Halloween In New Hampshire: A MapQuest Guide

From zombie parades and costume contests to haunted houses and hayrides (to haunted anything!), the Halloween season casts its spell and awakens our inner ghouls and goblins. As part of FrightQuest -- a MapQuest series on spooky destinations and activities -- here are three options to celebrate Halloween in New Hampshire that are sure to be a scream.
— Ann Frantz

Amos J. Blake House Museum

The historic Amos J. Blake House Museum in Fitzwilliam, New Hampshire -- built in 1837 -- is an attraction that "recall[s] the day-to-day life in an old New Hampshire village." On the Friday and Saturday evenings in October leading up to Halloween, however, the museum transforms into a haunted home. Which makes sense, as the home is said to be one of New Hampshire's haunted places -- with reports of "strange sounds" and "photographs of ectoplasm." The Soul Seekers Paranormal Society states that numerous reports of possible paranormal activity have been associated with the house, which has been featured on the TV show Ghost Hunters. For $2 per person, participants can encounter the ghostly fun -- look for the witches across the street on the Common!

66 Route 119, Fitzwilliam, NH 03447 | Get Directions

Fright Kingdom

Voted the scariest haunted house in New Hampshire by readers of Haunted House Magazine and Hauntworld.com, Fright Kingdom includes the 200-year-old Bloodmare Manor, Vampire Castle and Psycho Circus. This attraction is a Victorian-themed journey into the macabre, with screams, shrieks and deadly creatures. It is not recommended for children or the faint of heart. However, the younger set may enjoy the child-friendly Hardly Haunted matinee. The attraction is open weekends in October. Adult admission is $20, kids under age 12 pay $15 and group rates are available. The Hardly Haunted matinee costs $7.

12 Simon St., Nashua, NH 03060 | Get Directions

Keene Pumpkin Festival

Imagine thousands of jack-o'-lanterns stacked 20 rows high and glowing in the evening shadows. That's downtown Keene in southwest New Hampshire on one special late-October night. The Keene Pumpkin Festival is a longtime New England favorite, an all-day event that includes carving sessions and a children's costume parade. The festival runs from noon to 8:30 p.m.

Keene, NH 03431 | Get Directions

For those who really want a scare, Bloodmare Manor in Nashua has all the gory ingredients.

Did we miss a Halloween event in New Hampshire? Tell us about it in the comments section below.

Want other great Halloween-season ideas? Check out FrightQuest and our coverage in Boston, Massachusetts and Vermont.

Interested in more stories about New Hampshire? Go to Patch and scroll the list of states to get great local coverage of your neighborhood.