Area Homes Go All Out for Halloween

SOUTHEAST, OH – Halloween is right around the corner, and if you’re still looking for something festive to do, you don’t have to go far. Some families in the area have turned their homes into must-see Halloween attractions.

Every October, neighborhoods across Southeastern Ohio come alive with spooky sounds, glowing lights, and sometimes, larger-than-life decorations.

Whether it’s handmade props or massive displays, a few local homes have become landmarks during the Halloween season. I took a look around New Concord, Cambridge, and Zanesville to see just how far people go to celebrate. In New Concord, Casey Whittle and his wife have built a display that combines handmade figures with detailed wooden cutouts they design, cut, and paint by hand.

“It started with one little cut out here and there, now, every year I add something new. My favorite part is watching the kids come by every year and telling me they love the house and seeing what’s new this year and who they can point out.” Whittle said.

Bright colors, familiar characters, and artistic details have made their yard one of the most recognizable displays in the neighborhood. A short drive away in Cambridge, the Halloween fun takes on a whole new theme. This house transformed into a pirate cove, filled with skeleton sailors, treasure, and sea creatures.

“I’ve always decorated for Halloween. But ever since we’ve moved up here to this area, I try to really out do because we are on the outskirts of Cambridge. We don’t get very many trick-or-treaters, and everyone up here would love to have trick-or-treaters. We love seeing the little kids.” Cambridge Resident, Vicki Eltringham said.

The colorful lights and creative theme make this home a must-see stop for Halloween night drives.

“It’s lit up with everything running every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night through the whole month of October.” Eltringham said.

The final stop sits in Zanesville at 898 Lexington Avenue. It’s known to many as Zanesville’s Greatest Halloween Display. This massive set up features classic horror icons from The Munsters, Dracula, Friday the 13th, and much more. The yard display stretches across the property, while the garage is packed wall-to-wall with spooky animatronics.

“I just love seeing the community come through here to enjoy all of the work we’ve put into it. We spend several months putting this up. So, just having everybody come by and enjoy it just means a lot to us.” Zanesville Resident, Karter Kaster said.

With bright lights, sound effects, and life-size monsters, the display attracts visitors from all over the county, and it’s completely free to see. You can stop by every Friday and Saturday night through the end of the month, either walking through the garage or viewing the display right from your car.

“We just love to see the kids come here to be happy and have fun.” Zanesville Resident, Randy Lowry said.

So, if you’re looking for something fun to do before Halloween, take a drive through these neighborhoods and see the creativity for yourself. No tickets, no lines, just the joy of seeing how far people will go for a good scare.

You can visit the displays at 68 East Main Street in New Concord, 22 Grandview Road in Cambridge, and 898 Lexington Avenue in Zanesville.