From the Augusta Chronicle: Augusta has a few ghost stories to share
An idea, like a ghost, must be spoken to a little before it will explain itself.
– Charles Dickens
Augusta, GA isn’t really what you would call a ghost town, but sometimes over the past 200 years something strange has happened, and this newspaper has tried to explain it.
With Halloween almost here, you might be in the spirit to set out on a ghost hunt.
You could start at the Ezekiel Harris House on Broad Street near the new Kroc Center. During the American Revolution, a bitter British commander hung 13 patriots nearby. Naturally, there are those who report that strange lights are sometimes seen in the vicinity. Odd sounds are heard, too.
On the other end of Broad at the corner of Fifth Street is the famous “Haunted Pillar.” This lonely column is what’s left of an old market building destroyed by an 1878 tornado. The “haunted” part is a local legend – move the pillar or touch it, and you’re supposed to die.
The truth is the pillar has been moved a lot, and if you want to get picky, it’s not even the original. In 1935, The Chronicle reported, an automobile hit it and “reduced it to a pile of brick and cement.” The driver was not injured; the pillar was rebuilt. On a Friday the 13th in 1958, this newspaper said, the column was toppled when an oversized bale of cotton fell from a passing truck. The driver was not injured.
Maybe the curse involves bad driving.
Walk down the street a few blocks into Olde Town, and you might see something spooky. On both July 11 and July 13, 1871, The Chronicle reported a ghost frightening residents. It turned out to be a mentally unbalanced girl wandering in her nightclothes.
Now on to Walton Way. In June 1903, The Chronicle reported that ghosts were seen at Meadow Garden, the former home of George Walton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Maybe it was George and political rival William Few renewing a political argument.
Keep going up Walton Way, and you arrive at the campus of Augusta State University, scene of one of our town’s most repeated ghost stories.
According to both Chronicle reports and a Georgia ghost story anthology, a professor strolling across campus one spring night reported seeing a man dressed as a Confederate officer walking in the old Walker family cemetery. Then he vanished.
The professor said he didn’t believe in ghosts, but he could offer no other explanation. We’ll have to take his word for it, and you can take my word for this: If you do see something spooky Monday night, it won’t be me.
I should be at my own front door passing our treats. Don’t get greedy. Crowd control will be handled by my vigilant little assistant in a dog costume.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Friday, October 28, 2011
Middleburg Heights, Ohio: Things to go bump at the ’Berg
From Advertiser-Tribune.com: Things to go bump at the ’Berg
Enter if you dare.
Trick-or-treaters brave enough can participate in activities Thursday in Heidelberg University's France Hall, which is believed to be haunted by several ghosts.
Rebecca Dickinson, a sophomore from Middleburg Heights studying history, has helped organize the fundraiser, which is to be 7:30-10 p.m. Thursday at the residence hall. The resident assistants of Brown and France halls are putting on the event with the help of other organizations.
"We worked hard on trying to get campus organizations involved with the project," she said.
Dickinson said the family-friendly event is to have activities and candy for children and also areas geared more toward adults.
There is no cost, although any donations are to go toward the renovation of France Hall's basement, she said.
"It's a haunted house, but we do have an area designated for kids," she said.
A couple of months ago, a Heidelberg class went ghost-hunting in France Hall.
April Beisaw, assistant professor of anthropology at Heidelberg, taught an honors class titled "Science or Pseudoscience?" that focused on testing methods and whether ghost-hunting is a science. She said she purchased ghost-hunting equipment, and students broke into small groups to go hunting in the attics of France and Pfleiderer halls and the basement of Founders Hall.
She said France Hall is the only place where something that could be considered paranormal happened, and unfortunately, it happened to her.
"I did research afterwards," she said.
Beisaw recalled preparing to take her students into France Hall and securing two keys, one for each side of the attic. She explored the attic before taking her students up, closed the door and went downstairs to get the students. She then returned to the attic with them.
"I went to open the door, and the door wouldn't open," she said.
Beisaw said she had been given the keys to a padlock, which she was holding. The door had locked with the old mechanism, which staff wasn't using anymore.
"We couldn't get the door open," she said.
She and the students went downstairs and returned to the attic through the other entrance. After the ghost hunt, she did research and learned the female ghost who is supposed to be in the attic is known for locking doors.
"I didn't know that when that happened," she said.
Beisaw said some students believed the experience because they wanted to, while others weren't sure.
"It was fully locked, so that was really the main thing that happened up there," she said.
Wednesday, Beisaw is taking students ghost-hunting in an octagonal house the university owns on Perry Street. She said the class is going to be giving a report about the history of the house and what the class thinks should be done to it to President Robert Huntington.
"It's just falling apart sitting there by itself. ... We'll see how (the ghost-hunting) goes," she said.
Enter if you dare.
Trick-or-treaters brave enough can participate in activities Thursday in Heidelberg University's France Hall, which is believed to be haunted by several ghosts.
Rebecca Dickinson, a sophomore from Middleburg Heights studying history, has helped organize the fundraiser, which is to be 7:30-10 p.m. Thursday at the residence hall. The resident assistants of Brown and France halls are putting on the event with the help of other organizations.
"We worked hard on trying to get campus organizations involved with the project," she said.
Dickinson said the family-friendly event is to have activities and candy for children and also areas geared more toward adults.
