Halloween fun on Long Island

Halloween is upon us and for those seeking a scare or some seasonal fun, a plan is needed. Here’s a trail of terror that will help guide you to events happening in Nassau and Suffolk to take your boo crew now through Oct. 31.

“ASYLUM, A LOVE STORY”

Sands Point Preserve Conservancy, 127 Middle Neck Rd., Sands Point

Have a frightening immersive experience at the Hempstead House in Sands Point Preserve by witnessing a theatrical presentation which intertwines love and madness. Actors travel with audience members throughout the mansion during this two-hour performance with an intermission and wine bar.

Cost $140; for ages 21 and over

More info 7 to 9 p.m. Oct. 31; 516-571-7901, sandspointpreserveconservancy.org

SCHMITT’S FARM HAUNT

Schmitt’s Farm, 26 Pinelawn Rd., Melville

Look out for live action monsters in the 10,000-square-foot haunted house where clowns and demons lurk in the dark. Then dare to enter the haunted corn trail where various living ghouls are tucked into the stalks. It has been expanded to include a new 3D experience. On your way out, hit the midway to participate in ax-throwing or play Zombie Brains .

Cost $42.99; for ages 12 and older accompanied by an adult

More info 7 to 11 p.m. Oct. 31; 631-271-3276, schmittsfarmhaunt.com

DARK NIGHT HALLOWEEN WORLD SCREAM PARK

Catholic Health Amphitheater at Bald Hill; 1 Ski Run Lane, Farmingville

This scream park features a full evening with nine haunted attractions including “The End is A.I.,” plus a spooky vendor market, vintage Halloween museum, immerse photo-op experience, pumpkin trail and a candlelit outdoor art gallery in the woods.

“We are satirizing the rise of A.I. and its implementation by big corporations,” says co-owner Aidan Finnegan. “It’s a modern, relevant topic shown through the eyes of a fun Halloween event.”

Cost $35-$50; for all ages

More info 7 to 11 p.m., Oct. 31; 516-514-4792, darknightli.com

CHAMBERS OF HELL

1745 Express Dr. N., Hauppauge

Get three haunts for the price of one with the Trilogy of Fear. Each haunt has a completely different style.

Part one is the “The Bourbon Street Massacre” based on the local culture of New Orleans with jazz music, secret whisperings within the voodoo shop and the mausoleums from the infamous cemeteries.

“Legends” makes up the second section featuring monsters like Wendigo, Mothman, La Llorona, Bloody Mary and the Yeti.
“They are all trapped inside this giant cave system by monster hunters,” says co-owner Robert “Doc” Frankenberg. “It’s almost pitch black with nothing but a candle flicker down a hallway.”

The final haunt is “The Inferno” where visitors take a descent into hell.

“The demons are covered in metal, armor and spikes,” says Frankenberg.

Cost From $80 (admits 2); for ages 13 and older

More info 8 to 10 p.m. Oct. 31; 631-686-4424, chambersofhell.com

BAYVILLE SCREAM PARK

8 Bayville Ave., Bayville

If you seek a full evening of evil, this spot has six haunted attractions that will make your hair stand on end.

Enter Bloodworth Haunted Mansion where twisted scientist Dr. Bascombe Bay experiments on corpses. Watch out for creepy clown Uncle Needles in the 3D Funhouse of Fear and the zombie mummies at the Temple of Terror. Inmates are running wild at the Bayville Haunted Asylum and prisoners of the Bay View Sanitarium are on the loose at Evil in the Woods. Meanwhile the Cage has a breakout of diseases.

Not enough? Catch some creepy cocktails at three secret bars, Zombie Pirate’s Voodoo Lounge, Diablo’s Lost Tequila Cantina and Dr. Decay’s Toxic Quarantine Club, located inside the haunted houses ($10 to access).

Cost $56.75-$59.75; for ages 12 and older

More info  7 p.m. to midnight Oct. 31; 516-624-4678; bayvillescreampark.com

DARKNESS RISING

800 Chettic Ave., Copiague

Travel to Victorian London where Jack the Ripper looms in the fog at this two-part haunt. In addition to “Jack the Ripper’s Reign of Terror,” attendees can experience "The Coven’s Curse" featuring a group of witches who have put a curse on a village in the 1600s.

