Local Scares on a Budget!

Tis' the season. Looking for inexpensive ways to welcome in Halloween? Look no further then CT. For that matter look no further than Middletown. Middletown boasts some terrific photo opportunities this time of year in some public places. Keep in mind trespassing laws, (gravestone rubbing is illegal and very damaging), and respect for the beliefs of others. However, the places listed below- are pretty dead quiet....

This first photo is from the graveyard near Connecticut Valley Hospital in south Middletown. Over 100 numbered graves can be found here, mostly those of patients from the 19th century. The landscape is home to quite a few century old oaks with intriguing scars. Take note of the great architecture of the older, fenced-off buildings of CVH towards the center of the campus, if you are into black & white photography, this can't be missed. Shots can be taken from your vehicle.

Central Middletown has great views to capture as well. The image to the right was taken in Indian Hill Cemetery-- and believe it or not on a bright sunny day. To create this image we used a technique called "high dynamic range image." Color correction brings out the luminance of shadows. There are many free widget applications that can be downloaded can re create this technique.

A scene from a horror movie? Not really. This shot was also taken at Indian Hill, through the window of one of the crypts. (photos , J.Drosdeck & M. Salafia 2008)

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Borrow vs Renting A Movie: If you are the type that isn't into the Saw series or mainstream slasher flicks, check out these finds at Russel Library for an offbeat scare. Check the foreign section!

My top 3 from the Library are:

1. Wendigo (American, Canadian)

2. A Tale of Two Sisters Janghwa, Hongryeon (Korean)

3. Ringu (Japanese)

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For thrills under $10:

Graveyard Express – East Haven, CT

Now through October 25, 2008

Dare to ride the haunted trolley and expect the unexpected. Location: Shore Line Trolley Museum, 17 River Street. Dates: October 17-18 and 24-25. Time: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Cost: $10 per person; $8 if in costume.

Information: 203-467-6927 or visit www.bera.org/

Lantern Tour – Suffield

October 24, 2008 to October 25, 2008

Stroll the town’s North Main Street by lamplight and learn about the history of the town’s center.

Location: Phelps-Hathaway House, Route 75. Time: 6:45 p.m. Cost: $5. Information: 860-668-0055 or visit www.ctlandmarks.org

Haunted History Lantern Tour – Hartford

October 24, 2008

Meet some of Hartford’s 19th century notables as you tour the cemetery by lantern light.

Location: Cedar Hill Cemetery,453 Fairfield Avenue Time: 7-9 p.m. 860-956-3311 or visit www.cedarhillcemetery.org

Spirits of Old Wethersfield House Tours -- Wethersfield

October 24, 2008 to October 25, 2008. During the guided candlelight tour of the three homes, visitors will learn about 19th-century mourning customs as a family attempts to cope with the loss of a loved one.. Keep your eyes and ears open as you tour the homes. Rumor has it they might actually be haunted. Location: Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum, 211 Main Street. Time: 6:30-10 p.m. Cost: Adults, $10; children, $8 860-529-0612 ext. 12 or visit www.webb-deane-stevens.org/

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Free & Specifically For Children:

Kiwanis Club of Middletown: Annual Halloween Parade :will be held Monday, October 20, 2008 with a rain date set for Tuesday October 21st. The parade will form at Hoffer Park beginning at 6:15 p.m. and will start marching at 7:00 p.m.http://www.middletownkiwanis.org/middletown/

Park & Rec Sponsored Halloween Parade, Oct. 31, 1 to 4:30 p.m. (up to age 12), free to Middletown residents, downtown.