There is no cost, although any donations are to go toward the renovation of France Hall's basement, she said.
"It's a haunted house, but we do have an area designated for kids," she said.
A couple of months ago, a Heidelberg class went ghost-hunting in France Hall.
April Beisaw, assistant professor of anthropology at Heidelberg, taught an honors class titled "Science or Pseudoscience?" that focused on testing methods and whether ghost-hunting is a science. She said she purchased ghost-hunting equipment, and students broke into small groups to go hunting in the attics of France and Pfleiderer halls and the basement of Founders Hall.
She said France Hall is the only place where something that could be considered paranormal happened, and unfortunately, it happened to her.
"I did research afterwards," she said.
Beisaw recalled preparing to take her students into France Hall and securing two keys, one for each side of the attic. She explored the attic before taking her students up, closed the door and went downstairs to get the students. She then returned to the attic with them.
"I went to open the door, and the door wouldn't open," she said.
Beisaw said she had been given the keys to a padlock, which she was holding. The door had locked with the old mechanism, which staff wasn't using anymore.
"We couldn't get the door open," she said.
She and the students went downstairs and returned to the attic through the other entrance. After the ghost hunt, she did research and learned the female ghost who is supposed to be in the attic is known for locking doors.
"I didn't know that when that happened," she said.
Beisaw said some students believed the experience because they wanted to, while others weren't sure.
"It was fully locked, so that was really the main thing that happened up there," she said.
Wednesday, Beisaw is taking students ghost-hunting in an octagonal house the university owns on Perry Street. She said the class is going to be giving a report about the history of the house and what the class thinks should be done to it to President Robert Huntington.
"It's just falling apart sitting there by itself. ... We'll see how (the ghost-hunting) goes," she said.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Calendar Reminder - Oct 26 in Niagara Falls, Ghost Hunter's lecture
From Niagara Falls, WGRZ.com: Local Ghost Hunter Offers Lecture on Hauntings at Niagara Wheatfield
Have you ever wondered what goes bump in the night? Locally renowned ghost hunter Steven Richards did after an encounter at the Town Hall in Niagara where he is supervisor. “I was at the town hall late at night and I heard voices and footsteps. I went to explore and no one was there.” After learning that other people he worked with had experienced the same thing he and some friends stayed overnight to see if anything would happen. At 5:00AM all the candles blew out simultaneously and the amateur ghost hunters ran out the door. But the experienced peaked his curiosity and it wasn’t long before he and two other ghost hunter enthusiasts, James Kramp and Diane Tallarico, joined forces to create the Dark Starr Paranormal Research Society. “Since then it has exploded,” he says.
“We spend a lot of time exploring odd and creepy places. The most fascinating thing I have ever experienced was being pulled on while on a ghost hunt and nearly knocked over. Also there have been a lot of EVP’s that we have picked up.” EVP’s are Electronic Voice Phenomenon and he had his partners have picked up many of them at local sites like the Niagara Falls Boys and Girls Club, Iron island Museum and the Pharaoh’s Night Club.
He will be speaking about his experiences and showing off his ghost hunting equipment at a lecture for the Niagara Wheatfield Adult Education program on October 26th from 6:30-8:30PM at the Niagara Wheatfield High School. “At the lecture people can expect three things: number one to see all the equipment we have and they get a hands-on demonstration of it. Number two, they get to see and hear all the evidence we have collected and number three, they get a chance to share an experience they had concerning the paranormal with the group which seems to be a great way for people to open up.” People who attend the workshop will also have a chance to sign up for a once in a lifetime guided field trip with Steven. “Our field trips will consist of taking a large group of people and breaking them into smaller groups where one of our instructors will take each smaller group on a real ghost hunt to a place where we have already been and know is haunted.”
The lecture fills up quickly, so anyone interested in hearing Steven should go to the Niagara Wheatfield website www.nwcsd.k12.ny.us under Adult Education or call the Adult Education Office at 215-3109.
Have you ever wondered what goes bump in the night? Locally renowned ghost hunter Steven Richards did after an encounter at the Town Hall in Niagara where he is supervisor. “I was at the town hall late at night and I heard voices and footsteps. I went to explore and no one was there.” After learning that other people he worked with had experienced the same thing he and some friends stayed overnight to see if anything would happen. At 5:00AM all the candles blew out simultaneously and the amateur ghost hunters ran out the door. But the experienced peaked his curiosity and it wasn’t long before he and two other ghost hunter enthusiasts, James Kramp and Diane Tallarico, joined forces to create the Dark Starr Paranormal Research Society. “Since then it has exploded,” he says.
“We spend a lot of time exploring odd and creepy places. The most fascinating thing I have ever experienced was being pulled on while on a ghost hunt and nearly knocked over. Also there have been a lot of EVP’s that we have picked up.” EVP’s are Electronic Voice Phenomenon and he had his partners have picked up many of them at local sites like the Niagara Falls Boys and Girls Club, Iron island Museum and the Pharaoh’s Night Club.
