Richmond Haunts and Halloween Festivals – Something for Everyone!
It may seem odd that city so steeped in history would have so many Halloween options. But, of course, Richmond has always been known as a city of ghosts, so somehow it seems appropriate to commemorate Halloween in true Richmond style.
One of the most famous Virginia Halloween adventures is in its thirteenth year and is on Staples Mill Road, about 12 miles from Richmond, deep in the woods. The Creepy Hollow Hayride is one ride you’ll feel fortunate to have survived! This tractor powered hay ride takes you through spooky scenery, scary illusions and amazingly real-looking goblins, ghouls, and other creepy creatures! A bonfire at the end of the ride offers a welcome respite and gives you the chance to calm down and warm up before heading home.
This is one Halloween adventure that is really not recommended for kids. It’s just too scary and realistic for the very young and the fainthearted. Hayrides begin the weekend of October 6-7 and gates open at 7:00 pm. To find our more information: http://www.creepyhollowhayride.com
If you want an authentic Richmond history lesson in addition to a Halloween celebration you won’t soon forget, why not take the Shadows of Shockoe Walking Ghost Tour? Over 400 years of history went into the making of this tour and you guide will take you on a nighttime exploration of Shockoe Bottom, Shockoe Slip and Capital Hill .site of the State Capitol where over 60 people died in 1870 – you won’t want to miss these spooky and strange stories from the past.
You’ll hear mysterious and tragic tales of The Great Theatre Fire, Church Hill tunnel collapse, Civil War hospitals and numerous other terrifying events that have led to the reports of paranormal activity in the City! There has even been a book written on the Ghosts of Richmond!
The tours take about 90 minutes, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes and wear layers of clothes for maximum comfort. Tours are offered Thursday – Saturday and begin at 9:00 p.m. at 11 North 18th Street in Shockoe Bottom. For details about available dates or to arrange for a private party tour, visit http://www.hauntsofrichmond.com/shockoe.htm. You’ll be glad you did!
If you had more “family friendly” events in mind, you’ll want to check out the activities at Henricus Historical Park in Chester, Virginia. This site dates back to 1611 and is one of the places Pocahontas lived. Storytellers offer haunting tales in a historic setting. So bring a blanket and enjoy a family focused evening of fun. Light refreshments are served. Dates and Times: Friday, October 27, 2006 (6:00 PM-8:00 PM) Saturday, October 28, 2006 (6:00 PM-8:00 PM). Best of all children under 12 are free! Registration is required by October 23. You can find out more information at www.henricus.org
Another great Halloween activity for the entire family is the Saints & Sinners Festival. Come on down to this street festival on October 28th and celebrate with music, food, costumes and fun activities. The festival stretches down Cary Street which is blocked off between 14th and 17th streets during the festival. Best of all, admission is free! Gates open at noon and the festivities run through 6:00 p.m. Be sure to wear a costume so you can enter the costume contest!
Maymont Children’s Farm is another sure bet for fun, family Halloween activities. Their Boo at the Barn Halloween event offers activities that include fun crafts, storytelling, hay wagon rides and, of course, a costume contest. This event also serves a philanthropic purpose. All the proceeds from the fees from the Halloween event benefit Adopt A Living Thing program which feeds and cares for the animals that live at Maymont – over 700 of them!
Boo at the Barn is held on Sunday, October 29 from noon to 4:00 p.m. For information on ticket prices and other details, go to www.maymont.com/events/annual.asp .
No matter how you choose to commemorate Halloween, the Richmond area offers something for everyone!
