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Places to Go: 7 Adventures in Forth Wayne, Indiana See P. 26
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The Weekender Extended Magazine is Published Monthly by BarnettPRO Publishing 15 East Main St., Shiloh, OH P.O. Box 96, Shiloh, OH 44878 PHONE; 419-687-0002 Email: info@barnettpro.com Publisher - Michael D. Arnold mike@barnettpro.com Editor-in-chief- Kathy Barnett kathy@barnettpro.com Places to Go Editor: Sheeree Oney Things to Do Editor: Kandy Derden People to See Editor: Lisa Garcia Assistant Editor: Rebecca Embry Assistant Editor: Samantha Bradley Assistant Editor: Lisa Brant Photo Journalist: Kelley Ramsey editor@weekenderextended.com Technical Director - Norman Reed Managing Editor : Social Media Norm@weekenderextended.com Visit our Website for event coverage between regular issues at www.WeekenderExtended.com Subscriptions are FREE! Submit name and email address HERE and also be entered in our drawing for a FREE weekend getaway! Copyright 2020 by BarnettPRO Publishing All rights reserved. Reproductions of any material from this issue is expressly forbidden without permission of the publisher. Advertisements in this publication do not necessarily carry the endorsement of the publishing company.
Cover Photo:
With social distancing rules enforced, the corn mazes are open! Some have hidden money while others implemented scavenger hunts. Several are featured in this issue.
Up Close: From the Editor
What will the upcoming Holidays bring us and how will we celebrate them? They will be different this year, I can assure ou that. But as I scheduled articles for this issue, I realized there are still always so many new and exciting places to go, things to do, and people to see. So lets get ready to Go, See, and Do! We invite you to share your favorite Fall destination youhave recently visited (or hope to visit soon) and the memories you can cherish from the experience. Email them to editor@weekenderextended.com and be entered in our contest for a FREE weekend getaway for the whole family! Another way to win attraction tickets from our sponsors is to find the eyes hidden throughout this issue. Let us know where you found them with page # and area on page. Message us with your answers by clicking here. According to America Haunts, an industry association, “haunted attractions are popular as a way to escape everyday routines, thwart real-life anxiety, and find selfie-worthy, action-filled experiences.� This year, that escape and adrenaline rush is still important to thrill-seekers, and the best of the industry has developed strict Covid safety protocols which will evolve with state and local guidelines. For those who prefer a sedate walk, eerie tales and a tingle on the neck and arms, ghost tours are the perfect choice, with small-group limits, mask requirements and distancing. There are still alternative ways to celebrate along with many of the farm fall/harvest activities outdoors that have been deemed safe. So enjoy this issue and venture out to have some fun!
Kathy Barnett Senior Editor October, 2020 ~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -5-
Go, See, Do
Great Wolf Lodge’s UnBO
Great Wolf Lodge is preparing another season of not-sospooky delights for families with the annual Howl-O-Ween celebration, kicking off October 1 and running through Halloween. Great Wolf Lodge is encouraging families to don their costumes and partake in a variety of seasonally-themed activities at its resorts, including a physically distanced Trick-OrTreat Trail, too-cute-to-spook crafts, a costume contest, and all sorts of ghoulishly delightful activities. Howl-O-Ween at Great Wolf Lodge offers the perfect fall getaway to get families into the spooky spirit, while also providing non-stop, water-filled fun at its expansive indoor water park. For the Howl-O-Ween celebration, the Grand Lobby at Great Wolf Lodge transforms into a spooktacular fall landscape with pumpkins, gourds, fall leaves and other festive decor. One of the most beloved Howl-O-Ween events is the Trick-Or-Treat Trail, where kids collect candy at stops throughout the Lodge and meet Great Wolf Lodge characters, also dressed in their Halloween garb. The trail features
a Teal Pumpkin stop, offering Great Wolf Lodge-branded non-food treats for guests with food allergies, or parents looking to avoid too many sweets. This year, guests will need to pre-select a time window to begin the Trick-Or-Treat Trail, so Great Wolf Lodge can manage capacity levels and allow for adequate physical distancing. Additionally, distance markers will be displayed at each trick-or-treat location and pack members distributing candy will wear ghoulish attire that incorporates proper personal protection equipment such as a mask and gloves. Many Howl-O-Ween favorites will return to lodges this season with added safety measures in place. Kids love dressing up for the nightly Costume Parade, where they proudly showcase their favorite costumes in the Grand Lobby. Other evening Grand Lobby events include the Monster Bash Dance Party where miniature ghosts and ghouls enjoy Howl-O-Ween songs that will make them move their funky bones, and UnBOOlievable Story Time where kids enjoy a not-so-frightening tale involv-
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ing the Great Wolf Lodge characters. All events require advanced reservations to attend, with the dance party and story time using physically distanced marked viewing/participation areas for attendees. Other highlights of Howl-OWeen include: • Howl-O-Ween Arts & Crafts: To help kids get into the Halloween spirit, Great Wolf Lodge is offering a collection of pre-packaged arts and craft projects that families can complete on their own either in the comfort of their room or at one of the physically distanced tables in the lodge. Fun projects include a bat hat, spider headband, ghoulish bracelets,
OOlievable Howl-O-Ween Simon Says, but with some hauntingly delightful moves that won’t raise the dead, but will raise your spirits. The Trick-Or-Treat Trail is an opportunity to pick up some Halloween treats while visiting and the resort’s confectionary will offer a collection of ghoulishly delicious Halloween-inspired candies, sweets and baked goods. Not to be left out, adults can partake in some “spirits” of the season with two exclusive fall cocktails, the not-so-spooky buttons and HalSpooky Mule and Pumpkin loween masks. Spiked Latte. • Candy Corn Count: There Throughout Howl-O-Ween, is a ghastly number of Candy Great Wolf Lodge’s Paw Pledge Corn filled in a jar at the front program will be in full effect. desk. The mysterious mission is The company-wide initiative to to guess how many of the dev- keep families healthy and safe ilish treats are inside. Guesses while they are at the indoor wawill be collected throughout terpark resort was developed in Howl-O-Ween. The guess conjunction with medical proclosest to the correct number fessionals, sanitization special(without going over) will win a ists, industrial engineers and Great Wolf Gift Card. public health officials. • Howl-O-Ween Mini-Events: Great Wolf Lodge is launchBoo Bingo where five in a row ing a frightfully good one-day is a bingo and yelling “boo” sale for families looking to join is the winning lingo. Take a the Howl-O-Ween festivities. Wiley Guess will challenge The one-day Monster Monday families on their knowledge of Sale will take place on SepHalloween myths, legends, lore tember 14 with a discounted and traditions. Wiley Says, like rate of $31 per person for Sun-
day-Thursday stays throughout the month of October when using the promotion code MONSTER.* This offer is for a Standard Suite, with a minimum of three guests per room. The offer is available for all currently open U.S.-based Great Wolf Lodge locations, except for Colorado Springs. In addition to two days of play in the water park for each night stayed at the Great Wolf Lodge, all the Howl-O-Ween activities are included at no extra charge. Activities vary daily and by location. A complete list of daily activities and times can be found in the Lodge Life event schedule provided to guests upon check-in, verified in advance at GreatWolf.com or by calling the location directly. . Great Wolf Resorts is a fully integrated resort company with locations in: Wisconsin Dells, WI.; Sandusky, OH; Traverse City, MI; Kansas City, KS; Williamsburg, VA.; Pocono Mountains, PA.; Niagara Falls, Ontario;; Mason, OH; Grapevine, TX; Grand Mound, WA., Fitchburg, MA., Charlotte, N.C.; Garden Grove, CA., Colorado Springs, CO., Bloomington, MN., LaGrange, GA., Gurnee, IL.; and Scottsdale.
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Column Feature-Things to Do:
By Kandy Derden Things to Do Editor
Cooking With a Purpose By now, most schools are back in session. A majority of students are either enrolled in traditional classrooms or engaged in virtual learning. Others have been transferred to private schools in the hope of being in smaller classes. Some parents are attempting homeschooling or having private tutors come to their residence for homebound students. What do all these situations have in common? LUNCH! If your family is eating at home more or taking lunch to work or school, you may need some ideas to make ‘brown bagging’ more tasty, interesting and easy. I remember years ago reading an article by Erma Bombeck which addressed this very same subject. She described the first week of school lunches with sandwiches cut into cute little duck shapes using raisins for eyes. If memory serves me correctly, by week two the sandwiches had crusts removed and were cut in half, barely. By week three, it was considered a blessing if the sandwich bread wasn’t moldy, stale or dried out. After that, things disintegrated rather quickly with the highlight of the week being dry soda crackers and a can of sardines. Like so many, my schedule often dictates what I have time to prepare. During the school year, creativity flies right out the window. But when I find recipes which can be made ahead of time to be used for an entire week of lunches, I use them! Generally speaking, this calls for some classic, ol’ reliable choices. Crisp rice cereal treats have long been a staple for school lunches, but like everything else, they don’t last for a whole week – until now. At this point, you may be asking, “Even if I keep them under lock and
about why that is so, but it is a total mystery to me. However, I can say with confidence the following recipe (complete with secret ingredient) is one such example. The addition of sweetened condensed milk does the trick for taste, texture and stability. It really does enhance something which up until now, we thought didn’t need improvement.
key, how do I keep them from drying out?” I’m glad you asked. And the answer is (drumroll please) a secret ingredient. The addition of one simple item will keep these bars chewy and gooey for several days. This allows you to make them on weekends and the rest of the week is set. Okay, that takes care of easy. Now let’s discuss interesting. Research indicates there are lots of ways to ‘improve’ the classic, traditional recipe. Some versions say to toast the cereal. Other promise using clarified butter is the key to the best taste. Options for salt and vanilla have been added to the original. Don’t forget to select the correct size pan to create just the right thickness. Flavors can be adjusted with the addition of chocolate chips, nuts, coconut or peanut butter. Variety is easy to achieve for the sake of keeping things appealing. So that leaves us with taste. Texture is much more important to taste than most people realize. There is probably some complicated scientific and yet logical explanation
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STAY–SOFT CRISPY RICE TREATS Prepare a 9 x 13” pan with cooking spray. In a large pot or deep skillet, melt 4 tablespoons margarine (1/2 stick). When bubbling, add ½ c. sweetened condensed milk. Stir well and bring to a boil. Cook for 1 minute. Add a 10 oz. package (4 c.) mini marshmallows, 1 teaspoon vanilla and ¼ teaspoon salt. When completely melted, add 6 cups crisp rice cereal and stir well. Spread and flatten in prepared pan. Allow to cool completely. Cut in squares. Store in airtight container. Okay, the results are in. The hardest part of this experiment was keeping them from being eaten too quickly. I actually had to hide some of them so I could monitor them daily to check their freshness factor. I sampled them every day and they stayed deliciously gooey. I noticed along about day six they were easier to cut because they no longer stuck to the knife. But they remained soft and fresh until the very last bite, which was on day nine. It might have been longer if there were any left. Bottom line: I expect to be packing a lot of these in our lunchboxes in the coming weeks. That’s the good news. The even better news is they are quick, easy and inexpensive. Therefore, I don’t think I’ll need to stock up on sardines any time soon.
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Product Reviews: T Handiguru
HandiGuru offers worry-free and wearable protection against germs, sun, and other outdoor elementsfor all ages. Developed by Santa Barbara-based artist and innovator Benjamin Anderson, HandiGuru is a lightweight, 15ml refillable wristband designed to carry a variety of gels and lotions for easy, on-the-go access. With 10-15 pumps per fill, this mighty bracelet is a child’s BFF when heading back to school or on any outdoor adventure. To use, load any gel or lotion into HandiGuru’s self-sealing compartment with the help of the applicator bottle (included with purchase). When it’s time to reapply, simply squeeze the silicone band to release the desired amount of product - no mess, no hassle, no worries. https://www.handiguru.com/
Price: $12.95
Stealth
The pioneering fitness tool that makes sneaking in a workout at home as fun and easy as playing a game! Their unique platform device uses revolutionary gameplay technology to transform your body into a game control. As you plank, twist, and turn your way through their body challenging games you’ll be working 29 different muscle groups! • Connect and compete with friends, family and over 200,000 Stealth users around the world! • Pairs fitness with strategically designed video games you can play on your phone • Uses your body as the game controller while you exercise and compete for high scores • Full body workout, including abs, glutes, legs, arms, shoulders, and more • Provides an effective workout in as little as 3 minutes • Stealth App is FREE to track your progress, measure your results on the worldwide leaderboard, and compete in public or private challenges www.totts.co
https://trystealth.com
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Price: $99
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Travel Necessities A. I. R. Solo DisinfectingMask The A.I.R. Solo is the world’s first UVGI disinfecting mask. The A.I.R. Solo is designed with cutting edge A.I.R. Device technology (short-wave ultraviolet (UVC) LED light exposure) to aid in disinfecting fabric face masks in real time. Users can feel confident that the A.I.R. Device technology helps further protect us from dangerous pathogen exposure typically found trapped in traditional face coverings (such as live viruses, pathogens, bacteria, and other bio matter). https://www.theairdevice.com/solo
Price: $119.95
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Places to Go:
By Sheeree Oney Places to Go Editor
For a Safe Halloween Just in time for Halloween 2020, Oriental Trading Company has 10 fun, safe and creative low-contact trickor-treat solutions to help ensure that families can celebrate Halloween their way.
PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -Whether it’s one-of-a-kind spooky outdoor décor, boo kits for no-contact gift giving, or socially distanced trick-ortreating solutions, Oriental Trading has super affordable ways to make Halloween more fun this year! “We know that Halloween might look a little different this year, but we also know that families want to still celebrate together. We’re focusing on ways we can make Halloween fun, while staying mindful of safety,” said Steve Mendlik, President and CEO of Oriental Trading Company. “Our DIY candy-filled graveyard or spooky driveway tables allow kids to walk through one at a time, and a no-contact candy hedge with wrapped and clipped pieces of candy lets kids trick-ortreat safely in a socially distanced way.” These solutions are especially safe and fun for homeowners concerned about opening their doors during these times. So, no need to hide in the dark. Check out these ideas to Halloween your way, and get your haunt on! As the official Halloween Hauntquarters, Oriental Trading has expanded its selection of
budget-friendly Halloween décor with hundreds of options to make it easy for people to be ‘that awesome house’ on the block. Halloween spending is projected to be up this year, according to the National Retail Foundation, and Oriental Trading expects yard décor to be a big part of that increase. “Our customers have come to know us for our truly affordable Halloween décor pieces and one-stop holiday shopping. We have more than 800 different Halloween décor items online, including exclusive skeletons that you can’t find anywhere else, like our Underwater Skeleton Assortment that comes with our popular life-sized mermaid skeleton and a pair of posable octopus skeletons that are new for 2020,” said Mendlik. “Whether you want your home to be whimsical or the scariest one on the block, Oriental Trading has something for every-
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one.” To make shopping easy, Oriental Trading also offers a number of bulk kits that come with everything needed to create a big impression this Halloween and one-click shopping. Popular kits include a Mythical Skeleton Decorating Kit, complete with a dragon, mermaid, unicorn and two-headed skeletons, a Halloween Family Fun Kit and a Halloween Ghost Driveway Kit. Oriental Trading’s mission is to make life more fun; and the fun doesn’t have to stop in 2020. Whatever way you choose to celebrate this year, you can still ‘Halloween your way’ with safe solutions. About Oriental Trading Company (A Berkshire Hathaway Company) Oriental Trading Company is the nation’s largest direct retailer of value-priced party supplies, arts and crafts, toys and novelties, and a leading provider of teaching supplies and affordable home décor and giftware. Recognized as one of the Top 100 Online Retailers and one of the Top 50 Catalog Companies, Oriental Trading Company employs approximately 1,800 employees and offers more than 40,000 products to individuals, teachers, schools, churches, businesses and nonprofits. From pink flamingos and grass skirts to holiday decorations and craft supplies, Oriental Trading Company makes life more fun! orientaltrading.com.
People to See:
By Lisa Garcia People to See Editor
Alessio Scalzotto
B
reakout star/teen heartthrob Alessio Scalzotto stars in the upcoming Netflix/ Ivan Reitman produced film A BABYSITTER’S GUIDE TO MONSTER HUNTING, opposite Indya Moore (“Pose”) and Tom Felton (HARRY POTTER), premiering on the platform on October 14th as part of the NETFLIX and CHILLS October Halloween slate. Alessio made his film debut last year in the McG directed (CHARLIE’S ANGELS), “Stranger Things” meets Independence Day mixed with Camp Nowhere film RIM OF THE WORLD, now streaming globally on Netflix and claimed the top spot for Netflix’s UK top ten list as one of the most popularly streamed movies in the country when it debuted, also catapulting Alessio to over 300k Instagram followers in just a few days.
A BABYSITTER’S GUIDE TO MONSTER HUNTING is based on the first book in the series by Joe Ballarini from Harper Collins imprint Katherine Tegen Books. The film will follow first-time babysitter Kelly Ferguson, whose charge is kidnapped by the Boogeyman. She then discovers a secret society of fierce babysitters who protect children - and an entire world of monsters she will have to fight in order to save the child she’s looking after.
A newcomer to Hollywood, Alessio showed his true breakout star potential with his starring role in the McG film and an appearance on “Genius: Picasso,” playing the teenaged Picasso on the series. In addition to acting, Alessio spends his free time making music under the name “zotto.” His music can be found on Spotify, Apple Music and more.
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Go, Do, See
Colburt County
C
olbert county has some of the best Haunted Attractions in Alabama. Whether you’re looking for a good fright, want to go pumpkin picking, or simply looking to create amazing fall memories, you’ll want to head out to Colbert county this Halloween season. With terrifying chills and exhilarating thrills, Colbert county has something to offer for everyone - from families in search of kid-friendly fall fun, to friends looking to spend an evening at some of the spookiest haunts in Alabama. Make sure to check out what Colbert county has to offer this autumn you won’t be disappointed! LEIGHTON - Spend a day at the Isbells Pumpkin Farm. Through November 1, you can Race down a double 30-foot flume slide or bounce down their inflatable slide. Jump on a 70 foot in-ground trampoline pillow. Try not to get lost in their winding hay maze. There is a petting zoo, pony rides, an eggucation treehouse, and even a cow train. Don’t forget the pumpkins for Halloween. Go on a tractor-drawn HAY RIDE to visit the old-time cabinand pick your very own PUMPKIN! For prices, hours, and more information, visit https://isbellspumpkinfarm.wixsite.com/ -16- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ October, 2020
Nearby, Nightmare on Moulton Street is a haunted attraction in Decatur that holds a lot of hisory to discover. Over the years, it has been documented that there are spirits in the upstairs area of the Brick. There is a spirit of a little girl, whose mother worked in the brothel, who screams “GET OUT!” There are numerous reports of people being touched and seeing disembodied faces. Each year,areas of the building are explored, and added to the experience. Datesopen are Oct. 23-24 and Oct.30-31.Ticketsare$10 each. For more information and directions, visit www.decaturnightmare.com Lester Hospital is found in Lester. Scare 4 Charity has taken over the hospital and have actually experienced many of the stories for themeselves. If you have the nerve to experience the paranormal activity for yourself, then make your way to The Haunted Lester Hopital to take the tour. Just don’t be surprised at what you might find...
For more on Alabama, >CLICK HERE
Go, Do, See
Bigot Towers Condominium
Whittier in Alaska is not all that large so almost all of its 215 residents live in Begich Towers Condominium. The 14 story tower also houses stores, churches, and public utilities. One of the ghosts who call Begich Towers home is particularly fond of whistling as he strolls through the building while another is more likely to be heard stomping up and down the stairs. On one occasion the city manager actually woke up to hear rustling noises in his kitchen, but upon exploration, there was nobody there. Locals say that Begich Towers
are at their most frightening in the winter months when heavy snowfall often clogs up the roads leaving residents unable to leave! Not long after the Japanese bombed Dutch Harbor in the Aleutian Islands during World War II, the U.S. Army began looking for a spot to build a secret military installation. The proposed base needed to be an ice-free port and as inaccessible as possible. Whittier fit the bill perfectly, thanks to 3,500-foot peaks that surround it and keep it hidden in cloud cover for much of the year. To provide access to the Seward Highway to the north, the Army blasted a supply tunnel out of solid granite, and the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel remains one of Alaska’s great engineering marvels. Construction of
the tunnel led to construction of what at the time was the largest building in Alaska to house more than 1,000 workers. The Army maintained Whittier until 1960, leaving behind the 14-story Begich Towers. In 2000, the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel was overhauled to accommodate auto traffic as well as the Alaska Railroad. You can now drive the 11 miles from the Seward Highway, the most traveled highway in Alaska, to what was once an impenetrable fortress by the sea. https://www.whittieralaskachamber.
For More On Alaska, > CLICK HERE
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Go, Do, See:
DEWEY - Are you looking to start a new family tradition or continue an old one? Look no further. Mortimer Farms Pumpkin Fest & Corn Maze has something for everyone! Get lost in our giant corn maze and find the perfect pumpkin in the pumpkin patch. This festival continues through Nov. 1 “Each year we create a unique corn maze design made up of two maze paths - a hard path and an easy path,” said Gary Mortimer, owner. Daytime activities include farm-inspired rides, hayride farm tours, barrel train rides, circus show, and the pick-your-own experience! You will also enjoy grain train rides, tetherball, zip lines, farm to table food, and rope course races! Starting October 2nd, when the sun sets at Mortimer Farms, you will enjoy all the activities above plus fire dancers, karaoke, and barn dances (some activities are weekends only)! “We invite your family to join our family in Dewey, Arizona, this fall,” continued Gary. “We can’t wait to see you at the farm and be a part of your fall memories, hearing the story of your food, enjoying real fall weather, and making family traditions!” The Pumpkin Fest isn’t the only time guests are invited to vist the farm. The farm is open daily yearround from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The only holidays they are closed is Thanksgiving and Christmas. The Farm Park is a farm-inspired playground designed to give families and children a wholesome, clean, fun place to enjoy each other and our beautiful Arizona climate. Simultaneously, Pick n’ Play -18- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ October, 2020
combines the fun had in The Farm Park and admission into The Gardens by giving you an all-day pass to enjoy both! Enjoy over 40 farm-inspired rides, games, activities, our farm animals, the lovely farm scenery during your visit to the farm and seasonal veggies, and berries! The Gardens allow guests to learn what farmers and ranchers do every day and why they do it! Our u-pick fields allow families to harvest produce and berries and take the items to your family’s table! Their premium, full-flavored beef, is raised right down the road on Mortimer Ranches. Their country store is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. with fruits and vegetables for sale grown on the farm. To receive a more in-depth experience, book a Farm Tour. Farm Tours give families and schools the chance to talk to a real farmer, ask questions, and learn everything they do. “We have Arizona honey, pickles, salsas, veggies, and many other jarred items to add to your pantry and tomorrow night’s dinner,” said Gary’s wife, Sharla. Here is a farm secret - Jarred Candied Jalapenos (from the Country Store), Pita chips, and cream cheese. This combo is a great fall appetizer or snack to take to any outing, party, dinner, or indulge by yourself on the kitchen counter in the middle of the night. YUMMY, for sure! Check out the online store to find some of the most poular items that can be shipped right to your door. Enjoy a Mortimer Farms turkey and bakery items at your family’s Christmas and Thanksgiving dinners. Thanksgiving bakery orders are due by November 20th and Christmas orders are due by December 15th. Order yours today! For more information, visit https://www.mortimerfarmsaz.com
For more on Arizona, >CLICK HERE
People to See
The Grim Reaper
NORTH LITTLE ROCK - Are you ready for intensity never before seen in a haunt? Are you ready to cry, scream and beg for your life? Step inside The Reaper Haunted House, the most intense haunted house in Arkansas. It’s where anything goes, and see if you can make it through more than 15,000 square feet of horror. There are as many as 30 different scenes of blood, gore and mayhem. This year, this attraction is featuring an all new Haunted Hollows.It also has a brand new location., moved to Lunn Road. The Reaper Haunted House and Haunted Hollow has been named the number one most intense haunted house in Arkansas several years in a row.
In The Reaper’s world, anything goes…and no one will be there to save you….This years haunted house will be bigger and better than ever!! Come sse if you can make it through. You are sure to experience terror like you’ve never known. The Reaper Haunted House and Hollow will be open October 2nd and 3rd, 9th and 10th, 16th and 17th, and 23rd through November 1st. Ticket booth opens at 7:00. Doors close after the last victim makes it through! Tickets are $16 plus tax Halloween night will be $20 plus tax. For more information, visit http:// www.arreaper.com.
For more on Arkansas, >Click Here
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Go, Do, See:
Hauntoween
LOS ANGELES - PRNewswire/ -- The first-ever HAUNTOWEEN LA is here to safely save the day! Offering an un-boo-lievably fun, child-friendly, immersive, interactive, and safe drive-thru experience, HAUNTOWEEN LA will be open daily, Oct. 9 – 31, from 3 - 9 p.m. Pacific Time at 6100 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Woodland Hills. HAUNTOWEEN LA is a spooky, fun Halloween experience that keeps all the treasured traditions and excitement alive in a safe format. Guests will drive through a variety of installations, like a Jack-O’-Lantern tunnel with over 1,000 brightly lit pumpkins, a (newly announced!) blacklight tunnel powered by FX’s Emmy®-nominated series What We Do in the Shadows (Seasons 1 and 2 now available on FX on Hulu), an array of Halloween environments and mini-maze routes featuring giant pumpkins and countless themed overlays, and, of course, an interactive pumpkin patch with a pumpkin of your choice to take home. Costumed and safely masked actors will provide in-vehicle “door to door” trick-or-treating on a two-street, built-out neighborhood, with plenty of wrapped candy and decorations for the kids. To top it all off, guests can enjoy live musical performances by The BeatBuds at select, surprise times. Throughout the experience, socially distanced photo and multi-cam video ops will encourage social sharing in a safe, contact-
less environment. National retailer and one-stopshop Halloween destination, Party City will join the celebration. Inspiring installations curated with Party City products will be found along HAUNTOWEEN LA’s own Party City Lane. Amping up your Hauntoween experience will be easy with DIY car decoration kits available for purchase online during ticket booking. “We are so thrilled to support the inaugural HAUNTOWEEN LA as Party City shares the same mission to help families continue to safely celebrate Halloween,” says Party City Chief Marketing and Experience Officer Julie Roehm. “Despite an already scary year, there are still reasons to celebrate and plenty of new ways to make the season spook-tacular.” This one-of-a-kind event comes to families from Experiential Supply, an award-winning company to which the Hollywood
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film industry turns when it comes to creating large-scale, immersive experiences for such big budget movies as IT: Chapter 2, Ready Player One, The LEGO Movie, Smallfoot, and more! “We can’t wait to show off our creation with all of Los Angeles. The excitement and support have been overwhelming,” says Experiential Supply Founder & Chief Experience Officer Jasen Smith. “There are also a few surprises we haven’t announced yet!” The price is $70 per vehicle. Advance purchase is highly recommended. A limited number of drive up tickets will be available. TO PURCHASE TICKETS: Visit https://www.hauntoweenla.com/
For More Information on California,
>CLICK HERE
Go, Do, See:
Mr. Jack O Lantern
Mr. Jack O’Lanterns Pumpkin patch opens this season with in-person shopping, online ordering, delivery and contactless curbside pick-up amidst the coronavirus pandemic. Mr. Jack O’Lanterns specializes in bringing the fall spirit to warmer climates by creating an unparalleled family experience when visiting any of their locations filled with premium pumpkins, games, activities, and attractions. There are three locations this season, including Los Angeles, San Diego and West Palm Beach. Beginning on October 3, 2020, customers can visit their local pumpkin patch. All staff and guests will be required to wear masks, there will be sanitization stations throughout the patch and there will be a designated on-site cleaning staff daily to sanitize the patches thoroughly. Additionally, all guests and staff must maintain social distanc-
ing of 6 feet. Along with bringing the perfect pumpkin to your door, pumpkin decorating kits and pumpkin carving kits will be available to order as well. Mr. Jack O’s Pumpkin Decorating Kit is $10 and comes with a softball sized pumpkin, a variety of colors of washable paint, a paint brush, shiny glitter, glue, Halloween themed stickers, pom poms, rhinestones and googly eyes. Their Premium Pumpkin Carving Kit is $22 and comes with a basketball sized carving pumpkin, a full carving kit with tools and your choice of a flameless tea light candle or an actual tea light candle. Finally, Mr. Jack O’Lanterns Pumpkin patch can bring the patch to you! For birthday parties, field trips or even some family fun, Mr. Jack O’ Lanterns will deliver, decorate and will set up everything you need! They
will even provide staff to work your very own pumpkin patch. Mr. Jack O’ Lanterns Pumpkins supplies customers with everything they need to get in the spooky spirit. They are a true one stop shop! Whether it’s online shopping or at their local patch, customers can enjoy Halloween activities, games, shopping for Halloween costumes, picking the perfect pumpkin and purchasing fall decorations such as corn stalk, hay bales, gourds and so much more. For available activities, private party inquiries and for updates on online ordering please visit: https://www.mrjackolanternspumpkins.com/, email mrjackolanterns@propercompanies. com or call 844-452-2567.