He will be speaking about his experiences and showing off his ghost hunting equipment at a lecture for the Niagara Wheatfield Adult Education program on October 26th from 6:30-8:30PM at the Niagara Wheatfield High School. “At the lecture people can expect three things: number one to see all the equipment we have and they get a hands-on demonstration of it. Number two, they get to see and hear all the evidence we have collected and number three, they get a chance to share an experience they had concerning the paranormal with the group which seems to be a great way for people to open up.” People who attend the workshop will also have a chance to sign up for a once in a lifetime guided field trip with Steven. “Our field trips will consist of taking a large group of people and breaking them into smaller groups where one of our instructors will take each smaller group on a real ghost hunt to a place where we have already been and know is haunted.”
The lecture fills up quickly, so anyone interested in hearing Steven should go to the Niagara Wheatfield website www.nwcsd.k12.ny.us under Adult Education or call the Adult Education Office at 215-3109.
Newport News, VA: Halloween events include a harrowing walk through the woods
From Daily Press: Halloween events include a harrowing walk through the woods
With apologies to Robert Frost, the woods are deadly, dark and deep.
This time of year, there seems to be a werewolf snarling behind every tree, a troll slithering beneath every bridge, a sexy nurse frolicking outside every ABC store.
Danger lurks at every turn. Which means scary Halloween fun can be found in dozens of different forms.
At St. Kateri Tekakwitha, a Catholic parish serving Tabb and Poquoson, youth group members have created a Haunted Trail with the intention of frightening the devil out of their friends and neighbors.
It's a tradition that stretches back more than a decade.
"This year, our theme is Terror Island where our 'victims' will get shanghaied onto the island by pirates where zombies, cannibals and other creatures of the night rule," explained Pat Kovac, youth minister at St. Kateri. "They will be taken through a maze, cemetery, a haunted junkyard, executioner's row, spider nightmare and other surprises."
The Haunted Trail is a big fundraiser for the church's youth summer work trips and it's something kids and adults eagerly anticipate each fall. It takes as many as 65 teens and 20 adults each night to run the trail. The number of quivering, screaming customers can reach 800.
"There are 14 large crosses on the trail that we have lit and have posted Bible sayings that pertain to fear," Kovac explained. "Our rule is that the crosses are safe zones. Between the crosses, not so much."
A new wrinkle in this season's set of Halloween events is a zombie-dodging race scheduled for Friday, Oct. 28 in the woods around The Mariners' Museum in Newport News.
"How do you dodge a zombie?" a press release for Fright Night 2011 asked. "Each participant will receive a flag to tie around around their arm or waist and be released into the woods."
In the shadows, zombies will do their best to get their hands on the participants. "How realistic will the zombies be? They're just like us, but dead," said Susanne Raiszadeh, president of the City Center Rotary Club, organizers of the race.
Those who cross a finish line alive — that is, with their flags intact — are winners. As for the losers, well, zombies need their brain food.
The race will raise money for The Arc of the Virginia Peninsula, an organization that helps people with developmental and other disabilities.
Here's a closer look at Halloween events happening across the region.
Colonial Williamsburg's "Ghosts Amongst Us." During the one-hour walking tour, guests enter the sites and meet ghostly inhabitants and those who have lived to tell of their supernatural experiences. 7 and 8:30 p.m. Lumber House Ticket Office, nightly Oct. 23-Nov. 1 and sporadically until Nov. 24. Ticket: $12. Not appropriate for young audiences.
Ghost Hunting 101. Central Virginia Paranormal Investigations, a ghost-hunting team founded in 2008, discusses do's and the don'ts of getting started in ghost-hunting, organizing a team, avoiding legal issues, finding the history of a location, working with the media and more, 6-8 p.m., Monday, Oct. 24, at Grissom Library, Newport News. They also will demonstrate their equipment and answer audience questions. No registration required. 757-369-3190.
Haunted Trail presents "Terror Island." 7-9 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday Oct. 26-27, 7-10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, 7-9:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 30. The St. Kateri Tekakwitha Youth Group is hosting guided spooky outdoor tours through "Terror Island." The event is located at 3800 Big Bethel Road across from Tabb Elementary School. Tickets are $8 or $6 with student ID and can be purchased in advance at the church or at the event. Scary fun for adults, teens, and tweens. Contact Pat Kovac at patkovac@stkatri.hrcoxmail.com or 766-3800. This event is not appropriate for young children.
Fort Monroe Haunted Tours. Presented by the Hampton History Museum. 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 26-Saturday, Oct. 29. (Gazebo beside the Historic Chamberlin), Fort Monroe. $20 per person for ages 6 and up. Comfortable walking shoes recommended. Tours not recommended for small children. Proceeds benefit the Hampton History Museum. Each tour is approximately 11/2 hours long. For advance tickets, call 757-727-1610.
Haunted Ship: BB-64 Paranormal Investigation at Nauticus. An after-hours ghost hunt below decks. Explore dark, creepy spaces that have never been open to the public. Tours will run Oct. 27-30. Thursday 6:30-10 p.m. and Friday-Sunday 6:30-10 p.m. Participants must have the ability to climb steep ladder steps and navigate tight sub-deck spaces. Not suitable for children 11 and younger. Tickets are $15. One Waterside Drive, Norfolk. Call 664-1000.
Haunts of Poquoson. Oct. 27-29. 7:30-9 p.m. Poquoson Museum, 968 Poquoson Ave. Haunted maze, haunted walk, ghost stories. $3 a person. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. http://www.poquosonmuseum.com.
