Halloween's sinfully sweet, deliciously creepy fun
Halloween is the perfect holiday. No gut-wrenching family dinners. Perfect strangers give you candy. You can wear whatever you want. You can watch "Friday the 13th" or "Halloween" or "Fright Night" any time of the year.
There's no such thing as celebrating Halloween too early, and after Oct. 31 passes there's nothing saying you can't go and get creeped out by something spooky.
And so, with trick-or-treat time only 25 days away, now is as good a time as any to chow down on pumpkin-flavored treats, dress up as Dubya or Paris Hilton or slink through a haunted house with trepidation.
Gravestone tour
Typically, when you ask someone for the "scariest" part of a Halloween tour, they come up with something lame. But Karen Quinn didn't disappoint when asked about the Oct. 14 gravestone tour at Old Drawyers Presbyterian Church in Odessa. "There is a gravestone out there that, when you look at it, instead of being able to read the actual facts, the whole front of it looks like it's weeping," said Quinn, who helps organize the tour and is assistant librarian at the Corbit-Calloway Memorial Library. "It's a really kind of freaky-looking thing." During the tour, which is suitable for kids 12 and older, regional author and storyteller Ed Okonowicz will deliver some scary folktales about the area, and then historian Mike Dixon will serve as fact-checker with the cut-and-dried truth. Old Drawyers Presbyterian Church is off U.S. 13 north of Odessa. Admission is $10 in advance or $12 upon arrival Oct. 14, at 5:30 p.m. Call 378-8838.
Peter Bothum
Halloween Loop
The biggest (and most elaborate) bar crawl of the year in Wilmington is upon us.
Let's put it this way: If you don't feel like dressing up in costume or dealing with drunken Pee-Wee Hermans, Borats and George Bushes, you might want to stay home Oct. 28 because there's no way to avoid them on Halloween Loop night.
An estimated 15,000 well-dressed men and women will descend on the city starting at 8 p.m., with free shuttle buses taking the masses from bar to bar.
Which bars are participating? Here's a quick rundown: Bankshots, Kelly's Logan House, Catherine Rooney's, Del Rose Cafe, Iron Hill Brewery, Timothy's, Dead Presidents, Colosseum, Gallucio's, Stomping Grounds, Kahunaville, Crimson Moon and Kid Shelleen's.
The $10 wristbands are available at participating bars.
And don't worry if you see a guy slumped over in his car on Delaware Avenue, it's probably just someone dressed as George Michael staying in character.
At least we hope it is.
Ryan Cormier
Happy Hell-o-ween
A lot of folks think Hell-o-ween Fright Fest 2006 is a ministry.
And it's true the owners wouldn't mind scaring the hell out of you while making a case that the powers of Satan are real.
"In our own way we're reminding people to be careful -- that there are really demons and bad things out there," says Gary Voder II.
It's also meant to be fun. Fright Fest is the 16th creation of Gary Voder Sr., family and friends.
This year's Hell-o-ween is at Miracle Theatre, 135 Horseshoe Road, in rural Rising Sun, Md., where family entertainments and plays about Jesus are staged through the year.
As for Hell-o-ween, it has several parts -- a quarter-mile outdoor trail known as Raven Hill, and two indoor mazes called Dungeons and Demons, and Hell House.
Tickets are $12 a person, and it's not recommended for young children who are easily frightened. You can also buy tickets to separate attractions for $5.
Hours are Friday, Saturday and Sunday with ticket sales starting at 6 p.m. Hell-o-ween opens at dusk, now just after 7 p.m. Hours of closing change depending on number of people waiting to get in. Call (866) 405-8299 Visit www. miracletheatre.org/show/hellhouse.
Gary Soulsman
Sea Witch Festival
"I Know What You Did Last Summer" almost changed this, but the beach just isn't creepy. Perhaps with that in mind, the folks behind the 17th Sea Witch Halloween and Fiddlers' Festival in Rehoboth Beach -- which runs from Oct. 27-29 -- decided long ago that Halloween at the beach is more of a celebration than a fright fest. Things get rolling at 11 a.m. Oct. 28, when costumed revelers gather at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Hall, 501 Rehoboth Ave. and parade down Rehoboth Avenue to the bandstand. From 1 to 5 p.m., the mood turns even more festive with the Fiddlers Festival at the bandstand pavilion. The weekendlong fest also features magic, food, a costumed pet parade and contest and a Sea Witch Hunt and a Broom-Tossing Contest that will name this year's official Sea Witch Tosser.
