Haunted Attractions
Things to Do in the Hudson Valley This Halloween
With fall around the corner—the season of pumpkin spice, apple picking, candy and, of course, Halloween—it can be really hard to imagine this October as anything other than gloomy. The past few months of the COVID-19 pandemic has been making everyone’s lives undoubtedly difficult. With trick-or-treating strongly discouraged and no parties to be had, we’re all in need of something fun this spooky season.
For an October that’s a little more chilling and enjoyable, there are still many Halloween and fall-inspired attractions to have fun in the local area.
Despite COVID-19, the Hudson Valley is still offering a variety of Halloween and fall-themed attractions—all compliant with social distancing and safety guidelines. Source: Sudan Ouyang, Unsplash
Kevin McCurdy’s Haunted Mansion
38 Sheafe Rd., Wappingers Falls, NY
Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 1 - 31
Admission: $25 on Friday and Saturday, $28 on Sunday
Located only fifteen minutes away from the Marist College campus, Kevin McCurdy’s Haunted Mansion has been scaring visitors since 1977. Unlike many haunted attractions, the Haunted Mansion is theatrical in their execution; utilizing actors, sets and animatronics to create a truly unique experience.
This year they have put together a special outdoor attraction due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Wicked Woods,” is nearly one mile of Halloween thrills, where you will encounter killer clowns, mummies, aliens and more.
Headless Horseman
778 Broadway, Rte 9W, Ulster Park, NY
Open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Oct. 2 - 31
Admission: $39.95 and $47.95 on high-demand nights
The Headless Horseman is one of the most popular Halloween attractions in the US, specializing in hayrides and haunted houses. This annual Halloween-themed event is another must-do outdoor experience and located twenty minutes from campus.
This year, they have replaced their usual hayride tour with a new drive-through haunted experience, “Dare to Ride the Horseman’s Trail.” They also announced they will be operating a number of corn maze attractions and haunted houses, both as walkthrough events. Escape rooms are also available by reservation.
Living History Cemetery Tour
272 Wall St., Kingston, NY
Open Saturdays, Oct. 3 - 24
Admission: $10
Are haunted houses a little too freaky? This cemetery tour might be a better option. Spend an hour in the Old Dutch Church Cemetery in Kingston, NY, while actors bring history to life by reenacting historical figures who lived and died in this Revolutionary War town.
Graves date back to the 17th century, which guarantees visitors to be immersed in a truly historic experience. The church is about forty minutes away from campus, but it is worth the drive for history fanatics wanting a unique experience.
Home of the Headless Horseman, Sleepy Hollow is a must-see attraction for all horror-seekers. Source: Chris Boese, Unsplash
Sleepy Hollow, NY
The legendary Sleepy Hollow is a must-see Halloween destination, being the home of Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman. The town is an hour and ten minutes south of campus.
This quaint little town is still hosting numerous walking tours and experiences this year, including the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze, Home of the ‘Legend’, and their lantern-lit cemetery tours. Make sure to make a reservation because the events fill up quickly.
Apple Hill Farm
124 NY-32, New Paltz, NY
Open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Sept. 4 - Oct. 31
Want something less spooky? The Apple Hill Farm is open exclusively for apple picking — no scary surprises included. Located twenty-five minutes from campus, this farm offers fresh pressed apple cider and breathtaking views of the Shawangunk and Catskill Mountains.
Prospect Hills Orchard
73 Clarks Ln., Milton, NY
Open Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 18 - Oct. 18
The Prospect Hills Orchard is open for apple, pumpkin and pear picking. The orchard is located fifteen minutes from campus, and provides terrific fare from their Farm Kitchen, also selling delicious homemade jams and granola.
Wilklow Orchards
341 Pancake Hollow Rd., Highland, NY
Open 7 days a week until Oct. 31
Another great spot for apple and pumpkin picking is Wilklow Orchard. This location is also fifteen minutes away from campus, but unlike the other apple picking locations, they are only accepting visitors via reservation. This orchard has a lovely bakery, and food truck to grab a great snack or pastry.