Who’s ready for Halloween? What originated from an ancient Celtic festival has grown into the U.S.’s second most popular holiday (after Christmas). Candy, costumes, and decorations allow kids and adults to embrace their creative side, take on a different persona, and treat themselves to a good scare.
Get in the spirit of the season as soon as you arrive. Pick up a pumpkin at Freshfields Village, then do some carving to decorate a Jack O’ Lantern for your vacation rental’s porch or deck.
The festivities begin early in the month, with haunted trails and spooky fun. Ghostly Tide Tales takes place from 6-7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 15, at Isle of Palms Front Beach. Sit by a campfire and hear haunting stories of local lore if you’re brave enough.
Later in the month, join in the spooktacular fun with the Halloween Golf Cart Parade and Carnival with a Drive-Thru Haunted House on Saturday, Oct. 30, at the Isle of Palms Recreation Department. The top three best-decorated golf carts get prizes. The event also includes a costume contest, inflatables, trick or treat bags for the kids, and more! Register at the Rec Department, #24 28th Ave. in Isle of Palms.
Boone Hall Fright Nights is not for the faint of heart (and not recommended for children under 12). Fright Nights features three attractions, the Fallen Oaks Motel that could be your final destination, Tiny’s Toy Factory Anarchy, and the Sinister Cinema Haunted Hayride. The event takes place Oct. 1-2, 8-10, 14-17, 21-24, and 28-31, about a half-mile north of Long Point Road in Mount Pleasant. Note: The event is ticketed separately from Boone Hall Plantation admission. A $35 Screampass (available online) includes all three attractions or purchase individual tickets at the onsite booth.
For younger goblins, Boone Hall Plantation also has a fantastic Pumpkin Patch, which has grown to be one of the largest fall festivals in the state. The festival, held weekends starting Oct. 8, features a family-friendly Monster Hayride, All-American Petting Zoo, an eight-acre corn maze, and pumpkins in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors.
The Legare Farms Pumpkin Patch on nearby Johns Island opens weekends starting through Oct. 31. Free admission includes viewing barnyard animals and the playground. Paid activities include a hayride to feed the cows ($3), horse rides ($4), a Scarecrow Factory ($12) where participants can get a scarecrow package to take home to build, a corn cannon, and a gem mine ($5 and $10 per bucket). Pumpkins are available for purchase.
Get your fill of gills, chills, and thrills at the South Carolina Aquarium Haunted Trail with eight spooky-themed rooms of creepy crawlers and ghostly ghouls. Take the experience to the next level with Scare Control sensors. Wave your hand in front of the sensor for a frightful surprise. Recommended for children eight and older, and an adult must accompany guests under 13. The Haunted Trail is free with an aquarium admission: $22.95 for children and $29.95 for adults.
Enjoy a scary good time with a Halloween stay on the South Carolina coast.