This month marks 3 years since I first started writing for Our Valley Events.

Anyone who knows me knows about my love for Halloween and all things creepy, so I was delighted that my first piece for the website was Halloween-themed.

In keeping with tradition, I have put together a list of creepy spaces and places that’s guaranteed to give you a good scare this month.

North Alabama

Arx Mortis – Killen, AL

Near a lonely stretch of road in Killen, Alabama sits the sprawling grounds of Arx Mortis, and Greystone Manor.

The largest haunted attraction in North Alabama, Arx Mortis is outfitted with state of the art animatronics, actors, and sets.

Guests will wander through hillbilly country, a circus of freaks, and mortuary itself, where the mad Dr. Greystone is said to have done his experiments. Who knows, you might even get a visit from the Doctor himself.

Dates: Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night in October, Sunday, October 26 and Wednesday, October 29

**The walk through tour is rated PG-13 for intensity, gore and realism.

The Lester Haunted Hospital – Lester, AL

Initially opened as a hospital in the 1940’s, Lester has since closed down and been converted into a haunted attraction.

The hospital and the surrounding areas are reported to be a hotbed of paranormal activity – the apparition of a woman in a blood covered dress, and a woman with the head of an animal are the most seen.

This is your chance to walk through a haunted building that is ACTUALLY haunted. Maybe you will even get to experience this ghostly activity for yourself.

Dates: Friday and Saturday nights in October

Fright Nights: The Horrors of History at Lowry House – Huntsville, AL

Witness recreations of gruesome events in history with Fright Nights, a theatrical production at the Historic (and haunted) Lowry House.

From an electric chair execution, to an interrogation during the Inquisition, guests will be walked through some of the darkest moments of the past.

In addition, staff will be telling the true story of the resident ghosts of the Lowry House, as well as playing footage of paranormal activity during an overnight stay.

Dates: October 16, 17, 23 and 24

Tennesee

Ruby Falls Haunted Cavern – Chattanooga, TN

If a walk through a dark creepy cave is more of your thing, Ruby Falls cavern has a three-part haunted experience for those that aren’t afraid to go underground.

Featuring werewolves, Nosferatu, and a murderous madman, the haunted cavern is perfect for anyone who is looking for a unique haunted house experience.

Just wear close toed shoes and prepare to get a little dirty!

Dates: Fridays through Sundays from September 25 to October 31

Nashville Nightmare – Hendersonville, TN

Rated one of the top haunted houses in Middle Tennessee, Nashville Nightmare has two haunted attractions for potential victims to experience.

Choose between the abandoned research facility in Night Terrors Haunted House (where guests are administered a small dose of “nightmare toxin”), or the boarded up high school at Horror High Haunted House.

Adrenaline junkies can visit both for double the terror.

Dates: Fridays through Sundays, with two Thursdays in October from September 18 to November 1

Creepy Hollow’s Haunted Woods – Spring Hill, TN 

Acres of terror awaits at Creepy Hollow’s Haunted Woods, including an 80 foot cave crawling with nightmares creatures and one terrifying abandoned bus ride.

If a walk through the woods leaves you begging for more, venture into the haunted barn or try to find your way in the new zombie maze.

Dates: Friday and Saturday nights, with two Thursdays in October, from September 25 to October 31

BONUS

Interactive Horror Movies at the Somerville Playhouse – Somerville, AL

The best way to describe this terrifying experience would be to say that a haunted house and a horror movie had a baby.

The Alabama theater Somerville Playhouse has come up with a whole new way to scare audiences – by combining horror movies, live actors, and special effects.

Each showing includes a pre-show with short horror films, and interactive horror movie with actors and special effects. Secret entrances allow access to movie-goers from all angles for added jump-scares.

Dates: Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights in October, a different horror movie is played each week