HARTFORD, Conn. (Oct. 2020) – Connecticut has a long history of haunted happenings and throughout the month of October, cities, towns and businesses across the state are leaning into the Halloween season with fun, and sometimes frightening, experiences for all. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, new activities—including drive-through experiences and private ghost tours—have emerged to provide safer ways to celebrate.

To learn more about safe, seasonal fun in Connecticut and see a list of upcoming events, visit the Connecticut Office of Tourism's official website: www.CTvisit.com.

Here are just a few ways to get into the Halloween spirit in Connecticut:

Drive-Through Experiences:

• Visit “The  Ride !”  at Pumpkintown U.S.A. in East Hampton to enjoy the Pumpkintown

Forest and its Pumpkinhead inhabitants from the comfort of your own vehicle.

• Discover the “Pony Trail,” see live characters and more at Ray of Light Farm's Halloween

Drive Through in East Haddam.

• Enjoy a drive-through musical experience complete with friendly witches and grinning ghosts at Happy Haunts Hollow in Milford.

No-So-Scary Fun:

• Spot all of the Scarecrows Along Main Street in Old Wethersfield during the 25th annual event. Or, find scarecrows in Essex during Scarecrow FestiFall or Putnam during the popular Scarecrow Contest.
• Stroll through the Haunted Petting Zoo at Flamig Farm in West Simsbury to visit the animals and experience a few surprises, too.
• Try your hand at Pumpkin Mini Golf at Sonny's Place in Somers, where you'll besurrounded by 500 hand-carved pumpkins and other decorations.

Spooky Strolls & Haunted Attractions:

• Explore the supernatural side of New Haven with public or private Ghosts of New Haven tours. Or, take a moonlit stroll with Spirits of Milford Ghost Walks or Seaside Shadows Haunted History Tours in Mystic.
• Shiver and shudder through Things that Go Bump in the Night, a special candlelight tour at Nathan Hale Homestead in Coventry.
• Discover some of the darker, oft-overlooked portions of Mystic Seaport Museum during a Jack-O-Lantern Walk.
• Venture into the four-acre Trail of Terror: Fear is Art in Wallingford for the 26th year of frightful outdoor fun.
• Board The Haunted Isle at The Shoreline Trolley Museum in East Haven to see what's hiding in the woods at the end of the tracks.

Virtual Experiences:

• Mark your Zoom calendar for The History of the Ouija Board and A  Ghos t  H unter 's

Favorite Cases, hosted by Seymour Public Library.

• Tune into Norwalk Historical Society's A Haunting at Mill Hill graveyard tour—now a

movie—to see and hear gripping tales from the city's past.

• Test your knowledge of creepy artwork, ghoulish songs and scary movies during MATT

by Night: Virtual Halloween Trivia Night hosted by the Mattatuck Museum in Waterbury.

October isn't the only time to have a spooky experience in Connecticut. Many places rumored to be haunted are open year round.

“October is a beautiful time to explore Connecticut and this year's lineup of Halloween events help make the season that much more fun—and safe—for the whole family,” said Randy Fiveash, director, Connecticut Office of Tourism. “Regardless of how you choose to celebrate the Halloween season, we strongly encourage everyone to follow the rules and guidance provided by state and public health officials.”

Read the Connecticut Department of Public Health's Halloween Guidance here.

For more fall fun ideas, check out 36 Things to do in Connecticut this October onwww.CTvisit.com. And, join the social media community

on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

About the Connecticut Office of Tourism

The Connecticut Office of Tourism, a division of the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), is dedicated to enhancing the economic growth of Connecticut's tourism industry. Together with its many state and industry partners, the Office of Tourism works to bolster the state's reputation as a destination that offers a diverse mix of activities and attractions, all in close proximity to each other—from the exciting and relaxing to the historic and innovative to the culture and nature-focused. For more information, visit www.CTvisit.com.

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Contacts:

Emily Pangakis

Adams & Knight

860-676-2300 x 129 emily.pangakis@adamsknight.com

Randy Fiveash

Director, Connecticut Office of Tourism

860-500-2369 randall.fiveash@ct.gov