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October, 2020 ~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -21-
Places to Go: Dark Side of the Abbey
This is Southern Colorado’s most naturally nightmareish haunt. With two uniquely haunting experiences, guests will find themselves located in an abandoned monastery inside the grounds of the Holy Cross Abbey in Canon City. “Fun and Fear at one location” will be experienced every weekend in October and Halloween at this haunted attraction. The first - Dark Side of the Abbey. What happens when everything falls apart and doesn’t go as planned? The answer…things begin to fall apart. What was once normal has quickly fallen from grace and has taken a sinister path. Insanity is rampant and your world will change the moment you enter the walls of Ullathorne Hall. Scream your way through two floors of deteriorating reality and allow Dark Side of the Abbey to invade your nightmares. This year, the Dark Side of the Abbey Unplugged is all new and twice as big. Unplugged is a psychological thriller that will get your heart racing. A battle between sensory deprivation and sensory overload, guest are challenged with navigating the monastery’s truly haunted subterranean basement . This epic experience will last you from 30 minutes to over an hour depending on your ability to navigate the halls of the Abbey. Your mind will haunt you -22- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ October, 2020
long after the building is done with you… The Holy Cross Abbey sits squarely in the middle of Canon City and is home to a rich and many times dark past. Built to provide refuge and religious rehabilitation to the areas most sinister community members, the Abbey’s methods were unorthodox to say the least. It was thought that by providing an environment that mirrored the outside world, Abbey staff could better impact the minds of the damned. The thought may have been good, but inviting sin into a monastery awakened a hell like no other. Join us every weekend in October and witness the untold darkness that lies within the Abbey complex. An added bonus is two all-new escape rooms have come to life on the Dark Side compound. Put your team to the test solving problems, puzzles and games in these, perfectly themed, real life adventure game. Open weekends 7-11 p.m., tickets should be purchased online at https://darksideoftheabbey.com/escape/ Prices are $20 for each attraction or $35 for a combo ticket to both Abbey and Abbey Unplugged.
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Things to Do
Go On a Haunted Hayride
SHELTON - Come and visit the unique attractions that make up LEGENDS OF FEAR. This year, Fairview Tree Farm will be even more terrorizing with many new gruesome and horrifying additions! The farm is completely transformed and buildings are trimmed with orange lights, special effects, and Halloween décor. Besides the legendary Haunted Hayride, celebrating 24 years this season, don’t miss the Hallow Trail featuring the following attractions:
Melonhead Revenge Trail
- Demented, cannibalistic beings have inhabited the woods of Fearview for generations are now they are out for blood! Enter their forest at your own risk! These grounds have remained undisturbed by outsiders for centuries… until now! Pine Hills Parish - The parishioners of Pine Hills Parish
have been keeping a secret from the townsfolk. They have been handing out their own version of penance to the visitors who seek absolution. Dare to enter their house of worship! Repent, repent… the end is near! The Dark Harvest - All the ghouls and creatures of Halloween come out to play on the Haunted Farm! Vampires and fiends lurk in the shadows… waiting for their next victim. Become part of the Ritual at Raven’s Rock and brave the Scarecrow Village… where the next thing stuffed might just be you!
Hemlock Manor Mortuary - Hemlock Manor Mortuary
is home to Edgar the Mortician. Isolated from civilization, he has devolved into a sadistic being, driven by the desire to inflict pain and suffering. His respect and reverence for the dead has transformed into a desire to make you
part of his collection.
Funhouse of Fear! - Rem-
nants remain of what once was a vibrant carnival and Fun House… here the Freak show was the main attraction and children ran from booth to booth and rides. The carnival operators died and the carnival remained dormant and hidden until just recently discovered. New this year to those willing to enter, once you step inside, the fun house may come alive crawling with its inhabitants! Beware of the truly haunted. The forgotten souls released from their graves yearn to taunt the living, and will delight in your distress! For more information and tickets, visit online at https:// www.legendsoffear.com/
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Things to Do:
Be Frightened
MIDDLETOWN - Between Wilmington and Dover, you’ll find a fantastic set of haunted attractions called Frightland. Named a “Top 10 Scariest” in the country, there are eight unique attractions at this one location. When you tire of the haunted house, enjoy the barn, 2-mile haunted hayride, woods and carnival. The Attic - Above the Barn was Isabella Idalia’s personal playground. After Isabella’s suicide, Dr Idalia locked up the attic and never step foot in the attic again. In fact, no one step foot in the attic again until Frightland staff were finally able to gain access inside. To this day, you can still hear the laughs – and screams – of Isabella Idalia as they echo through the halls of the attic. Zombie Town - As the gold rush boomed in this mining town and the thirst of outlaws grew to such frenzied extremes that they were willing to kill for more wealth, Dr Jacob’s wife and two daughters were killed in a house fire intentionally set by the outlaws. Seeking his revenge, Dr Jacob Idalia poi-
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soned the well water of the town, slowly killing himself and everyone in it. Innocent or guilty, every last one of the townspeople died a slow horrible death. Now, they will inhabit the town forever as ghosts. Frightland is open Friday, Saturday and most Sunday nights. Doors open at 6 pm. Tickets are combo priced for the four haunt attractions Horror Hayride, Revenwood Cemetery, Fear, and Zombie Town. Tickets are less for the four combo to Zombie Prison, Haunted Barn, Idalia Manor, and The Attic. There is a combo ticket for all eight haunt attractions on most nights. Note that parking is $5 all of which is donated to charity. Frightland is located directly on Route 13 in Middletown. For more information and descriptions of the rest of the haunted attractions, visit www.frightland.com.
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Things to Do: Let’s Go on a
Port Salemo Ghost Tour
S
tretching nearly 22 miles along the Atlantic coast and including private spots to enjoy the surf and sand, endless golf and nature preserves, cattle ranches, rodeos and one of the last Indian trading posts, Martin County is a haven for Old Florida nostalgia. This easy-to-get-to, but hidden, gem offers uncrowded beaches, two state parks, sweeping nature preserves and the most bio-diverse lagoon ecosystem. Port Salerno Ghost Tours “throws shade” on Florida’s sunny reputation with dark, shivery tales of this Old Florida fishing town, and this year, the spirits are amping up for an unforgettable, ghost hunting season (following Covid guidelines) starting in September. Guests will meet the spirits of ancient Indians, plundering pirates, a phantom widow watching for lost seamen
and the victims of a cop who linger at the Devil’s Tree where their bodies were found. Does Black Caesar still steer his ghost ship toward Dead Man’s Point? Are there ghostly clues to sunken treasure? Local ghost guides Patrick and Pat Mesmer base their stories on extensive history and professional paranormal research, have authored books about the area, including “Ghosts of the Treasure Coast,” and conduct separate highly specific paranormal tours. Guests are issued an electromagnetic field detector or an infrared thermometer, instruments featured on TV shows like “Ghost Hunters” and “Ghost Adventures.” Two-hour walking tour, 7:30 p.m. most Saturday nights, with equal emphasis on area history and paranormal activity. $15 adults. Port Salerno Ghost Tours, 4745 SE Desoto Ave, Fish House Art
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Gallery, Stuart, Call 772-223-5482 or check www.Facebook.com/ portsalernoghosttours. If You Go: Martin County is within 90 minutes to two hours of the Palm Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, Miami and Orlando airports. Thriving arts and culture celebrates and incorporates significant historic preservation. Area restaurants feature fresh caught fish served alongside ingredients from local and organic farms. Martin County’s many lodging options range from branded hotels and resorts to one-of-a-kind bed and breakfasts, fish camps and quirky cottages to campgrounds. www.DiscoverMartin. com.
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Places to Go:
Haunted Windsor Hotel
In west-central Georgia, Americus is not only an ideal stopping point. It is also a top destination for its major attractions, including Andersonville National Historic Site, the most famous military prison of the Civil War and the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site. Built in 1892 to attract Northern “snowbirds,” the massive, castle-like Windsor Hotel is a fully restored Victorian-Moorish architectural beauty with towers, turrets, balconies and a three-story, atrium lobby. The benevolent ghosts of a housekeeper and daughter who were pushed down the elevator shaft to their deaths, and that of a beloved doorman, are often detected. Have dinner at Rosemary & Thyme or a drink
and appetizer at Floyd’s, the doorman’s namesake pub. Then, take a guided walking tour highlighting nearly 200 years of history and ghost stories of the area. Even on tours, the creaky Windsor Hotel elevator might start up or a bell mysteriously chime. The tour covers stories about the haunted house in Plains, the ghastly ghosts of Andersonville and the grave of Sumter County’s first sheriff, killed in 1839 and the Rylander Theatre’s “Frank the Friendly Ghost.” By appointment only, tickets must be purchased in advance, tours limited to 10 people, face masks must be worn. Tours held October 3, 10, 16-17, 23-24, 28-31. Windsor Hotel, 101 W. Lamar St., Americus GA 31709. For more information, call the
Americus Visitor Center, (229) 928-6059, or click www.VisitAmericusGA.com. Have lunch at Koinonia Farm, the birthplace of Habitat for Humanity. For coffee drinks, light breakfast, good company and coffee by the pound, head to Café Campesino, Georgia’s first and only 100 percent fair trade, organic coffee company. Plan to visit around Oct. 3-4, when the 2020 Andersonville Camp & Battle Portrayal takes place in the Andersonville Civil War Village. Re-enactors have been invited to camp out and perform “battles” both days. For more information, www. VisitAmericusGA.com.
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Places to Go: Things to Do...
