As the days get shorter and leaves start to hit the ground, many of us are ready for some spooky season fun. Luckily, there’s no shortage of ways to usher in Fall and Halloween here in Wheeling. Whether you want to experience a heart-pounding scare, or want to take in the autumnal foliage – there’s something for everyone to enjoy here in Wheeling. Here are 15 ways you can celebrate spooky season in Wheeling:
Take a Walk Through Tunnel Green
Taking a stroll through a beautiful, historic tunnel might not sound so scary at first thought. However, once you learn more history behind this famous Wheeling spot, you may change your mind.
It is said that in 1867, an immigrant named Alois Ulrich was murdered inside the tunnel. Newspaper records state he was murdered with a hatchet. The man who killed Ulrich, also known as the Hatchet Slayer, went on to be the last man to be executed by hanging in Wood County.
Many have claimed to see Ulrich’s ghost over the years, but none have been able to prove his spirit is still present. Maybe you could be the next person to see Ulrich inside Tunnel Green!
READ MORE: Myth or Legend? The Haunting of Tunnel Green Lives On
Enjoy a Haunted Movie and Dinner
The historic Towngate Theatre and Cinema in Downtown Wheeling always offers a great Fall experience with dinner and a movie.
This year, they are showing Beetlejuice with a full meal and popcorn all for $25. You also have the option to see the movie without a meal for just $8. The dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. with the movie promptly starting at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 22.
Get ready to see the combination of comedy and horror on the big screen as Beetlejuice annoys, disappoints and appalls all who hear his name.
This film is rated PG, so you can certainly bring the kiddos along for this classic Halloween movie. You can purchase tickets online at oionline.com.
Visit the Infernum In Terra Haunted House
Located at 4302 Jacobs Street in South Wheeling, this haunted house is making its annual reappearance with one goal in mind — to make your Halloween devastatingly terrifying.
With a theme of “Hell on Earth”, this haunted experience claims to be the scariest haunted house in the state of West Virginia. Expect to see a bloody, black-toothed bride, evil nuns and darkness that terrifies even the bravest – this is one event you’ll have to mentally prepare for.
This haunted attraction is available Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights from now through November 6. Times run from 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. with tickets starting at just $15 a person.
On-street parking is available and general admission tickets can be purchased at the gate. All VIP purchases must be made online and are $25 a ticket on their website.
Stage a Photoshoot at a Wheeling Cemetery
This has been a favorite amongst Wheeling locals and honestly, we love this idea! Get dressed up in your best witch or warlock costume and pick one of the cemeteries in and around Wheeling.
Some pointed black boots, a tall menacing witch’s hat and a little dark glitter go a long way with this one. A few cemeteries that are local to Wheeling include Greenwood Cemetery, Mount Wood Cemetery and Mount Calvary Cemetery. Smart phones have come such a long way that you can turn this fun adventure into a seriously well-done photo op.
If you feel like springing for an actual photographer, consider hiring local professionals who would love to shoot something fun and spooky.
Find All of Your Witchy Essentials at Dyagon Alley
In Downtown Wheeling, there is a hidden gem you must visit to discover magical stones, pentacle memorabilia, spirit boards and so much more.
At 24 Bridge Street, you will discover Dyagon Alley, which sells spooky and magical fixtures for home décor and even spells.
Dyagon Alley also offers art, weaponry, tarot cards and herbs. The options are endless at this little corner shop and if you decide to be brave and put your purchases to the test, who knows — maybe you will awaken a spirit.
Open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed on Tuesdays and Sundays, this will be your place to find just about anything to get yourself into the spooky mood this Fall.
Sip Seasonal Brews at the Stifel Fine Arts Center
The Stifel Fine Arts Center located on National Road is offering a Halloween Spooktacular this year for all the art and beer lovers out there.
Art and Ale: Halloween Spooktacular will be held on Oct. 23 at 7 p.m. Guests will enjoy assorted ales, including a vanilla porter, cherry sour, white as a ghost white stout, Helter Skeltzer hard seltzer, brown ale, extra special bitter, Die-P-A and blueberry seltzer.
For those less keen on sipping ales, there will also be butterbeer, wine and non-alcoholic drinks available with food included in the $35 admission price.
Those who arrive in a costume will also be automatically placed into a costume competition for a beer basket to take home with them at the end of the evening. You can purchase tickets online at oionline.com.
Go Crystal Shopping at Under the Elder Tree
Located in Historic Centre Market, Under the Elder Tree offers therapeutic massages, naturally made oils and unique, beautiful gemstones.
With an assortment of large and small gems and even more gemstone jewelry, the options are endless and don’t just stop at these stone ornaments. Under the Elder Tree also offers peaceful life retreats with three different spa rooms on location and even meditation classes.
Oracle card readings and Henna art classes are also on the menu at this Fall oasis.
