Last October, my husband and I went out for a lovely date night. We had dinner, a glass of wine and took a stroll through a haunted prison.
Yes, Halloween is my favorite holiday and I’m not ashamed to admit it! In fact, one of my favorite pastimes as a child was reading historical ghost stories. Yep, I was THAT kid.
Charleston is an amazing place to live if you’re into getting spooked like I am. My husband and I enjoy a good creepy date night this time of year. Here are some local suggestions for your own Halloween inspired Date Night:
Boone Hall Fright Nights
This wildly popular Halloween event at Boone Hall Plantation features four different attractions this year:
- Horror High – This scary school will educate you in the art of terror.
- Blackout – This one is not for those who are afraid of the dark…This attraction mimics what its like to be trapped in a complete darkness filled with the unknown.
- Wicked Woods Hayride- Take a horrifying hayride through the off limits section of woods at Boone Hall Plantation.
- Zombie Town Infested – Make your way into a zombie infested town, completely crawling with the undead.
Magnolia Plantation Fright Nights
We go to this every year. Enjoy roasting marshmallows, Halloween themed games, and a spooky tram ride through the swamp gardens. A lot of kids also enjoy this event, but the tram ride is definitely more scary than some little ones can withstand. (My little goblins, however, seem to love it). My husband and I do, too.
Bulldog Tours
Charleston Ghost and Dungeon Walking Tour
This 90 minute walking tour takes you through the creepiest parts of Charleston’s Haunted Historic District. You will hear tales of superstition and ghostly happenings as you tour several downtown spots and explore the Provost Dungeon, which housed prisoners during the Revolutionary War.
Old Jail Tour
My husband I really enjoyed this tour of the Old City Jail. We learned the history behind this notorious jail that housed pirates, Civil War prisoners and famous criminals. You receive an in-depth tour of the cells and other original structures, too. Some visitors have even claimed to experience the paranormal during this tour.
Dark Side of Charleston Walking Tour
This one is for mature audiences only! Learn about Charleston’s seedy history of brothels, crime and scandal.
Explore Charleston’s underbelly in this uncensored 90 minute tour.
Ghost and Graveyard Tour
You will find yourself inside one of Charleston’s oldest graveyards, hearing all about the famous ghosts of Charleston. Don’t forget your camera…you never know what may develop…
USS Yorktown Ghost Tour
Walk through a 90-minute tour of the USS Yorktown and hear all about heroic acts, history and reports of hauntings. You will explore many areas of the vessel and even use a ghost meter to measure possible paranormal activity.
Summerville Ghost Walk and Harvest Moon Hayride
I just love the charm of Sweet Summerville, and we always enjoy the festivals there. Summerville DREAM sponsors this adorable festival that is fun for the whole family but could also be a great date night for those couples interested in a glass of wine in downtown Summerville, a nice dinner in one of the amazing restaurants and a ghost walk. This one is not to be missed, with or without the kids.
Stay in a haunted hotel
Rumor has it that there are several supposed “haunted” hotels in downtown Charleston. I will leave it up to you to do your own Google search on this one…some of the stories are very, very interesting. ( ;
Haunted Ghost Tour and Cruise of the Charleston Harbor
Listen to spooky tales of the Charleston area as you cruise through the Charleston harbor aboard a 45 ft. catamaran on this tour from Sandpiper Tours, Inc. Hear all about pirates, ghostly vessels and tales of those lost at sea. This tour also has a full snack bar…Bonus!
Whatever you decide, Charleston is absolutely the right place for spooky fun this Halloween season. What are your favorite spooky activities in Charleston?