TWIN FALLS - The Haunted Swamp is a thrillfilled haunted attraction. Enjoy a scenic hike in the great outdoors, but beware, danger lurks in these woods. With 75 volunteer scare actors hidden throughout over one mile of swampland, only the bravest dare enter. The outdoor Terrain covers rivers, bridges, and goes through trees. As the name implies, it’s more than just a scenic walk. Ghosts, Goblins, Zombies and more await your arrival and try to scare you out of their swamp. Some of the most amazing props are used throughout! For the little ones, The Haunted Swamp hosts Kiddie Days featuring games, face painting, and trickor-treating before the monsters come out at night. They can ride the mini train and jump around in the bounce house. Proceeds benefits Magic Mountain Ski Patrol, Ski School, and Instructors. The Haunted Swamp is open just in time for the fall season and we welcome guest throughout the season before winter and ski season arrive. Come visit us on any of the following dates: Open every weekend from Sept. 27-Nov. 2nd -28- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ October, 2020
Bonus Wednesdays Oct. 23rd & 30th Kiddie Day Oct. 19th The Haunted Swamp was created 11 years ago as a fundraiser for Ski Patrol and Ski Instructors at Magic Mountain Resort, and to support other charities. Throughout Haunted Swamp season we run special nights as a way to make our attraction a destination for families. We’re extremely proud of what the Haunted Swamp has developed into over the last decade. We’ve got some of the most amazing props and we continue to create an experience that’s both frightening and fun for people of all ages. Ticket booths open at 7:30 with the last ticket selling at 11 p.m. Adult tickets are $18 while ages 9-12 are $12. Ages 3-8 are only $10. For more information, visit online at https://magicmountainresort.com/haunted-swamp/
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Things to Do:
Be Aware at Factory of Fear
MOLINE - According to the members of The Factory of Fear is far from being cancelled. Considered the longest running Haunted Attraction and the largest indoor Haunted Attraction in the Quad Cities, doors opened and their season began in September. Opening in 1994 to the public, the Factory of Fear is now celebrating 26 years of FEAR with it’s 2020 season.In 2018, a complete remodel of the haunt was accomplished for the first time in years! Now the Factory of Fear has 30 plus rooms and has added another almost 5000 square feet to the haunted house for 2020! That’s almost 10k square feet new in just 2 years! “We have two massive new areas to unveil, tons of different and new scares, and more! Of course,
like everywhere else, things are going to look a lot different,” said an associate on their online ticket page. The Factory of Fear was voted in the top ten haunted houses in Illinois by the review team at HauntedIllinois.com in 2016, 2018 and 2019. Factory of Fear was also voted in the top 10 by the users of HauntedIllinois.com in 2014, 2017, 2018 and Voted #1 in 2019! The Factory of Fear was voted the QC’s Top Haunt in 2011,2012,and 2013 by the users of Hauntedqc.com and was in the top three in 2014 and 2015. Open weekends through Oct. 31, tickets must be purchased online and reservations scheduled >here. Whether it’s your tenth visit or your very first, the goal of the staff at Factory of Fear is to “strive
to keep you on your toes and keep your spine tingling with fully realized, highly detailed themes and sets.” To bring that to life are many skilled, live, interactive performers who help keep you fully immersed in their world while you’re inside the attraction. The tour lasts approximately 30 minutes. This attraction should leave an impression inside you which lasts for days, months, and even years to come. For more information, visit https://www.qcfactoryoffear. com/
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Places to Go:
Indy Scream Park
ANDERSON – Back to haunt Hoosiers, Indy Scream Park will open its doors to guests for the 11th consecutive year. Complete with a COVID-19 Safety Plan, the park is now open, featuring five main attractions: Backwoods, Mutation, Zombieland: Unchained Kilgore’s 3D Circus, Nightmare Factory: Blackout, Monster Midway and its newest addition – Zombie Paintball Assault. Following CDC guidelines and Indy Scream Park’s COVID-19 Safety Plan, Indiana’s premier Halloween attraction will open at 50% capacity and implement additional precautions, such as health checks at the entrance and requiring face coverings for all guests and employees. Social distancing will also be in place throughout all attractions whenever possible. “This year we have worked hard to put together a plan that will allow us to provide a fun and safe experience to our guests,” said Jon Pianki, marketing director for Indy Scream Park. “Safety is a huge priority, and we want our guests to feel as comfortable as possible while still giving adrenaline junkies and haunt fans the thrill they’re looking for.” As the newest Indy Scream Park haunt, Zombie Paintball Assault provides an adrenaline-fueled, interactive experience. The most daring guests will enter an abandoned school bus equipped with paintball guns to defend from hoards of zombies. Paintballs are glow in the dark and blacklight reactive for the zombie slayers to watch as they mow down zombie after zombie. In addition to the six haunted attractions, guests can catch their breath and relax in the Monster Midway. Located in the middle of the sprawling 120-acre facility, this outdoor space gives patrons room to enjoy games, fire pits and a full complement of food, beverages, beer and wine. “Every year we strive to provide heart-racing experiences, and this year will be no different,” said Pianki. “Even with COVID safety practices, our immersive attractions will be just as thrilling this year. Our actors will be in full costume, and we have provided masks with character faces for safety and scares.” Indy Scream Park will be open daily Oct. 2 through Nov. 1. The season will conclude after a final weekend Nov. 6-7. Core hours of operation on Fridays and Saturdays are 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. and Sundays -30- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ October, 2020
through Thursdays from 7 -10:30 p.m. Ticket prices start at $19.95 and can be purchased online. Indy Scream Park will also be hosting a variety of ticket contests throughout the season on its social media channels for the chance to win free general admission and VIP “Fast Pass” tickets. Certain dates are expected to sell out, especially with limited capacity for the 2020 season. For more information about Indy Scream Park, including dates, hours and attraction information, please visit indyscreampark. com. Interact with them on social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Indy Scream Park features six haunted house attractions, including two fully interactive experiences – those who opt-in may be grabbed, held back, sent into hidden rooms or removed from their group. The Monster Midway provides a large space to enjoy food, drinks, games, beer, wine, a gift shop, fire pits, roaming monsters and much more. For more information about Indy Scream Park, visit IndyScreamPark.com.
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Things to Do:
There is no way around it. Halloween will look different in 2020 because of the pandemic. The Children’s Museum Guild will continue its 57 year tradition of providing frightful fun (albeit this year without a formal Haunted House due to restrictions centered around COVID-19). Have no fear (well, maybe a little fun fear); those wild, whacky and wonderfully witchy Guild women are determined not to disappoint little ghosts and goblins. Announcing Monster MASKarade presented by Old National Bank! Every weekend in October 2020, the outdoor Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience® is the place for families and children to experience the tricks and treats of Halloween in a safe, socially distanced way. During these exclusive Monster MASKarade times on Friday evenings from 6-8 p.m., and Saturday mornings from 8-10 a.m. (weather dependent), don your favorite safety mask (personally decorated if you choose) and come enjoy the fun.
• Try the Monster Mash Candy Dash—It’s like musical chairs, but with ghosts, candy and haunts! • Take on the challenge at SportsTRACKular—It’s an ominous obstacle course where you can run, jump, and glide through challenges, and enter the mask and costume contest! • Play Broom Ball—Race about on broomsticks and battle family and friends on the Broom Ball Field. • Dance at Mummies in Motion—Bust out your best moves and strike a frightful pose at this family-friendly music and movement experience. • Keep Family Memories Forever—take selfies in front of the big and colorful Creepy Castle, Pirate Ship, Grimnasium and more vignettes that harken back to popular themes of past Children’s Museum Guild Haunted Houses. • Enjoy a boxed meal! Breakfast on Saturday morning or dinner on Friday evening. • Get your goody bag (one for each attendee)! • Join Frances the Friendly
Witch as she leads the Monster MASKarade Parade at the end of each event! Capacity is limited for each event. So make sure you buy tickets ahead of time. They are $23 per member and $25 per nonmember. Tickets can be purchased in advance at childrensmuseum.org/ monster. Tickets will not be sold at the door. Note: Costumes are strongly encouraged; face coverings are required for everyone age 2 and over (Halloween masks with mouth and/or nose holes are not sufficient by themselves). Monster MASKarades are “shine-only” events. If a MASKarade is canceled due to inclement weather, ticket holders will be offered another date or a refund. Monster MASKarade is presented by Old National Bank and supported by Indianapolis Power and Light Company and Dentons Bingham Greenbaum LLP.
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is proud to partner with Riley Children’s at Indiana University Health, Old National Bank and Ice Miller LLP.
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Things to Do:
Safe Fall & Halloween Fun
Enjoy fall fun and Halloween events, starting now! A cornucopia of fall fun and Halloween happenings are available at numerous Dept. of Natural Resorce (DNR) properties in late September and throughout October. Events range from Raptor Days at Hardy Lake and Salamonie Lake’s Rider’s Rendezvous the last weekend in September to Halloween celebrations in various locations throughout the month. Campsite decorating, pumpkin decorating, costume contests and a variety of other events are a part of these weekends. Go on a Zombie Hunt at Patoka Lake. Twelve zombies will be hidden around the property. Obtain 10 out of 12 to get a souvenir cup to show your support for our educational ambassadors. Carve your own pumpkin or go goblin hunting at Lieber State Recreation Area, Cagles Mill Lake Attend Spooktacular at Whitewater Memorial State Park Oct. 9-11 and enter the cornhole tourna-32- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ October, 2020
ment, the Halloween contest, or both! The kids can even go trick-or-treating. (overnight campers only. For more adventures, visit http://calendar.dnr.IN.gov. You can come for one activity, stay for a day, or spend the entire weekend at most events. Activities will follow the state’s guidance for event planning, including social distancing, mask requirements, hand-washing, and sanitizing of program materials. All scheduled events are subject to change. Check for campsite or park-managed cabin availability at camp.IN.gov or call 866-622-6746. Find available state park inn rooms or inn-managed cabins at indianainns.com or 1-877-LODGES1.
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Go, Do, See:
The maze comes alive at night at Vogt Farm. VOGT FARM Pumpkin Festival has become a tradition in many families. Take a horse-drawn trolley ride to the pumpkin patch to pick your own pumpkin and enjoy homemade pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread and pumpkin rolls. Lots of activities for the kids and a nice family outing for the whole family. The pumpkin festival flier is up. With that being said there will be a few things that will be a little different this year. We will be requiring face masks to get in that being said you will only be required to wear them when you can not maintain 6’ away from peo-
ple outside of your family. We will also have fencing up and we will have an entrance gate and an exit gate we will still have free admission and free parking we are just required to have a baited entry so we can keep track of the people entering and exiting. If you plan on visiting the farm keep in mind we will be asking only one person per family stand in line when possible. These will be the biggest changes you will notice at the farm this year and we hope by doing this we will still be able to have a great season and keep everyone safe when visiting. We cant wait to see everyone! Happy fall!
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Go, Do, See
Corn Mazes & Activities Scarecrow Farm
Sherman’s Pumpkin Farm
MANCHESTER -The 2020 Corn Maze is Pinocchio. Open daily 10 a..m - 5 p.m. The corn maze is only open on weekends or by appointment during the week. Pumpkins, gourds, squash, Indian corn and many other items are available. No general admissions fee to visit the farm. Free Parking, Maze Cost: $5 per person - 4 & under free. Saturday Nights in OCTOBER is a Flash Light Corn Maze! *Bring your own flash lights and check in by 8 p.m! Must be 12 yrs old or accompanied by an adult. In Addition- We will be having a food truck at the Pumpkin Farm on Sunday’s in October from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
LAWTON - Navigate your way through the winding trails in this five-acre corn maze. Little tikes will love crawling through tunnels, walking under tractor tire arches and trying to find their way through the Little Tike’s hay maze. Open every day in October, from noon to 7 p.m., search for the perfect pumpkin in Aubrey’s Acres. They grow a large variety of pumpkins and gourds. Small pumpkins to extra-large pumpkins and everything in between. Or relax with a trip around the farm on a hayrack ride. It’s old fashioned fun on the farm! Tickets are $9.95 online and $12.95 at the gate. Tickets allow admission to the farm, corn maze, and any other open activities, such as hayrides and Barnyard games. www.scarecrowfarm.com
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Pumpkinville
MITCHELLVILLE - Pumpkinville is a great family outing for folks of all ages. Come and join in the excitement of picking out your pumpkin. Take a hayrack ride. Let the kids play on the popular straw-made train. Other activities and farm-themed games take place as well. The “big” 20-acre corn maze is full of challenges. It’s not your simple walk through adventure like so many others. It is more like a scavenger hunt. But don’t worry, because if you can’t complete the challenge on the first try, just bring your ticket and you can come back at no additional charge until your ticket is completed! There is a smaller corn maze designed for the younger children. It takes about 15 minutes to complete. What better way to make memories for your group or family? For more information, visit www.pumpkinvillecornmaze.com
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Go, Do, See
BURNS - Walters’ Pumpkin Patch is all about fun for the whole family! Whether you’re setting out to find the perfect jack-o-lantern in our 30-Acre, Pick-Your-Own-Pumpkin Patch, watching the kids bounce sky high on their Two Giant Jumping Pillows, or visiting with friends on the hayride, we’re sure you’ll see what makes this Pumpkin Patch a favorite in the entire Wichita, Kansas area. Plan a day to pick your own perfect pumpkin at Walters’ Pumpkin Patch, where fall begins with their annual Pumpkinfest held through Nov. 1. Your Pumpkin Patch General Admission ticket will provide lots of great activities for the whole family. Play new games such as the new Monster hunt game in the corn maze. There is a Farm Scene investigation, but with monsters & the farm mascot “Jack.” In addition, they have added
several new attractions this year. See the list at the right. Other regular attractions returning are the O’Play Barn and farm animals, tree house play area and bagswings, trike track, and the Mountain Boo underground slide. Popular nighttime activities on Friday and Saturday nights online are the Flashlight Maze ($10) and a hayride to the Haunted Cannery ($20). Victims board a tractor - pulled Haywagon or the “Hell Bound” Ambulance to begin the nightmare adventure down a long, dark, road and through the corn and pumpkin fields to the Asylum maze. Then enter the Haunted Cannery. It is the ultimate 4-story spook house filled with horrifying music, clowns, chainsaws, zombies, spiders, slipper slides, and your worst nightmare! More information may be found at https://thewaltersfarm.com/
NEW! for 2020 Tiny Town - explore this kid sized western town! Scarecrow Fence Maze Just how many “creatures” can you find? The Watering Hole - Beer and wine concessions. Alcohol can only be consumed in this area. Board Games - Try your skill at our new giant game walls Truck Slide - Take a ride down this new lide right into the corn bin. Talking Pig and farmhand Say hello to our newest farm friend!
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October, 2020 ~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -35-
Go, Do, See...
