Now that we're already halfway through September, it's time to start thinking about the most wonderful time of year – Halloween. Along with Halloween comes many terrifyingly spooky events, festivals, and haunts! It's time to mark your calendars, because I've gathered five of some of the very best and most unique Halloween attractions all over the state of Virginia.
1. St. Albans Sanatorium - Radford, Va
Starting things off with St. Albans Sanatorium in my collegiate home of Radford, Virginia. St. Albans was at first a boy's school from 1892 until 1912 when it was converted to a hospital for the mentally ill. Because of the times, knowledge and technology for the mentally ill wasn't anywhere near where it is today, therefore many patients were injured and even died from various experimental treatments, and many suicides. Many paranormal investigation groups have been and out of St. Albans and has been named "most active location on the east coast." The cool thing about St. Albans is that you can go to ghost tours, or reserve a time to go privately investigate with a group. Also, during October, St. Albans becomes a huge haunted house – the kind with actors. For more info, history and tickets for events visit their website.
2. DC DEAD - Washington D.C.
Zombie fans unite! DC Dead in essentially playing Left 4 Dead, but for real. Get a group of friends and travel to our nation's capital to kill, and possibly be killed, by the undead. Groups are loaded up with weapons with "neurotoxic" darts before unleashing you in a large, multi-story building – this year it's located at Anacostia Playhouse – to hunt down zombies while being chased by them. Their site explains that the preferred minimum age to participate is 14 years old, so no kiddos at this event. This event has rave reviews, so I would definitely add this to your Halloween to-do list!
3. Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl - Richmond, Va
Who could resist a night of drinking and ghosts? Haunts Of Richmond gives tours every Friday and Saturday until the end of October, leading the thirsty and the curious throughout numerous bars and taverns, telling the haunted history of historic Richmond. Currently the pub crawls are only offered for private and group sessions for anyone 21 and up. If drinking isn't your thing, then Haunts Of Richmond also offers three other ghost tours - Shadows of Shockoe, Churchill Chillers, and Haunted Capitol Hill tour.
4. The Haunted Hill - Partlow, Va
Located southwest from Fredericksburg, Virginia, The Haunted Hill is a highly rated outdoor haunt. The Haunted Hill's website is quite vague on details on what exactly your night will entail, except that you will ride in on a haywagon into the darkness where they will then drop you off in the woods to wander through a mile long maze. This outdoor haunted trail has extremely high ratings but gives a strong warning – seriously you have to read a warning – before people think of participating. Hailed as being "intense" and "not for the faint of heart", children under the age of 12 are not allowed.
5. Jeter Farm Fall Festival - Roanoke, Va
Last but not least is the Jeter family farm located right outside of Roanoke, Virginia in the Blue Ridge area. This event is not only a personal favorite and tradition of mine, but something the whole family can enjoy. Enjoy the day with a hayride up to the corn maze, then make your way through, once or twice, and exit into the vast pumpkin patch. Pick out pumpkins of all sizes and hitch a ride back on a haywagon and sit in the shade and enjoy some homemade apple cider and grilled food. You can also walk around and pet the farm's cows, goats, and pigs. The festival starts September 24th and goes until October 30th every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
With the most beautiful month of October getting closer, and closer, it's time to start filling up your calendar with festive fall, and Halloween events. From warning label haunted houses, to family friendly festivals, Virginia has something to offer everyone.
