NEW JERSEY — From farm frights to haunted history tours, New Jersey is gearing up to offer a wide range of Halloween attractions that promise to deliver chills and thrills.
Among the options for 1980s horror film enthusiasts is Crystal Lake Tours in Hardwick. Known as the primary filming location for the first “Friday the 13th” movie, the privately-owned camp opens its doors for guided tours. Early ticket purchase is advised as past events have sold out rapidly.
Brighton Asylum in Passaic has earned recognition as the state’s scariest haunted attraction by Fodor’s Travel Guide. Visitors to the Asylum can explore the Bleeding Grounds staff quarters and meet the facility’s disturbing patients in SubCULTure, among other experiences.
Several farms across the state are also participating in Halloween festivities. Options include Haunted Casola in Manalapan, Farm of Horrors in Flemington, Night of Terror in Mullica Hill, Field of Terror in East Windsor, and Scare Farm in Hillsborough.
Historical haunts include tours focused on the legend of the Jersey Devil. Guided hikes through the Pine Barrens offer insights into the folklore surrounding this creature. Coastal towns such as Victorian Cape May and Ocean City offer ghost tours, while more specialized experiences like New Jersey Paranormal Ghost Hunts are available for the truly daring.
For those who prefer dining with the departed, various eateries across New Jersey report spectral activity. Options range from Lake House Restaurant in Newfield to The Cranbury Inn in Cranbury and beyond.
Lastly, for visitors seeking overnight experiences that could include otherworldly encounters, there is an array of accommodations like the Widow McCrea House B&B in Frenchtown and The Dr. Jonathan Pitney House B&B in Absecon.
With a myriad of options covering historical lore, haunted houses, and even supernatural dining experiences, New Jersey promises a Halloween season replete with options for fans of the eerie and unsettling.