Finally, it’s October! It’s time for ghost stories around a campfire, cider, and scary movies. If you want to get into the “spirit” of things there are at least ten attractions you need to see in the Pennsylvania area!
1. HorrorFest at Shady Brook Farms
Shady Brook Farms’ HorrorFest has four spine-chilling attractions. There are the Hayrides of Horror, Barn on Horror, Alien 3-D Encounter, and Carnage. Where “[they] grow fear”, you are sure in for a fright! If you are into terrifying walk throughs, haunted hayrides, and alien invasions, then Shady Brook Farms’ HorrorFest is for you! Visit any Friday or Saturday throughout the month of October (different hours on Sundays). It is located in Yardley, PA.
http://shadybrookfarm.com/horrorfest/
2. Bates Motel
Come enjoy the Bates Motel in their 25th year of fear! In Arasapha Farms in Glen Mills, PA there lies the Bates Motel with their Haunted Hayride and their winding Corn Maze. During the day, Arasapha Farms is a family friendly pumpkin patch that has fun for the whole family. However, at night the ghouls come out. This year the Bates Motel added a special Escape Room! They promise these escape rooms are much different than any other you will or have come across. With only 60 minutes to escape, can you use your logic, teamwork, and communication skills to get out of the room?
3. Pennhurst Asylum
If patients, crazy doctors, and frightening nurses are more your thing, then check out the Pennhurst Asylum. There are three attractions at this once very REAL asylum! Inside there is the Dungeon of Lost Souls, The Tunnel of Terror, and Ghost Hunt. The Ghost Hunt is self guided through one of the buildings that is said to have a lot of real paranormal activity. You are armed with nothing more than a flashlight and wander around the dormitory as it was left 26 years ago! Yes, you are left to go find ghosts on your own. If you believe in ghosts and are one of those “lucky” people that is capable of making contact with spirits, come with your own little sage bundle for protection. Haha! Oh, I should also mention, for those who are skeptical, this location was featured on Ghost Adventures and Ghost Hunters. It’s all located here in Spring City, PA.
4. Peddler’s Village
During the month of October in Bucks County’s Peddler’s Village, you can see a scarecrow contest and come celebrate Oktoberfest. October 15th and 16th you can enjoy a bratwurst and beer at Peddler’s 2nd annual October Feast. There will be live music, plenty of beer, and delicious food. Also, there is a month-long scarecrow contest where you can make your own or come see others’ scarecrows. Besides the fun autumn festivities, there are plenty of quaint shops in the area that may have something you’re looking for! Check it out in Bucks County, PA.
http://www.peddlersvillage.com/
5. Terror behind the Walls at Eastern State Penitentiary
The Eastern State Penitentiary brings you Terror behind the Walls for another year of screams and shrieks. Most people attend strictly for the Terror behind the Walls attraction, but the Eastern State Penitentiary has six attractions! Their attractions consist of: Break Out, Infirmary, Detritus, Lock Down: the Uprising, Machine Shop, Ghost Bus, and the new Quarantine 4D. Not only is this site filled with spooks and scares around every corner, but also there are real ghost tours in this historic site. This historic spot was a “home” to inmates such as Al Capone! Lucky for us, this is located in Philadelphia, PA.
http://www.easternstate.org/halloween
6. Sleep with Ghosts in Fort Mifflin
Fort Mifflin is a historic site that played a role in the Revolutionary War, Civil War, and World Wars I and II. This makes it the most perfect attraction if you are not so much into those hayrides and attractions with actors in makeup and want the real deal with real ghosts. There are several ghost tours and ghost hunts, but Fort Mifflin offers you the option to SLEEP there. There are only certain dates for this attraction so you will want to check out the site to plan ahead. The Sleep with Ghosts event is October 29th, but don’t worry they have their other ghost tours and hunts other days throughout October. Located in Philadelphia, PA.
http://www.fortmifflin.us/event/sleep-ghosts-2/
7. Ghost Tours in Philadelphia
Join in on a walking tour of the historic streets of Philadelphia. Led by a guide and candlelight, walk through the back streets and secret gardens of Independence Park, Society Hill, and Old City, where “mysterious tales of ghostly spirits, haunted houses, and eerie graveyards lurk in the night!” You can purchase your tickets at Ben & Betsy’s Coffee and Gifts. This is in our very own back yard in Philadelphia, PA.
http://www.ghosttour.com/philadelphia
8. Laurel Hill Cemetery
There are plenty events taking place at the Laurel Hill Cemetery. To name a few, there is a murder mystery tour on October 6th and 7th, a Halloween themed marathon, and a masquerade ball! There is a different event happening in every weekend of October. Whether you are joining for a guided tour, a marathon, or haunted and chilling ghost stories in the graveyard you are sure to have a great time. Check out the sites for more details of events.
https://thelaurelhillcemetery.org/events/month/2016/10
9. Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire
The Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire is an annual treat for friends and family. Located in Manheim, PA, this PA Renn Faire brings you back in time to “Ye Olde England”. Every year this begins in the beginning of August and lasts until the end of October. Throughout October there are wine festivals and Ocktoberfest celebrations. The last three weekends of October are Halloween-themed. Come in costume and go trick-or-treating at the PA Renn Faire! Enjoy their olde English food and drink. This is a personal favorite of mine and it’s something I never miss!
http://www.parenfaire.com/faire/themedweekends.php
10. Linvilla Orchards
Finally, if scary or themed weekends are not your style, then visit one of Pennsylvania’s many pumpkin patches. Linvilla Orchards offers hayrides, pumpkin and apple picking and many festivals on the weekends. This is something the entire family can enjoy – especially if you have anyone who is afraid of any of the previously mentioned. Linvilla Orchards is located in Media, PA.
http://www.linvilla.com/family-fun/
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