With over 330 years of history and happenings, what better place to spend Halloween than in historic Charleston, South Carolina? Charleston has everything a fright seeker desires; from special ghost tours, costume hoe-downs, extravaganzas and more, there's something guaranteed to raise every hair and chill every bone!
West Farm Corn Maze - Sept. 21 - Oct. 28 Experience good old-fashioned fun at the West Family's 6-acre corn maze. The maze features over 3 miles of trails in the shape of the state of SC. Guests will be provided a map upon entry, but will have to use their best map-reading skills to get out of the maze after finding all 12 checkpoints. Other activities include a farm zoo, hayrides, pumpkin patch, scarecrow alley, apple slingshot and more! Call 843-688-5453 or visit www.westfarmcornmaze.com.
Beidler Forest Audubon Center Nightwalk - October 20 Ever wonder what goes on in the swamp after the sun goes down? Discover it first-hand on a Nightwalk! There's nothing like a stroll into the swamp after dark...
Reservations are necessary. (843) 462-2150
Children's Museum of the Lowcoutry's Mini Monster Mash Carnival - October 28 Come dressed up in your silliest costume, play games and enjoy some treats during this fun day that celebrates mini monsters of all kinds! 3:00 p.m. (843) 853-8962 www.explorecml.org.
Scarecrows on the Square - October More than 50 creative scarecrows made by families, schools and businesses are on display in Town Square in Summerville. Sponsored by Junior Service League of Summerville. Call 843-873-8535 or visit www.visitsummerville.com.
Halloween in the Swamp - October 26 - 27 So popular that it's been scheduled for two nights! Activities at Cypress Gardens include a haunted boat ride, haunted walking trail, marshmallow roast, kids fun house, campfire and storytelling. Haunted events not recommended for young children. Call 843-553-0515 or visit www.cypressgardens.info.
Summerville Ghost Walk and Harvest Moon Hayride - October 27 Located on Summerville's Town Square from 5-8 p.m. Ghost stories at various downtown locations (OK for most kids). As hayrides wind through darkened streets, riders are entertained by music and special stories. Call (843) 821-7260 or visit www.visitsummerville.com.
Spook-tacular Howl-O-Ween at Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens U-Pick Pumpkins, Corn Maze, Haunted Mansion & Hay Ride and more...it all begins long before Halloween. In September, the Corn Maze opens and will feature a six acre maze. The Pumpkin Patch welcomes visitors beginning in October. After children pick the perfect pumpkin, families can enjoy Happy Jack, the animated talking pumpkin, snacks and a farm animal area. As Halloween approaches, Fright Nights begin. These hugely popular nights include Haunted Hayrides and The Haunted House - which remains open until midnight on weekends to accommodate ever-increasing demand. For more, please call or visit www.boonehallplantation.com.
Fish or Treat - October 30 Beauties and beasts in all shapes and sizes will join the aquatic animals at the South Carolina Aquarium's annual Halloween event - Fish or Treat. Visitors can "fish or treat" throughout the Aquarium, enjoy divers of the deep lurking in the Great Ocean Tank, boogie at the monster mash dance party and join in many other ghoulish games. Guests are invited to come dressed in their most creative costumes. 5-7:30pm. Please call 843-577-FISH or visit www.scaquarium.org.
The Haunted Jail Tour - October 31 Spend Halloween by taking a tour of Charleston's Most Haunted Building. Built in 1801, The Old City Jail operated for 139 years housing pirates, Union POW's, slaves, as well as Charleston's most notorious serial killers. Nightly at 7pm, 8pm, 9pm, & 10pm. Additional times available on Halloween night. Not for the easily frightened. Reservations recommended. Call 843-722-TOUR or visit www.hauntedjailtour.com.
Halloween at Oak Steakhouse - October 31 Renowned as a destination for decadent 36 ounce Bone In Rib-Eyes, Pan Seared Foie Gras, and Lobster Macaroni and Cheese - Oak Steakhouse is also the place to be on Halloween. The staff's Halloween costumes are planned months in advance and promise to entertain. 843-722-4220, www.oaksteakhouserestaurant.com.
For up to date information regarding Charleston area events, happenings, and special hotel package information, please visit www.CharlestonCVB.com.