Historic Latta Plantation brings out the scary side of its history this October. Staff and volunteers will lead candle-lit “Ghost Tales in the Dark” tours Oct. 14, 15, 21 and 22 at 8, 9 and 10 p.m. Admission is $12 for the public and $6 for members. The North American Paranormal Society has done multiple investigations at the plantation, Latta Plantation Executive Director Nicole Cheslak said.  Guests will hear stories of their findings and experiences and Electronic Voice Phenomenon, which are strange noises picked up on recording devices, captured during those investigations. Call 704-875-2312 to register.
On Saturday, Oct. 15 the characters of Halloween’s history will come to Latta Plantation from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The plantation will present the history of witches compared with how witches are thought of today; Dracula and his real-life inspiration, Vlad the Impailer; Dr. Frankenstein’s monster; and the history of the lore surrounding jack-o-lanterns and black cats.

“A lot of people do not know the origins of Halloween and why these characters are part of our Halloween experience,” Cheslak said. “There is a lot more history there than people realize. Plus it’s a lot of fun.”

Visitors can learn Halloween baking in the old kitchen, hear stories, paint pumpkins and compete in a costume contest. Kids will trick-or-treat around the educational stations for candy or toys inspired by each station.

Ghost Walks will be led the Friday and Saturday before Halloween, Oct. 28 and 29, from 7 to 10 p.m. Admission is $8 a person. Members are admitted to the ghost walks for free. Students from Mount Mourne IB School will help with the walks filled with Civil War re-enactors and living spooky history.

“It’s fun, and it’s scary, but it’s also got history behind it,” Cheslak said. “People appreciate that and want to come back during the day to learn more.”

5225 Sample Road, Huntersville