By Katie Allie
These are my stories from the road and hard-won guidance from a thoughtful traveler. If I’m making you curious about getting lost and finding the good stuff in this great big world we all share, then I’m doing something right.
October brings with it a chill in the air—but is that from a nippy autumn hayride or something a bit more sinister? The anticipation for Halloween is building all around the Mountain State this month, and there are plenty of things—both sinister and sweet—to keep the whole family busy. If you’re headed out to an event, be sure to call ahead to verify hours and availability in order to avoid disappointment, especially in the case of inclement weather.
2016 Pumpkin Festival
October 6-9
Milton
One of the largest festivals of its kind in the state, you’ll find pumpkin contests galore, a parade, a 5K run, farm animals and plenty of entertainment.
Third Annual Zombie Walk for WVU Children’s Hospital
October 8
Meadowbrook Mall in Bridgeport
meadowbrookmall.com/event/spirit-halloween-zombie-walk/2145476092
For just $5, participants in the Zombie Walk can dress up and strut their stuff in support of WVU Children’s Hospital, where 100 percent of the proceeds from the event will be donated. Special guest Jeremy Ambler from “The Walking Dead” will be on hand, in addition to make-up artists who will turn you into a zombie for a small fee.
The Great Pumpkin Party and Trick-or-Treating at the Capital Market
October 8 & 20
Charleston
www.capitolmarket.net/market-happenings
Stop by on the 8th with your kids for pumpkin painting, monster bubbles, chalk art, a Jupiter Jump and pumpkin bowling. On the 20th, it’s trick-or-treat time at the indoor market—perfect for a rainy October night.
OktoberWest
October 15
Charleston
westsidemainstreet.org/events/oktoberwest
Attend OktoberWest for local craft breweries, food and live music. Tickets are sold in advance at a significant discount from at the door, so get yours while they last!
FestivALL Fall
October 21-23
Charleston
Enjoy the arts around the capital city. There will be performances by the West Virginia Youth Symphony and the Charleston Ballet and a Carriage Trail Leaf Walk, crafts and so much more.
HallowEast
October 26-29
Charleston
A Scared Sprintless Zombie 5K, Clue murder mystery event and a costume crawl, plus Artmares and plenty of good times promised. What’s not to love?
Haunted Trail & Not So Spooky Wagon Rides
October 28-29
Jackson County Junior Fairgrounds in Cottageville
For those who like to be scared and are looking for some family fun, check out this annual event that benefits the fairgrounds. The Haunted Trail is an easy half-mile walk, while the covered wagon rides provide a good time with visits from friendly farm ghouls only!
The Pumpkin House
October 28-29
Kenova
You don’t want to miss 3,000 hard-carved pumpkins light up the night at this famous event, which is also a part of the C-K AutumnFest if you’re around during the day.
Guyandotte Ghosts
October 29 & November 5
Huntington
Haunted and historic walking tours begin in the Guyandotte neighborhood of Huntington in late October. For the history buff who enjoys getting a little spooked, these carefully crafted tours will transport you back in time and won’t disappoint. The Guyandotte Cemetery Haunted History Tour will take place on October 29, and the Civil War Ghostly Encounters Tour is scheduled for November 5.
Apolloween
The Apollo Civic Theatre in Martinsburg
Far more than just a theatre, this place has paranormal investigations to delve into, haunted theatre festivities and, of course, a special viewing of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” Apolloween takes place on various days in October depending on the event, so check out the website for full details.
Byrnside Branch Farm
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through November 3
Union
Acres and acres of corn mazes, seasonal produce, a pumpkin patch, bonfires, farm animals, tractor tours and more!
Charles Town Ghost Tours
Saturdays through November, 5-7 p.m.
Charles Town
If you’re not too scared, you can try either the Traditional Haunted Walk or the Cemetery Stroll to learn about the ghosts and ghouls of historic Charles Town. The founder and guide, Ann Fern, is a published Civil War buff who promises that no two tours are alike. Private tours are also available. Reservations required.
Cooper Family Farm Haunted Corn Maze
Weekends through November 2
Milton
www.cooperfamilyfarms.net/maze.html
In operation since the 1840s, this farm has good, clean family fun with a pumpkin patch, zip lining, campfires and a corn crawl crib in addition to their famous corn maze and zombie paintball shoot. For the spooky stuff, check out the haunted corn maze on October 21, 22, 28 and 29.
Halloween at the West Virginia State Penitentiary
Fridays and Saturdays in October
Moundsville
wvpentours.com/tours_dungeonofhorrors.htm
There’s a lot going on here for Halloween—everything from the Dungeon of Horrors, a staged haunted house; the North Walk, a guided paranormal walk; an escape room; zombie paintball; paranormal investigations; family nights and more. Open Fridays and Saturdays in October, with extended hours and extra festivities the closer it gets to Halloween.
Harpers Ferry Ghost Tour
Harpers Ferry
For a family- and dog-friendly walkabout, check out this highly rated ghost tour that runs year-round with extended October hours and has an indoor option for inclement weather. Monday through Saturday nights by reservation only in October.
The Haunted Fairgrounds
Kearneysville
Find out if you’re brave enough to make your way through Kearneysville’s haunted screamfest as you twist and turn through the grounds. It’s all for a good cause—all proceeds go to Jefferson County charities. Open Friday and Saturday evenings in October.
Haunted Parkersburg Ghost Tours
Fridays and Saturdays through November 5
Parkersburg
parkersburgghosts.blogspot.com/2011/08
Created and run by author, astrologer and artist Susan Sheppard, the Haunted Parkersburg tour has been ranked in the top 10 ghost tours in the United States. Check out Parkersburg’s “graveyard ghouls and vexing railroad ghosts” for yourself!
The House of the Setting Sun and the Haunted Barn
Green Spring
Put on by the Community Involvement for Kids Inc., you’ll be asked to follow the pumpkins to their location “if you dare to be scared!” Open Fridays and Saturdays through October.
Lewisburg Ghost Tour
Fridays and Saturdays in October
Lewisburg
greenbrierwv.com/explore/attraction/lewisburg-ghost-tour
Enjoy a two-hour tour of haunted downtown Lewisburg—there’s no better way to get into the season.
North Bend Rail Trail Ghost Walk
Cairo
(304) 628-3321
Enjoy a spooky, kerosene lamp-lit walk into the unknown to hear about the Phantom of Silver Run and other spooky happenings in the area.
Old McDonald’s Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze
Kearneysville
This pumpkin patch and corn maze are open Fridays and Saturdays but will close depending on weather and mud conditions, so call ahead! Enjoy hayrides, corn maze action, picnics and the pumpkin patch.
Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum
Weston
trans-alleghenylunaticasylum.com
Once serving as a sanctuary for the mentally ill, you can now take a peek during daytime historic tours or a flashlight tour and haunted house at night. With so many tours and offerings that take place year-round, it’s best to check their website or call ahead for dates, availability and more information.
