Get into the Halloween Spirit in NYC
Halloween is just around the corner, and if you aren’t in the spirit yet, perhaps these spooky places around the city will get you in the mood for some Halloween fun. Given the rich history of New York City and the different dynamics of each neighborhood, it is no surprise that haunted buildings can be found from Battery Park City to Washington Heights.
We’ve rounded up some of the best known haunted buildings in New York City and the surrounding areas….stroll by if you dare! Check out some ideas of how to celebrate and one of our favorite new developments near the famed parade route!
The Dakota:
The storied Upper West Side apartment building might have more guests than the residents. The building was the setting for the 1968 Roman Polanski film, Rosemary’s Baby, and the site where John Lennon was shot to death in 1980. Over the year since, there have been various accounts by workers and residents seeing John Lennon’s ghost and little girl wandering the halls.
1 West 72nd Street
The House of Death:
The name says it all! The building located at 14 W. 10th Street is dubbed the most haunted building in New York. Mark Twain was a resident from 1900-1901 and recounted having supernatural experiences at the building over a century ago. The building was the site of Joel Steinberg’s beating and killing of his adopted daughter in 1987. Stories say a little girl can be seen wandering the halls and around the building.
14 W. 10th Street
Hotel Chelsea:
The iconic Hotel Chelsea, a favorite among cultural stars over the decades, is said to be home to many ghosts. The hotel was the setting for the gruesome murder of Nancy Spungen. Nancy was the girlfriend of Sex Pistols bassist Sid Vicious. They had a very tumultuous relationship centered around drug abuse. Sid murdered his girlfriend in room 100 of Hotel Chelsea and later died in the hotel from a heroin overdose. It is said that, perhaps, the couple never left the hotel.
222 W. 23rd Street
The Manhattan Well:
The Manhattan Well, today home to clothing store COS, was the site of an 18th century murder that caused one of the greatest scandals of New York society at the time. The story says that in 1800 Gulielma Sands was found at the bottom of the Manhattan Well, said to have been impregnated by Levi Wells he was later accused of her murder. The well was filled in but later rediscovered in 1980. The site was formerly a restaurant and now a clothing store. In fact, the well is visible on the lower level of the COS store, with store mannequins positioned right by it. Visitors say Sands’s spirit still lingers on the property.
129 Spring Street
Amityville Horror House:
Located approximately 2 hours outside of New York is Amityville on the south shore of Long Island. Amityville is the setting for the series of horror movies and books entitled “The Amityville Horror.” The story is based on the Lutz family’s purchase of the home from the DeoFeos. The home sat empty for 13 months after Mr. DeFeo murdered six members of his family in the home. The Lutz said after moving into the home, their children started acting erratically and flies filled the home. Ultimately, the Lutz family only last 28 days in the home.
112 Ocean Avenue, Amityville, New York.
What To Do in New York for Halloween 2016
Halloween is very popular in New York City, so finding something to do to celebrate can be daunting is there are so many events from which to choose. Below, we have curated a small list of some of the top events for Halloween 2016 in the city.
Supercinema’s Inferno at The McKittrick Hotel
A Halloween dance party at the location of the popular Sleep No More. This year’s party is themed “A Monster Dance Party”, drawing inspiration from some of the most classic monster movies of all time. Upon registering for tickets, guests must select from a list of curated monster costumes. Note: you must show up in costume! The party includes live performances, DJs, and an open bar all night.
530 W. 27th Street
Blood Manor
If you are looking for pure fright, this is the event for you. Blood Manor, currently in its 10th year, has been dubbed NYC’s premier haunted house. It is comprised of over 5,000 square feet of horrors, guts, and creepy clowns...and of course, blood. This year, a new disorienting 3-D room has been added to up the fright!
Note: This haunted house has been deemed too scary for children under 14
163 Varick Street
Boo at the Zoo- The Bronx Zoo
The Bronx Zoo is the perfect place to go in the month of October if you have little ones. Boo at the Zoo will be running on weekends October 1-30th. The event includes a myriad of fun activities for the family to enjoy from a large display of Jack O’lantern creatures to a costume parade and hay maze.
2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx NY
Village Halloween Parade
The village Halloween parade is, perhaps, the pinnacle of the holiday in the city. The village parade is the largest Halloween parade in the world, and one of the biggest participatory events. The parade will include hundreds of costumes, bands, and dancers. The event is best known for its “anything goes” attitude, so you never know what you will see strolling up 6th avenue in the parade! The parade starts at 7pm, but plan to get there significantly earlier to scout at a seat along the parade route as it gets completely packed.
Looking to participate? You must show up in costume and line up at Canal Street and 6th Avenue
Parade Route: 6th Avenue between Spring and 16th Streets
The Shephard- Life In the Heart of the West Village
Moments from the parade route is one of the hottest new developments in the West Village, The Shephard. Located at 275 W. 10th Street, The Shepard represents a quintessential west village living experience. From its unique carriage house entrance to its vaulted ceilings and arched windows, the residences at The Shephard simply feel like home.
The Shephard recently celebrated the launch of its model residence, and The Victoria Shtainer Team was in attendance to experience the residence first-hand. The model residence, design by Huniford Design Studio is warm and inviting, with natural tones throughout the apartment. The residences at The Shephard feature generous eat-in kitchens and oversized master baths.
Photos: Michael Ostuni & The Victoria Shtainer Team
For updated availability or to schedule your private showing at The Shephard, please contact The Victoria Shtainer Team.