“The vibe is more old school horror,” says co-owner and founder Kevin Baird. “It’s as scary as it can be without touching people.”

Cost $38-$55; for ages 12 and older

More info 6 to 10 p.m. Oct. 31; 516-799-4747, darknessrising.org

GATEWAY’S HAUNTED PLAYHOUSE

215 S. Country Rd., Bellport

The Sandman is terrorizing visitors, and revenge.

“This year’s haunt is based on a true story of when Gateway was a hotel back in the 1940s. Judge Michael Hawthorne sent some people off to death row that were actually innocent,” says haunt director Paul Allan. “The judge returned as a demonized Sandman and got inside people’s dreams at the hotel.”

There’s also a midway featuring a nightmare carnival, a “Fear Garden” for those 21 and over, plus a food truck.

Cost $40-$60; for ages 14 and over

More info 7 to 10:30 p.m. Oct. 31; 631-286-1133, gatewayshauntedplayhouse.com

HALLOWEEN HOUSE

Broadway Commons, 358 N. Broadway, Hicksville

Get some wicked selfies in 10 different themed rooms.

This all-ages attraction features no live actors. Explore "Beetlejuice," graveyard, zombie, glow-in-the-dark rooms and more before checking out the interactive trick-or-treat room.

“You actually can go up to the house and trick-or-treat,” says founder Justin Schwartz. “A person answers the door and gives you candy. There’s even a tree that you can decorate with toilet paper.”

Cost $30-$40; for all ages

More info 3:30 to 9 p.m. Oct. 31; halloweenhouselongisland.com

THE GREAT JACK O'LANTERN BLAZE

Walk through this half-mile loop featuring more than 7,000 illuminated pumpkins all hand-carved by local artists at Old Bethpage Village Restoration. The designs vary from classic Halloween characters to massive pumpkin displays featuring the Statue of Liberty, a 12-foot high smoke breathing sea monster and a 20-foot spider web made of jack-o’-lanterns.

“We even have a nautical theme featuring a lighthouse with a rotating light, an ocean scene, a boating scene and an underwater scene,” says creative director Michael Natiello.

New this year is a tribute to the circus with pumpkin characters like acrobats, clowns and sideshow artists such as a strongman, a contortionist and a sword-swallower. Plus, there are  new costumed pumpkin creations with humanlike features including arms, legs and feet.

COST: $29

MORE INFO: 1303 Round Swamp Rd., Old Bethpage, pumpkinblaze.org

RISE OF THE JACK O'LANTERNS

Families gather annually to see thousands of hand-carved pumpkins lit up at the USDAN Summer Camp for the Arts in Wheatley Heights. “The area is wooded and we make the trail spooky,” says executive producer Mike Pollock. “It’s also paved and very walkable.”

Pumpkins will feature more than 50 different themes ranging from prehistoric animals and sports teams to horror movie icons and "Alice in Wonderland."

“There will be a behind-the-scenes peek into how we do the carving,” says Pollock. “There’s a video you can watch and you can also look right into the studio to see what’s in production.”

COST: $26.25-$35, $18-$24 ages 3-17. All tickets are sold in advance.

MORE INFO: 185 Colonial Springs Rd., Wheatley Heights, jackolanterns.com

JACK’S NIGHTMARE HALLOWEEN POP UP

Walk into Alibi Lounge in Farmingdale and you’ll be greeted by Oogie Boogie to your right and Jack Skellington to your left from the 1993 Tim Burton film, “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” The new pop-up experience, Jack’s Nightmare, is currently running Thursday through Sunday for the Halloween season.

“This ties together Halloween and ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ film,” says Michael Marra, president of Unique Social Events. The company also runs the "Hocus Pocus"-inspired Witch Craft Halloween Pop Up in Brentwood. The menu is themed to autumn seasonal ingredients with a nod to the film. All servings will be shareable appetizers ($12-$14), desserts ($8-$12) and drinks ($8-$16), which are a la carte.

COST: $20-$30 (does not include food and drinks), 21 and older. Saturday and Sunday seatings at noon and 2 p.m. are open to children.

