Fall is here, and it's time to start brainstorming about one of the most popular holidays of the year! Yup, Halloween! Stores already have the costume aisles stocked and ready, as well as the candy shelves with the enormous bags of goodies that we promise ourselves are solely for the trick-or-treaters.
So we thought it would be a good time to let all of our Halloween enthusiasts know what you can expect while visiting the Outer Banks during Allhallows Eve and the days leading to.
We have tons of events the whole family can enjoy, from pumpkin patches to creepy-themed attractions... read on!
Life on the Farm
You can't vacation in North Carolina and not experience being pulled behind a tractor or, better yet, an ox! We recommend visiting all three of these farms during your stay. Two are located along Caratoke Highway and make for a great place to stop either into town or heading home.
First up, in Barco is Morris Farm Market, a great place to grab some fresh produce, snacks, and a bathroom break (the restrooms here are clean and plentiful!). All throughout the month of October, every Saturday and Sunday, the farm has music, food, hayrides, bounce houses, and much much more. A bit further south, along the way, Grandy's Greenhouse and Farm Market, located just 20 minutes north of the Wright Memorial Bridge, is also a wonderful place to grab fresh produce and farm market goods. Also, in the fall, Grandy's offers hayrides out to their pumpkin patch. After you pick your pumpkin, head back for a treat of either hot apple cider, a fresh frozen yogurt treat, or a peach milkshake. The kind folks at Grandy's will have you coming back; that's a promise!
In case you need some more time on the farm, we highly recommend Island Farm, located in Manteo on Roanoke Island, just south of Nags Head. Not only can you hop on an ox-drawn wagon out to the pumpkin patch, but you can also meander through the farm, visit the animals, and tour the historical buildings with live demonstrations taking you back in time to experience what life was like back in the 1800s. The pumpkin patch is only open on Saturdays throughout October, but the farm is open Tuesdays through Friday's the remainder of the year.
Trick-or-Treat
Put on those costumes and head to Manteo on Saturday, October 28th to the Elizabethan Gardens for the Night of 1587 Pumpkins event in celebration of the year English colonists came to Roanoke Island. Along with the lighting of hundreds of jack-o-lanterns, garden visitors can also carve their own and Trick-or-Treat along the pumpkin path, then stop by the bonfire for hot chocolate, apple cider, and s'mores. Yum!
Put those costumes back on for the Halloween Parade of Costumes event in Kill Devil Hills at Aviation Park taking place Sunday, October 29th. This free event begins at 2:00 pm. Awards for the best costume will follow the parade, and you can find out more here!
Later in the day, at 5:30 pm is the Ships and Sweets Community Halloween Event. Head on down to the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center and trick or treat from boat to boat along the docks while enjoying live music, snacks, games, and more!
For another family fun event, head on up to Corolla for an evening in Whalehead Historic Park for the Creepy in Corolla Trunk or Treat event that begins under the Currituck Beach Lighthouse (go for a climb in the haunted lighthouse if you dare) and then fill those buckets and bags as you make your way over to the historic Whalehead mansion, also with tales of hauntings. Not to worry, for those who don't want to hang out with actual ghosts, the Trunk or Treating is perfectly ghost-free.
But if you are up for a good thrill, that is sure to
Then there are options for you as well. If you want to kick things up a notch and get those arm hairs raised, here are a few more events that are sure to do just that!
The Outer Banks is rich in history, and with its history come tales of lore filled with mystery and, well, creepiness. As you spend some time in the graveyard of the Atlantic, you are certain to hear a pirate tale or two, in addition to the stories that tell us how towns such as Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head got their name and why unsolved mysteries of The Lost Colony still remain, well unsolved. We wouldn't want to spoil the fun, so we will let you do some fact-digging while you're here. You are sure to find plenty of locals ready to tell you the story behind their town's namesake.
One great way to hear a tale or two is on a guided Ghost Walking Tour through historic Manteo. These tours are also happening in the spring and summer, so you don't have to wait until October to get your scare on.
If a bigger scare is in order, we have two popular Halloween season attractions that are not for the faint of heart. The Wicked Woods (originating in Wanchese and formally known as 'Wanchese Woods") is now relocated to East Lake, a bit further south, but well worth it if you're up for a good thrill! The other is Historical Mchorneys Odditorium Backwoods Haunt, 45 minutes north of the Wright Memorial Bridge in Barco. Depending on which way you are venturing to the Outer Banks, both are great places to stop in for a good old-fashioned thrill, either on your way here or on the way home. Both are close enough during your stay as well and both are equally frightening. Good luck!
Getting Into the Spirit
We couldn't let you go before we told you about two more places that are well worth the visit during the Halloween season (and anytime, really).
In Kill Devil Hills, stop in for a bite to eat at the Bonzer Shack. Even if you're not hungry, it's worth the visit; just grab yourself a drink and get ready to be impressed. Not only is their laid-back beach décor super fun, but they take the holidays very seriously, and Halloween is no different. Get ready to dine among flying ghosts and cackling witches. If you startle easily, you may want to let the hostess know before you're seated.
If headed to Manteo, we double dog dare you to stop into The Christmas Shop and General Store. Yes, we know. Don't let the name fool you! Even if you aren't quite ready for some Christmas cheer while searching for Halloween fear, trust us, you can find both here! Hidden towards the back of the building, tucked between the ornaments and home goods, past the twinkling lights, is the Halloween Room, or rooms rather. Yes, it's creepy. Yes, we warned you.
We hope you will plan to join us and check out some of these fun-filled activities. Stay tuned for more Halloween season events as we update our Holiday Events calendar! You never know what may crop up!
Also, here are a few homes we've handpicked that are offering great fall deals so you can plan a spooktacular Outer Banks getaway this Halloween season!