Six Haunted Experiences to Make You Shiver With Fear
It’s officially spooky season, and that means it’s time to seek out experiences that will terrify and delight us. We’ve rounded up a selection of eerie – but unique – haunted experiences around the country that are sure to give you shivers in the best possible way.
New York: Danse Macabre at Greenwood Cemetery
There’s no better place to celebrate Halloween than at Greenwood Cemetery, and Nightfall is a night not to be missed. This year’s event is inspired by the Medieval concept of “danse macabre” or dance with death, which describes powerful people being lured to their grave by enticing music. Enjoy music, entertainment and storytelling at this one-of-a-kind evening that will delight as much as it will spook you.
Chicago: The Old Joliet Haunted Prison
Unlike most haunted experiences that are set in raw spaces designed to be spooky, the Old Joliet Haunted Prison actually takes place in a real former prison, which closed in 2002. Certainly that makes the ambiance of the place and its Zombie-inspired attractions even creepier (though we love the concept of “Zombie laser tag” which might make you feel a little more in control of your own safety). After your tour, grab a “spooky libation” from The Commissary bar. Trust us, you might need it.
Boston: Hicks Corn Maze
If you’re doing a road trip out west to see the foliage, we recommend stopping at this corn maze. During the day, they offer family friendly activities like mini golf and a scavenger hunt, but at night for every weekend in October, it transforms into a haunted maze. Armed with only a flashlight, you’ll have to navigate all kinds of horrifying beings and specters.
Washington DC: Haunted Soiree
If a night of “eerie elegance” sounds like what you’re looking for, we recommend this cocktail party, which features all kinds of spooky activations in the historic Whittemore House on New Hampshire Avenue. Don’t expect typical cocktail party small talk though; most of the guests are, ahem, dead, and they can’t wait to share their stories with you to help you piece together what unsavory dealings took place at the mansion. (Living) guests are also encouraged to dress up in costumes or period clothes to really get into the spirit of the evening.
San Francisco: The Winchester Mystery House
When it comes to haunted houses in the United States, none comes close to this infamous house, the former home of rifle heiress Sarah Winchester who spent her life expanding it and building out a seemingly infinite number of rooms, chimneys, and staircases (some of which go nowhere). Unsurprisingly, the house (which is now a museum) goes all out for Halloween, and this year they are hosting an “unhinged” housewarming party, with hauntings both inside and outside.
Los Angeles: Halloween Horror Nights
There’s nothing better than a scary movie during Halloween season – except perhaps embedding yourself into a scary movie. You can do just that at this annual event at Universal, where you’ll encounter familiar characters from your favorite shows and movies like “Stranger Things”, “The Exorcist”, “Chucky” and “The Last of Us.”
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