Oct. 1, 2026, 7:03 p.m. ET
New York is aware of learn how to deal with Halloween. From haunted motels with ghostly encounters in upstate New York to spooky trolley excursions via Brooklyn’s neighborhoods, a number of seasonal choices throughout the Empire State have been named among the many greatest Halloween-themed within the nation by USA Right this moment readers.
The most recent 2026 USA Right this moment 10Best Readers’ Selection Awards have been revealed Wednesday. The most recent awards are targeted on Halloween and haunted occasions, points of interest and locations.
The awards spotlight the most effective in journey, foods and drinks, and life-style. Every week, USA Right this moment 10Best invitations a panel of trade consultants to appoint their favourite factors of curiosity and points of interest throughout a variety of classes.
Fainting Goat Island Inn
This former 1850s railroad lodge in Tioga County was named the greatest haunted lodge within the nation by USA Right this moment readers. The Fainting Goat Island Inn in Nichols is thought for its hauntings as quite a few ghostly encounters have been reported right here. The Haunted Historical past Path of New York famous that the inn’s visitor e book is “peppered with experiences that may ship a shiver down your backbone.” Visitors woken by voices and visions of ladies having tea, unexplained moved objects and different chilling encounters have additionally been repeatedly reported right here.
Lodge Saranac
Positioned in Saranac Lake, which spans Franklin and Essex counties within the Adirondacks, the Lodge Saranac rankedfifth amongst haunted motels by USA Right this moment readers. The historic lodge is sort of a century previous, is on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations and is positioned on the grounds of a former highschool. In response to native stories, the spirit of Howard Littell, the college’s superintendent, nonetheless roams the property. Different encounters at Lodge Saranac embody mysterious scratching sounds heard on the third flooring, a younger lady strolling on the fourth flooring and spectral singing heard on the lodge’s sixth flooring.
Madame Morbid’s Trolley Excursions
The true crime and darkish historical past tour of Brooklyn ranked seventh amongst ghost excursions nationwide by USA Right this moment readers, in line with the Readers; Selection Awards. Patrons journey previous cobblestone streets of Brooklyn onboard a Victorian trolley on Madame Morbid’s Trolley Tour, which lasts about 90 minutes. Hear tales primarily based on native lore and legend, while exploring the historic neighborhoods of: Park Slope, Williamsburg, Navy Yard, Cobble Hill, Brooklyn Bridge, Gowanus and Prospect Park.
