It's officially October, and we all know what that means. Fall is upon us; it's time to drink gallons of apple cider, sit around a fire with friends, and visit all of our favorite haunted attractions.
If you're like me, you probably enjoy this time of year because of the stylish scarves, the pumpkin-flavored everything, and the Halloween-themed movies that you still admit to watching on Disney Channel (Halloweentown, anyone?). Yet, I also tend to start to crave something a bit spookier than smiling pumpkins or friendly scarecrows as soon as the leaves begin to change. I want fake blood, eerie music, and jump scares. Luckily for me, Pittsburgh has plentiful resources when it comes to satisfying my appetite for scary. Here are 4 haunted attractions you don't want to miss this October if you live in the greater Pittsburgh area.
1. Demon House
This haunted house located in Monongahela, PA is just scary enough to get your heart pumping. It's various haunts revolve around the legend of the McCue Estate. Located on the grounds of this attraction is the true 140 year old mansion known as the McCue Mansion, which was discovered to be built upon the burial grounds of over 70 unmarked graves. Many believe this to be the reason that so many later disappeared behind its walls. Visitors of the Demon House explore the mansion's many rooms as part of their haunted experience in an attempt to save themselves from its evil spirits.The Demon House serves up the grossest and goriest images, special effects, and costumes imaginable while still delivering an intriguing plot. What's more is that, after you escape the grasps of ghosts and zombie and clowns, this haunted attraction has even more to offer. There is a concession stand with snacks and beverages, fire pits to keep you warm, and an outside movie theater that plays horror movies on a loop.
2. Hundred Acres Manor
This terrifying attraction located in Bethel Park, PA will scare even the bravest of souls. With over 6 different sections of terror, the Acres Manor can take up to an hour to explore. The grounds span over a mile, so be prepared to be tracked and chased by some seriously scary creatures. On any given Friday or Saturday night in October, you will find a long line of visitors waiting to get in. But no worries, some of the manor's monsters will come and say hello. In addition to its already awesome haunts, the site has added 2 horrifying escape rooms for you to try. Winning several awards, most notably "One of America's Creepiest Haunted Houses" by the LA Times and "#2 Haunted House in America" by ScareFactor.com, Hundred Acres Manor is an experience you can't miss. Look for the bright light in the sky.
3. Allen's Haunted Hayrides & Tavern of Terror
4. The ScareHouse
Last but not least is the ScareHouse located just 10 minutes outside of downtown Pittsburgh. I must admit, I've yet to experience what ABC News deems "The Scariest Haunted House in America." But I have heard that this super mysterious and psychologically thrilling haunted house is not for the faint of heart. Its haunts are detailed, gory, and panic-inducing and its actors are the best of the best. For those who aren't shaken by the house itself, the ScareHouse even offers a separate, 18-and-up experience called "The Basement" which can best be described as a highly interactive form of horror theater. You are required to sign a waiver stating that you are allowed to be grabbed, restrained, and blindfolded by the actors. There's even a safe word for if you get too scared and must be escorted out. FYI, it's "bunny."
While this is certainly not an exhaustive list of all the haunted attractions in the area, these are a few that I wouldn't miss if I were you! Whether you're a junkie for adrenaline, looking to drag a friend to a haunted house to be your shield, or simply searching for something to do on a Friday night, I would highly suggest checking out one of these awesome attractions.
Happy haunting, friends...