There is no charge for admission. For more information, call 227-2233 or visit www. beach-fun.com.
Peter Bothum
A caramel apple a day ...
Fall isn't fall until you've had a homemade caramel apple from Govatos Chocolates, the 112-year-old Wilmington candy business.
"We've had them since the very beginning," says Nicholas Govatos, whose great Uncle John Govatos founded the business in 1894.
The family dips Red Delicious apples into their own gooey, homemade caramel on the second floor of the downtown Wilmington family restaurant and candy business at 800 N. Market St. Production depends on the weather -- the candy isn't made on rainy days because the caramel won't stick to the apples. A plain caramel apple on a stick is $3; an apple dipped in caramel and then rolled in Brazil nuts is $3.50. They can be purchased at the Market Street shop or at the store at 4105 Concord Pike in the Talleyville Shopping Center.
The apples usually go fast -- so get them while you can. The family stops production Oct. 31. Why? Selling a caramel apple after Halloween is kind of like trying to pawn off a Christmas Tree on Dec. 26.
Patricia Talorico This horror behemoth in Lancaster, Pa., is the all-time grand champion of press clippings anywhere within a 200-mile radius of the 33-acre parcel. And rightfully so: This place brings the scary better than just about anyone else. If you don't jump after a horde of zombies pops out at you during the Haunted Hayride ($12 for adults), you probably don't have a pulse. The Den of Darkness ($9) is a converted farmhouse with a lurid history of murder -- the freaking place has a morgue in it. And the 4-story, claustrophobia-inducing Frightmare Asylum ($9) boasts evil clowns. Enough said. Field of Screams is at 3493 Marietta Ave., Lancaster, Pa. Hours are 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays. An all-access pass to the park is $22 for adults and $17 for seniors and children. For more information, visit www.fieldofscreams.com or call (717) 285-7748.
Peter Bothum
Autumn-flavored eats
We know, we know. By the time we reach mid-October just about every eatery in the state will have some sort of pumpkin-themed or maple-themed concoction. But the Homegrown Cafe, 26 E. Main St., Newark, jumped into the pumpkin fray early with its excellent pumpkin soup, a creamy and kind of sweet soup boasting a nice blast of cinnamon. The soup, which will be available through this weekend and possibly beyond, costs $4 for a cup and $12 for a bowl. Once the soup runs out, Homegrown will still have Dogfish Head's pumpkin beer on tap ($4 per pint; $12 per pitcher) and most likely a pumpkin-flavored coffee for about $2 a cup. Visit www.homegrowncafe.com for more info or call the restaurant at 266-6993 to inquire about its pumpkin offerings. Starbucks, meanwhile, has the Maple Macchiato ($3.40 for a tall, $3.95 for a grande and $4.25 for a vente), which combines maple sauce, steamed milk and a shot of Starbucks Espresso Roast, and the Maple Streusel Muffin ($1.75), which is packed with sweet maple flavor, hints of cinnamon, streusel top and maple drizzle.
Peter Bothum
Spooky Supper
A gander at the ghoulish events that the Chef's Table and Delaware Theatre Company are teaming up to deliver has us wondering if eating a three-course meal beforehand is a good idea. The first theme "Spooky Supper" of the 2006-07 season takes place Tuesday at the David Finney Inn, 222 Delaware St., New Castle, and features a retelling of Henry James' "The Turn of the Screw," a creeping, brooding tale of mischievous ghosts. As if this wasn't creepy enough, supernatural expert Alys Vickers will talk about the real history of spirits at the David Finney Inn. Seatings are at 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Admission is $40 (includes gratuity) for a three-course meal and show. Call 594-1100 or visit www.delawaretheatre.org.
Peter Bothum
Linvilla Orchards
Never been to Linvilla Orchards? You must be new around here, partner. An autumn trip to Linvilla in Media, Pa., is an absolute must for any Delaware Valley resident. Through October, the 300-acre orchards invites visitors to Pumpkinland, where they can pick out pumpkins and apples while weaving through cornfield mazes and flopping around on straw bales. There also are hayrides (including a "Hayride to the Witches' House" and an "Autumn Moon Hayride"), pony rides and a Jack-o-lantern exhibit that runs from Oct. 20-30 (opens at 6 p.m. each day). Closer to the big day, there's a costume parade at 3 p.m. Oct. 30 and a Halloween celebration on Oct. 31 featuring face-painting. Linvilla Orchards is at 137 W. Knowlton Road in Media, Pa. For more information, visit www.linvilla.com or call 610-876-7116.