Casemate Museum Lantern Tour. 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27. One-hour walking tour of Fort Monroe. Tour begins at the entrance to the Casemate Museum and is free of charge. Reservations are required: 757-788-3391. Weather permitting.
Haunted Forest and Hay Ride. 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28-Oct. 29, Oct. 31. 600 W. Main St., Smithfield. 757-617-9758.
PFAC Presents: The Haunted Hospital. 5:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28-Monday, Oct. 31. Gentle scares by baby monsters, lively zombies, and ghoulish doctors and nurses. There will be take-home treats. Appropriate for ages kindergarten-fifth grade. Peninsula Fine Arts Center, Museum Drive, Newport News. Tickets are $5 per person. 757-596-8175.
Survive Norfolk, a game of zombie tag. Saturday, Oct. 29, streets of Ghent, Norfolk. A limited number of participants will be able to play as either humans or zombies. Check in and registration starts at 6 p.m., game begins at 8:30 p.m. Only 18 and older are eligible to participate. $10 registration fee. Visit survivenorfolk.wordpress.com.
Wicked 10K and Monster Mile foot races. Saturday, Oct. 29, Virginia Beach oceanfront. Runners don costumes as they race along the oceanfront. Post-race party will feature beer, costume contest celebration and live music from the band Rock Star Parking. Registration fee $60 to $25. 10K race starts at 8 a.m., Monster Mile race starts at 10 a.m. Visit http://www.wicked10k.com or call 757-412-1056.
Howl-O-Scream, Busch Gardens. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 30. This year's fright fest will feature new haunted houses, scare zones and shows built around the theme "The Dark Side of the Gardens." Evil clowns and the musical show "Fiends" are among the attractions. Howl-O-Scream is not suitable for children after 6 p.m. Younger guests will be treated to Halloween happenings during the day at Sesame Street Forest of Fun. Single day admission, $66.99 or $56.99 for children ages 3-9. Visit http://www.howl-o-scream.com/va
Nightmares on the Beach. Through Oct. 31. Nightmare Mansion: 2008 Atlantic Ave. Haunted 3-D Fun House, Mirror Maze of Terror: 1910 Atlantic Ave. and Pirate Ghost Ride: 1608 Atlantic Ave. Starting at 6 p.m. Virginia Beach. 428-FEAR, http://www.youwillscream.com.
Fright Night – A Zombie-Dodging Footrace. 5-7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28. The Rotary Club at City Center Newport News is hosting a zombie dodging footrace through the woods and fields at Williams Field at The Mariners' Museum. This zombie-tag event will include prizes, snacks and music from DJ Chris Rice. Footrace is for those 18 and up only. $10 in advance, $15 at the gate. 757-713-2199.
The Haunting of Hampton. 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29. A frightening night of live musical entertainment and activities. All visitors are encouraged to dress in costume. Music will be by Excess. Queens Way, downtown Hampton. Free.
Virginia Air & Space Center's Halloween Bash. 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29. Safe trick-or-treating, scavenger hunt, creepy make-and-take activities, spooky feely stations, the skeleton crew of a ghost place and a wacky wizard's castle. Costume contest for all ages. Hampton Sheriff's Office will be on hand with their Child ID program. Space is limited and advance tickets are encouraged. 600 Settlers Landing Road, Hampton. Order tickets online at http://www.vasc.org or call 727-0900, ext. 705.
Pirates, Mermaids & Monsters Halloween Cruise. 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 30. Visit with pirates and mermaids on the water this Halloween aboard Spirit of Norfolk's pirates, mermaids and monsters lunch cruise. $32.50 per person, excluding taxes and fees. 866-304-2496.
New Covenant Church hosts its annual Night of No Fear. 6-8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 31. Children under 12 are invited to bring a parent and have fun in a safe, fright-free environment. There will be candy, free hot dogs, games, prizes, inflatables. 1079 Big Bethel Road, Hampton. 757-838-8700.
With apologies to Robert Frost, the woods are deadly, dark and deep.
This time of year, there seems to be a werewolf snarling behind every tree, a troll slithering beneath every bridge, a sexy nurse frolicking outside every ABC store.
Danger lurks at every turn. Which means scary Halloween fun can be found in dozens of different forms.
At St. Kateri Tekakwitha, a Catholic parish serving Tabb and Poquoson, youth group members have created a Haunted Trail with the intention of frightening the devil out of their friends and neighbors.
It's a tradition that stretches back more than a decade.
"This year, our theme is Terror Island where our 'victims' will get shanghaied onto the island by pirates where zombies, cannibals and other creatures of the night rule," explained Pat Kovac, youth minister at St. Kateri. "They will be taken through a maze, cemetery, a haunted junkyard, executioner's row, spider nightmare and other surprises."
The Haunted Trail is a big fundraiser for the church's youth summer work trips and it's something kids and adults eagerly anticipate each fall. It takes as many as 65 teens and 20 adults each night to run the trail. The number of quivering, screaming customers can reach 800.
"There are 14 large crosses on the trail that we have lit and have posted Bible sayings that pertain to fear," Kovac explained. "Our rule is that the crosses are safe zones. Between the crosses, not so much."
A new wrinkle in this season's set of Halloween events is a zombie-dodging race scheduled for Friday, Oct. 28 in the woods around The Mariners' Museum in Newport News.
