ORANGE COUNTY, N.Y. (October 14, 2019) – Frightening farms, haunted houses, terrifying tours and the Guinness World Record holder for longest haunted attraction all await Halloween enthusiasts in Orange County, N.Y. Just 60 miles north of New York City along the historically haunt-happy banks of the Hudson River, the county is rich in legend and lore, and famous for spectral sightings. This fall season, something wicked this way welcomes you. Plan your visit, if you dare, and experience Orange County’s award-winning Halloween attractions.
“Goblins, ghosts and ghouls – oh my!” Amanda Dana, Director of Orange County Tourism, says that “if being frightened is your idea of fun, Orange County has a scary-good time on tap for you. Our Halloween attractions are world class and bring thrill-seekers to our region from as far afield as Boston and Philly. If you don’t get scared sleepless, check out one of our quaint B&Bs for an overnighter – maybe even the allegedly haunted Pine Bush House, located in the UFO capital of the northeast.”
Top Halloween season attractions include:
• Pure Terror Scream Park, Museum Village, 299 Museum Village Road, Monroe: Pure Terror is the Guinness World Record holder for the longest haunted attraction in the world, five years running. Featuring nine haunted walk-through attractions, including Terror in the Woods, The Crypt, Resurrection Cemetery, The Coven, Terror Under the Big Top, Legends of Horror, Pure Darkness and more. A huge Halloween themed midway also offers great food, music and photo ops at every turn. Among the scariest haunted attractions in the region, Pure Terror immerses you in a world of movie quality sets and Hollywood-grade costumes. Recommended for ages 12 and up, Pure Terror is open now through the first weekend in November, every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Details – if you dare – at www.pureterror.com.
• It Was Dark Back Then, Knox’s Headquarters Historic Site, 289 Forge Hill Road, Vails Gate: Literally literarily scary! Under the veil of night, the historic grounds of Knox’s Headquarters serve as the spooky stage for this 45-minute tale of the otherworldly, as costumed interpreters from the New Windsor Cantonment and Knox’s Headquarters State Historic Sites bring macabre 18th century Gothic literature (back) to life. The spine-tingling tales will have you looking over your shoulder as you tour the historic site. One night only — Saturday, October 19! Reservations required. 845-561-1765 ext. 22. parks.ny.gov/events/event.aspx
• Fright Nights, Pierson’s Farm, Route 211 West, Middletown: Pierson’s invites guests to mingle with ghouls during frightening farm visits. Navigate a small corn maze, enter the haunted barn, whistle your way through a graveyard full of strangely animated occupants, and emerge into an even larger corn maze. Take a break from the scares to make some new fuzzy friends in the petting zoo, too. Open Fridays and Saturdays, now through October 28. www.piersonsfarm.com.
• The Corn Estate Haunted House, 55 Duncan Avenue, Cornwall on Hudson: Will you come face to face with the ghost of Thaddeus Corn, the infamous thief and smuggler? If you dare enter the Corn home, you can experience the frightening legend firsthand. The haunted attraction helped Cornwall, N.Y. be named the number one place in the country for trick-or-treating by The Daily Meal thanks to its “walkability” and family-friendly atmosphere. Tour the Corn Estate on Saturday, October 26 and Thursday, October 31. Admission is free, but donations to Storm King Engine #2 will be gladly accepted. www.cornestate.com
• Maples Farm Halloween Festival, 749 Route 17M, Middletown: All aboard the hayride to the haunted barn! More farm frights abound at Maples, where you can also find your way through a maze, and stroll the down-home Country Midway. Meet the farm animals up close, take a pony ride, get you face painted and enjoy all kinds of seasonal treats and activities. Family fun that’s more spooky than scary, but still packs a scream here and there. The Festival runs all day on weekends, with additional hayrides on weekday evenings. Admission is $8/person. Details at www.maplesfarm.com.
Find more spooky attractions on the Orange County Tourism website, www.OrangeTourism.org, where you can also search a full list of lodging, activities and other attractions. Orange County Tourism’s Facebook page: Orange County Tourism NY is a fabulous guide to up-to-the-minute postings of area events and activities, great times, and memorable experiences available to visitors.
About Orange County Tourism
Orange County Tourism, based in Goshen, N.Y., is the county’s tourism headquarters and a participant in the I LOVE NY program. A comprehensive listing of area attractions, lodging, and events can be found at www.OrangeTourism.org. For a free copy of the Orange County Travel Guide, e-mail tourism@orangecountygov.com or call 845-615-3860.
Sleep in an architecturally significant B&B, or book a room at a nationally known hotel. Casual travelers as well as visitors looking for luxury will find a wide range of properties to consider. There are lodging options for everyone – Try our user-friendly lodging search below and come stay with us in Orange County, NY.
