Spotlight on Long Island: “Don’t Forget to Get Spooked”
As the crisp autumn air flows through falling leaves, Halloween beckons with a spine-tingling invitation to explore its spookiest trails. For those brave enough to venture into the unknown, Long Island’s spooky trails are not for the faint of heart. Perfect for thrill-seekers, families, and anyone looking to embrace the eerie magic of Halloween, these haunted walks are a must for this holiday season. Oh, yeah. Don’t forget to keep an eye over your shoulder-you never know what might be lurking in the shadows.
Bayville Adventure Park, Bayville
On “Not-So-Scary Days”, Bayville Adventure Park gives families the opportunity to enjoy Halloween festivities during the daytime on select days without the fear of anyone jumping out. Kids and adults can enjoy a funhouse, a mirror maze, an express train ride, a pumpkin bounce, a bumper boat safari, and a semi-spooky treetop adventure. There are also Halloween arts and crafts for the kids, a pumpkin patch, and a friendly character meet and greet. Of course, feel free to attend the events on the very scary nights, if you dare to. Prices, dates, and times of all events are listed on the website. www.bayvilleadventurepark.com
Rise of the Jack O’Lanterns, Melville
Long Island’s original and most visited fall event, featuring The World’s Longest Jack O’Lantern Trail, is back for its 11th season. It has a new home on the sprawling campus of the Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts in Melville. This year’s trail has 7,000 illuminated hand-carved jack o’lanterns, 3,000 illuminated specialty lanterns, and hundreds of family-friendly Halloween-themed visual displays celebrating the magic of the season. This not-so-scary event is only open 18 nights during the month of October. Visit the website for all information and promotional discounts. www.jackolanterns.com
Yaphank Trail of Terror, Yaphank
This is a scary one! The Yaphank Trail of Terror has been voted as one of the scariest trails on Long Island. Only open Fridays and Saturdays in October from 7 PM to 11 PM, the $15 tickets can only be purchased at the door. A concession stand and a merchandise stand are available. Located on the grounds of the Yaphank Presbyterian Church on Main Street, you are free to enjoy a bonfire, a movie, or play some cornhole before or after your trail journey. All courageous victims are welcome. www.yaphanktrailofterror.com
Spooky Walk, Center Moriches
Now in its 36th year, the Spooky Walk is open the last two Fridays and Saturdays of October from 7 PM to 9 PM. The entire $25 admission fee benefits Camp Paquatuck, which is a camp for adults and children with disabilities. Delivering about 45 minutes of really scary scares, the Spooky Walk is known as the longest haunted walk trail. A free shuttle bus is available in the overflow parking area a half mile away. A food tent and a beer tent are available on site. Wear your running sneakers for this one! www.spookywalk.com
Andrea Peponakis
Andrea Peponakis is a retired foreign language teacher who then became a local newspaper journalist and local radio show host. Born and raised in Astoria, Queens and on Long Island, Andrea is now focusing on writing children’s books. The motivation to become an author was inspired by her three grandchildren. Her book, Grandma, Grandma, Tell Me More: My Family Loves Me, was featured at this year’s London Book Festival and at The LA Times Book Fair. Andrea currently resides on Long Island near her children and grandchildren. Her days are spent creating everlasting memories with her grandchildren and writing.
