Once again there is a nip in the air, the leaves are turning and it is time once again to visit the magical, mythical town of Hauntsville. As always the residents are preparing for the big day at the end of October when witches fly and ghosts float through the air. Let's take a little tour of Hauntsville 2010.
As we come over the crest of the hill we get our first glimpse of Hauntsville. From this view I can see that folks in the neighborhood are getting their houses decorated for Halloween. Let take a closer look.
No Halloween would be complete without a visit to the Pumpkin Patch, hdere is where the magic and funof the season begins. I see Emma is still carving her masterpieces to sell to the residents. She looks to have some real beauties growing the in patch.
Looks like Emma decided to convert that old barn into a Haunted fun house this year. Bet the children of Haunstville will enjoy that treat.
The Henderson's house on Front Street always has special decorations for the season. I see that they have some new yard pieces for this year.
As we turn up Maple Street we can see that the entire neighborhood is really into the spirit of the season
Looks like the Michaels put a bit of creativity into their pumpkin display.
I hope that Jimmy Wilson get all those leaves raked up in time to get to go Trick or Treating.
I see someone has moved into the old frame house at the end of Maple Street. Apparently the roof still needs some fixing and this family doesn't seem to be anymore "friendly" than the previous one.
One of the best reasons to come to Hauntsville every year is to get some of The Steen's fresh gathered pure Maple Syrup. The grove has been producing syrup for over 100 years. As we enter the grove I notice that the Steens have a new entrance gate and I can see the pails on the trees gathering that fress syrup.
As long as we are stopping at Steen's we might as well stop at Moggins General Store. He always has fresh farm produce and some of the sweetest corn you will ever taste. It is just great for roasting over an open fire.
It looks like Mr. Moggins has a new seasonal customer for his special fall brew.
When in Hauntsville one of my favorite stops is the Chapman's Cider House. Each fall Mr. Chapman sells the best red apples and makes a great sweet apple cider.
Back on Front Street, we can head for Hauntsville bustling business district. A highlight of any visit to this little town.
Well look at that! Emma's pumpkins must have really been productive this year. Just look at the wagon loaded with fresh pumpkins and heading to neighboring town. Did you notice that Emma's husband and son have a new hired hand going along to help with the unloading?
On our way to town we will pass the old Barkley house. It belonged to the town's founding family. It is a town landmark but I do wish they'd do something about those darn bats that always seem to be flying around the front yard.
Every fall the town sponsors an evening haywagon ride for the kids. Growing up it was one of the things I always looked forward to each fall. Here in Hauntsville the ride always promises to take the children to Witch Alley to see if the children can spot any witches on their brooms. We never saw any, wonder if the children will see any this year?
Let's head up town and see what is happening tonight in Hauntsville.
The Old Curiosity Shoppe has been selling antiques and other "treasures" as long as Ihave been coming to Hauntsville. For those who can remember, there are copies of the old Saturday Evening Post magazine with the wonderful Norman Rockwell covers.
Right next to the Curiosity Shoppe is the town theatre. The theatre is always closed on Halloween night, since the town children are out Trick or Treating. However, it seems as if there is a show going on tonight. Looks like the show is just getting out now.
The town undertaker used to be old Mordicai Mould, but I hear he has sold the business. The new owner is said to be a friendly sort, but folks say he is really a big man and sort of frightens clients half to death. You just have to love those decorative lights in front of the building.
At the head of Main Street is the town Plaza. The original Hotel The (Shiver Me) Timbers, stands on the right of the plaza. The sturcture is over 100 years old and used to be used for a stage stop. The Hotel is said to have a resident ghost, but few have ever seen it.
On the left side of the plaza stands All Souls Church. It is a wonderful old Gothic structure and reminds me of the old world churches of Germany.
Mr. Moggin not only runs the General Store, but he has been growing grapes and producing a fine local wine. Folks come from far and wide to sample the vintage. In recent years he has opened a Wine and Spirit shop on Main Street. Tonight however, it seems that there are more than one kind of spirit involved with the store.
The final shop on Main Street is the old book story. Marian, the book seller once sold an original copy of Sleepy Hollow that was found in the attic of the Timbers Hotel.
It might be Halloween, but love is always in the air. Checkout the happy couple sharing a bottle of champagne in the town gazebo.
This time of year it is always fun to people watch as you go through town. Some people certainly have some interesting costumes. I also see Mr. Wilson is sharing his newspaper with someone new in town.
Let's continue by taking a walk through Old Town--the Spooky Side of Town. . . watch your step. Click tghe pumpkins below to visit Old Town.
