As the temperatures begin to cool, the leaves start to change colors, and the smell of crisp apples and pumpkin spice lattes hits the air, New Yorkers begin gearing up for another cozy fall. Every year at the end of summer, I lock in my plans to visit upstate New York to take advantage of all the activities going on there during my favorite season, whether that be day-tripping to Sleepy Hollow, booking tickets to The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze, paranormal investigating at the Shanley Hotel in the Catskills, or sipping hot apple cider at the pumpkin patch. As a lover of scary movies, haunted houses, and Halloween activities, this is the season I wait for all year long, and New York State has plenty of incredible activities worth traveling for (many that are even reachable without a car, for my fellow New York City dwellers).
Every year, the season seems to get shorter and shorter, so it’s best to plan your activities far in advance to ensure you can fit everything in. For those determined to hit all the stops before October 31, I’ve compiled a guide to doing Halloween season in upstate New York right. Read on for where to eat, stay, and play in the area for a ghostly good time.
FAQ:
What areas are classified as upstate New York?
As a Manhattanite, and for the purpose of this guide, I’ve classified upstate New York as everything north of the Bronx (although I know this can be a bit contentious among New Yorkers). This includes the Hudson Valley, Capital District, Adirondacks, Catskills, and Finger Lakes.
What town in New York is best for Halloween?
While there is no one town that takes the crown, Sleepy Hollow is a great option if you’re willing to brave the crowds. The village is easily accessible to city dwellers via the Metro-North railroad and takes about an hour to arrive at the Tarrytown stop. From there, it’s a short Uber ride (or under a 30-minute walk) to all the on-theme attractions, like the Headless Horseman Statue and Philipsburg Manor. However, be prepared for throngs of crowds, few places to park, and long lines for restaurants and other attractions during the Halloween season.
When is the best time to visit?
To really make the most of fall in upstate New York, I suggest visiting in September, before the Halloween crowds start taking over—there’s normally still a chill in the air and the leaves are beginning to change colors. If you’re interested in hitting up popular attractions like Sleepy Hollow or The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze (open September 12 through November 16), it’s best to see them as early in the season as possible to avoid long lines or sold-out tickets.
Where to eat and drink
Upstate New York has plenty of places to dine with haunted histories or Halloween-themed decor and food. When I find myself in Sleepy Hollow, I head to the Bridge View Tavern, which serves casual pub food (albeit to patrons wearing witchy outfits), with a rotating selection of craft beers (including some pumpkin options).
For something a bit more eerie (but still delicious), nearby Goosefeather in Tarrytown (about a 15-minute drive away) serves up exceptional Cantonese fare from a James Beard–nominated chef. While the food itself is worth a visit, the restaurant also has a creepy twist. Located in The King Mansion at the Tarrytown House Estate, it’s said to be occupied by the ghost of Sybil Harris, who passed away near room 293 (which has since been updated). According to the staff, fans of the paranormal will request this room specifically when staying at the property. While I personally didn’t hear any disembodied footsteps while I was visiting this year, there are many guests who have reported unexplainable phenomena like mysterious noises, shadows, and apparitions in white.
Much further upstate, in Northville, head to the Timeless Tavern for a classic, old-timey tavern experience that will feel pulled directly from one of your favorite ghost stories. Guests and staff at the restaurant, which is also home to an overnight inn, have reported a variety of supernatural activities in the vicinity, from ghost apparitions to strange occurrences like lights turning on and off unexpectedly. If you’re lucky, you may catch a glimpse of the otherworldly over your French onion soup and prime rib.
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Where to stay
Staying overnight at a haunted hotel is not for the weak of heart (or the scared solo traveler), so be sure to grab a few friends and a flashlight or two before you hunker down at one of these top picks.laser grid
If you’re looking to be shaking in your boots, I suggest heading to the Shanley Hotel in the Catskills. Book a Public Overnight Investigation (accommodations are included in the price), where you’ll spend four hours with highly experienced staff as they lead you through different ways to make contact with the paranormal in the house, from the attic to the basement. You’ll use a whole array of equipment, from movement detectors to spirit boxes that use radio frequencies, to give ghostly presences a way to interact with you from the beyond. (By the time paranormal investigations were wrapped up when I visited, I all but sprinted to the parking lot since I knew I would not be getting a wink of sleep inside, surrounded by the ghosts that call this place home.) If you don’t believe in the paranormal right now, this might just be the place to convince you.