MORE INFO: Through Oct. 31. Seatings are held Thursdays: 6 and 8 p.m., Fridays: 6, 8 and 10 p.m., Saturdays: noon, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 p.m., Sundays: noon, 2, 4, 6 and 8 p.m., Oct. 30: 6 and 8 p.m., Halloween, Oct. 31: 6, 8 and 10 p.m.; Alibi Lounge, 230 Main St., Farmingdale, 516-274-8586 (text only), uniquesocialevents.com

WITCH CRAFT HALLOWEEN POP UP

Fans of Disney’s Halloween classic “Hocus Pocus” can see witch sisters Winifred, Sarah and Mary come to life at the Witch Craft Halloween Pop Up at The Edgewood on the Green in Brentwood.

Guests can order starters ($15-$18) such as cranberry barbecue chicken wings or pesto arancini, entrees ($23-$30) like sweet potato gnocchi or a bourbon bacon burger plus desserts ($8-$12) including pumpkin cheesecake or the double chocolate spell book brownie with fudge. Craft cocktails ($17) named after each witch get served with dry ice for a smoking effect. Everyone goes home with a souvenir cup commemorating the event.

COST: $20-$30 (doesn’t include food or drinks)

MORE INFO: 600 Long Island Ave., Brentwood, 516-274-8586 (text only), witchcraftpopup.com

Here are parades that will help you show off your Halloween spirit and get you in the mood for some trick or treating:

STONY BROOK VILLAGE COSTUME PARADE 

Head to the Stony Brook Village Center for a day of Halloween fun from 2 to 5 p.m. Oct. 31. Parade is within the village. Monster Merlin leads the Halloween costume parade (3:30 p.m.) and kids can play games and trick-or-treat, and the winners of the annual scarecrow contest will be announced at 3 p.m.;

MORE INFO: 111 Main St., Stony Brook, stonybrookvillage.com, 631-751-2244. 

Compiled by LaToya Rodriguez

With Long Island having such a rich history, claims of encounters with ghosts — call them phantoms, wraiths, apparitions, what have you — are a common thread shared between generations.

There are homes and businesses where the living claim to have crossed paths with specters, but there’s no need to wander through a graveyard to try to spot a spirit. Here’s a list of places you can visit that locals have said to be haunted.

Montauk Lighthouse

HAUNTED HISTORY There are many who in the past have said they witnessed Abigail Olsen, who died as a teen in the 19th century, continue to cling to the world of the living. Long Island was famously battered by a ferocious storm that struck during the Christmas holiday in 1811. According to current lighthouse keeper Joe Gaviola, Abigail was newly married to the captain of a ship that wrecked near the lighthouse during the storm, and while she managed to survive and make her way into the tower, she was unable to locate her husband. Legend states that's why her spirit never left the area: She waits and watches for his return.

MORE INFO: 2000 Montauk Hwy., Montauk; 631-668-2544, montauklighthouse.com

Fire Island Lighthouse

HAUNTED HISTORY This iconic South Shore lighthouse has its own haunted tale. Tony Femminella, executive director of The Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society, says that while his organization has never been able to verify either the legend or the lighthouse keeper involved, it enjoys keeping the story alive.

He says the version the society sticks to takes place back when the current lighthouse was under construction, relegating the keeper and his family to live in a shack next to the original lighthouse. The keeper’s daughter reportedly fell ill, and it took him three days to return with help. When he arrived, she had already died, and due to his overwhelming grief, he hanged himself in the current lighthouse that wasn’t yet completed.

As Femminella explained, his organization has never been able to confirm who allegedly haunts the lighthouse, but there are several candidates. Records show a man named Benjamin Smith was the keeper while the second version of the lighthouse was constructed in the 1850s, but the same documents show Smith lived at least long enough to retire in 1861. However, there is the tragic and widely documented tale of a former keeper named Hugh Walsh, who reportedly died 1878. Then there was keeper John T. Doxsee, who the U.S. Coast Guard reports "died from asphyxiation" in 1913.

