Page 33 - AAA Every Day – AAA Hudson Valley – September/October 2021

Halloween Happenings
within Driving Distance
Fall is the season for apple cider, pumpkin patches and celebrating spooks! The Northeast is rich with haunted history and has plenty of Halloween-themed
events and attractions. If you’re looking for some exciting destinations, we’ve got some worthy ideas for you.
Haunted Huguenot, New Paltz, New York
Considered one of the most haunted sites in the Hudson Valley, Historic Huguenot Street is famed for its centuries- old legends, paranormal activity and unsolved mysteries. The street itself is a 10-acre National Historic Landmark District where guests can experience historic stone- house museums, a reconstructed 1717 French Church, the Huguenot community’s original burying ground and
a replica Esopus Munsee wigwam. While historic tours of the site happen seasonally, each October during Haunted Huguenot Street tours, visitors witness scenes of ancient horror come to life inside the 18th-century homes. Tours are approximately one hour in length and advance registration is strongly encouraged. Tickets sell out quickly. Tours take place at 5 p.m., 6 p.m., 7 p.m., 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. Dates include October 8-9, 15-16, 22- 23 and 29-30. This tour is appropriate for all ages. More information can be found at huguenotstreet.org.
Ellms Family Farm, Ballston Spa, New York
For more than 35 years, Ellms Family Farm has been growing trees and helping families honor holiday traditions. With the help of three generations, the farm has been providing the Capital Region area and beyond with beautiful Christmas trees, wreaths and holiday experiences including cut your own, ever since. In 2005, after expanding the farm, the Ellms family opened for their first fall season full of family fun activities including a Corn Maze and a Pick-Your-Own Pumpkin Patch.
This year, The Pumpkin Glow & Light Show Drive- Thru will dazzle guests again in a safe and family- friendly environment. The drive-thru attraction features an enchanting pumpkin wonderland with hundreds of hand-carved illuminated jack-o’-lanterns and wonderful light displays. Tip: AAA Members get 10% off admission to The Pumpkin Glow & Light Show Drive-Thru with advanced online ticket purchase at ellmsfarms.com.
Witch Trials Museum & City Tours
Salem, Massachusetts
Dating back to the 1620s, Salem was founded by immigrants from Cape Ann, Massachusetts, and became a place where thousands of Puritans would settle. Of course, this city is most infamous for its witch trials in 1692, but did you know that they only lasted for three months? The fascination of its twisted past still brings
in droves of tourists throughout the year, but especially around Halloween. Spectators can learn more about
the Salem Witch Trials and the city’s history by visiting one of many of the museums or by taking a walking
or trolley tour. In addition to the year-round attractions, October brings even more theming and seasonal events fit for ghostly guests. There is plenty to choose from for both kids and adults, and you can enjoy authentic New England cuisine while you’re there. Visit salem.org to see tour options and get special event details.
Want more suggestions for frightful festivities? Check out the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze in Croton-On- Hudson, New York, Brick-Or-Treat at Legoland in Goshen, New York, and Fright Fest at Six Flags Parks in New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts. To find more haunted homes, creepy locations and ghost tours in New York, visit hauntedhistorytrail.com.
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