Peter Bothum
Halloween events
Afternoon Halloween Tours. 2 and 3 p.m. Oct. 29. Laurel Hill Cemetery, 3822 Ridge Ave., Philadelphia. $12-$15. (215) 228-8200
Animal O'Lanterns. Decorate a pumpkin. Preregister. 2-3:30 p.m. Oct. 22. Brandywine Zoo, 1001 N. Park Drive, Wilmington. $4, seniors and ages 3-11 $2, 2 and younger free. Pumpkin $12, Delaware Zoological Society members $10. 571-7747 or www.brandywinezoo.org
Bates Motel and Haunted Hayride. Motel not for children younger than 8 or people with heart conditions. Hayride is OK for all ages. Also Haunted Corn Maze with concessions. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Sun.-Wed., 6:30-10:30 p.m. Thu.-Sat. Through Oct. 31. 1835 Middletown Road, Glen Mills, Pa. Prices vary per activity from $10-$15, plus combo tickets. (610) 459-0647 or www.thebatesmotel.com
Bellevue Floating Pumpkin Parade. Bring a carved pumpkin to the pond, where it will be illuminated with a candle and placed on a float. Prizes awarded for the scariest and most creatively carved pumpkins. Registration required. 5:30 p.m. Oct. 28. Bellevue State Park, Carr Road, off I-95 at Marsh Road, Bellevue. $2, plus park entrance fee: Delaware-registered vehicles $3, others $6. 793-3046
Boo at the Zoo. Games, face-painting, "spooky" scavenger hunt, critters and treats. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 28. Brandywine Zoo, 1001 N. Park Drive, Wilmington. $4, seniors and ages 3-11 $2, 2 and younger free. 571-7747 or www.brandywinezoo.org
Boo at the Zoo. A masquerade party. Candy stations, storytelling, face-painting, games and music. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 28. Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 W. Girard Ave., Philadelphia. $16.95, ages 2-11 $13.95, children under 2 and members free. (215) 243-1100 or www.philadelphiazoo.org
Community Fall Festival. Activities include a moon bounce, face-painting, games, etc. Come dressed in your favorite costume. Dinner 5:15-6:15 p.m., activities 6:15-7:30 p.m. Oct. 31. Registration deadline Oct. 30. Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 308 Possum Park Road, Newark. Dinner $3, children $2, ages 4 and younger free; activities free. 737-2300
Community Halloween Dinner-Dance. Music by the Jones Boys. 6-9:30 p.m. Oct. 19. Milford Senior Center, Crystal Room, 111 Park Ave. In-advance only dinner $15; dance only $5, may be purchased at the door. 422-3385
Delaware Ghost Stories. Discussion features local artists, folklorists, historians and Patricia A. Martinelli, author of "Haunted Delaware." 4 p.m. Oct. 28. Delaware Theatre Company, 200 Water St., Wilmington. Free. 594-1100
"Dining with the Dead." This package will include a catered, candlelit dinner in the Cemetery Gatehouse, followed by a group Halloween Tour. There will be two seatings. Reservations required. 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Oct. 27. Laurel Hill Cemetery, 3822 Ridge Ave., Philadelphia. $50. (215) 228-8200
Enchanted Halloween. Celebrate autumn with a hayride and listen to local and traditional ghost stories, etc. Ages 2-11. Noon-4:30 p.m.; costume parade starts at noon, Oct. 29. Winterthur, Del. 52, northwest of Wilmington. $6, members $3. 888-4600, (800) 448-3883 or www.winterthur.org
Evening Halloween Tours. 7-9:30 p.m. Oct. 27-28. Laurel Hill Cemetery, 3822 Ridge Ave., Philadelphia. $5-$20. (215) 228-8200
"An Evening With the Ghosts." Meet paranormal investigators and learn techniques and methods to investigate the field. Followed by a special "spirit circle." Co-hosted by the New Candlelight Theatre and the Chester County Paranormal Research Society. 11 p.m.-2 a.m. Oct. 28. New Candlelight Theatre, 2208 Millers Road, Ardentown, Pa. $25. 475-2313
