Tag: Long Island

Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe: 20 Haunted Houses In and Around NYC to Brave This Halloween

Spooky season is officially here, and New York doesn’t do Halloween halfway. From massive professional scare attractions to elaborate home haunts tucked away in quiet neighborhoods, the five boroughs and beyond are stacked with places built to make you scream — the good kind.

Some of these are full walkthroughs with live actors, animatronics and jump scares. Others are residential home haunts that neighbors spend all year perfecting. Either way, here’s where to get your fix this October.

Manhattan: Blood Manor

Blood Manor is the name that comes up every year in conversations about NYC’s scariest walkthroughs, and this season is no different. This Manhattan haunt is one of the city’s best-known professional scare attractions, packed with live actors and detailed sets. If you only brave one haunted house this year, plenty of locals would point you here.

Brooklyn: Ridgewood Asylum

Over in Brooklyn, Ridgewood Asylum delivers the full asylum-horror experience — dark corridors, live performers and the kind of jump scares that stick with you on the subway ride home. It has a loyal following among Brooklyn horror fans who go back year after year.

Queens: A Haunting in Hollis

Queens gets its frights from A Haunting in Hollis, a homegrown haunt that has become a neighborhood staple. It’s the kind of place that reminds you the scariest experiences sometimes live on a regular residential block.

The Bronx: Fright on Flint

The Bronx brings Fright on Flint to the lineup. Home haunts like this one are the heart of NYC Halloween — built by hand, run with love (and a love of scaring people), and every bit as intense as the big-ticket attractions.

Staten Island: Twisted Trails

Staten Island’s Twisted Trails takes the scares outdoors, where the darkness does half the work. Add in the borough’s legendary home haunts — Staten Island has some of the most over-the-top residential displays in the city — and you’ve got a full night of frights on one island.

Long Island: Bayville Scream Park

Just past the city line, Bayville Scream Park goes big: a full scream park experience with multiple attractions, live actors and the works. It’s worth the trip if you want a whole evening built around getting scared.

New Jersey: Brighton Asylum

Across the Hudson, Brighton Asylum rounds out the list for anyone willing to cross state lines for their frights. New Jersey’s haunt scene punches well above its weight, and this one is a favorite.

Don’t Sleep on the Home Haunts

Beyond the big names, there are wild home haunts scattered across Staten Island, Queens and Long Island — elaborate residential setups that rival professional productions. Part of the fun is discovering them: follow local haunt maps and community pages, and plan a drive-by night to see how far your neighbors are willing to go.

Whether you’re into professional scare mazes or grassroots garage haunts, this is the month to get out there. Bring a friend — you’ll want someone to grab onto. And if you’re planning a full fall itinerary, save the dates for NYC’s 2026 holiday tree and lights celebrations coming right after spooky season, or check what else is happening around the city this week.

Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe: Southampton Animal Shelter Advances Vital Upgrades for East End Animals

The Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation undertakes a major modernization effort to strengthen its mission of open-admission care across the East End. PR Guru Norah Lawlor emphasizes the importance of the organization.

The Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation has entered a decisive new chapter marked by essential repairs, environmental upgrades, and a commitment to secure the long-term stability of one of Long Island’s most relied-upon community resources. As work moves forward on restoring and modernizing the structure that has supported countless animals for more than twenty-six years, the Foundation continues to uphold its role as an open-admission shelter serving every animal in need throughout the East End.

The Foundation has operated the shelter for sixteen years, and throughout that time its work has expanded across Southampton’s eighteen hamlets and seven incorporated villages. This growth, paired with rising community need, has made the current modernization project a necessary investment. The aging building and its systems required attention that would uphold current environmental standards and protect the integrity of a mission rooted in unconditional care.

Central to the project is the replacement of the outdated sewerage and sanitation systems. These systems have been in place since the facility’s original construction and now require complete renewal to meet modern requirements. The Foundation has taken on the responsibility of this infrastructure overhaul through a mixture of grants, matched funding, and community support.

The broader plan also includes renewed flooring, upgraded public-facing areas, and thoughtful improvements to animal care spaces to ensure comfort, safety, and efficiency. These repairs respond to the needs of a shelter that accepts every animal regardless of breed, age, health, or circumstance. This open-admission approach makes the Foundation a rare and vital resource for residents across the East End who depend on its readiness and compassion.

As the work began on October 1, 2025, the entire operation moved into temporary facilities to allow renovation without interrupting care. Cats currently available for adoption are housed at a property in Southampton, while dogs are living in temporary kennels in the shelter parking lot and at an additional location in Westhampton. This relocation ensures continuity during a complex construction phase expected to last until spring 2026.

