North Carolina offers real life thrills and chills
Originally published at The Preternatural Post. Please leave any comments there.
On the North Carolina Coast, haunted attractions aren’t just Halloween events. They are part of the region’s rich history, vibrant economy and amazing culture. From Beaufort’s haunted houses to the legendary ghost soldiers still serving at Fort Macon to the Graveyard of the Atlantic where the Cape Lookout Lighthouse still watches over 2,000 sunken vessels, North Carolina’s Crystal Coast is a terrifyingly good choice for visitors interested in the preternatural, not just in October but all year round.
There are, however a couple of very good reasons to visit North Carolina during October 2012, namely the 2nd Annual Crystal Coast Con and the North Carolina “A-Scare-ium” Adult Costume Party.
Crystal Coast Con 2012
First and foremost is the 2nd Annual Crystal Coast Con on 20 October 2012. This year the sci-fi, fantasy and gaming event boasts real ghost hunters like Barry Fitzgerald (Ghost Hunters International) and London Knight, an expert on the Amityville horror house and founder of the paranormal center store in Petersburg, VA. Fans of the Twilight Saga can meet Jacob’s great great grandfather, Ephraim Black (also known as actor Rick Mora) while Buffy and Angel fans can greet the Ubervamp, the skin eating demon Gnarl and one of the Gentlemen (all also known as actor Camden Toy). Zombie fans won’t be disappointed either. Actor Michael Koske from The Walking Dead will also be on hand. And if you’re planning to try your hand at some special fx makeup for the A-Scare-ium Adult costume party, Greyson Wolf, who got his start making fangs for vampires will also be appearing.
Click to viewThe Crystal Coast Con is one of the more affordable Halloween events. Tickets are just $15 in advance or $20 at the door! If you’re in the area of Mac Daddy’s Family Entertainment Center in Cape Carteret, NC on 20 October, 2012, this frighteningly good con is one you won’t want to miss!
A-Scare-ium Adult Costume Party
Cosplayers and just those so-called adults who still enjoy playing dress up will want to head to the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knolls Shores on 27 October 2012 for a ghostly good time aboard a haunted pirate ship. Costumes are compulsory this evening but the best-dressed will win a folding Dahon Mu P8 bicycle valued at $900. How’s that for a sweet grown-up treat?
Since wine and beer made in North Carolina will be served, you must be 21 to attend the A-Scare-ium Adult Costume Party on 27 October 2012. Tickets are $18 per person or $35 per couple if purchased in advance or $20 per person and $40 per couple at the door.
Real Haunted Fun
The historic hideaways along the Southern Outer Banks of North Carolina offer a variety of haunting experiences from swashbuckling pirates to romantic mysteries to maritime triumphs and tragedies. Among the many destinations attracting travelers this October are:
- The Old Burying Grounds in Beaufort dates back to 1731. The weathered tombstones enshrouded by ancient live oaks in one of the oldest cemeteries in North Carolina represent the final resting places of characters from famous privateers (or pirates if you’re not being politically correct) to soldiers who fought in the Revolutionary War. Legend has it one young girl was even buried in a rum cask after dying at sea (Captain Jack Sparrow would be proud).
- Historic Beaufort is more than just a cemetery, however. Founded in 1709, the community is celebrating its 303rd birthday this year, making it older than many America vampires. The town is dotted with historic mansions, some dating back to the 18th Century. One house intrepid travelers will want to be sure to visit is the Hammock House. Not only were three Civil War soldier found buried under the porch, but the legendary pirate Blackbeard is said to have hung a young woman from a live oak tree on the property. Local lore has it that all four have lingered to this day.
- Fort Macon was originally designed to protect Beaufort and its harbor. The five-sided fort changed hands several times during the Civil War and also served during World War II when it protected a number of important facilities nearby. The soldiers stationed there took their job so seriously that many still remain even after a multi-million dollar renovation. Ghostly soldiers aren’t the only ones hanging around, the crew of the Queen Anne’s Revenge, Blackbeard’s feared pirate ship, may have remained here as well after they scuttled and abandoned their legendary vessel.
- Other survivors of Spanish galleons sunk off the Outer Banks still roam the Shackleford Banks only these were never human. For more than 400 years, wild Spanish Mustangs have called the nine-mile long island home. In fact, they are the island’s only permanent residents.
- The Cape Lookout Lighthouse still stands lonely guard over the dangerous coastal waters that have been the death of more than 2,000 vessels and many of their crew members. For more than 150 years, this solitary light has warned passing ships that here lies the Graveyard of the Atlantic and a wreck diver’s dream.
These are just a few of the events and adventures awaiting visitors among the multitude of islands strung like a string of pearls along 85 miles of the coast of North Carolina. Together they represent one of the only natural barrier island systems remaining in the world. In other words: experience them before they too become legends of the past.