"Freaky Friday Tour." A family-friendly Halloween tour of Laurel Hill Cemetery, followed by a reception in the Cemetery Gatehouse. 6-8 p.m. Oct. 13. Laurel Hill Cemetery, 3822 Ridge Ave., Philadelphia. $8-$15. (215) 228-8200
Fright Fest. Themed rides, shows and attractions. 5-11 tonight; 10 a.m.-11 p.m Sat.; 9 a.m-9 p.m. Sun. and Mon., through Oct. 29. Six Flags Great Adventure, Ocean 537, 1 Six Flags Blvd., Jackson, N.J. 54 inches and taller $59.99 plus tax; less than 54 inches or disabled $29.99 plus tax. (732) 928-1821 or www.sixflags.com
Frightland. Includes "Haunted Woods," "Barn of Horror," "Haunted Hayride" and "The Town of Redemption." Prices vary depending on activities. Through Nov. 4. 309 Port Penn Road, just south of St. Georges. Basic pass $25, amusement rides only $12. 838-0256 or www.frightland.com
Ghosts and Goblins. Haunted house and trail. Evening tours not recommended for young children; all children must be accompanied by an adult ticket holder. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat.; 6-10 p.m. Fri.-Sat., through Oct. 28. Lincoln Caverns, 7703 William Penn Highway, Huntingdon, Pa. Daytime tours advance, $8.95, ages 4-12 $5.50, at door $9.95, ages 4-12 $5.95, 3 and younger free, evening tours $9.95. (814) 643-0268, www.lincolncaverns.com
Ghosts and Legends Cruise. Wear a costume and join the crew of the Skipjack Martha Lewis for an evening of haunts and legends as told by a storyteller. Light dinner and refreshments included. For adults only. Reservations required. 5:30-8 p.m. Oct. 21 and 27-28. Tydings Park, Commerce Street, Havre de Grace, Md. $35. (410) 273-5623
Great Pumpkin Carve. Allhallows Eve preview party 5-9 p.m. Oct. 25. Pumpkin carving 5-9 p.m. Oct. 26; view candlelight pumpkins 5-9 p.m. Oct. 27-28. Chadds Ford Historical Society grounds, Creek Road, quarter-mile north of U.S. 1, Chadds Ford, Pa. $3, 6 and younger free; Allhallows Eve preview party $25, couples $40. (610) 388-7376
Great Pumpkin Festival. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat. Loockerman Street, downtown Dover. Free, preregistration required for some events. (800) 233-5368 or www.visitdover.com
Halloween Express. Reservations recommended. Children in costume ride for half-fare. 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Oct. 29. Wilmington & Western Railroad, Del. 41, north of Kirkwood Highway near Prices Corner. $8, 60 and older $7, ages 2-12 $6. 998-1930
Halloween Family Concert. 11 a.m. Oct. 28. Wilmington Music School, 4101 Washington St., Wilmington. $5. 762-1132 or www.wilmingtonmusic.org
Halloween Fun With Miss Melissa. Miss Melissa celebrates Halloween and the fall season. 10 a.m. Oct. 26. Kent County Library, 2319 S. Du Pont Highway, Dover. Free. 531-0550
Halloween Fort Delaware Tours. 90 minutes. Reservation recommended. 6:30, 7:30, and 8:30 p.m. Oct. 13-14, 20-21 and 27-28. Ferry docks, Clinton Street, Delaware City. $22. Ferry ride $6, ages 2-12 $4. 834-7941
Haunted Family Night Out. Features games, variety shows, karaoke recording, reader's theater and more. Food available. 6-9 p.m. Oct. 27. Premier Centre for the Arts, 27 Anderson St., Middletown. Free. 378-1384 or www.pca-de.com
Haunted Hayrides. Wear your costume. Also campfire with s'mores afterward. Meet at Pavilion 3. Oct. 28 Registration required. 7 p.m., adults and children 11 and younger; 8 p.m., adults and children 12 and older. Bellevue State Park, Carr Road, off I-95 at Marsh Road, Bellevue. $5, plus park entrance fee: Delaware-registered vehicles $3, others $6. 793-3046