You can stop in to Under the Elder Tree Wednesday from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. are open Thursday through Saturday with hours varying depending on the day. This one can be as spooky as you make it, so be sure to make it your own.
Enjoy the Outdoors at Grow OV’s Harvest Festival
Get ready for pumpkin picking and food vendors at Grow Ohio Valley’s annual Harvest Festival. Located at Lincoln Meadow, the views of Downtown Wheeling alone will give you the fall feels.
Live music and games will also be on deck, so be sure to bring the kiddos out for this one. This event will take place on Oct. 23 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 776 Grandview Street.
Festival entrance is free with limited parking, so carpooling is suggested.
Donations are welcome at the Harvest Festival and proceeds go to Grow OV in their efforts to provide healthy food for the people of West Virginia and improve its economic growth.
Halloween Party and Costume Contest at the 19th Hole
This one is a local favorite and never disappoints. The 19th Hole Bar will be hosting their annual Halloween party and costume contest on Oct. 28. You must have a valid drivers license upon entry and there is no charge to get into this event. This is a feel-good spot with people just happy to celebrate together with a live band in tow. You may want to reserve a table for this event as seating is limited. It is also highly encouraged that you establish a designated driver or plan to call a driving service. Its always more fun that way anyways!
Halloween Party and Costume Contest at River City Ale Works
Why just have one Halloween party when you can have two? River City Ale Works will also be hosting their annual Halloween Party and Costume Contest on Oct. 29. The grand prize for this event is a three-night stay in Daytona Beach, so you can imagine how steep the competition is. There will also be 12 additional prizes and a cash drop on the dance floor. Identification is required upon entry in addition to an entry charge.
Try on Costumes at Stages in Downtown Wheeling
At 1063 Main Street, you will find handmade costumes ranging from the renaissance to the mid 1900’s. The costumes at Stages can be purchased or rented depending on the piece and are loads of fun to try on during the season of fall.
Stages offers over 20,000 theatre quality costumes that are sure to impress for any event you have scheduled this season.
Take a Walk through Oglebay
As the colder months are about to roll in, you need to get in a beautiful walk through Oglebay. With the crisp air, the colors wistfully changing throughout the West Virginia hillsides and plenty of activities to do along the way, Oglebay is a must for a fall stroll. You can stop by Glassworks Bar and Grill for a bite to eat, grab a coffee near the Oglebay Mansion and even take the kids to run and laugh at the playground near the miniature golf course. Wrap yourself in a scarf and prepare to get your steps in because the sites are endless at this spot.
Bewitching Evening Paddleboard Yoga
Yes, you read that correctly! Grab your best witch outfit and head to the great outdoors for some paddleboard yoga with Linsday Schooler of Happy Goat Yoga. There will be two events hosted — the first will be located at Barkcamp State Park in Belmont, Ohio on Oct. 20 and the second on Oct. 31 at Friendship Parkin Rayland, Ohio. Both events begin at 5:30 p.m. No experience is required and they will provide you with a witch’s cape and hat if you do not bring your own. Please arrive early for the class as there will be photos taken before the event. According to Schooler, this event will be in honor of autumn, balancing masculine and feminine divine and in remembrance of wise women who have been silenced throughout history.
You can learn more and purchase tickets online here.
Enjoy a Stroll in North Wheeling
This one is a personal favorite thanks to all the beautiful Victorian homes throughout North Wheeling. Also referred to as Victorian Old Town, some of the homes in this neighborhood were built in the early 1800s and are full of character and charm. This is a great place to have an up-close look at Wheeling’s beautiful homes and don’t be surprised if you start chatting with someone about the neighborhood and they offer to show you around. Wheeling is known as the Friendly City for a reason and few people shy away at a chance to show off their community.
Visit Nicky’s Garden Center for an Afternoon of Fall Fun
This little Fall oasis is the perfect place to take the family for a day of pumpkin picking, flavored drinks, shopping for mums and even some yummy food. Take photos at the Snoopy pumpkin sign or let the kids play on the jungle gym just outside of the main door. Don’t feel like shopping for fall plants outside? You can also look at items for purchase inside, including fall scented candles, gifts and home décor. Feeling hungry? Nicky’s Garden Center has teamed up with Avenue Eats, so be sure to stop by their food truck for the best burger in the state.
READ MORE: Nicky’s Garden Center Offers Visitors More Than Just Plants
The options are endless when it comes to Fall activities in Wheeling. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and experience the best of the season!
• With a background in journalism and being a true Wheeling native, Jessica Broverman was destined to work with Weelunk. She holds a degree in journalism with a minor in criminal justice and works with Williams Lea Tag as a legal proofreader. When she isn’t typing away for Weelunk or WLT, she is enjoying a coffee at one of her many favorite spots in Wheeling, spending time with friends, or having fun with her husband Zachary and their two cats, Proctor and Max.
