Just in Time for Halloween… Long Island’s “Haunted” Hang-Outs
While attending a baby shower at The Country House Restaurant in Stony Brook, I learned some very un-baby-showerish information about the place…legend has it that a ghost resides there. Hmm… with Halloween just around the corner, it seemed only fitting that I investigate this tale…
According to the staff, unexplained voices and sightings of a woman have been observed. Supposedly, the ghost of Annette Williamson, murdered there during the American Revolution, haunts this historical house. When I approached owner Bob Willemstyn to verify this, he told me that his restaurant has in fact been investigated for paranormal activity and is featured in NY Times Bestseller Ghosts of Long Island: Stories of the Paranormal, by Kerriann Flanagan Brosky. Country House is also in the pilot teaser for a potential new television show about haunted Long Island locations. (Check out www.ghostsoflongisland.com for more info.)
So, this popular, quaint, beautifully decorated restaurant (with fabulous food, I should add!) could be haunted. This got me thinking: are there more local scary-spots I don’t know about? I called upon Long Island Paranormal Investigators www.liparanormalinvestigators.com for more info. LIPI is a group who, using scientific equipment, investigates the sites of urban legends on Long Island to determine if, in fact, they are haunted.
So, if you thought the only claim-to-haunted-house fame Long Island has is the Amityville Horror, think again. Here are some supposed hot-spots for Long Island paranormal activity. Visit if you dare…
Katie’s Bar-Smithtown: Patrons and employees report seeing the ghost of Charlie Klein, a bartender who committed suicide in the 1920’s, glasses flying off the racks, and unexplained footsteps in the bar.
Pizza Hut-Centereach: Employees maintain dishes and pots fall off of the shelves and whispers are heard, all as a result of the ghost of a person who died in the bathroom.
Montauk Manor: This hotel is located next to a cemetery that was once a burial ground for Native Americans; claims of beating drums and chanting have been reported.
If, however, the “real” houses of ghosts and spirits are not for you, and a guaranteed scary experience is what you are looking for, get a few goose bumps at these spooky places:
For adults only:
Mills Pond House of Horrors: Advertised as “definitely not for young children or the faint of heart”, this 5000 square foot adventure features pitch black and claustrophobic hallways, a haunted trail and a haunted art gallery.
Route 25A, St. James
www.stacarts.org
Darkside Haunted House: An indoor/outdoor attraction with daily and nightly shows. Night shows not recommended for children under 12 and daytime ones discouraged for those under 10. All ages, however, can visit the village.
Route 25A, Wading River
www.darksideproductions.com
Bayville Scream Park: a Halloween-themed amusement park featuring five scary attractions including “Bloodworth Manor” Haunted House and the “Funhouse of Fear”. The park also has a cafe, miniature golf and rock climbing. Scary for adults; kids can enjoy a tamer version on the “Not So Scary Days” which is held from 11am till 6pm on weekends.
Bayville Avenue, Bayville
www.bayvillescreampark.com
North Babylon Fire Department Haunted House: Captain Jimmy Kemming says their house is “intense, scary and NOT for children! It is targeted for teenagers 13-16 years old; they all say it’s the best around!” Open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until Halloween.
Wallace Court, North Babylon
www.a1hauntedhouse.com
Probably o.k. for kids at least 10 and over, but check out their websites for more info:
Mulford Farm:
•October 25: Halloween Fun Weekend featuring jack-o-lantern displays, a contest for the best scarecrow (kids bring your favorite one) and a pumpkin carving demonstration (bring your own hallowed out pumpkin)
•October 28 & 29: “Lantern Tour”-flashlights will be provided for this tour of an “old burial ground”.
James Lane & Montauk Hwy, East Hampton
www.easthamptonhistory.org
Haunted Hangars at the Cradle of Aviation Museum: Open only evenings of 10/24 and 10/25; interactive experience through the museum’s old airplane hangars.
Charles Lindbergh Blvd, East Garden City
www.cradleofaviation.org
For a full list of additional Haunted Houses and Pumpkin Farms click here.