Haunted Objects: A Paranormal Investigation. Taped discussion with Rockwood Director Philip Nord, author Ed Okonowicz, ghost hunter L.J. DiMieri and the Rev. Genevieve Alexander. Preregistration required. 7-9 p.m. Oct. 25. Rockwood Center, Shipley Room, 610 Shipley Road, Penny Hill. $20. 761-4340 or www.rockwood.org
Hauntings in History. Includes walking tours, ghost stories and more. Preregistration required. 6, 6:30 and 7:15 p.m. Oct. 21 and 27-28., Old New Castle. $8, children $5. For directions. 322-2794 or www.newcastlehistory.org
Jason's Woods. Highlights include the "Haunted Hayride," "Barn of Terror," live bands, mystery maze and Macabre Museum, etc. 7-10 p.m. Fri.-Sat.; 7-9 p.m. Sun., through Oct. 29. 99 Stehman Road, Lancaster, Pa. $5-$37. (717) 872-5768 or www.jasonswoods.com
Nightmares X-treme Scream Park. Building of haunted attractions, including Flyers Fright, Prison Break Live, In a Tomb, Dead Elvis in Concert and more. Hourly intervals from 6-10 p.m. Thu.-Fri., 5-10 p.m. Sat.-Sun., through Oct. 29. Spectrum, Broad Street and Pattison Avenue, Philadelphia. $20 on Thu. and Sun., $25 Fri. and Sat. 984-2000 or www.ticketmaster.com
Night of the Living Zoo. Take a spooky hike and learn about the zoo's nocturnal inhabitants. 6-9 p.m. Oct. 13-14. Salisbury Zoo, 755 S. Park Drive, Salisbury, Md. $6, children $3 through Oct. 13; afterward, $8 and $5, respectively. (410) 548-3188 or www.salisburyzoo.org
Pumpkin Festival. Nature crafts, archery, pumpkin- and face-painting, hike, moon bounce. Noon-4:30 p.m. Oct. 15. Iron Hill Museum of Natural History, Old Baltimore Pike west of Del. 896, Newark. $4, 3 and younger free. 368-5703
Pumpkin Harvest Weekend. Pumpkins, gourds, mums, Indian corn, corn stalks, and more. John Hadfield's "Monkey in the House," 1 p.m. Sat.; Miles of Smiles Puppet Show, 1 p.m. Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 21-22. Milburn Orchards, 1495 Appleton Road, Elkton, Md. Ages 3-12 $8, 13 and older $5, 60 and older $3, 2 and younger free. (410) 398-1349, (800) 684-3000 or www.milburnorchards.com
Pumpkin Hunts Workshop. For ages 2-10. Harvest pumpkins, corn and gourds to exchange for goody bags, spooky crafts, games and more. Those age 2 have their own mini-patch during the hunt. Advance registration required. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Oct. 15, 21, 22, 29. Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 W. Girard Ave., Philadelphia. $16.95, ages 2-11 $13.95, children under 2 and members free. (215) 243-5254 or www.philadelphia zoo.org
Pumpkin Party. Choose a pumpkin, learn pumpkin facts and various activities. 11 a.m. Oct. 21. Bellevue State Park Arts Center, Carr Road, off I-95 at Marsh Road, Bellevue. $5, plus park entrance fee: Delaware-registered vehicles $3, others $6. 793-3046
Scarecrows for Halloween. Benefits the New Castle County 4-H Sheep and Goat Club. Noon-5 p.m. Sun. and Oct. 15 and Oct. 22. Woodside Farm Creamery, 1310 Little Baltimore Road, Hockessin. $5, includes materials. 478-3905
"Terror Behind the Walls" Haunted House. Tour the prison decked out for Halloween. For 7 and older. Through Oct. 31. Eastern State Penitentiary, 2124 Fairmount Ave., Philadelphia. $20-$30. (215) 236-5111 or www.easternstate.com
"Trick-or-Treat" Weekend. Kids in costume get special treatment. ATA Black Belt Academy Karate for Kids demonstration, noon Sat.; Monkey Business, 1 p.m. Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 28-29. Milburn Orchards, 1495 Appleton Road, Elkton, Md. Ages 3-12 $8, 13 and older $5, 60 and older $3, 2 and younger. (410) 398-1349, (800) or 684-3000 www.milburnorchards.com
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