"How do you dodge a zombie?" a press release for Fright Night 2011 asked. "Each participant will receive a flag to tie around around their arm or waist and be released into the woods."
In the shadows, zombies will do their best to get their hands on the participants. "How realistic will the zombies be? They're just like us, but dead," said Susanne Raiszadeh, president of the City Center Rotary Club, organizers of the race.
Those who cross a finish line alive — that is, with their flags intact — are winners. As for the losers, well, zombies need their brain food.
The race will raise money for The Arc of the Virginia Peninsula, an organization that helps people with developmental and other disabilities.
Here's a closer look at Halloween events happening across the region.
Colonial Williamsburg's "Ghosts Amongst Us." During the one-hour walking tour, guests enter the sites and meet ghostly inhabitants and those who have lived to tell of their supernatural experiences. 7 and 8:30 p.m. Lumber House Ticket Office, nightly Oct. 23-Nov. 1 and sporadically until Nov. 24. Ticket: $12. Not appropriate for young audiences.
Ghost Hunting 101. Central Virginia Paranormal Investigations, a ghost-hunting team founded in 2008, discusses do's and the don'ts of getting started in ghost-hunting, organizing a team, avoiding legal issues, finding the history of a location, working with the media and more, 6-8 p.m., Monday, Oct. 24, at Grissom Library, Newport News. They also will demonstrate their equipment and answer audience questions. No registration required. 757-369-3190.
Haunted Trail presents "Terror Island." 7-9 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday Oct. 26-27, 7-10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, 7-9:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 30. The St. Kateri Tekakwitha Youth Group is hosting guided spooky outdoor tours through "Terror Island." The event is located at 3800 Big Bethel Road across from Tabb Elementary School. Tickets are $8 or $6 with student ID and can be purchased in advance at the church or at the event. Scary fun for adults, teens, and tweens. Contact Pat Kovac at patkovac@stkatri.hrcoxmail.com or 766-3800. This event is not appropriate for young children.
Fort Monroe Haunted Tours. Presented by the Hampton History Museum. 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 26-Saturday, Oct. 29. (Gazebo beside the Historic Chamberlin), Fort Monroe. $20 per person for ages 6 and up. Comfortable walking shoes recommended. Tours not recommended for small children. Proceeds benefit the Hampton History Museum. Each tour is approximately 11/2 hours long. For advance tickets, call 757-727-1610.
Haunted Ship: BB-64 Paranormal Investigation at Nauticus. An after-hours ghost hunt below decks. Explore dark, creepy spaces that have never been open to the public. Tours will run Oct. 27-30. Thursday 6:30-10 p.m. and Friday-Sunday 6:30-10 p.m. Participants must have the ability to climb steep ladder steps and navigate tight sub-deck spaces. Not suitable for children 11 and younger. Tickets are $15. One Waterside Drive, Norfolk. Call 664-1000.
Haunts of Poquoson. Oct. 27-29. 7:30-9 p.m. Poquoson Museum, 968 Poquoson Ave. Haunted maze, haunted walk, ghost stories. $3 a person. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. http://www.poquosonmuseum.com.
Casemate Museum Lantern Tour. 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27. One-hour walking tour of Fort Monroe. Tour begins at the entrance to the Casemate Museum and is free of charge. Reservations are required: 757-788-3391. Weather permitting.
Haunted Forest and Hay Ride. 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28-Oct. 29, Oct. 31. 600 W. Main St., Smithfield. 757-617-9758.
PFAC Presents: The Haunted Hospital. 5:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28-Monday, Oct. 31. Gentle scares by baby monsters, lively zombies, and ghoulish doctors and nurses. There will be take-home treats. Appropriate for ages kindergarten-fifth grade. Peninsula Fine Arts Center, Museum Drive, Newport News. Tickets are $5 per person. 757-596-8175.
Survive Norfolk, a game of zombie tag. Saturday, Oct. 29, streets of Ghent, Norfolk. A limited number of participants will be able to play as either humans or zombies. Check in and registration starts at 6 p.m., game begins at 8:30 p.m. Only 18 and older are eligible to participate. $10 registration fee. Visit survivenorfolk.wordpress.com.
Wicked 10K and Monster Mile foot races. Saturday, Oct. 29, Virginia Beach oceanfront. Runners don costumes as they race along the oceanfront. Post-race party will feature beer, costume contest celebration and live music from the band Rock Star Parking. Registration fee $60 to $25. 10K race starts at 8 a.m., Monster Mile race starts at 10 a.m. Visit http://www.wicked10k.com or call 757-412-1056.
Howl-O-Scream, Busch Gardens. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 30. This year's fright fest will feature new haunted houses, scare zones and shows built around the theme "The Dark Side of the Gardens." Evil clowns and the musical show "Fiends" are among the attractions. Howl-O-Scream is not suitable for children after 6 p.m. Younger guests will be treated to Halloween happenings during the day at Sesame Street Forest of Fun. Single day admission, $66.99 or $56.99 for children ages 3-9. Visit http://www.howl-o-scream.com/va
Nightmares on the Beach. Through Oct. 31. Nightmare Mansion: 2008 Atlantic Ave. Haunted 3-D Fun House, Mirror Maze of Terror: 1910 Atlantic Ave. and Pirate Ghost Ride: 1608 Atlantic Ave. Starting at 6 p.m. Virginia Beach. 428-FEAR, http://www.youwillscream.com.
