Halloween is just around the corner, and there’s no better to celebrate than to attend some of the area’s “scariest” Halloween events. From haunted houses and wax museums to pumpkin patches and family-friendly hayrides, here’s five haunted Halloween attractions found in Upstate New York.

1. Double M Haunted Hayrides

Double M Haunted Hayrides in Ballston Spa–the Capital District’s #1 Haunted Attraction–celebrates its 20th Anniversary this year. To honor this milestone, Double M has built a brand new haunted house, and has renovated the other attractions for a total of four terrifying experiences. $20 per person includes the Haunted Hayride, Clown CarnEvil, Nightmare Manor and Caged! Reservations are required for this event, which runs Thursday-Sunday evenings in October.  Double M also features daytime hayrides and corn maze journeys suitable for families with little ones. Family activities are available Saturdays and Sundays in October from 11 a.m. -4 p.m. and Thursday and Friday by reservation for groups of 20 or more.

2. Dr. Morbid’s Haunted House

Dr. Morbid, his haunted house, and the House of Frankenstein’s wax museum await you in Lake George. Locals know him as the “Mad Waxmaker,” and Dr. Willy S. Morbid is said to have used bizarre methods when filling his waxworks with statues. He welcomes you to his estate, but children and parents beware, this haunted attraction is not for the faint of heart. Entry is $8.99 for adults, $7.99 for students 13-17 and $4.49 for children 6-12. The haunted house is open Saturdays from noon-9 p.m. in October and on Halloween from noon-9 p.m.

3. Kevin McCurdy’s Haunted Mansion

Kevin McCurdy’s Haunted Mansion in Poughkeepsie is one of New York’s oldest Halloween traditions. Opened in 1977, the Mansion features a new theme every year to ensure the most haunting experience. 2010 introduces The Madness.  The year is 1950 and the asylum is testing a new treatment on the most insane patients. Unfortunately, there are side effects. You will participate in ways like never before! General admission is $22. The Mansion is open Fridays and Saturdays from  7 p.m.-midnight in October and Sundays 6-9 p.m., and Thursday, October 28 from 7-10 p.m.

4. Schuyler Farms’ Field of Screams

Schuyler Farms in Schuylerville has it all–an intricate corn maze, pumpkin patch, petting zoo and a haunted hay maze in the “Field of Screams” for those seeking a scarier experience. The farm is a great Halloween outing for the whole family. The haunted maze is open Friday and Saturday evenings in October. Hayrides to the pumpkin patch are free with purchase of a pumpkin.

5. Schauber Stables’ Spooktacular Interactive Haunted Hay Rides

Schauber Stables, LLC in Ballston Lake features haunted hay rides and special “Spooktacular Interactive Haunted Hay Rides” throughout October. Regular haunted hay rides are $8 per person and run from 6-10 p.m. Fridays-Sundays. Interactive haunted hay rides (with dressed up characters and animals) run Saturdays and Sundays from 3-6 p.m. Beware, some say the old Schauber Woods are haunted by witches, goblins, and some very disgruntled chainsaw carrying ghouls.

Ithaca, a college town in upstate New York, is known for its educated population.  There are several universities in the area (most notably Cornell University), meaning that there is a high concentration of PhDs.  It is no surprise,  then, that even the town’s festivities are center around intellectual and educational themes.

From January 21st to January 24th, A Light in Winter, Ithaca’s festival of science and the arts, will take place at venues throughout town.  Many of the more than 2 dozen events will center around the science of creative endeavors.

The highlight will come on the final day of the festival when celeb chef Tammy Travis will run a seminar about the science (and practice) of using chocolate in cooking and baking.  Local Cornell faculty members will also be a part of the presentation, offering nutritional and cultural insight into the phenomenon of cocoa.  Tickets to this event cost $15 and seating is limited.

Visitors can also get their nerd on at lectures like the Calculus of Friendship and the Physics of Juggling.  Less-math-centered events like dance and music performances and a beer-themed lecture are also on the agenda.  A complete list of events can be found on the Light in Winter calendar page.

As with many college towns, there are plenty of places to stay in Ithaca.  The Hilton Garden Inn is offering a discounted rate of $119 per night during the late January festivities.  Would-be guests who want to take advantage of this offer need to use the promo code LIW1 when booking at 607-277-8900.

The Statler Hotel is offering a $125 per night rate to festival attendees who book two nights.  Details for the Statler’s promotion and other accommodation options can be found via the Light in Winter web site.

San Diego whale-watching, Ski packages in upstate NY, last-minute travel deals from Southwest for Thanksgiving, half-price rooms inthe Fairmont Le Château Frontenac in Québec, and much much more in today’s travel podcast.