Looking to plan a day of ha Try one of these listed for a h Baldwin Farms, Richmond baldwinfarmsky.com The Baldwin Farms Pumpkin Festival is a local tradition in Madison County. Visitors come from many counties to choose the perfect pumpkin and fall displays while spending time with their families. Children like to visit our pets and play in the hay... MORE Bi-Water Farm & Greenhouse Georgetown biwaterfarm.com Bi-Water Farm… Where Your Adventures Begin! Culver’s Corn Maze has been cut with lots of twists and turns, so you’ll have great fun trying to get out as fast as you can. Everyone who comes to the farm and enters AutumnFest will receive a Culver’s... Read More Boyd Orchards, Versailles www.eckerts.com/versailles Located in the heart of the Bluegrass, Boyd Orchards offers fresh seasonal fruit, farm fun for all ages, and delicious baked goods in our Cafe. Fall Festivals: Every fall we celebrate our abundance fruit! Starting in mid-September, each weekend... Read More Christian Way Farm & Mini Golf Hopkinsville, christianwayfarm.com Christian Way Farm and Mini Golf was established to provide a family friendly place to enjoy the experience of a farm and a visit to the country. From picnics to a relaxing afternoon on the front porch of the barn, feeding animals, playing in a corn... Read More
Cayces’ Pumpkin Patch Princeton www.caycespumpkinpatch.com Cayces’ Pumpkin Patch offers the best in fall farm fun, from riding on the hay wagon to picking your own pumpkins. Come play in the corn box and soy bean box in the barn. Shell corn with the old corn sheller. Find your way through the straw maze.... Read More Country Pumpkins Pumpkin Patch Dry Ridge countrypumpkinsky.com Country Pumpkins is hosted by the Colson Family at their farm Alpine Hills Dairy Farm. Besides giving your group a great fall fun experience, our goal is to educate and involve local youth and families in the workings of a modern day dairy... Read More Crawford Farms Pumpkin Patch Elizabethtown, KY www.crawfordpumpkins.com Family owned for over 75 years, Crawford Farms is the largest Fall attraction farm in the area. Whether your idea of excitement is petting gentle farm animals, strolling down a scenic nature trail, climbing up a colossal hay mound, maneuvering your... Read More Devine’s Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch, Harrodsburg www.devinescornmaze.com Does the thought of walking through the corn fields at night remind you of the “Children of the Corn”? Come visit us Halloween weekend for Field of Horror! Come the weekend of Halloween, if you
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dare! Your nightmares come alive. Get lost in the... Read More Evans Orchard & Cider Mill Georgetown www.evansorchard.com Evans Orchard is Bushels of Fun! Apple Orchard and fruit market, Play area, barnyard, fresh fruit and vegetables and café for lunch. Harvest Festival - Help us celebrate Fall with apple and pumpkin picking, pony and hayrides, live music, and fun. Read More Fright Nights at Jacobson Park Lexington, KY www.frightnightsky.com Thousands of people visit Fright Nights at Jacobson Park each year from Kentucky and beyond as it is the premier haunted attraction in the entire region. Why do thousands of people visit Fright Nights at Jacobson Park? Because we change it up each... Read More Gallrein Farms, Shelbyville gallreinfarms.com Gallrein Farms in scenic Shelby County, brings you the very best of life on the farm: Farm fresh vegetables, a petting zoo, nine greenhouses full of gorgeous flowers in the spring, a rental pavillion for all of your special occasions, hayrides to... Read More Grim Trails, Jeffersontown www.grimtrails.com Grim Trails Haunted Attraction plunges you deep into the dark, twisted, and spooky world of fairytales and folklore. Venture into the lair of the elusive Yeti, explore
aunt-filled fun this fall? horrific fun time! Bluebeard’s murderous manor, and journey to Transylvania to catch a glimpse... Read More Happy Jack’s Pumpkin Farm Frankfort www.happyjackspumpkins.com Happy Jack’s Pumpkin Farm grows the best vegetables in Central Kentucky and is a destination for family fun! Take the family to our farm during Pumpkin season for hayrides, music, pick-your-own pumpkins and more. We have acres of pumpkins. Read More Just Piddlin Farm, Woodburn www.justpiddlinfarm.com Corn Maze: Test your navigation skills and try not to get lost in our huge corn maze. The maze is filled with 3 miles of pathways containing checkpoints. Your challenge is to find all the checkpoint before exiting the cornstalks!. Read More Louisville Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, Louisville www.jack-o-lanternlouisville.com Held in Iroquois Park with 5,000 carved pumpkins lining a ¼-mile walking trail, illuminated at night as an “art show” daily. Highlights: Nightly illumination 5,000 illuminated pumpkins on a 1,500-ft. trail... Read More Mink and Walters Pumpkin Patch Elizabethtown minkandwalterspumpkinpatch. com Attractions: Pumpkin Patch Corn Maze Large Hay Maze Small Hay Maze Pumpkin Checkers Lasso the
bull R/C trucks Corn “Sand box” Fun-Acre includes activities to keep Sack Race Fall Decorations The active toddlers happy,... Read More Happiest... Read More Two Sisters Pumpkin Patch Neltner’s Farm, Melbourne Owingsville www.neltnersfarm.com www.twosisterspumpkinpatch. At Neltner’s Farm, autumn is the com time for harvest and celebration, Activities: Horse Drawn Wagand we invite your family to join on Rides Tractor Hay Rides Corn ours for the annual fall festival. Maze Pumpkin Painting Barrel There’s something for every mem- Train Rides Face Painting Animal ber of your family: horse-drawn Barn with Miniature Donkeys, wagon rides, model train display, Cow, Pygmy Goats, & Baby Chicks and more... Read More Pumpkins: We have so many different varieties, so this... Read More Roberts Family Farm, Guston www.robertsfamilyfarmky.com White Oak Pumpkin Patch Roberts Family Farm has been in West Liberty our family for over 100 years and www.facebook.com/WhiteOakwe invite you to come be a part of PumpkinPatch our fall time fun. We have plenty Celebrate and have fun with us at of things to do on the farm. Take as White Oak Pumpkin Patch. Whethmany hayrides as you would like er you are 1 or 101 we will provide during your visit for free, take a the perfect party place for you! break... Read More Petting zoo, Inflatables, Pumpkin Patch Train, Hayrides, Face Paint Skeleton’s Lair Scream Park and more options are available with Scottsville our party... Read More www.skeletonslair.com Skeleton’s Lair is a unique outdoor Wicked World Scaregrounds Haunted Scream Park, near BowlNicholasville, KY ing Green. Four HAUNTED ATwickedworldscaregrounds.com TRACTIONS at one location. New Wicked World Scaregrounds is lofor 2021… KRAMPUS.. a Holiday cated at 5817 Tates Creek Road, Horror Story. Here comes Santa where we offer two Lexington traClaws… spreading holiday fear to ditions in one location: The Nightone and all. Read More mare Haunted House and Terror on Tates Creek. This year you can also Trunnell’s Farm Market Corn try to survive the Quarantine!... Maze & Fun Acre, Utica Read More www.trunnellsfarmmarket.com Dedicated to providing your family with the absolute freshest grown Kentucky products and the best farm family fun. Trunnell’s Family
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Go, Do, See
The New Paranormal The Rougarou Festival is going to look different this year. However, it is scheduled to occur during the month of October. Because the award-winning costume contest is so popular, organizers made it virtual. Send photos to the Facebook page Oct. 1-23. >HERE Drive-thru lunches Fridays in October. New! Top 10 haunted yard contest. The 2020 “Be Witched” video Info at https://rougaroufest.org/
Excerpts by Mindy Bianca mbpr Public Relations
Anyone up for Some “Fright seeing”? Yeah, you’re right ... 2020 has been plenty scary so far, so we probably don’t need to set anyone’s heart racing with tales from the beyond. Whether or not you believe in the otherworldly stuff, we thought it could be fun to share some of the stories we hear when we’re on the road in our client regions. (Ideally in a car on a bright sunny day, with human companions.). It turns out that Louisiana is a hotbed of hauntings. In Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana is the land of legends, but one of our favorites is the story of the “Rougarou,” basically the Cajun version of a werewolf. The creature falls under the category of “cryptid,” an animal that’s said to exist but for which nobody has been able
to offer true proof. He is to Louisiana what Bigfoot is to the Pacific Northwest and what the Loch Ness Monster is to Scotland. The Rougarou is half-man and half-dog, a creature that can stand upright on two legs but which is covered in hair. His face is doglike, featuring intimidating teeth, and his hands sport super-sharp claws. And here’s the kicker: He’s on a mission, looking for misbehaving children. Legend tells us that the Rougarou is most often found wandering in the swamps of southeastern Louisiana or lurking in the region’s many sugar-cane fields. It’s probably no coincidence that the two places that are most dangerous for kids growing up in this region are, in fact, swamps and sugar fields. The legend of the Rougarou stems from medieval French folklore, in which a similar beast
called the “Loup-Garou” – combining the French words for “wolf” and “man who transforms into an animal” – taunted French children. The story has been handed down from generation to generation, either from French settlers who arrived in Louisiana or from French-Canadian immigrants, the “Cajuns” who relocated here in the mid-1700s. “Loup-Garou” became “Rougarou” in Cajun French. The Rougarou is celebrated with his own festival, held in the town of Houma on the last weekend in October. The Rougarou Fest typically features plenty of food, music, crafts and a parade, though this year’s event is being adjusted per new COVID guidelines.
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Go Do See
SACO - Aquaboggan Waterpark is hosting the Trailof Terror for it’s second year. This year’s haunted walk should be extra terrifying -- 30 minutes of spine-tingling fun. Aquaboggan’s Trail Of Terror 2020 Is Happening despite the COVID-19 Pandemic and will be open every Friday and Saturday in October, starting October 2nd, 2020. Tickets cost $20 per adult and $10 per child, plus fees. The story told: murdered in the woods behind Aquaboggan Water Park in 1917, Judy’s soul roams. As summer ends, her terrifying & blood curdling screams beckon the underworld to awaken as she Rises as the Banshee of the ‘Boggan. Take this terrifying walk through her realm if you dare. The terror begins as we search through the vast forbidden wasteland of ghoulish spooks and specters because the spirits have been awakened. Do you dare miss out on the most terror inducing, blood curdling, frightmarish experience of your life? This haunted walk will thrill and change you forever! Aquaboggan says
the event is a not for profit fundraiser for Old Orchard Beach’s free family-friendly events. For more information,visitonline at www. OOB365.com.
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Go, Do, See
Oldest Operating Ghost Tour!
FREDERICK - Take a remarkable journey through Frederick’s Gruesome and Bloody Past. Nearly 300 years of war, executions and revenge. True documented stories of the “Paranormal” with “Maryland’s Oldest Operating Ghost Tour.” Uncover politically savvy and defiant citizens, Patriots from the Revolutionary War, beckoning soldiers from the Civil War, and so much more! Historic Frederick - Where The Dead Come Out To Play! Visit Court House Square - the “Execution Site” of British sympathizers, learn about their date, and the “Curse” that continues to resonate. Visit the “Spiritual Playground” of dead children whose lives were cut short by unmerciful disease
and suffering. Unravel the mystery surrounding a mysterious man in black executed in 1781 for his loyalty to King George III. Find out the “Devilish Plan” of a“Spiteful” owner of an 1814 mansion and why his “spiritual discharge” remains. Contemplate the reasons why Frederick’s famed Barbara Fritchie continues to guard her home from invading Confederate Soldiers 158 years after her death. Discover why former stage H\ hands, actors, and members of the audience refuse to be removed from their seats at Frederick’s Historic Tivoli Theater. Ponder the events taking place at a private residence, Now home to two families - one living, and one dead.
Be flabbergasted by what is transpiring within a former embalming site of the dead from the Civil War - now home to the National Museum of Civil War Medicine. Plus countless other true, documented stories of the DEAD! Tours are 90-minutes in length and leisurely cover 1.2 miles. Not Recommended for younger children or the faint of heart. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes. To book a tour or for more information, visit online at https://marylandghosttours.com/ ghost-tour
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Go, Do, See...
Whitney’s Pumpkinfest
Upick Pumpkin Patch and fall festivities will occur through Oct. 25 at the annual Pumpkinfest hosted by the Whitney’s Farm Located on State Road in Cheshire, hours will beFridays 1-5 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays 11a.m.-5 p.m. (Weather permitting). Bring the whole family to enjoy U-Pick Pumpkins, a Haunted Corn
Maze, and Dairy Bar. Although publi hayrides will not occur this year due to COVID-19 Pandemic social distancing requirements, private family hayrides may be reserved. Masks are required to enter the farm and the pumpkin patch. Any guests over the age of 2 must properly be wearing a mask. Hand washing is required
before entering the U-Pick pumpkin patch. Admission to the maze is $7 for unlimited trips. At Whitney’s Farm Market and Garden Center you’ll find a complete selection of garden supplies and solutions for your everyday needs. Shop in comfort in our new greenhouse for colorful annuals, herbs, vegetable plants, hanging baskets and the best selection of premium Proven Winners® plant material. For more information, visit whitneysfarm.com 1775 State Road, Cheshire. For more information on Massachusetts
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Go, See, Do:
Greenfield Village Hallowe’en
DEARBORN - PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The Henry Ford is excited to announce its continued 40-year tradition of Hallowe’en in Greenfield Village, presented by Meijer. Taking place over 15 nights, beginning Oct. 8-11, 15-18, 22-25, 29-31 from 4 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., this year’s event has been reimagined to ensure every guest’s visit is safe, responsible, and filled with spooky-fun. Tickets for members are now on sale. Non-members tickets become available September 16. All tickets can be purchased at thehenryford.org. This year, Hallowe’en is completely taking over Greenfield Village, with a festival-like atmosphere replacing the prescribed walking path. Fans of past Hallowe’en events will still recognize many of their favorite aspects including more than 1,000 hand-carved jack-o-lanterns and 50-plus costumed characters from classic stories such as The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Alice in Wonderland and the Wizard of Oz, alongside newly-created storybook experiences. Guests this year will be the first to experience a brand-new train adven-
ture aboard the Hallowe’en Express. This ghostly journey around Greenfield Village is a ride for guests of all ages and due to high demand and increased safety procedures, requires advance timed reservations. As The Henry Ford continues to prioritize the health and safety of its guests and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic, it was necessary to make important program modifications including the omission of treat stations and dining experiences such as the Hallowe’en Fairy Tale Feast and Eagle Tavern Harvest Supper. Fall treats, hot beverages and craft beer will still be available for purchase. In order to accommodate this largescale, new experience, Greenfield Village will close its daytime operations beginning October 5, with the intention to reopen operations throughout weekends in November. Due to limited capacities, advanced ticket purchases are highly recommended. Tickets are $14.50 for members and $17 for non-members, ages two and up. While each admission includes a ticket aboard the Hallowe’en Express train, timed
advanced reservations are required. To make a complimentary reservation, call 313-982.6001. Walk-up Hallowe’en Express tickets will not be available. The Henry Ford, a globally recognized destination, fosters inspiration and learning from hands-on encounters with artifacts that represent the most comprehensive collection anywhere focusing on innovation, ingenuity and resourcefulness in America. Its unique venues include Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Greenfield Village, Ford Rouge Factory Tour, Benson Ford Research Center and Henry Ford Academy, a public charter high school. Together with its online presence at thf.org, its national television series The Henry Ford’s Innovation Nation and Invention Convention Worldwide, the growing affiliation of organizations The Henry Ford inspires individuals to unlock their potential and help shape a better future.