Fright Night – A Zombie-Dodging Footrace. 5-7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28. The Rotary Club at City Center Newport News is hosting a zombie dodging footrace through the woods and fields at Williams Field at The Mariners' Museum. This zombie-tag event will include prizes, snacks and music from DJ Chris Rice. Footrace is for those 18 and up only. $10 in advance, $15 at the gate. 757-713-2199.
The Haunting of Hampton. 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29. A frightening night of live musical entertainment and activities. All visitors are encouraged to dress in costume. Music will be by Excess. Queens Way, downtown Hampton. Free.
Virginia Air & Space Center's Halloween Bash. 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29. Safe trick-or-treating, scavenger hunt, creepy make-and-take activities, spooky feely stations, the skeleton crew of a ghost place and a wacky wizard's castle. Costume contest for all ages. Hampton Sheriff's Office will be on hand with their Child ID program. Space is limited and advance tickets are encouraged. 600 Settlers Landing Road, Hampton. Order tickets online at http://www.vasc.org or call 727-0900, ext. 705.
Pirates, Mermaids & Monsters Halloween Cruise. 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 30. Visit with pirates and mermaids on the water this Halloween aboard Spirit of Norfolk's pirates, mermaids and monsters lunch cruise. $32.50 per person, excluding taxes and fees. 866-304-2496.
New Covenant Church hosts its annual Night of No Fear. 6-8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 31. Children under 12 are invited to bring a parent and have fun in a safe, fright-free environment. There will be candy, free hot dogs, games, prizes, inflatables. 1079 Big Bethel Road, Hampton. 757-838-8700.
America's top 10 haunted hotels
From STL Today: America's top 10 haunted hotels
I'm not sure I would have the guts to stay overnight on a ghost hunt, but I'm pretty sure I could manage a hotel with a haunted reputation. TripAdvisor just announced a fun list of the top 10 haunted hotels in the United States, based on on travelers' reviews and experiences.
The spine-tingling list features the properties with the greatest number of traveler comments referencing "ghosts" or "haunted" on TripAdvisor.com.
From the press release by TripAdvisor:
1. 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa, Eureka Springs, Arkansas - Average Nightly Rate: $91 - $214
Constructed in 1886, this mountaintop spa resort boasts a number of spirits, including Michael, an Irish stonemason who fell to his death while building the hotel, and even a cat, named Morris. Daily ghost tours ($18 for adults; $7 for under-12s) offer a behind-the-scenes peek at the property, and access to otherwise off-limits sights including the basement and morgue. According to one TripAdvisor traveler, "I found it to be the spookiest of all the ‘haunted' hotels' I have stayed at... I was surprised to find many orbs in the photos we took."
2. Hotel Queen Mary, Long Beach, California - Average Nightly Rate: $89 - $179
Since making her maiden voyage in 1936, this historic steamship has served as a luxury ocean liner, troopship and in more recent years, a stationary hotel. Some 55 ghosts are rumored to linger on-board, including Jackie, a young girl who can be found taking a dip in the swimming pool. One TripAdvisor traveler noted, "I want to believe that everything that we experienced was real. We did record some orbs flying around our room while we slept. (We set up our video recorder on night vision)."
3. Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, Colorado - Average Nightly Rate: $142 - $291
This property, which first opened its doors in 1909, is known for its inspirational role in the Stephen King classic, "The Shining". Regular ghost hunts ($7 - $50 for adults) take travelers to some of the property's most haunted hotspots, including the concert hall, in search of paranormal experiences. One TripAdvisor traveler wrote, "Had a lot of activity from the playful spirits there. The closet door opened and closed several times, the TV turned itself off and on, the covers were pulled off of us in the night and there was audible whispering in the room."
4. Copper Queen Hotel, Bisbee, Arizona - Average Nightly Rate: $75 - $150
Completed in 1902, this property was the product of a booming mining town, and built to accommodate visiting investors and dignitaries. Today, guests can rub shoulders with three resident ghosts: Julia Lowell, a lady of the night; a dapper gentleman wearing a cape and a top hat, and a mischievous young boy. One TripAdvisor traveler noted, "If you want to try finding a ghost ask for an ‘active' room! We had an active room and let's just say I couldn't quite explain all that I saw and heard!"
5. Marshall House, Savannah, Georgia - Average Nightly Rate: $112 - $236
Designated as a National Historic Building by The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation, this property has served many different uses since being built in 1851, including serving as a hospital for Civil War soldiers. Since reopening as a hotel in 1999, many guests have reported ghostly sightings. One TripAdvisor traveler stated, "...Heard someone running in the room above me. Upon telling the staff we were told the entire floor above us was empty. So if you're looking for a ghostly experience, definitely consider this hotel."
6. Admiral Fell Inn, Baltimore, Maryland - Average Nightly Rate: $154 - $333
This historic property, comprising seven different buildings dating back to the 1770s, boasts a rich history. Among other uses, the Inn has formerly served as a theater and a boarding house for sailors - and today, travelers can choose from 80 unique guestrooms and partake in free ghost tours on Friday and Saturday evenings. "If you are searching for character, charm, great service and ghost history this is the place to stay," suggested one TripAdvisor traveler.
