Spooky Fall Guide

ACTIVITY

Stony Brook Grist Mill

The original Grist Mill was built in 1699, then a flood washed away the building completely in the 1700s. Reconstruction began in 1751 and the mill has stood ever since. It has been reported that there have been sightings of a man in colonial clothing appear and then vanish, and others have heard screaming on the grounds.

LUNCH

Country House Restaurant 

Originally a home and farm, this Stony Brook property was used during the American Revolution to house British troops. It is told that Annette Williamson was left in the home while her family was gone and the British took it over. The town then branded her as a spy and killed her. To this day, legend has it that she is buried in a small grave on the property. She is now said to haunt the kitchen and stairway, crying out, messing with light bulbs, and moving objects to gain the attention of guests.

ACTIVITY

Smithtown Armory

Built in 1961, the Smithtown Armory stored and issued arms, ammunition and repaired equipment. It also stationed several squadrons and the 71st infantry for a brief time. The armory was closed in 1991 and sold in 1992 to the Town of Nesconset. In 2010, it was converted into the Nesconset branch of the Smithtown Library. Since reopening, visitors have reported cold spots in the library and felt as though they were being watched. There have also been reports of soldiers walking about the facility and vanishing into thin air.

ACTIVITY

Katie’s of Smithtown

Now a popular bar, the location served as a hospital in the late 19th century. The hospital burned to the ground in 1909. In the 1920s during Prohibition, the property was converted to a speakeasy, local Charlie Klein worked there as a bartender and bootlegger before killing himself. Now the spirits of the hospital and speakeasy are said to inhabit Katie’s with figures wandering the bar, jumping to the basement stairs, banging noises in a vacant bathroom and footsteps. Guests have also been seen flying abruptly off tables and chairs.

Lunch

D.S. Shanahan’s

A local bar, located just outside of the Kings Park Psychiatric Center is home to many hauntings. A female spirit allegedly appears at the bar frequently but quickly disappears when approached. At the psych center, there are reports of screams and ghosts, rattling of chains and unexplained whispers. Access inside the buildings is now prohibited, but local roads and paths allow for a look at their creepy exterior.

ACTIVITY

Mary’s Grave

Mary’s Grave is a Long Island icon and one of the most haunted locations in the region, although there is little agreement on where the grave actually is as stories tell different legends. Several locations cited in the past include Head of the Harbor, Huntington, Stony Brook and Mount Sinai, but the most concrete location is listed as being on Shep Jones Road in St. James. Uncover the many stories and find the grave.

ACTIVITY

Sweet Hollow Road, Mt. Misery Road, and Jayne’s Hill

Gutsy enough to conduct your own paranormal research? Take a drive down Sweet Hollow Road and Mt. Misery Road in Huntington. Records dating back to the earliest settlements and even modern local testimony states that these are some of the most haunted areas of Long Island. Heading west on Sweet Hollow Road, you will eventually turn south onto Mt Misery Road, which leads to Jayne’s Hill (also known as High Hill). Legend has it that the natives believed that this area was home to a Thunderbird. While present-day Long Islanders haven’t run into this mythological creature, they do tell tales of other spooky happenings. Many will drive to the intersection of Mt. Misery Road and Sweet Hollow Road and before getting to the infamous bridge, they’ll stop to shake baby powder on the back of the bumper and turn off the car’s engine. It is said that people who have done this have felt their car being pushed by forces outside of this realm, some have even caught what looks like tiny handprints imprinted in the powder.

These tales are as old as time, so if you decide to test it out for yourself, make sure to tag #DiscoverLongIsland on any photos you share on social so we can come along for your ghostly encounter!

DINNER

Haunted House of Hamburgers

Enjoy delicious hamburger, appetizers, green salads, hot soups and more at Long Island's only Halloween-themed restaurant.

ACTIVITY

Chambers of Hell

Visit Chambers of Hell and go through world-class haunted houses, play escape rooms and then the laugh or scream in their Horror Dance Lounge.

ACTIVITY

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze is located at Old Bethpage Village Restoration. Typically starting in September and running through November, visitors can bask in the sight of thousands of hand-carved pumpkins in a massive light-up display set to spooky tunes. Tickets are required in advance, see site for details.