October is here, everyone! It's time to put on those sweaters and flannels, sip on some apple cider or a pumpkin spice latte, and enjoy the changing colors of the leaves and crisp, fresh autumn air.There's a lot happening in and around the Louisville area during October. From picturesque pumpkin patches to a Sanitarium-turned-haunted-house, the locals of Louisville have a lot to choose from to entertain themselves this month.
So, if you are looking for some fun activities or events in order to get yourself into the fall mood and Halloween spirit this October, here are a list of a few places and events going on that will both entertain and spook you.
1. The Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular.
If you are a carved-pumpkin fanatic then this is for you. The Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular is a 1/4 mile walking trail lined by 5,000 carved pumpkins, illuminated at night from dusk to 11 p.m., Sunday toThursday, and dusk through midnight on Friday and Saturday. This spectacular event is held in Iroquois Park From Oct. 8 to Nov. 1. Quite the sight to see.
2. Hillcrest Avenue.
If you need some pointers on how to decorate your house for Halloween, here's the place for you! One of these cool October nights, you should round up a group of friends, grab a cup of hot cocoa, and take a stroll down Hillcrest Avenue, between Frankfort Avenue and Brownsboro Road. You won't regret it. Ranking number nine on AOL Travel's list of the "Best Halloween Neighborhoods in America," Hillcrest definitely keeps Louisville weird. The eccentric residents of Hillcrest Avenue go above and beyond to make "a homemade, low-budget but high-creativity theme park" and compete for the best-decorated house (AOL Travel). This would be an ideal place to trick-or-treat as well. If this doesn't get you into the Halloween spirit, I don't know what will.
3. Haunted Hotel.
A staple in the haunted attraction industry, The Haunted Hotel, located near Churchill Downs off of Central Avenue, is the Longest Continuous Running Haunted Attraction in the State. And it never fails to scare its customers. It'll take you into your worst nightmare, for sure.
4. Waverly Hills Sanitarium.
If this building looks familiar to you then it's probably because you've seen it featured on The Travel Channel's paranormal TV series "Ghost Adventures." Yep, that's right. This eerie edifice has a lot of history -- and a lot of paranormal activity, too. The Waverly Hills Sanitarium is known to be "one of the most haunted places on Earth." The imposing, collegiate, gothic style sanitarium was a tuberculosis hospital from about 1926 to 1961. Many lives were lost here, and many souls still haunt its grounds. After decades of abandonment, Charles and Tina Mattingly, historical and paranormal enthusiasts, bought and restored the haunted sanitarium. It is now open for paranormal tours and hosts a haunted house from September 25 - October 31. If you're looking for an adrenaline rush and a great fright this Halloween, then the "Waverly experience" awaits you.
5. Caufields Novelty and The Highlands Louisville Halloween Parade.
Ghouls, ghosts, and goblins, oh my! A parade celebrating All Hallows Eve, and it's free! It doesn't get much better than that. The Highlands Louisville Halloween Parade will be on Oct. 16 on Baxter Avenue. Many of the local haunted attractions will make an appearance, and as if all of that isn't enough, there are even Halloween floats! Click here for more information and directions. This year the title sponsor is LouisvilleHalloween.com.
7. Joe Huber's Family Farm and Restaurant.
Apple and pumpkin picking followed up with some good ol' home cookin' -- what more could you want to complete the fall season? Not located in Louisville, but in Starlight, Ind., it is common for Louisvillians to make the trip to Joe Huber's Family Farm & Restaurant for the idyllic pumpkin-picking experience. First, make a reservation at the Joe Huber's Family restaurant. Arrive at the Farm an hour or so before your reservation so you can go to the pumpkin patch. Then, after you find the perfect pumpkin to bring home and carve, enjoy the savory servings from the restaurant. Before you go, if you're food coma allows you to do so, make sure to visit the Family Market & Gift Shop and get some caramel apples and other just-picked fruits and vegetables. You won't ever want to leave! To make reservations, please click here.
For more information on events going on in the Louisville area during the month of October click here!
