Halloween is Here — Connecticut Towns Offer Tricks and Treats

This classic New England port town is filled with legends of ghostly sea captains and other spooky tales. Find out about a few of them when you take one of several Seaside Shadows Haunted History Tours. Not far from Mystic, the Ledge Light in the Thames River is said to be haunted by the ghost of “Ernie,” a former lighthouse keeper who leapt to his death after learning his wife had run off with a local captain.

Speaking of lighthouses, just off the coast in Norwalk, the Sheffield Island Lighthouse (seasonal) is said to be haunted by a young ghost named Abbey, and the two adult ghosts who care for her. And Norwalk’s eerie-looking Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum is also said to be haunted. The museum is currently under renovation, but you can see it featured in the thrilling Netflix film, Mr. Harrigan's Phone.

The picturesque town of Wethersfield is also the home of the notorious Wethersfield Witch Trials, which preceded the ones in Salem, Massachusetts by 30 years. History comes alive during the Hallowed History Lantern Tour of Cedar Hill Cemetery. Character actors will share tantalizing true stories from some of the cemetery’s notable and not-so-notable residents. And during daylight hours, stroll through historic Wethersfield and admire the festive Annual Scarecrows Along Main Street event, which offers a classic New England fall atmosphere.

Ghosts seem to reside at every turn of a corner in Connecticut’s capital city, in fact, some landmark properties have even been investigated for paranormal activity. If you are looking to meet a few spirits yourself, start at the Mark Twain House, thought to be haunted by a “lady in white.” For even more chills, take a stroll in Hartford’s Ancient Burying Ground, which features ancient hand-carved tombstones that are as beautiful as they are macabre.

This city has quite the haunted past. Ghosts of New Haven is running private spooky ghost tours all season long. Also in New Haven, Grove Street Cemetery is a National Historic Landmark that was established in 1796, and counts among its residents Noah Webster, Gen. David Humphreys, Roger Sherman, and Charles Goodyear. 

Speaking of lighthouses, just off the coast in Norwalk, the Sheffield Island Lighthouse (seasonal) is said to be haunted by a young ghost named Abbey, and the two adult ghosts who care for her. And Norwalk’s eerie-looking Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum is also said to be haunted. The museum is currently under renovation, but you can see it featured in the thrilling Netflix film, Mr. Harrigan's Phone.