[Allshaunt]

My husband and I are planning a short East coast road trip to take in some Halloween / gothic scenery this October. We're also looking for unique Halloween stores (Spirit and Halloween City are fine and all, but sometimes you just want to see something different).

We prefer creepy Halloween over gorey or cutesy Halloween. We love yard haunts, Halloween displays, graveyards, pumpkin carving.

So, what would be on your must see list?

Any suggestions?

 

[wickedwillingwench]

since 'East Coast' covers everything from Ft Lauderdale to Acadian Maine, it would probaby help if you narrow it down just a bit for us. And welcome to the forum.

 

[Allshaunt]

Thanks for the welcome! I've been lurking here for years, but only just set up an account.

We're in Virginia but have discussed visiting places from Florida to Massachusetts (we've heard good things about the Halloween super store in Mass.). Can't decide which direction to go. So, thought I'd ask the group.

 

[wickedwillingwench]

well, of course, there is the Halloween Mecca of the world-Salem-in Mass. There is also the Hammond Castle in Gloucester, MA which is said to be haunted. They do tons of hayrides and mazes and farms with apple cider in this area.
ROger Williams Zoo in Providence RI does a cool Jack-o-Lantern event with thousands of pumpkins.

WE are going to SLeepy Hollow, NY--about 3 hours away from Boston-ourselves this year.

It's just a beautiful time of year to travel to New England.

 

[Allshaunt]

Will definitely check out the Hammond Castle and Roger Williams Zoo. Those are new to me. Thanks!

 

[Stochey]

Salem
Lizzy Borden's house in Falls River
Sleepy Hollow, NY
Halloween Horror Nights in Orlando, FL

 

[DarkhavenManor]

I'm about 30 minutes out of Salem and it's definitely a must-see at least once in your life! Be prepared for crowds though if you go in October. In Worcester, MA there is a Halloween superstore I've been to a few times which is really awesome as well!

 

[Jenn&MattFromPA]

Hi and welcome! I can't personally vouch for this because I'm a big chicken, but I'm not super-far from Philadelphia and a big hit around here is the Eastern State Penitentiary. They do a "Terror Behind the Walls" Halloween Haunt there. Here's a quote from their webpage ~

"Eastern State Penitentiary was once the most famous and expensive prison in the world, but stands today in ruin, a haunting world of crumbling cellblocks and empty guard towers. Known for its grand architecture and strict discipline, this was the world’s first true “penitentiary,” a prison designed to inspire penitence, or true regret, in the hearts of convicts. Its vaulted, sky-lit cells once held many of America’s most notorious criminals, including bank robber “Slick Willie” Sutton and Al Capone."

Another option close by is the Fort Delaware State Park on Pea Patch Island in Delaware City, DE. During the Civil War, it was a prison for Confederate soldiers and is said to be haunted. They do different tours & such at night during Halloween season.

If you are at all a fan of roller coasters or amusement parks, I firmly & happily recommend going to Knoebel's Amusement Park in Elysburg, PA during Halloween season. They have one of the best rated classic Haunted Houses in the country. It consistently gets voted as a top "Dark Ride" by amusement park associations & guests alike. Also, at Halloween season, Knoebel's will decorate the park with scenes, especially their Antique Car ride and the train ride through the woods & campground. They are perfect to ride at night, the food is wonderful and you can't beat the location in the mountains!

If you like a very scary amusement park, in the same Philly-metro area as the Penitentiary & Pea Patch Island is Six Flags Great Adventure in NJ. It's all pretty easily driveable via I-95 or the NJ Turnpike.

Hope you'll follow up & let us all know where you end up going! Would love to read a "trip report" of your journey!

 

[psox16]

I don't have any suggestions, but I wish I could join you on your trip! It's going to be amazing!

 

[wickedwillingwench]

how on EARTH did i forget about Lizzie Borden's house???

also, New England is FULL of really old cemeteries....Newport RI was established c 1635 and they have a HUGE cemetery on Farewell Street. There are also a number of truly Haunted houses in Newport--the Adele Turner Inn, the Cliffside and the James B FInch to name a few. I have personally had 'experiences' in two of those houses altho I won't say which. and the former innkeeper in one of them also had a very freaky experience in the third.

Newport also boasts sand beaches, rocky beaches, numerous mansions of the Gilded Age, a nice downtown for walking, great food and frequent happenings. It's a great place to visit as well.

 

[Allshaunt]

Thanks for all the great suggestions!! New England seems to be in the lead so far! I really dig tombstone iconography, so for that reason alone sounds like a good trip.

 

[dbruner]

I can't speak from experience but I've always wanted to go to Savannah for Halloween. That whole City is haunted and awesome! If you decide to head south, Halloween Horror Nights is also great, as is Hallo Scream at Busch Gardens. Unfortunately you will not have fall leaves or likely fall weather in Florida at that time of year.

I'm totally jealous of your road trip. Have fun!

 

[Allshaunt]

Hi everyone! Just wanted to let you all know what became of our Halloween road trip.

We initially planned to go to Sleepy Hollow, but things changed at the last minute and we ended up going to Philadelphia instead. We visited the Philly zoo during their 'Boo at the Zoo.' Not overly Halloweenish, but I was impressed with their tombstone display for extinct or nearly extinct species. Some cool designs there.

But the BIG find was Laurel Hill Cemetery. If you ever get the chance to go, I highly recommend it. They do tons of programs throughout the year, but we just wandered around. There's so much inspiration to be had there.

I added an album with a few photos if anyone's interested.

Hope everyone had a great Halloween!

 

[Kuebiko]

Ummm maybe Anoka, mn

 

[Gym Whourlfeld]

The Ravens Grin Inn has seen people from allover this world come here to see the house (And maybe some were from another world?)
But then, being open every night of the entire year, plus Saturday and Sunday afternoons probably helped that to ever happen.
29 years here, doing this , this year.. but it will never work! Terrible location, too far from "anywhere".........
I guess those people had no idea what desire and ambition might accomplish if given just half a chance.
I did get that "Half-a-chance" and have yet to release my grip upon it!

 

[Wrench]

I'm sure you've already had your roadtrip (and we'd love to see pics!), but for anyone else who is still looking for ideas -

Philly is not far at all from most of Virginia. Both Eastern State Penitentiary and the Mutter Museum are there. Charles Leeland, a major contributor to modern witchcraft, also lived and is interred there. His papers (including manuscripts written by alleged Italian witches) are stored in the Philly Historical Society.

I originally came here to recommend the Castle Halloween Museum in Benwood, West Virginia BUT - horror of horrors - they are now apparently closed!