing like some Poe--inspired art to get you in the Halloween mood, but you'll have to go early -- the museum closes at 5 p.m. on Fridays. If you want to catch it later, the work will be on display through Jan 12.

If you aren't already aware, Poe is buried just three miles from campus at the Westminster cemetery, located the corner of Greene and Fayette Sts. On Halloween night, the cemetery offers tours of the grave site and catacombs.

For those of you who are too lazy to leave your dorm or apartment, why not throw a Halloween party? Pick up some horror classics like Friday The 13th, Halloween, Carrie, or Nightmare On Elm Street at Video Americain, buy a few tons of candy from Giant or Eddie's, get some friends together and mix up a few Halloween--inspired drinks.

If your sweet tooth is already rotted, or you're too mature for childish Halloween reprieves, stay home and pass out candy to the elementary school kids who come to trick--or--treat in the AMRs. It's always heartwarming to see the little ones all dressed up.

And if you're young at heart yourself, or incredibly brave, go ahead and dress up for classes. At least your professors will get a kick out of it.