When autumn arrives and nights become cold and long, the witching season has started in Virginia. Good citizens start to hear rumors about haunted woods, sinister houses that harbor secrets and terrifying legends that come to life around Halloween. Brave souls who are willing to venture to these dark places will find plenty of frightful, spine-tingling attractions that are waiting to serve up some nightmares.
The Bradley Farm Haunted House is located near Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon in northern Virginia. The events are family-friendly during the day, but when the sun goes down, evil spirits and demons come out to haunt brave teens and adults. The theme is based on a haunted library, and visitors explore each room, which comes alive with terrors imagined by Edgar Allen Poe, Alfred Hitchcock and Stephen King. The toned-down afternoon haunting for young kids features magicians, a caricaturist, face-painting, crafts to make "monster-repellent" bracelets and treats passed out by local ghosts and ghouls. Opens mid-October. Proceeds benefit a local charity.
Bradley Farm Haunted House
13159 New Parkland Drive
Herndon, VA 20171
703-787-7368
bfhauntedhouse.com
Blood Lake Haunted House, in Richmond, is a three-part haunted house experience that starts with a trip to fictional Brood Lake (aka Blood Lake), which has long been the site of horrific events. In 1974, a summer cabin on Brood Lake became the site of a bloody rampage and became known as Blood Lake. During the Civil War era, the lake was owned by the Broods, who opened a tavern where travelers checked in and mysteriously vanished. Those who survive the two indoor haunted houses can venture down Wendigo trail, and discover why the lake has been cursed for 500 years. The event is for older teens and adults; kids under 10 are not allowed and kids under 14 must be accompanied by a parent or adult. Open select days in October.
Blood Lake Haunted House
13131 Overhill Lake Lane (at Cobblestone Park)
Richmond, VA 13131 23059
804-343-3700
bloodlakeva.com
Scream Forest is an intense three-part trip that starts with a haunted hay wagon ride through haunted woods on the outskirts of Richmond. The Creepy Hollow Hayride takes brave visitors into dark woods, where spooky scenery, glowing illusions and nerve-wracking surprises lurk around every bend. The hayride drops off those who survive and they must make their way through Scream Forest, where creatures of the night are waiting to terrify anyone who dares to approach Bedlam House, a haunted house filled with horrific happenings. Scream Forest is not recommended for kids, nor or adults with a low tolerance for scares. Open select nights in October.
Creepy Hollow
Staples Mill Road & Ashland Road
Richmond, VA 23059
804-346-FEAR
screamforest.com