7. The Menger Hotel, San Antonio, Texas - Average Nightly Rate: $90 - $175
This hotel, situated next to the Alamo, was built in 1859 on the site of Texas' first brewery. Photos of prominent former guests, from Babe Ruth to President Theodore Roosevelt, line the walls - and Roosevelt's spirit is rumored to have since been seen sipping on a drink at the hotel bar, in which he recruited cowboys for the Rough Riders. One TripAdvisor traveler noted, "...Felt cold spots in several places in and around the hotel and got plenty of goose bumps during our stay, but I never once felt afraid."
8. Bullock Hotel, Deadwood, South Dakota - Average Nightly Rate: $100
This historic hotel was founded in the 1890s by Deadwood's first Sheriff, Seth Bullock and today, visitors to the town can pay their respects to the former lawman and other notable Wild West figures, including Calamity Jane, at the nearby Mount Moriah Cemetery. Hotel guests may be in for a much closer encounter with Bullock, whose spirit has supposedly roamed the property since his passing in 1919. One TripAdvisor traveler commented, "Heard tell of the ghost tour, but didn't need to go on it as we could feel Seth Bullock's presence in the hotel already!"
9. Place D'Armes Hotel, New Orleans, Louisiana - Average Nightly Rate: $119 - $480
Located in the heart of the French Quarter, this property is said to have been built on the site of a former school house that was destroyed in a fire, in which many perished. Resident ghosts are rumored to include former pupils, as well as an elderly bearded man dressed in 1800's attire. One TripAdvisor traveler noted, "...My husband and daughter said they heard children laughing and playing in the next room and the ceiling fan came on all by itself. There was no next room, it was a brick wall outside!"
10. Hotel Del Coronado, Coronado, California - Average Nightly Rate: $289 - $720
Sun, sand and spirits are the order of the day at this beachfront getaway, built in 1888. The property has seen a stream of famed visitors over the years, from Charlie Chaplin, to Humphrey Bogart - but it is a former guest by the name of Kate Morgan who has continued to make her presence felt, since taking her life at the resort in 1892. According to one TripAdvisor traveler, "I brought my K2 Meter (it's believed the meter can pick up the ‘magnetic fields' of spirits). I actually got some ‘hits' on it while we were having breakfast in our room."
I'm not sure I would have the guts to stay overnight on a ghost hunt, but I'm pretty sure I could manage a hotel with a haunted reputation. TripAdvisor just announced a fun list of the top 10 haunted hotels in the United States, based on on travelers' reviews and experiences.
The spine-tingling list features the properties with the greatest number of traveler comments referencing "ghosts" or "haunted" on TripAdvisor.com.
From the press release by TripAdvisor:
1. 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa, Eureka Springs, Arkansas - Average Nightly Rate: $91 - $214
Constructed in 1886, this mountaintop spa resort boasts a number of spirits, including Michael, an Irish stonemason who fell to his death while building the hotel, and even a cat, named Morris. Daily ghost tours ($18 for adults; $7 for under-12s) offer a behind-the-scenes peek at the property, and access to otherwise off-limits sights including the basement and morgue. According to one TripAdvisor traveler, "I found it to be the spookiest of all the ‘haunted' hotels' I have stayed at... I was surprised to find many orbs in the photos we took."
2. Hotel Queen Mary, Long Beach, California - Average Nightly Rate: $89 - $179
Since making her maiden voyage in 1936, this historic steamship has served as a luxury ocean liner, troopship and in more recent years, a stationary hotel. Some 55 ghosts are rumored to linger on-board, including Jackie, a young girl who can be found taking a dip in the swimming pool. One TripAdvisor traveler noted, "I want to believe that everything that we experienced was real. We did record some orbs flying around our room while we slept. (We set up our video recorder on night vision)."
3. Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, Colorado - Average Nightly Rate: $142 - $291
This property, which first opened its doors in 1909, is known for its inspirational role in the Stephen King classic, "The Shining". Regular ghost hunts ($7 - $50 for adults) take travelers to some of the property's most haunted hotspots, including the concert hall, in search of paranormal experiences. One TripAdvisor traveler wrote, "Had a lot of activity from the playful spirits there. The closet door opened and closed several times, the TV turned itself off and on, the covers were pulled off of us in the night and there was audible whispering in the room."
4. Copper Queen Hotel, Bisbee, Arizona - Average Nightly Rate: $75 - $150
Completed in 1902, this property was the product of a booming mining town, and built to accommodate visiting investors and dignitaries. Today, guests can rub shoulders with three resident ghosts: Julia Lowell, a lady of the night; a dapper gentleman wearing a cape and a top hat, and a mischievous young boy. One TripAdvisor traveler noted, "If you want to try finding a ghost ask for an ‘active' room! We had an active room and let's just say I couldn't quite explain all that I saw and heard!"
5. Marshall House, Savannah, Georgia - Average Nightly Rate: $112 - $236
Designated as a National Historic Building by The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation, this property has served many different uses since being built in 1851, including serving as a hospital for Civil War soldiers. Since reopening as a hotel in 1999, many guests have reported ghostly sightings. One TripAdvisor traveler stated, "...Heard someone running in the room above me. Upon telling the staff we were told the entire floor above us was empty. So if you're looking for a ghostly experience, definitely consider this hotel."