The project represents an anticipated out-of-pocket expense of more than three hundred fifty thousand dollars for the Foundation. This investment is viewed as essential for long-term sustainability. The upgraded systems will reduce the organization’s environmental footprint and improve overall waste and energy efficiency, aligning the shelter with updated directives across the region.

Executive Director Chris Teakle provides leadership throughout this period of transition. His role includes ensuring that operations proceed smoothly while maintaining the standards of care that define the Foundation. His presence at the shelter and engagement with staff, volunteers, and community supporters reinforces the organization’s dedication to humane and sustainable service.

Beyond infrastructure, the upgrade program supports the continuation of core services that reach far beyond the walls of the shelter. These include rescue operations, community education, and veterinary outreach that benefit both animals and residents. The Foundation’s presence at local events, such as the July Fourth parade, underscores its active role in community life, supported by dedicated volunteers who contribute time and energy throughout the year.

The Foundation’s no-kill philosophy guides every decision, including the development of improved spaces for training, behavior work, and rehabilitation. These programs prepare animals for adoption and create opportunities for successful transitions into stable homes. This work has increased adoption rates significantly since 2010, supported by a low-cost veterinary clinic that offers medical evaluations, ongoing care, spay and neuter services, microchipping, and vaccinations.

The clinic operates alongside the training and behavior department, which applies a respected program for socializing and integrating shelter dogs. By emphasizing consistency and support, the department increases the likelihood of successful placements. Each service offered by the Foundation advances its commitment to giving every animal a chance at a secure future.

The modernization project also enhances the visitor experience. Improvements to public areas are designed to create a welcoming environment for individuals and families seeking to adopt. These upgrades strengthen the connection between the shelter and the community, reinforcing a partnership that has been central to the Foundation’s work for more than a decade.

As a community-led nonprofit, the Foundation relies heavily on volunteers and supporters who contribute to daily operations and special initiatives. Their commitment remains visible during this renovation period as they continue to assist with animal care, events, and administrative needs. Their involvement reflects the communal spirit that keeps the shelter active and responsive.

The Foundation’s rescue efforts extend across Long Island, New York City, and other regions when urgent cases arise. These rescues bring animals from challenging circumstances to a place where they can receive medical treatment, behavioral support, and the stability needed for recovery. The upgrade program strengthens the facility’s capacity to manage this important work.

The renovation also ensures the shelter can respond effectively to future environmental and regulatory changes. By implementing modern systems now, the Foundation positions itself to serve the East End for many decades with improved reliability and safety.

The temporary relocation of animals has required careful planning, and the staff has coordinated transitions that minimize disruption to daily routines. Cats have settled into their new location in Southampton, while the temporary kennels for dogs keep them close to the main shelter site. The additional Westhampton space provides flexibility during construction.

Throughout the project, the Foundation remains open for adoptions and welcomes the community to meet animals currently in care. This continued operation helps maintain the flow of placements that free space for incoming animals and support overall population management.

Work on the interior will bring fresh flooring, renewed walls, and updated lighting. These functional improvements create a cleaner, healthier environment that benefits both animals and staff. Upgrades to exterior areas will also contribute to improved circulation and outdoor care opportunities.

The Foundation’s leadership has encouraged residents, donors, and local businesses to participate in this effort. Contributions help offset significant project costs and demonstrate the community’s shared responsibility for the region’s animals. Support at every level strengthens the Foundation’s resilience.

Lawlor Media Group serves as the press contact for the Foundation, with Norah Lawlor coordinating communications during the renovation period. Her work ensures that residents and supporters stay informed about progress and ongoing needs.

As the project advances, the Foundation continues to highlight the many individuals who sustain its mission. Staff members, volunteers, trainers, veterinarians, foster families, and community partners all play essential roles in shaping the shelter’s daily life.

The images provided by the Foundation, including those of volunteers and scenes from community events, illustrate the range of activity that continues even during renovation. They also document the repairs themselves, such as work on sewerage systems and interior renewal.

The photograph of Executive Director Chris Teakle with a shelter dog further reflects the care that drives every decision in this phase of rebuilding. It captures the Foundation’s belief that every animal deserves stability and respect.

The completed upgrades will strengthen the organization’s ability to serve as a safety net for animals and a resource for residents. They will support future growth of community programs and allow the Foundation to continue operating as an open-admission shelter prepared to meet a wide range of needs.

The Foundation’s dedication to giving animals a second chance at happiness remains at the center of this effort. The modernization project is an investment in that promise and in the community that depends on its fulfillment.

The Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation invites ongoing participation, advocacy, and generosity from all who value the well-being of animals on the East End. With continued support, the shelter will reopen in spring 2026 with strengthened facilities and renewed purpose.

Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe: East Hampton’s 37th Annual House & Garden Celebration Returns

The East Hampton Historical Society prepares to welcome guests for a weekend of heritage, architecture, and elegant hospitality.

Each autumn, East Hampton’s social calendar reaches its peak when the East Hampton Historical Society hosts its beloved Annual House & Garden Tour, preceded by a spirited cocktail party at one of the village’s distinguished homes. Now in its 37th year, the two-part event has become an enduring tradition celebrating the architectural legacy and design excellence of this storied seaside community.

The festivities begin on Friday, November 28, with the cocktail party, an evening that blends gracious entertaining with the quiet glamour that defines East Hampton. Held within a private historic home, the gathering provides guests a rare opportunity to step inside one of the area’s treasured properties while enjoying an intimate evening among local supporters, preservation enthusiasts, and longtime friends of the Historical Society. The event will run from six to eight o’clock in the evening, setting the tone for a weekend devoted to beauty and heritage.

The following day, Saturday, November 29, the House & Garden Tour invites visitors to explore an extraordinary selection of homes between one o’clock and four thirty in the afternoon. Each property on the tour is chosen for its architectural merit, design vision, and reflection of East Hampton’s evolving aesthetic. From shingled cottages with timeless appeal to striking contemporary structures set amid carefully curated landscapes, the tour reveals a spectrum of architectural perspectives that define the Hamptons’ refined residential identity.

For decades, the House & Garden Tour has served as a vital fundraiser for the East Hampton Historical Society, supporting its mission to preserve the region’s cultural and architectural heritage. Proceeds from the weekend’s events directly benefit the Society’s educational programs, exhibitions, and preservation projects. In doing so, the tour underscores the essential link between community engagement and historical stewardship.

Over the years, the annual weekend has attracted a devoted following among designers, architects, and residents who share a deep appreciation for East Hampton’s unique blend of tradition and innovation. Many attendees mark the event as an unofficial close to the Hamptons’ social season, offering one last occasion to gather before winter’s quiet sets in. The atmosphere is one of camaraderie and gratitude, anchored by a shared sense of place and purpose.

The Historical Society has long championed the importance of architectural preservation within the town’s broader cultural landscape. Through initiatives such as the House & Garden Tour, it draws attention not only to the artistry of design but also to the enduring value of history as a living presence within the community. Each home on the tour tells a story—of craftsmanship, vision, and the families who have contributed to East Hampton’s character across generations.

The cocktail party preceding the tour is an event unto itself, often remembered for its convivial atmosphere and setting within a privately owned historic property. Guests move through elegantly restored rooms, often guided by the homeowners or members of the Society who share insights into the home’s background and its place in the town’s architectural narrative. The event captures the essence of the Hamptons’ enduring charm—exclusive yet welcoming, cultivated yet relaxed.

As anticipation builds, the Historical Society encourages early reservations through its official website, easthamptonhistory.org. The event’s popularity means that tickets for both the cocktail party and the tour are in high demand. Attendees may choose to become “Tour Sponsors,” a level of participation that includes access to both portions of the weekend celebration, reflecting a deeper commitment to the Society’s mission and programs.

The House & Garden Tour has become more than a social highlight; it is an expression of East Hampton’s collective identity. It brings together preservation advocates, design professionals, and local residents in a shared celebration of place, artistry, and continuity. The homes on display each year demonstrate the area’s architectural evolution—from early colonial styles to mid-century modern interpretations and contemporary sustainability-focused designs. This range speaks to the dynamic spirit of a community that honors its past while embracing innovation.

Beyond the visual beauty, the tour represents a meaningful dialogue between history and modern life. Visitors walk through spaces that have been thoughtfully restored or innovatively reimagined, each illustrating the delicate balance between preservation and progress. The gardens, too, reflect East Hampton’s deep connection to landscape design, with plantings that complement architecture and underscore the importance of outdoor living in coastal settings.

Through these homes and gardens, the Historical Society continues its educational mission, fostering appreciation for the built environment and inspiring future generations to carry forward the work of preservation. The event also reinforces the Society’s role as a cultural cornerstone of the East End, connecting residents and visitors through shared appreciation for art, history, and design.

As the 37th Annual Cocktail Party and House & Garden Tour approaches, anticipation grows across the community. The weekend promises not only visual delight but also a reaffirmation of East Hampton’s ongoing dedication to its heritage. Each year, the event renews the town’s sense of unity and pride, ensuring that the stories embodied in its architecture remain visible and valued.