What a better way to celebrate this Halloween season than to dress up in a Halloween costume, and partake in the frightful festivities falling into place along the empire state’s most scenic upstate regions. Autumn is the perfect season to explore northern New York, as you can really feel the change of seasons from the multi-colored leaves swaying below branches and the crisp cool air settling over the horizon. Take advantage of the lush atmosphere and the annual spooktacular events all in one vacation.

Tarrytown:  Sleepy Hollow’s Phillipsburg Manor

Sleepy Hollow’s Phillipsburg Manor transforms into a haunted landscape in celebration of the annual Hudson Valley Headless Horseman expose. Wander through the candle lit surroundings and the spooky grounds associated with this demonic fable while avoiding confrontation with witches, goblins and uncanny apparitions in this this legendary village. Also, the Hudson Valley’s most entertaining story teller, Jonathan Kruk will be offering dramatic tall tales to your mini Halloween lover at this historic venue. Tickets are $15 per adult and $10 for kids ages 5 to 17. If you reserve tickets ahead of time, your kid under five will get in for free. For more information please visit their website or call 914/631/8200.  

Once you’ve spooked yourself to tears, you can calm down in Tarrytown’s DoubleTree Hotel where you and your family can take advantage of a fall getaway package offering rooms for $129/N. From now until December 27, this reputable member of the Hilton Family of hotels is offering a $50 food and beverage credit for your stay and also a deluxe guestroom for up to two adults and two children under 18 without the additional double occupancy charge. Centrally located in the heart of historic Tarrytown, you and your family will also receive the DoubleTree’s famous chocolate chip cookies, right after you spend the afternoon in the rejuvenating sauna located at the hotel. For more information please visit their website or call (914) 631-5700.

Ulster County: Huguenot Street

The historic Huguenot Street turns into a boulevard of spooky events occurring October 29 through the 31 that include viewing the old Mohonk Mountain House and listening to other scary tales about this mysterious town. Tickets are $9 in advance and $11 at the door. If you and your family decide on something less terrifying, there are several other activities you and your family can partake in that are just as fun. Kelder farms have their annual pick-your-own field with pumpkins and a corn maze the entire family can stroll through. Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary will also host a petting zoo that combines interaction with animals along with information on how you can prevent cruelty to these cuddly creatures. Please call 845/679/5955 for more information or visit their website.

Rochester: Landmark Society Ghost Walk

Discover the darker side of this town’s gruesome history by attending the Landmark Society Ghost Walk that will have a hauntingly huge number of spooky true tales. Find out who Annie Keily was and why she was literally left in pieces. Or the mysterious events behind the disappearance of a professional photographer who dared to take pictures of the deceased. The Landmark Ghost Tour will be held on October 16, 17, 23 and 24. For more information please visit their website or call (585) 546-7029.