6. Admiral Fell Inn, Baltimore, Maryland - Average Nightly Rate: $154 - $333
This historic property, comprising seven different buildings dating back to the 1770s, boasts a rich history. Among other uses, the Inn has formerly served as a theater and a boarding house for sailors - and today, travelers can choose from 80 unique guestrooms and partake in free ghost tours on Friday and Saturday evenings. "If you are searching for character, charm, great service and ghost history this is the place to stay," suggested one TripAdvisor traveler.
7. The Menger Hotel, San Antonio, Texas - Average Nightly Rate: $90 - $175
This hotel, situated next to the Alamo, was built in 1859 on the site of Texas' first brewery. Photos of prominent former guests, from Babe Ruth to President Theodore Roosevelt, line the walls - and Roosevelt's spirit is rumored to have since been seen sipping on a drink at the hotel bar, in which he recruited cowboys for the Rough Riders. One TripAdvisor traveler noted, "...Felt cold spots in several places in and around the hotel and got plenty of goose bumps during our stay, but I never once felt afraid."
8. Bullock Hotel, Deadwood, South Dakota - Average Nightly Rate: $100
This historic hotel was founded in the 1890s by Deadwood's first Sheriff, Seth Bullock and today, visitors to the town can pay their respects to the former lawman and other notable Wild West figures, including Calamity Jane, at the nearby Mount Moriah Cemetery. Hotel guests may be in for a much closer encounter with Bullock, whose spirit has supposedly roamed the property since his passing in 1919. One TripAdvisor traveler commented, "Heard tell of the ghost tour, but didn't need to go on it as we could feel Seth Bullock's presence in the hotel already!"
9. Place D'Armes Hotel, New Orleans, Louisiana - Average Nightly Rate: $119 - $480
Located in the heart of the French Quarter, this property is said to have been built on the site of a former school house that was destroyed in a fire, in which many perished. Resident ghosts are rumored to include former pupils, as well as an elderly bearded man dressed in 1800's attire. One TripAdvisor traveler noted, "...My husband and daughter said they heard children laughing and playing in the next room and the ceiling fan came on all by itself. There was no next room, it was a brick wall outside!"
10. Hotel Del Coronado, Coronado, California - Average Nightly Rate: $289 - $720
Sun, sand and spirits are the order of the day at this beachfront getaway, built in 1888. The property has seen a stream of famed visitors over the years, from Charlie Chaplin, to Humphrey Bogart - but it is a former guest by the name of Kate Morgan who has continued to make her presence felt, since taking her life at the resort in 1892. According to one TripAdvisor traveler, "I brought my K2 Meter (it's believed the meter can pick up the ‘magnetic fields' of spirits). I actually got some ‘hits' on it while we were having breakfast in our room."
Monday, October 24, 2011
Dover, ME, Oct 28: Dinner in Dover and a ghost hunt in Portsmouth
From Fosters.com: Dinner in Dover and a ghost hunt in Portsmouth
DOVER /PORTSMOUTH — Join us for a night of ghost hunting and dinner on Friday, Oct. 28 at 7pm at UNOs in Dover. The Ghost Hunt will take place in Portsmouth Cemetery.
The cost is $35 per ticket, which includes $10 voucher towards dinner at UNO's and ghost walk in
Portsmouth Cemetery with North East Paranormal Associates.
Schedule:
7-8:30 pm: UNO's Dover; dinner and introduction to North East Paranormal Associates andindividual readings
8:30 pm: Caravan to Portsmouth Cemetery
9 pm: Ghost walk begins
How to purchase tickets:
-- Directly from a Del Tufo Schintzius Cancer Foundation board member.
-- By emailing dscf@comcast.net to reserve tickets and pick up at UNOs on Friday 10/28.
-- Purchase at UNO's the night of the event.
All profits benefit the Del Tufo Schintzius Cancer Foundation of Dover.
UK: Fun Ghost Hunt, Oct 28-31: Horley traders launch town 'ghost hunt'
This isn't a ghost hunt for real ghosts, but a Halloween themed event for kids and parents. Nevertheless, it sounded fun so I thought I'd share it.
RedHill and Reigate: Horley traders launch town 'ghost hunt'
RedHill and Reigate: Horley traders launch town 'ghost hunt'
A Halloween competition for children is being launched in Horley which traders hope will be a scream.
The Horley Ghost Hunt, drawing together 47 shops and businesses in the town in a spooky show of unity, is being held for the first time from this Friday (October 28) through to Monday (October 31).
The free-to-enter competition, in which children accompanied by an adult will be challenged to find the ghosts on show in the participating stores and log them on a ghost hunt form, is the brainchild of Andy Parr, owner of The Party Pad shop.
Andy, of Copthorne, who opened his party goods shop in January into the teeth of the economic downturn, said: “Being a family-run business, we are always looking at ways to engage with the local community and to partner other local companies.”
He said: “It's the first time the competition's been held and it's being run in conjunction with Horley and District Chamber of Commerce and Horley Retailers.
“The response has been really good and it's the sort of event you can expect to see, provided it's a success, at future times of the year, such as Christmas and Easter.
“It's pulled quite a few of the shops together.”
Ghost Hunt entry forms are available from The Party Pad in High Street, Horley, and they will announce and contact the competition winner.
Children will win a treat from The Party Pad on completion of the ghost hunt, and will be entered into a draw with a £50 costume among the prizes to be won.
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