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Minnesota >More -44- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ October, 2020
Places to Go:
Haunted Vicksburg
Named Mississippi’s “Most Haunted House,” the McRaven Tour Home’s years of ghostly and paranormal activity have been documented by several professional paranormal researchers. It has been explored on A&E, The Travel Channel, 48 Hours and more. From the hideout of a notorious Murrell Gang highwayman who robbed travelers on the Natchez Trace to a prominent businessman surviving the Vicksburg siege, (then murdered the next year by Union troops) discover and experience the famous and infamous. Learn why their spirits have never left the gardens that held a Confederate campsite and field hospital. Historic and/or ghost tours, October candlelight tours, and pri-
vate paranormal discovery tours are offered at the McRaven Home. A range of times and dates are available, although all tours are limited to 10 persons. Weeknight tours may be arranged for groups of four or more, if scheduled at least 24 hours in advance. Mask and social distancing guidelines must be followed. Call 601-5011336 to make reservations. Visit www.McRavenTourHome.com for more information. Haunted Vicksburg Ghost Walk includes a 12-block, 90-minute stroll through Vicksburg’s oldest and most haunted neighborhood. The Trail of Tears, antebellum duels, yellow fever epidemics and a 47-day siege have left old Vicksburg with quite a legacy of “unfinished business” and rest-
less spirits. Adults - $18; Children 12 and under - $13; Kids 5 and under - free Old Court House Museum at the corner of Monroe and Grove Streets. Tours are March-December, at 8 p.m. sharp, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The pace is leisurely, with many stops and several places to sit down if needed, and the neighborhood is full of delightful antebellum homes, gardens and churches. Social distancing required; group tours require special arrangements. Booking is online only at www. HauntedVicksburg.com/newghostwalk.htm
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At Vicksburg National Military
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THINGS TO DO
Take a guided evening stroll into downtown Warrensburg’s unique history. The stroll will begin at 5 p.m. with the Man’s Best Friend, “Eulogy of the Dog” at the Old Drum Statue reenacted by Joe Jokubeit as George Graham Vest. Learn about important historical buildings and locations throughout the downtown area The stroll will end at Old Barney’s where Warrensburg Main Street is hosting their first ever, Haunted Historic Quiz Night. Join Warrensburg Main Street after their Annual Historic Walk from 6:30 - 9 p.m. for an evening full of Warrensburg Trivia! Many clues for our Quiz Night will be given throughout the Haunted Historic Walk, but no need to attend our walk to participate. Teams of 6 will be battling for the title of our Winner of Quiz Night! Join us for a night full of trivia, prizes & fun. We will be holding a 50/50 raffle to help raise funds for the Depo Renovation Preservation and Maintenance Corporation. The quiz is a ticketed event. $15 per ticket.
You may purchase online. Guided tours will take off every 10 minutes. A sign up for time slots will become available closer to the date. No groups larger than 15 will be allowed to help maintain social distancing and a safety of our community members. Come out for an evening full of history in Downtown Warrensburg. The stroll is free and open for all ages to enjoy. Thank you to our partnership with the Johnson County Historical Society, City of Warrensburg, Historic Preservation Commission, the University of Central Missouri McClure Archives and University Museum, and Reese School to make this event possible! For more information and/or to purchase quiz tickets, visit online at https://warrensburgmainstreet.org/annual-events/
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Go, Do, See
Springfield Haunts
If you run toward things that go bump in the night instead of running away, you’re going to love Springfield and the surrounding area. All over the Ozarks, you’ll find ghost tours and ghost stories that thrill and chill and will get you in the mood for Halloween
Phelps Grove Park Ghost Bride After newlyweds were killed in a car crash while driving through Phelps Grove Park, people began seeing a bride in a white wedding gown and lacy veil by a bridge that leads to the park. No one has reported seeing the groom’s ghost. Maybe it will be you.
Pythian Castle (Shown Above) This certified haunted castle offers ghost tours yearround. It’s been featured on a number of TV shows about haunted places, including “Ghost Adventures” on The Travel Channel.
Mark Twain National Forest East of Springfield in the Mark Twain National Forest, keep an eye out for a barefoot woman holding a baby. The woman is said to be the spirit of a mother who killed herself after her baby died. The Ozark Madonna and her infant are often seen along ridge tops in the forested mountains.
Landers Theatre Ghost tours for the Landers Theatre will be offered for groups of ten on October 8-10. Groups of 10 guests at a time will be escorted through dark hallways and secret spaces that have been hidden from the general public for decades. Haunted History Tour You can start your exploration of the eerie with the Haunted History Walking tours available Sept. 11-Oct. 17 from the History Museum on the Square in Springfield. -48- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ October, 2020
These are just a few of the ghost stories from around the Ozarks. There are also stories of hauntings at public schools, universities, hotels, cemeteries and other places all over the area. No matter where you go or what you’re doing, don’t be surprised if you experience paranormal activity.
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Go, Do, See
Haunted Places
There are several ghost towns located in the southwest corner of Montana. It’s like stepping back in time to the era of gold, saloons and vigilantes. Experience the quiet solitude of Bannack State Park or watch history come alive with a performance at Virginia City and Nevada City. The Garnet Mountain Range is home to two prominent ghost towns. Known as the “Mystery Camp,” Coloma is still shrouded in secrets, as little is known about the settlement beyond its mining roots. Visitors will see mining shafts, ventilation systems, and railroad tracks left abandoned high in the mountains. Also in the area is Garnet Ghost Town, Montana’s best preserved ghost town. Named one of America’s coolest ghost towns, visitors can take to the trails and explore the vacant structures that now sit as reminders of a time long since passed. Scenic hiking trails through the area lead past abandoned cabins, long-lost gold mines, and the eerie silence of a real-life ghost town. There were about fifty mines in the area. Many millions in gold were taken from the Garnet area from 1862 to 1916. In the small town of Deer Lodge, travelers can visit the Old Montana Prison. This infamous landmark is known as one of the most haunted places in Montana. The prison is now a museum (shown above), and employees have -50- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ October, 2020
witnessed a number of unnerving occurrences, including hearing voices from empty cells and the unused piano playing phantom music. Take a late night ghost tour through the halls of the prison and visit a number of its spine-tingling locations, such as the solitary confinement quarter known as “The Hole,” the maximum security cells where visitors are warned not to explore alone, and the site of the 1959 riot. This tour is not for the faint of heart, but for those looking for a truly spooky experience, the Old Montana Prison is a must-see. Known as “The Birthplace of Montana,” Fort Benton is one of the oldest settlements in the west. One of the town’s many historic landmarks is the Grand Union Hotel, which is the oldest operating hotel in Montana with 135 years of service. Visitors will know why this luxurious getaway was once called the finest hotel between Chicago and Seattle, because walking through the doors is like taking a step back in time. Rumor has it that the hotel is haunted by a number of spirits from the past, and visitors may even hear the stomping hooves of a phantom horse.
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Go,See,Do
Virginia City
S
troll back in time and enjoy a unique a dventure. History surrounds you when you visit Virginia City. From the wooden sidewalks to buildings dating back to the 1800s, it’s no wonder there are tales of ghostly happenings at many of the town’s landmarks. Do you dare hunt for haunted experiences in Virginia City? Spend the evening in a 142 year old hotel that offers 28 beautifully restored rooms. Each room features its own built-in bathroom, including a shower or an authentic claw foot bathtub. We are located in the center of Virginia City and are a ghost hunters delight. One woman staying at the Silver Queen Hotel in Virginia City had so many spirit encounters during her vacation that she started the Paranormal Researchers of Oregon Society. Visitors have heard tapping on their bedroom door in the middle of the night, and the hallway was empty. Reports of curtains fluttering when there’s no draft in the room, a mist floating over guest’s beds, and messages left on cell phones when the phones had not rung, are usual occurrences. Guests have awakened at night with the un-52- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ October, 2020
settling sensation that someone was sitting on their bed, but couldn’t see anyone. One of the ghosts is Rosie, who likes to rap repeatedly on guest room doors. One guest got tired of being awakened every time he got to sleep and finally yelled at Rosie to go away. He heard loud footsteps stomping away from his door and down the hallway, but was left alone for the rest of the night. Be sure to visit John Piper’s Opera House, which was burned down twice but leaving the third rendition of the building lasting. The Opera House brought talent and magic to Virginia City for many years. Today people can still see some entities performing, watching or setting up for a big show. Some of the most haunted areas of the Opera House are the balcony, attic and basement. Every Thursday, Friday & Saturday night at 8:30pm, Ghost Tours start at the Silver Queen Saloon. Call (775) 847-0440 for more information or visit https://www.visitrenotahoe.com/
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Things to Do:
Collins Farm Corn Maze
WHO? You and 10 of your friends, of course! WHAT? The Collins Farm Corn Maze Columbus Day Weekend Cash in the Corn ending with a Flashlight maze event!!!! .....Phew... Say that 10 times fast! WHEN? October 10th and 11th from 10 am until 10 pm. (last ticket sold at 9 pm. Flashlight maze starts at sundown) WHERE? Route 302 in Bath, NH. Use Google Maps for GPS directions as Facebook directions are inaccurate. WHY? •Because free money..... duh. •And also free toys, gift cards, and more!!! •Most of all because this year has sucked harder than a Hoover vacuum cleaner and you deserve a day of fun for once!!!
OTHER THINGS TO NOTE: ●Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for kids ages 3-12. ●Black Mountain Concessions will be here all weekend with all sorts of deep fried health food like fried dough, Oreos, Snickers, Recee’s, and more! ●Vin Dogs Concessions and Catering will be here on the 11th with fresh beef burgers, hot dogs, fries, onion rings, and several other delicious items! ●Bringing your own flashlight is recommended. ●While we do hide real cash and prizes along the trails, we cannot guarantee everyone leaves with something. Some groups leave with heavy pockets while others return empty handed. What we CAN guarantee is that everyone who comes seems to have a really good time if they focus on finding the checkpoints and Trivia. Even the “I’m too good for everything” teenage
crowd comes out laughing and enjoying themselves. (most mazes don’t recommend bringing teens. We say bring them because they will love it!) ●As you turn into the maze, you may park your vehicle to the right with your bumper to either side of the fences. If that lot is full, please use the designated parking area to the left of the driveway. In addition to our popular Corn Maze, Collins Farm LLC offerers beautiful annuals, perennials, hanging baskets, vegetable starter plants, fresh produce, and more! We are a family owned and operated farm who got into Agritourism to offset the dying Dairy Industry. For more information, visit
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Things to Do: At FORKED RIVER- Join us each fall for tons of family fun all around the Argos Farm! Open seven days a week through October, this farm has tons of activities for all ages including a Hay Mountain, Cow Train, Double Hay Slide, and Pedal Carts. Enjoy a scenic ride on one of their tractor drawn wagons or test your navigational skills in the two-acre corn maze! This year’s theme is LOVE. Explore a variety of activities, festive foods, and the scenic Forked River farm area: Visit the farm animals. On weekends and holidays, watch the cute farm pigs speed around a pig races track! This fun and high energy experience is definitely a crowd pleaser! Show is at 2 p.m. There are also pony rides for the kids who are 60 pounds or lighter for $5. Don’t forget your pumpkin. There is a great selection of u-pick pumpkins straight from the vine! Admission is $10 each during weekdays and $13 on weekends. No admission is charged to enter the Farm Market, Pony Area, or Pumpkin Patch. Spend the day with us out in the fresh air of our beautiful New Jersey farm. Don’t forget your camera! For more information, visit online at https://www.argosfarm. com/FallFun -54- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ October, 2020
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Places to Go:
Ghosts of Taos
A heightened interest in the paranormal kicks in this time of year and nothing’s more thrilling than a good ghost story. The city is full of them. Most of these apparitions hang out around the Historic District … they’re pretty old. Many of the sightings are in older buildings like the Mabel Dodge Luhan House. There are multiple spirits here: Mabel and Tony are spotted periodically, as well as a young girl named Manuelita. Other spots include the Historic Taos Inn, Hacienda del Sol, the Alley Cantina and some even see La Llorona, the Weeping Woman in search of her dead children, hovering around the Taos River … hang on to your little ones. The Kit Carson House and Museum, 113 Kit Carson Road, www.kitcarsonhomeandmuseum.com and the Governor Bent House Museum, 117 Bent Street, are both said to be haunted by their eponymous owners. Governor Bent met an especially grisly end; he was repeatedly shot, stabbed and ultimately scalped at the outset of the Taos Massacre as a reaction against U.S. territorial rule. • Mabel Dodge Luhan House (Los Gallos), 240 Morada Lane, www.mabeldodgeluhan.com Although it has been rumored that Mabel and
Tony have been seen about the premises from time to time, the real ghostly sightings are of a young Indian girl named Manuelita in the Rainbow Room in the Main House. When the fireplace in this room was replaced years ago, apparently Manuelita was quite disturbed by this and has occasionally been seen by guests hovering protectively nearby. Taos Plaza seemed to be the focal point for hangings from 1796 into the late 1800’s. Hanging was the most common form of the death sentence in New Mexico until 1923. • In 1841, eight individuals were executed in the area west of Moby Dickens Book Shop (the former John Dunn House) • During the Taos Massacre of 1847, 6 New Mexicans were hanged in the Plaza proper in front of the Hotel La Fonda. • 16 Pueblo Indians were hung near Bert Phillips House, now Michelle’s Clothing Boutique at 136 Paseo del Pueblo Norte. • Another seven Pueblo Indians were hung north of town near Pueblo Lands at the old Brooks House near present day Brooks Street.
