Top Five Spooky Activities for Adults This Fright Season
All year long Halloween enthusiasts hide away their pointed hats and pause their D Minor music awaiting their beloved holiday's return. What better way to celebrate its return than by visiting a few of Berkshire County's Halloween activities; here are our must-do Halloween activities in Berkshire County.
13 Nights at Jiminy
Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort, Hancock
Many locals fly to Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort for its "13 Nights Haunted House" to be scared out of their wits.
The resort's grounds and buildings are decorated to instill terror as hidden actors give the willing participants a fright every Friday through Sunday from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. throughout October.
The age recommendation is age 10 and older. Haunted House admission costs $27.
Participants are also welcome to ride through the darkness with the resorts Mountain Coaster for $15 a ride.
The Scream and Scare Package includes one trip through "13 Nights" and two rides on the coaster for $44.
The Christiansen's Tavern will be open to purchase drinks, dinner, or a snack Friday through Sunday from 5 until 10:30 throughout "13 Nights."
More information here.
The Incredible Naumkeag Pumpkin Show
Naumkeag, Stockbridge
Take a breath from fright and relax at Naumkeag for its pumpkin show.
The museum decorates the gardens with more than 1,500 jack-o'-lanterns, hundreds of mums, pumpkins, and countless gourds – most of which were grown at Naumkeag.
Hot cider and fall treats will be available for sale on-site.
Tickets must be purchased online in advance. Ticket time represents your arrival window.
No parking is available onsite with this general admission ticket but designated parking spaces are available on both sides of Town Hall located at 50 Main St., along Main Street, or Elm Street.
The first shuttle will leave downtown Stockbridge at 5 p.m. and run every 5 to 10 minutes through the run of the show, the last shuttle will depart no later than 8 p.m.
Ticket prices and booking here.
Haunted Hancock
Hancock Shaker Village, Pittsfield
Throughout October, Hancock Shaker Village opens its doors at night for a "spine-chilling evening of Shaker ghosts and mystery."
Participants will walk the dark paths of the village and venture into the dimly-lit halls of the Brick Dwelling to hear stories of ghost sightings, and learn about the Shakers' role in the spiritualist movement.
The recommended age for this spooky experience is age 12 and older. Tickets for this 90-minute adventure are limited and can be purchased here.
Purgatory Road
Dalton CRA, Dalton
The long-standing spooky event that raises money for suicide prevention, "Purgatory Road" returns this year on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 14-15, and, Friday, Oct. 21, from 7 to 10 p.m. to raise funds for the Berkshire Coalition for Suicide Prevention.
This year attendees will be taken through a "cursed haunted mansion" themed trail in the woods behind the Dalton CRA.
Tickets are $15 and are sold at the door. Check out our last article on the spooky hike.
Ghost Tours with Robert Oakes
Ventfort Hall, Lenox
Ventfort Hall hosts ghost tours with "Ghosts of the Berkshires" author Robert Oakes during which he will lead guests through the rooms and halls of the estate sharing tales of its hauntings.
"Stand in the places where the encounters occurred, listen to the firsthand accounts of those who experienced them, and maybe even experience something unusual yourself. This is not an active investigation," according to Ventfort Hall.
Admission is $27 and the minimum age to attend is age 12. Reservations are required. To purchase tickets call 413-637-3206.
Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. Payment is required to make a reservation for an event. Masks are required.
More information here.
Honorable Mention:
Ghost Tours
The Mount, Lenox
The Mount holds untold stories of its former dwellers that will be revealed during tours of the Edith Wharton's home this month.
During the two-hour long ghost tour, participants will be guided by veteran tour guides, including Robert Oakes, through the darkened halls of the turn-of-the-century home.
The tour contains adult content that is not appropriate for children under 12. Children under age 12 will not be admitted.
More information here.
Honorable Mentions
Halloween Costume Party
Proprietor's Lodge, Pittsfield
For those looking more for more of a fun rather than scary time, Proprietor's Lodge is hosting a costume party on Friday, Oct. 28.
Come dressed for the occasion. There will be plenty of music, dancing, food and a costume contest with cash prizes.
The fun starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person; adults only.
Park Square Hauntings
Park Square, Pittsfield
Join local haunting expert Joe Durwin in exploring ghoulish legends of the historic Park Square District in this easy stroll around several iconic houses, venues, and other iconic buildings of downtown.
Held on Saturdays and Mondays, Oct. 15, 17, 29 and 31. Cost is $6 per person. Email berkshirehomehistorian@gmail.com to reserve your place.
Honorable Mentions Outside the County:
Field of Horrors
100 Farrell Road, Troy, N.Y.
Approximately 45 minutes from Central Berkshire County, "Field of Horrors" provides its guests with a scare in the all-new "Walking Trail of Terror."
"With acres and acres of carnage, there's plenty of room for everyone to get their fill of screams," its website states.
This year, participants will explore the the sadistic slaughterhouse of a deranged madman but are led out deeper into the field where they may encounter vicious killers or even his victims.
This chilling experience is not recommended for children under 10 years old. There will be strobe lights in use throughout the premises.
More information here.
DementedFX
530 Main St., Holyoke
Approximately 50 minutes from Southern Berkshire County, "DementedFX," located at 530 Main St. in Holyoke provides a scary experience to its guests as soon as you enter the waiting area.
The waiting area was "transformed into an immersive theatrical experience" with characters roaming throughout and sound and lighting effects.
This haunting attraction was listed as the No. 1 Haunted Attraction in Massachusetts on TheScareFactor.com in 2018.
More information here.
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