MORE INFO: 1 Burma Rd., Fire Island National Seashore; 631-583-5901, fireislandlighthouse.com

1648 Thomas Halsey Homestead

HAUNTED HISTORY A genealogy of the Halsey family history alleges that Elizabeth Phoebe (Wheeler) Halsey, wife of Thomas Halsey, was murdered there in 1649. Ghost hunters claim to have heard voices and found "cold spots" (sudden chilled pockets within a space) inside the 17th-century farmhouse.

MORE INFO: 249 S. Main St., Southampton; 631-283-2494, southamptonhistory.org

Sylvester Manor

HAUNTED HISTORY If ghosts are haunting anywhere on Long Island, it might just be this estate. It's a 17th-century plantation once worked on by enslaved people and laborers. Several slaves and others are said to be buried on the grounds. An apparition has been reported in the woods near the 1735 manor house, while an 18th-century mirror in the house is said to reveal the image of a woman in a long dress when the light reaches a certain angle. Reports of unexplained noises in the house also have been circulated.

MORE INFO: 80 N. Ferry Rd., Shelter Island; 631-749-0626, sylvestermanor.org

Sagtikos Manor

HAUNTED HISTORY George Washington famously slept here in 1790, and it was reported that when David Gardner — the owner of the manor between 1907 and 1927 — died in November 1927, his body was laid in the same bed used by the first U.S. president. There have been reports of people seeing turning doorknobs, strange figures standing on the porch and, most notably, the ghost of a woman in the loft of the historic building. Wispy moving mists also have been reported in the family cemetery on the grounds.

MORE INFO: 677 Montauk Hwy., Bay Shore; 631-854-0939, sagtikosmanor.org

Terry-Ketcham Inn

HAUNTED HISTORY Its history is overall more one of a public house than a residence, but many people have lived at this historic hotel and tavern as well. Dating back to 1693, it has functioned as a stagecoach stop, an agrarian site, a restaurant and was used for municipal purposes; it was owned by different people and families over its many years, and even hosted future presidents Thomas Jefferson and James Madison (when it was known as Moriches Inn). Stories tell of a young girl who burned to death in the house, and some say her ghost is still present. There also have been claims of an ethereal Native American man.

MORE INFO: 81 Main St., Center Moriches; 631-878-1855, ketchaminnfoundation.org

Raynham Hall

HAUNTED HISTORY Once the home to the Townsend family — a lineage whose local history dates to the 17th century and includes Robert Townsend, who spied on the British during the Revolutionary War when Long Island was occupied by the redcoats. The British also occupied Raynham Hall, quartering in the house and placing hundreds of troops on its grounds. Paranormal experts have long considered the structure to be haunted, especially a chimney that allegedly focuses so much ethereal energy, it’s been called a "ghost vortex." Among the spirits said to roam the rooms and hallways is Sarah Townsend, who lived in the home during its British occupation and was the romantic target of the British lieutenant colonel who was stationed there. Other ghosts are said to include an unknown child, unidentified servants and even a phantom cat.

MORE INFO: 20 W. Main St., Oyster Bay; 516-922-6808, raynhamhallmuseum.org

Laurel Lake

HAUNTED HISTORY A quiet kettle hole lake where people can fish, there have been claims that the spirit of an angry, elderly man who once lived at a long-gone campground haunts the nearby woods. The ghost reportedly makes noises, steps loudly and even chases after those who dare to enter the area at night.

MORE INFO: 4600 Main Rd., Mattituck; 631-444-0280, dec.ny.gov

Lake Ronkonkoma

HAUNTED HISTORY The legend connected to Long Island's largest freshwater lake is that a Native American princess named Tuskawanta fatally stabbed herself after rowing out to the middle of the lake — an act committed because her father forbade her from seeing English settler Hugh Birdsall, who was equally attracted to her but failed to respond to love letters she tried to float to him. Locals say she now waits in the lake. Some say that when the lake unexpectedly rises, it is weeping for the disrupted love affair between Tuskawanta and Birdsall.

MORE INFO: Bordered by Smithtown Boulevard (Smithtown), Lake Shore Road (Lake Ronkonkoma) and Rosevale Avenue (Ronkonkoma); 631-444-0280, dec.ny.gov

'MOUNT MISERY'

HAUNTED HISTORY Few places on Long Island have as many aspects related to the paranormal as do these hilly, winding, tree-lined, narrow roadways. Aside from the long-running local tales that say the area is cursed, ghosts of a couple who crashed there are said to haunt the roads, along with another specter. There’s also a Northern State Parkway underpass where some say, should you put your car in neutral, a spirit will move your vehicle.

