We’re quickly approaching October, and it’s almost time for all things scary. With Halloween comes horror flicks, haunted houses/hayrides, apple orchards, and costume parties. Out of that list, it’s hard to choose which is my most favorite weekend hobby during the autumn season, so instead, I’ll give you a taste of each category.

1. Horror Flicks

If you’re looking for classic horror films, there are a few you absolutely have to check out.

Nosferatu (1922);  Directed by F.W. Murnau

Frankenstein (1931); Directed by James Whale; Starring Boris Karloff

Night of the Living Dead (1968); Directed by George A. Romero

Evil Dead (1981); Directed by Sam Raimi

Pet Sematary (1989); Directed by Mary Lambert

Here are some recent horror flicks you can rent now or check out in theatres soon.

The Last Exorcism (2010); Directed by Daniel Stamm

Devil (2010); Directed by Erick Dowdle

The Dead (2010); Directed by Howard and Jonathan Ford

Paranormal Activity 2 (2010); Directed by Tod Williams

2. Haunted Houses/Hayrides

Here are a few of the best haunted houses/hayrides I’ve been to and want to go to this year.

Haunted Detroit Tours

Tour of historical sites and gives you ghost-hunting gear like infra-red thermometers and EMF detectors. $35 per person.

http://www.haunteddetroittours.com/

Urban Legends: 666 Haunted House

9810 E 8 Mile Rd., Detroit, MI 48205

Haunted House now in 3D

$25 per person

http://www.moneybackhauntedhouse.com/

Cass Community Detroit Urban Legends

3901 Cass Ave., Detroit, MI 48201

Two floors of terror

$10 for adults, $8 for children

*This one is awesome because funds are raised by Cass Community Social Services and used to help homeless women and children.

http://www.myspace.com/casscommunityhauntedhouse

3. Apple Orchards/Cider Mills

I make it a point to go to a few different apple orchards every year for fresh fruit, cider, and donuts. If you’re looking for a variety of orchards to visit this year, here’s a few I’ve visited.

Blake’s Apple Orchard

17985 Armada Center Road, Armada, MI 48005

U-Pick Apples, raspberries, pumpkins and sweet corn are in season.

Barnyard Funland open for kids daily from 10am-6pm

Cider mill with cider, donuts, fruit, and other foods

http://www.blakefarms.com/index.php

Miller’s Big Red Greenhouses & Cider Mill

4900 32 Mile Rd., Washington, MI 48095

U-Pick Apples, raspberries and pumpkins

Petting Farm

Ice cream parlor

http://www.millers-bigred.com/

Westview Orchards and Cider Mill

65075 Van Dyke, Romeo, MI 48095

U-Pick Apples and pumpkins

Farm Market

Bakery

http://www.westvieworchards.com/

4. Halloween Parties

What’s more fun than dressing up and partying with your friends? Every year, costume parties are held all over Detroit. Here is a short list of some I wouldn’t mind dropping in on.

Atwater Block Brewery Halloween Party

237 Joseph Campau St., Detroit, MI

Saturday, October 30, 2010

8:00pm-2:00am

Detroit Fanfare Zombie Walk

600 Town Center Drive, Detroit, MI

Saturday, October 30, 2010

8:00am-10am

All Ages

Dress like a zombie!

Stage Fright at Stage 3

27500 Donald Ct., Warren, MI

Friday, October 29, 2010

8:00pm-2:00am

A costume party to celebrate Michigan’s film industry in one of our largest film studios.

Baker’s Keyboard Lounge Halloween Party

20510 Livernois Ave., Detroit, MI

8:00pm-2:00am

Detroit Fanfare Comic Con

Hyatt Regency Dearborn

600 Town Drive, Detroit, MI

10:00am-2:00am

$10 adults, $5 kids

And there we have it. The best Halloween activities to enjoy in and around Detroit. Hope to see you there!