It’s the spookiest time of the year! Halloween has officially arrived in the Tar Heel state. While the traditional “All Hallows’ Eve” activities, like visiting pumpkin patches and attending Halloween-themed parties, will always be entertaining, there are also different and unique ways to get spooked! Whether you are looking for a real-life scare, such as touring an actual haunted place, to a more innocent experience like attending a Halloween parade, North Carolina has loads of Halloween activities perfect for anyone. Read on for five Halloween activities in our home state sure to frighten all.
Halloween Activity #1: Dine with a ghost. For those wanting an actual haunted experience, consider eating at The Country Squire Restaurant, Inn & Winery in Kenansville, NC. At this inn, the spirit of original owner Joe West is rumored to still haunt his establishment. The cozy setting offers patrons delicious cuisine, as well as savory wines. After enjoying a meal, consider playing a game of darts, as this is one area of the inn where it is rumored that Joe West flies darts through the air challenging a game with his guests.
Halloween Activity #2: Satisfy your adrenaline need with a trip to Scarowinds. For those wanting to feel the thrill of Halloween on a different level, consider touring Scarowinds at Carowinds Amusement Park in Charlotte. Every year, the park offers guests extra spooks, in addition to its usual popular roller coasters and rides. Consider wandering through haunted mazes, working to find your way out, or touring a haunted house. For the not faint of heart, Scarowinds offers elaborately themed “scare zones” like the Blood Yard Playground or the Psycho Circus of Mystery and Mayhem. Be cautioned though, as there are over 500 monsters and ghastly creatures roaming the property, so wander through at your own risk.
Halloween Activity #3: Stay for the day or night at the Grove Park Inn. Since the 1920s the “Pink Lady” has been a friendly and well-known ghost which wanders the halls of this historic and beautiful hotel. Legend has it that the spirit is of a young lady, who fell to her death from the fifth floor of the Palm Court Atrium at the Inn. While some speculate it was an accident, others believe it may have been something more sinister. Thankfully, the Pink Lady doesn’t seem to use her death as reason to be evil to those enjoying a stay. Many visitors report seeing her spirit as a vibrant pink mist, while others report seeing the figure of a young woman in a pink ball gown. This spirit has a great sense of humor and is often known for making the lights and air conditioners turn on and off, as well as rearranging objects in guest rooms. For those truly wanting a personal experience with her, they should consider booking a night in room 545. This is the room where the Pink Lady seems to be particularly active.
Halloween Activity #4: Make it a family friendly experience at Blowing Rock’s Halloween Festival. Heaps of family-friendly fun is to be had at the Blowing Rock Halloween Festival! This Halloween-themed event features spooky stories and crafts at the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum, a Halloween fun house for the littles, games, autumn hayrides, a costume contest, and a parade. The parade also offers children an opportunity to go trick-or-treating through downtown Blowing Rock. End the day with having the kids participate in a “moonlight scavenger hunt” around Broyhill Lake.
Halloween Activity #5: Hickory, North Carolina’s “Trick or Trot” Halloween 5K. For those seeking an opportunity to exercise and enjoy some Halloween fun, consider participating in the “Trick or Trot” Halloween 5K in Hickory, North Carolina. The race will start and finish at Highland Recreation Center. Proceeds will benefit the Bill McDonald Scholarship Fund. This race could be modified, rescheduled, or cancelled due to concerns with COVID and, unfortunately, refunds cannot be given.