Further lore includes that a children’s asylum that was built there in the 18th century burned down, and the wails of the unfortunate souls who lived and worked there can still be heard. Then there is "Hatchet Mary," whose house was located somewhere within what is now the Mount Misery Nature Preserve — and Mary’s ghost has been said to haunt the area.

MORE INFO: Sweet Hollow Road runs between Jericho Turnpike in Huntington and Route 110 in Melville. Mount Misery Road runs from Chichester Road in Huntington to West Hills County Park, then starts again south of the Northern State Parkway in Melville and finally ends at Old Country Road. Mount Misery Nature Preserve is located within West Hills County Park, with an entrance on Sweet Hollow Road, 500 feet south of the Northern State Parkway overpass.

By Ian J. Stark

As fall creeps in leaving behind the sunny days of summer, the haunting season begins. Long Island offers a trail of scary attractions throughout September and October in Nassau and Suffolk. Here’s a guide that will make you shudder and scream.

'ASYLUM, A LOVE STORY'

Intensity: Scary

Explore the immersive theatrical Halloween performance, “Asylum, A Love Story.” Hours 7-9 p.m. or 9:30-11:30 p.m., Oct. 31. Ages 21 and older. Fee $140.

MORE INFO: Hempstead House, Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Rd., Sands Point; 516-570-2261, sandspointpreserveconservancy.org

BAYVILLE SCREAM PARK

Intensity: Very scary

This North Shore mainstay has six haunted attractions that bring thrills and chills. New this season are three secret bars hidden inside the haunted houses. Hours vary; through Nov. 5. Fees $33.75-$59.75.

MORE INFO: 8 Bayville Ave., Bayville; 516-624-4678, bayvillescreampark.com

CHAMBERS OF HELL

Intensity: Very scary

Take on the Trilogy of Fear as this three-part haunt will leave you with permanent nightmares, compliments of the live actors from the creepy cast. Hours 8 p.m. weekdays, 7 p.m. weekends; through Oct. 31. Fee From $80 (admits 2).

MORE INFO: 1745 Express Dr. N., Hauppauge; 631-686-4424; chambersofhell.com

DARK NIGHT HALLOWEEN WORLD

Intensity: Scary

Check out the seven haunted houses plus a food court, flea market, live bands on Fridays and Saturdays. Hours 7-10 p.m. Oct. 31. Fee $35 general admission, $50 VIP fast pass.

MORE INFO: Long Island Community Hospital Amphitheater at Bald Hill, 1 Ski Run Lane, Farmingville; 516-514-4792, darknightli.com

DARKSIDE HAUNTED HOUSE

Intensity: Very scary

This indoor and outdoor haunt with scary themes and characters is celebrating “25 years of fear.” Hours weekends through Oct. 31 and select weekdays; 7-11 p.m. Mon.-Thu., 7 p.m.-midnight Fri., 6 p.m.-midnight Sat., 6-10:30 p.m. Sun.; for attendees 13 and older. Fee $35.

MORE INFO: 5184 Rte. 25A, Wading River; 631-369-7227, darksideproductions.com

DARKNESS RISING HAUNTED ATTRACTION

Intensity: Scary

This season, discover the witches that haunt a village from the 1600s and witness Jack the Ripper on the loose in London. Hours 7 p.m.-midnight Fri. and Sat., 6-10 p.m. Sun., 7-10 p.m. weekdays; through Oct. 31. Fee $35 includes entry into two haunted houses, $50 fast pass.

MORE INFO: 800 Chettic Ave., Copiague; 516-799-4747, darknessrising.org

GATEWAY HAUNTED PLAYHOUSE

Intensity: Very scary

Live characters, three-dimensional environment created and built by the Gateway’s design and production team. Hours weekends and select weekdays through Nov. 4; best for ages 13 and older (younger than 12 must be accompanied by an adult). Fee $40 online, $50 at the door; $55 online or $65 at the door for a fast pass.