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Things to Do:
View Pumpkin Blaze
Take a family-friendly stroll through the grounds of an 18th Century manor positively packed with pumpkins at The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze—Croton-on-Hudson, New York. More than 7,000 carved onsite jack-o-lanterns illuminate the path while guests experience a synchronized music and light show. New for 2020, a fire truck—making a special rescue—and witches stirring up a spell. Tour the Museum of Pumpkin Art, where classic paintings get the gourd treatment, see who let the (pumpkin) dogs out, listen for the Headless Horseman—and watch out for swooping jack o’lantern bats. See the Pumpkin Carousel twirl and the Pumpkin Windmill whirl and step inside the Pumpkin Planetarium for a star show like you’ve never seen. You’ll certainly hold a torch for the 25-foot-tall jack o’lantern Statue of Liberty and get personal with Instagrammable signs of the zodiac. -56- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ October, 2020
Complete with synchronized lighting and an original soundtrack, this one-of-a-kind event is not to be missed! Purchase tickets in advance. Nightly through Nov. 1, weekends in Nov. Advance reservations are required and no tickets will be sold on site. All proceeds from Blaze and our other Halloween events support the programs of Historic Hudson Valley, non-profit education organization. There’s no better place to experience the magic of an autumn night than at the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze. Van Cortlandt Manor sits along the Croton River and provides the perfect 18th-century backdrop for this annual fall spectacle, For more information and to reserve tickets, visit https://hudsonvalley.org/events/blaze/
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Places to Go:
Onslow County
L
ights out! Sound effects on, haunted woods ready for visitors, a scary walking trail... Fishstrong Foundation’s Annual Fright Nights brings on the fear and the fun on weekends through Oct. 31. There will be food and craft vendors, carnival games, a pumpkin patch and the annual haunted hayride. Proceeds from the hayride and walking trail will go to the Fishstrong Foundation, a 501(c)3 that raises funds to assist North Carolina families that are experiencing life-altering illnesses. North Carolina’s recent health and safety guidelines have been implemented to assure visitors safety. Please check the website before a visit at www.Fishstrong. org Tickets are available from 6-10:30 p.m. and tours start at 7
p.m. The Haunted Hayride is $12 and Walking Trail is $9 Located off of I-95, north of Wilmington and east of Raleigh and I-40, Onslow County is full of history, and coastal flavor. It’s a great extended weekend getaway destination for family fun, and a host of water-related adventures for all ages and generations. The county encompasses Richlands, Jacksonville, Camp Lejeune, North Topsail Beach, Sneads Ferry and Swansboro, is a playground for outdoor recreation from the beaches to exploring Hammocks Beach State Park. If You Go: Huffman’s Vineyard in Richlands offers handcrafted wines in small batches and Mike’s Farm in Beulaville is a popular seasonal agritourism entertainment venue. In Jacksonville, the county seat, have a sip and a
tour at Walton’s Distillery, one of North Carolina’s favorite smallbatch distilleries, manufacturing corn whiskey and moonshine. Nearby, local shops and eateries line the waterfront streets of charming downtown Swansboro. Locals say the best shelling can be found on Bear Island, a treasure of the beautiful Hammocks Beach State Park. All forms of fishing are popular here and plenty of experienced captains and guides can make any trip memorable. For more information, including North Carolina’s Covid guidelines and mandates, visit www. OnlyInOnslow.com.
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Go, Do,See:
Zoo Boo
BISMARCK - On Oct 24, 2020, from 1-4 p.m., put on your costume and join them for an afternoon of spook-tacular trickor treating! This family event provides a safe place for kids to trick-or-treat from area businesses and visit their favorite zoo critters while they are there. Admission is $3 for both children and adults (children must be accompanied by an adult). As this is a fundraising event, the admission fee will apply to both members and non-members.
“Zoo Boo is an excellent opportunity to celebrate Halloween in a safe, enjoyable and supervised environment,” said Terry Lincoln, Zoo Director. “The money raised at this fundraiser will help us care for the zoo critters through the long winter months.” There will be treat booths, concessions, spooky decorations and more. “Halloween events are very popular at zoos across the nation,” said Larry Klemer, Zoo Marketing
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Director. “We are pleased to bring one to Bismarck and give the community a chance to celebrate Halloween at the Zoo!” Regular hours open in October will be winter hours of 1 - 5 p.m. For more information call 701-2237543. or visit www.dakotazoo. com.
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Places to Go:
Tricks & Treats Fall Fest
Make no bones about it, Cedar Point’s all-new Tricks And Treats Fall Fest is set to be the area’s favorite event for family-friendly Halloween activities and fall fun. Join us at this one-of-a-kind fall festival to make special memories and enjoy the season— safely. Everyone in the family will have a spook-tacular time with amazing food, activities, entertainment, seasonal merchandise, and so much more. Trick-or-treating is definitely on the agenda at Tricks And Treats Fall Fest, so kids - wear your Halloween costumes and go candy hunting with us! With specially designed sanitation processes and social distancing measures in place, you can count on Cedar Point to bring this Halloween tradition to life in a fun new way while being as safe as possible. Day of the Dead Fries, anyone? Beyond the Grave Burger? When you purchase a Tricks And Treats Fall Fest Tasting Card, you can visit numerous tasting stations offering perfect portions of scrumptious sweets and savories—from wild to mild. Choose among a dozen Tricks (foods that might look crazy but are crazy delicious) and a dozen classic Treats (seasonal tastes we know and love). The Tasting
Card is just one part of the experience. We’re also brewing up tasty craft beer, ciders and specialty potions you can order without alcohol or “bewitched” with a nip of spirits. You’ll also find other classic food favorites with a Halloween twist--all served with the highest safety standards. When you book a two-night stay at Hotel Breakers, located on Cedar Point property, with the Tricks and Treats Fall Festival Admission Package you’ll get FREE Saturday admission for everyone on your reservation! A fang-tastic time is in store for all with fall-themed games where everyone wins, family and adults-only game shows, dance parties, corn and hay mazes, a QR quest, a challenge course, pint-sized tractor rides, super-cute crafts and much more. If that’s not amazing enough, take your taste buds on a wacky adventure with our Trick or Treat Bean Challenge. Will you get jelly beans that are yuck or yum? Great or gross? Plus, your favorite rides will be open to deliver the thrills and chills found only at Cedar Point.
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Places to Go:
The pinnacle of terror has arrived. This is known as Oklahoma’s most intense haunted forest.
ed soul of the forest. There is no holding back this time! Parental discretion is advised.
From the top creators and the most loyal crew of architects in the Oklahoma haunted attraction industry comes the collaboration that will confront guests’ fears and accost their senses. The Wicked Forest of Terror is an extreme haunted attraction in Oklahoma City boasting the most sinister visions of horror spread out over the course of nearly a mile.
For the youngest ghouls and goblins, come before sundown on the last 2 Saturdays of October for our Tiny Terror experience. Parents can walk with their kids in a safe environment to have some Halloween fun that is almost scary, but will leave them smiling instead of screaming.
Guests will experience the trails of this dark walk-through attraction filled with terrifying live actors, amazing special effects, and intense scenes that fully immerse customers into the wick-
Visitors are also encouraged to come early and stay late to test their skills on the paintball battlefield brought to you by Wicked Forest of Terror’s partner, Epic Paintball Park. The box office is open from
6-11 p.m. each night open. However, it must be dark before guests are allowed to enter the attraction. Walk around with the Wicked Masterminds and get into the action behind the scenes with a “Wicked Pass.” Lines can be skipped and you will enter upon arriving. After you exit the forest, you can then watch others as they pass through your favorite scenes. The pass is $90 and only 10 per night are allowed. Regular admission is $25.
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Go, See, Do ...
Every year when the crisp fall winds begin to blow and Halloween approaches, Knoebels transforms into a spooktacular place for ghosts and ghouls of all ages, weekends from Oct. 9 - Nov. 1. Visitors can experience tasty treats, thrilling games, freaktastic attractions and, of course, a selection of Knoebels’ hallo-riffic rides. It has gentle haunts, scary attractions and treats to suit all. It’s a spooktacular event for all ages with frights that come in all shapes and sizes! So join the boo crew at Knoebels Spooky Amusement Resort this fall! Join the Boo Crew Saturday & Sunday mornings for some extra festive Hallo-Fun activities! Visit the Phoenix Junction Courtyard to purchase some Hallo-Fun Crafts & Activities. Each activity this year is designed for “Grab & Go” enjoyment at campsites, kitchen
tables & locations where optimal social distancing is maintained. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., color your own treat bag, paint your own pumpkin, decorate cookes, and participatin in a scavenger hunt. Spooky activities are ALWAYS family friendly and for all ages at Knoebels Hallo-Fun! There is a fee for each activity or get all for $15. Pay per ride with “Ticket Books” or get unlimited rides with a “Ride All Day Pass.” Book your Knoebels Park Campground or Knoebels Lake Glory Campground sites today! In 1775, the land, known as “Peggy’s Farm,” was purchased and became Knoebels Grove. The land passed from owner to owner until 1828, when the Reverend Henry Hartman Knoebel bought the land for $931. His grandson first envisioned the land’s recreational potential. Henry farmed
the land and pursued a lumbering business operating saw mills at several different locations on the property. The park’s first attractions were opened in 1926. Through the years, rides and attractions have been added to what is now America’s largest free-admission amusement park, free entertainment and picnic facilities. Enjoy the 900,000 gallon Crystal Pool. Stay overnight at one of two campgrounds or cottages. In addition to over 60 rides, award winning food, swimming, games, and gift shops, visitors can add a round of golf at Knoebels Three Ponds Golf Course. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit online at https://www.knoebels.com/
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Places to Go:
Haunted Arnold Estate
HARRISVILLE - The Arnold Estate is a historical treasure; yet, it is so much more than its pastoral beauty. Located on Round Top Road, it provides those who are curious with an experience they will never forget. It is far more than a destination beyond belief. It is a memory made, a bucolic blessing, and for some, the key to cryptic knowledge few will ever have the chance to absorb of their own free will. A wondrous farmhouse which touches every soul who crosses its threshold, the old Arnold Estate is a wonder to behold. “The Arnold Estate, located in Harrisville, is a rare and truly unique destination. An authentic Colonial home, circa 1736, its rich and mysterious history will entice those seeking some paranormal adventure. It provides an opportunity to revisit a bygone era, along with the spirits who once inhabited the home – and still do! This mystical, magical farmhouse offers all of its visitors a thoroughly transformational experience. It is most famous for its association with “The Conjuring,” a famous feature film released in 2013. It was a horror movie that released a torrent of interest in this supernatural stronghold. It is likely the most haunted -66- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ October, 2020
house in America, revealed in detail by the Perron family who once dwelled within its walls for a decade during the 1970s. Though the film was fictionalized, the truth is stranger than fiction. The original estate was quite extensive, encompassing more than a thousand acres, subsequently sold off in parcels to families in the area, some who are still there hundreds of years later. The house as it now stands was completed in 1736, forty years before the signing of The Declaration of Independence, and endured the ravages of relentless storms which included the Hurricane of 1938 which destroyed so many homes (and barns) in southern New England. Eight generations of one extended family had lived and died in it and apparently some of them never left, or visit it with some frequency. For more informaiton, or to book a vist, go to https:// theconjuringhouse.com/#house
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Haunted Aiken Places to Go:
Just east of Augusta, Georgia, along I-20 between Atlanta and Charleston are the rolling hills of Thoroughbred Country, South Carolina, encompassing the town of Aiken, where National Champion horses are the prize. This four-county part of the Palmetto State is filled with world-renowned horse racing training and tracks, Civil War sites, gardens and plantation homes, state parks, historic healing springs, folk art and antique shops in charming towns. Dining runs the continuum from chef-refined and down-home Southern specialties, family restaurants, international cuisine and the unique find of a Mennonite bakery and community. Haunted secret passages in the Old Post Office, bones in the basement. In the former 1878 Aiken Hotel, shadowy movements, whispers, crying and screaming from empty rooms, where toilets flush and doors open or close. Housekeeping carts found down the hall when left outside a room. These hauntings and more are included on a spooktacular nighttime walking tour offering chilling stories of
spirits combined with Aiken’s history. Ghost hunting tools aid in the discovery. Tours are arranged and tailored individually. $15 per person, family-friendly. Masks preferred. Limit 10 people. Yearround, including historic city tours. Visit the website at TailoredToursofAiken.com or call (803) 295-3870. Soak in nature’s restorative power at Aiken State Park where visitors can bring canoes or kayaks and glide along the 1.7-mile glistening trail that winds its way down the south fork of the Edisto River. Enjoy free admission to the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum, as well as concerts, culture and dining. Investigate the luxury amenities at The Willcox Hotel as well as delightful B&Bs including Rose Hill, the Carriage House Inn, Lookaway Inn and Rosemary Inn. More on what to do, eat, where to stay: TbredCountry.org For more on South Carolina
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Go, Do, See...
