This U.S. City Is One of many Greatest Halloween Locations for Its Haunted Mansions, Ghost Excursions, and ‘Witch Float’ Down the River

The calendar has turned the web page to September, which implies we aren’t simply firmly in autumn, we’re additionally firmly in spooky season. And if you happen to and your coven are searching for an ideal place to have a good time this notably ghoulish time of yr, we have an thought for you. 

Every October, in Macon, Georgia, a whole bunch of witches take to the Ocmulgee River to see if they will float. (OK, they cheat a bit bit by truly taking standup paddleboards and canoes for a bit journey down the river, however we cannot maintain that in opposition to them.)

The annual Macon Annual Witches Float invitations “witches, warlocks, and wizards” to swap their broomsticks for paddles and get into the “spirit of the season with this family-friendly occasion.” Visitors are inspired to attend in costume and convey any non-motorized flotation system they need. 

The 2025 occasion will happen on Sunday, Oct. 5, from 3:30-5 p.m. native time, with all of the witches checking in at 2 p.m. earlier than taking to the water. Don’t be concerned about getting again to the start line; these witches have a spell for that. (High quality, they’ve a shuttle bus, however it’s the similar factor.) 

Now, here is the very best half: the proceeds go to an amazing trigger. Proceeds from the float profit Macon Intervals Simpler, a nonprofit that works to “elevate consciousness of interval poverty in Center, Georgia, present menstrual merchandise to these in want, and  normalize the dialog about menstruation.” Part of the funds additionally goes to the Scholarship Fund for ABC Breathe, a non-profit that teaches breathwork and yoga to kids and caregivers.

And whereas that is definitely the spotlight of the season in Macon, there’s nonetheless loads to see and do whilst you’re on the town earlier than or after the float. 

You see, the city is residence to many Victorian mansions which can be all fairly darn spooky and completely stuffed with ghosts. Do not simply take our phrase for it. You’ll be able to be a part of the Ghost Hunt Weekends crew practically each weekend in October to go to native haunted historic places, together with the Grand Opera Home, 1842 Inn, Fort Hawkins, and the Douglass Theatre … if you happen to dare. 

You too can participate in not one however two ultra-spooky strolling excursions, together with the Haunts & Historical past on the Hill, a strolling ghost tour of Macon’s Intown neighborhood, and Spirits in October, a strolling tour via Riverside Cemetery with actors representing spirits of a few of Macon’s historic characters. And eventually, you may take part on the seventeenth annual Thriller Parade and be among the many a whole bunch of zombies who recreate Michael Jackson’s Thriller dance sequence yearly. 

As for the place to remain, there could also be no higher spot than The 1842 Inn, which is believed to be haunted by the ghost of John Gresham, the mayor of Macon, who died right here in 1900. Perhaps you may invite a number of of your new witch pals over for a seance whilst you’re at it.