MORE INFO: 215 S. Country Rd., Bellport; 631-286-1133, fearli.com

HALLOWEEN HOUSE LONG ISLAND

Intensity: Not so scary

This haunted house includes 10 rooms decorated for Halloween,  open through Nov. 7. Fee $29.99 adults, $19.99 ages 3-12.

MORE INFO: 2300 Marcus Ave., New Hyde Park; halloweenhouselongisland.com

HAUNTED HOUSE OF HAMBURGERS

Intensity: Not so scary

Celebrate Halloween all year long at this Halloween-themed restaurant in Farmingdale. Creepy cuisine is served in a scary setting featuring classic horror icons like Dracula, the Wolf Man and the Mummy. Haunted food items include the Trick-or-Treat Triple burger, R.I. Pizzas and Crypt Keeper cocktails. Hours 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Fri., 8 a.m.-11 p.m. Sat., 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Sun. and 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Halloween.

MORE INFO: 330 Fulton St., Farmingdale; 516-777-1031, hhhamburgers.com

SCHMITTS FARM HAUNT

Intensity: Scary

This haunted farm house features a clown takeover night, a slasher night and a lights-out lantern night as well as a haunted corn trail and axe-throwing. Hours starting at 7 p.m. Oct. 5-8, 13-15, 20-22, 26-31. Fee $39.99-$41.99 general admission.

MORE INFO: F & W Schmitt Farms, 26 Pinelawn Rd., Melville; 631-271-3276, schmittshaunt.com

By David Criblez

Scream inside your car while creatures clean the outside this Halloween season at four haunted car washes on Long Island. Don’t forget to keep the doors locked and the windows up to escape without fright. 

HARRY’S TUNNEL OF HORROR & WANTAGH HAUNTED CAR WASH

Once you enter the property at Harry’s Express Car Wash in Franklin Square or Wantagh Hand Car Wash, characters will be popping up at your window and knocking on your door before any suds hit your vehicle.

“The car wash tunnels will be completely decorated for Halloween with lights, smoke, strobe lights, spider webs and scary music playing,” says owner Harris Stone. “There will even be a gory car scene out front.”

Although the scares are similar at both places, the washes are completely different. Franklin Square offers a standard machine wash. However, Wantagh customers will get the Ceramic Craze that includes a hand wash on the outside of the car, undercarriage rinse, crystal top coat finish, triple foam wax, Rain-X spray, rim polish, lava bath and a ceramic shine that makes the car’s paint glow.

COST: Wantagh: $45 per car, text SCARE to 30400 for a $5 off coupon; Franklin Square: $40 per car, text HORROR to 30400 for a $5 off coupon

MORE INFO: 6 to 8 p.m., Oct. 31; Wantagh Hand Car Wash, 3434 Sunrise Highway, Wantagh; Harry’s Express Car Wash, 541 Franklin Ave., Franklin Square; Wantagh: 516-785-4129, handsonwash.com; Franklin Square: 516-233-1170, harryscarwash.com

TUNNEL OF TERROR, PART 3 

Now in its fourth year, Five Corners Auto Salon in New Hyde Park is ready to amp up the scares for “Tunnel of Terror, Part 4.”

“Inside the tunnel, we will have holographic scenes projecting images of screaming ghosts and witches flying around accompanied by sound effects,” says owner David Rubinstein. “There’s also fog, strobe lights and a loud buzzer when you enter.”

Five Corners delivers a hand wash which will be done by 15 different characters including a chain saw goblin, creepy clowns and Jason Voorhees from "Friday the 13th."

“They’ll try to get into the car,” says Rubinstein. “With the SUVs, sometimes they’ll attempt to go through the back hatch.”

The horror continues in six different spooky scenes throughout the property.

“People look forward to this every year,” says Rubinstein. Proceeds from the event go to Cohen’s Children’s Medical Center in New Hyde Park.

COST: $45 in advance ($50 on site), text SPOOK to 59925 to purchase tickets in advance

MORE INFO: 6 to 9 p.m., Oct. 31; 2080 Hillside Ave., New Hyde Park, 516-328-6111, 5cornershandwash.com

By Nyasis Spencer