Twisted Nightmare, L.L.C. is a haunted house that is brought to you by the talents of the SD Fraternal Order of Police and many volunteers. They will scare your pants off and maybe make you laugh a little while doing it. “We want you to have fun while being scared,� said one of the volunteers. With multiple tour guides taking 4-6 people through at a time, you can come back and have a different experience with each guide. Because an all volunteer cast is present, every tour could be totally different. Sometimes you will be led by an evil clown. The next time you may be led by a mad scientist or a swamp monster. Then the next time, it could be a doll that has come to life or who knows what other crazy characters might show up to lead you into your own Twisted Nightmare! - Moving floors, fog, loud sounds and strobe lights are in use. - Kids under 12 must have a parent/guardian. - Do not touch the actors or props and they will -68- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ October, 2020
not touch you. - No smoking, vaping, alcohol, food or drinks. - No pictures or video inside the haunted house. - We do guided tours of 4-6 people. If your group is larger we will try to accommodate or split you up depending on how many you bring. - We use the entire building to scare you, so most of our line is outside. Dress for the weather! See Less Twisted Nightmare is a fundraiser for the South Dakota Fraternal Order of Police , Feeding South Dakota and Make-A-Wish. Tickets are $12 at thedoor and $10 if you bring a canned fooddonation that will be used for Feeding South Dakota. Conveniently located in the downtown area of Sioux Falls at 8thand Railroad, masks will be required for all guests inside the attraction. Twisted Nightmare will be open Oct. 29-Nov. 1 from 7 - 10 p.m. (midnight Friday and Saturday). For more on South Dakota
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People to See:
Dead Man’s Farm
Photo Credit: Dead Man’s Farm
Combine a vivid fall getaway with a visit to Dead Man’s Farm, a frightfully-scary haunted attraction located in Loudon County Located between Knoxville and Chattanooga, Loudon County is known as the Lakeway to the Smokies, full of beautiful scenery and a multitude of outdoor water and mountain activities. Dead Man’s Farm enjoys many “Best Haunted Attraction” accolades including one from USAToday 10 Best. This year the sprawling attraction is maintaining the frightening fun while following detailed and firmly-applied
Covid safety and sanitation rules for actors and guests, from makeup and costume to changes in the haunted house that offer great opportunities for surprising scares while maintaining a safe social distance. Guests can scream their way through the revampedevery-year Haunted House/ Bludgeon House Tour, with its story line of atrocities acted out in vivid detail. Avoid chainsaw-wielding clowns in a five-acre corn maze, be buried alive in a sensory coffin simulator, choose from four Face Your Fear Virtual Reality experiences and three horror-based escape rooms, from Murder Cabin Escape to Asylum to Zombie Cage. Outdoor midway entertainment also includes
excitement for those more into freaky fun and less into fear, with performer photo opps. Thursdays-Sundays in October. Haunted House, $20; Haunted corn maze, $15; Fun, not frightening midway attractions, $5 each; savings packages and upgrades available. If You Go: In a state full of fall color and made for road trips, Loudon County, in east Tennessee, is golden. With the Smoky Mountains creating a backdrop for kayaking, boating and fishing on Tellico Lake or the Tennessee River, visitors can enjoy scenic drives, stunning sunsets and trademark misty mornings. Located between Knoxville and Chattanooga, Loudon County’s Highway 321 is the most scenic and least congested route to the Smokies from I-75 and I-40 East. Lenoir City and Loudon each have unique shopping and dining spots and locals who love to show off their Southern hospitality. Near Loudon is the oldest family winery in the state, Tennessee Valley Winery. Sweetwater Valley Farm in Philadelphia demonstrates cheese and milk-making and offers tastings. www.VisitLoudonCounty.com For more information, call 865-408-8527 or visit online at www.DeadMansFarm.com For more on Tennessee
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Places to Go:
Pumpkin Patch Hayride
CAT SPRING - Stay at BlissWood Bed and Breakfast Ranch and take a hayride from the barn to our Enchanted Lake this October, then to our pumpkin patch, where you’ll pick your very own pumpkin! While you’re here, get ready to smile for the camera! Our award-winning photographer will take journalistic photos of you and your loved ones among the boldest colors of the season. Bring your own pumpkin carving kit and after, carve funny, silly or spooky faces into your pumpkin at the barn. Take photos and enter into our “Creative Pumpkin Carving Contest” that will be held on Saturday, October 31st. An independent judge will pick the winner from the photos who
will receive a one-night (week-day stay) in the future at BlissWood Bed and Breakfast Ranch!v(winner will be notified by phone/ email) Make reservations today for only $89 for up to a family of 4 (plus cost of accommodations & tax). Call us to customize or add additional guests. Upgrade to a 30-minute mini photo shoot for just your group for $299 or a private 2-hour session on the patch or elsewhere on the ranch with Skeeter Hagler, a Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer, for $499. For kids under 10 years old, consider adding a 30-minute lead line Children’s Horseback Ride
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for an extra memorable experience $39. This package is only available to guests of the BlissWood Bed and Breakfast Ranch and is available October 1- 31, 2020. Each cabin on the ranchhas a different theme and decor to suit your taste. While there, you are sure to be hungry. Carol’s at Cat Spring Restaurant features an upscale menu and wonderful wine list, and is open to the public Friday and Saturday evenings for dinner. Formore information, visit www.blisswood.net, For more on Texas
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Places to Go:
Pumpkin Patch Hayride
Since 1990, Nightmare on 13th Street in Salt Lake City, has been repeatedly named one of the Best Haunted Houses in America. Featuring six different themed attractions with professional actors and cinematic quality special FX, this house of horrors is guaranteed to scare you silly! To enable social distancing, a timed-entry ticket system has been enacted; make reservations on site or online. Open daily through Nov. 14, Mon-Sat in Oct.
NEW! Dark Ride of Terror
This classic dark ride full of gags has been around for 30 years. It is definitely broken, run down, grimey and full of grungy carnival workers. The ride may be broken, but the carnies aren’t closing it down, so get to walking through and keep moving. Be careful it’s probably not safe walking through a ride and one of these carnies could be a killer!
NEW!Nightmare Alley
There’s a Gothic world behind the gates of the Nightmare On 13th and a strange darkness has spread turning all who survive into their worst nightmares! Beware of the new monsters lurking in the rubble and streets!
NEW! Mayhem I-SCREAM
A group of killer clowns have decided it’s time to go into business for themselves and have taken over an abandoned ice cream factory. Little do we know about what’s inside of
their new product...... I-SCREAM!! While the clowns took over the factory and went into business last year, they have made some changes and added new things into the factory that will be sure to give you a bumpy ride you’ll never forget!
Nightmare Castle
The Nightmare Castle has long been an icon in Salt Lake City, but the time has come to make our building tower over 1300 South with a bigger, darker, and scarier looking presence than ever before!
Nightmare Courtyard
Come hang out with your friends and our monsters in this interactive courtyard that will give you a taste of the Nightmare to come.
HELHEIM
This new Nightmare submerses you into the Norse Lore of Helheim. A dark underworld where only the dishonored dead live! For more information or tickets, visit https://www. nightmareon13th.com/ For more on Utah
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Go, See, Do
Mountain Lake Lodge
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Go, See, Do
fright nights DANIELS - The Resort at Glade Springs announces a new theme and COVID-19 safety measures for its 11th annual Fright Nights event happening each weekend throughout October. The haunted attraction, which has grown to become one of the most popular in the state, is taking extra precautions this year to ensure the safety of each guest. These safety measures include actors wearing PPE masks beneath their theatrical masks, temperature and symptom checks for each actor and staff member at the beginning of each night, and additional distancing measures to keep patrons separated from each other and haunt staff. In order to prevent guests from waiting in a large group, the use of a timed ticketing system will be in effect this year. Guests will be able to purchase their time slot online and will receive a text once it’s their turn to enter the attraction. “One of the things that makes a haunted attraction so fun is the fact that you’re moving through the haunt with a very small group, intentionally distanced from others in order to heighten the experience. Taking these additional safety measures will only enhance those spooky feelings you get when you’re alone in a haunted house while providing guests the safety and peace of mind they’ve come to expect from Fright Nights throughout the years.” says Ash-
ley Long, Creative Director at The Resort at Glade Springs. “We’ve been working hard throughout the summer to replace our handson themed attraction, which allowed guests to handle laser tag guns, with a brand new theme called Ghost Town. The set and costume design for this latest addition to our haunt will truly put it over the top for guests hoping to get the most out of their haunted experience without having to worry about touching anything.” This year will feature five attractions: The brand new “Ghost Town” full of phantoms of gunslingers, cowboys, miners and saloon gals haunting and terrifying anyone who sets foot in their town, a spine-tingling, multi-sensory spectacle titled “Mr. Beard’s Freaks & Phobia’s Traveling Sideshow”, a chilling haunted house experience titled “Deadwood Manor”, a terrifying trip through an institution for the criminally
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insane titled “The Asylum”, and finally a flashlight carrying attraction where visitors will try to find their way through the pig man’s deadly farm without being captured titled “Slaughterhouse.” The hotel and resort are set in the midst of a gorgeous 4,100-acre property in the lap of the Appalachian Mountains! Our premier, full-service West Virginia resort, specializes in golf, ski, fly-fishing, and offers a mindboggling variety of other recreational activities, as well as 200 lodging rooms for guests in West Virginia. The resort features a state-of-the-art conference center, a beautiful wedding venue and group lodging facilities for meetings and family reunions. On site are three championship 18-hole golf courses, an indoor leisure center, full-service spa and salon, world-class fly fishing, boating, miles of hiking and biking trails and so much more. This premier full-service resort offers a unique combination of recreational activities and upscale accommodations, making it a perfect getaway for escaping everyday life. More information about Fright Nights can be found at frightnightswv.com.
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Go, Do, See:
The Hill Has Eyes
FRANKLIN - From their chemical waste-ridden trailer park to the junkyard where they hold their satanic rituals, they’re watching and waiting for you. They want you to think this is just Milwaukee’s best haunted attraction. They want you to think you’ll have a good time on the haunted trails and meet up with your friends at the bonfire. They want you to think you’ve seen it all and nothing can scare you. They want you to think you’re going home tonight. If you think this is just another haunted house, think again. There is no escape. There is only The Hill, and The Hill Has Eyes. This October, Milwaukee’s scariest haunt is The Hill Has Eyes: COVID-19 Edition. With four terrifying haunted trails and a zombie-infested thrill ride, The
Hill will scare you witless. First, you’ll be forced to dodge the mutant hillbillies in Failed Escape or risk becoming one of their tortured “pets.” Tread lightly through Hunger Hollow or risk alerting one of the chainsaw-wielding cannibals. Keep your skin and dare to escape a fate worse than death. If you somehow survive the human flesh hungry mutants, you’ll make your way into our twisted CARNIvore, the devil’s playground. Our demonic carnies will torture you in their possessed midway for an eternity of pain and suffering, before being Contained and led into the gates of madness. Before you enter the haunted trails enjoy a live DJ, snacks and refreshments at the outdoor beer and party tent or chill out by the
bonfire while you prepare to fear for your life. Parking is always free. You can get four attractions for the price of one. Buy tickets online at https://www.hillhaseyes.com/ before they sell out and join the mutant hillbilly cannibals at Milwaukee’s scariest outdoor haunted experience. The Hill Has Eyes is open Friday and Saturday every week in October from 5:30 - 11 p.m. Sunday offers a “not-so-scary_ experience from 2:30 - 4:45 p.m. Get your tickets today!
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Places to Go:
Scary Laramie
The chill of fall is in the air. Everywhere there are apples, corn cobs, and pumpkin spice. If you are looking for fun Halloween and Fall activities, look no further. Many events are free and many are located inside (a cozy alternative to outdoor weather). Check out these great fall activities and events; you are sure to find something to put you in the mood for autumn.
Pumpkin Dunkin’
Float with the pumpkins at Laramie Recreation Center on Oct. 18 from 6- 8 p.m. There will also be pumpkin decorating, a cupcake walk, free popcorn and tons of fun at the Pumpkin Dunkin’. Free to members or with the purchase of a day pass.
Harvest Fest
Snowy Range Baptist Church is hosting a free, fall-themed Harvest
Fest on October 19th at 1:00 p.m. They will have games, snacks, crafts, and faith-based activities. You can pre-register on their Facebook page to take home a free pumpkin!
Hocus Pocus Interactive Movie
Albany County Public Library will be showing the Halloween classic movie Hocus Pocus on October 25th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. This will be an entertaining “interactive” experience. Feel free to wear your costumes and enjoy free pizza and other refreshments.
Scaramie
Always a favorite, downtown is turned into a parade of witches, ghosts, princesses, pirates, and more! Trick-or-treat at downtown businesses on Oct. 26th from 10 a.m. to noon. There will also be a
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“Historical Haunted House” for bigger kids. Events are free, but donations of non-perishable food items are appreciated.
3D Build-a-Beast
Hosted by University of Wyoming’s Microbestiary, Science Loves Art and 4th Street Studios, 3D Build-a-Beast will merge art and science. Learn about microbes while creating a silly or scary Halloween beast on October 19th at 1:00 p.m. This event is open to kids ages 9 and up. Reservations are required and a $10 donation is suggested.
https://visitlaramie.org/blog/laramie-fall-events-activities
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