Haunted Dining Experience Promises Thrills and Chills at Historic Sumner House

The historic Sumner House in Charlestown, New Hampshire, is set to host a "Haunted Halloween" dining experience on October 25th and 26th, offering guests a spooky and unforgettable evening of food, frights, and fun. The event, now in its third year, has become a popular attraction, with last year's event selling out both nights.

Immerse Yourself in a Spine-Tingling Dining Adventure

Transforming the Sumner House into a Haunted Wonderland

The Sumner House, a historic building dating back to 1823, will be completely transformed for the "Haunted Halloween" event. General Manager Ryan Ratner has gone all out to create a truly immersive experience, with the entire restaurant, including the upstairs, downstairs, and bar, being decked out in Halloween decor. The windows will be blacked out, and a variety of animatronics and scare actors will be on hand to keep guests on the edge of their seats.Ratner has amassed an impressive collection of props and special effects to bring the haunted experience to life. From creepy clowns and the iconic Michael Myers to an Aztec death whistle that emits a chilling scream, the Sumner House will be a veritable playground for thrill-seekers. Guests can also expect to be startled by loud noises, smoke machines, and an air-zooka that shoots bursts of air, adding to the overall sense of unease.

A Dining Experience Like No Other

The "Haunted Halloween" event at the Sumner House is not your typical dining experience. Ratner describes it as a "sit-down haunted house," where scare actors will roam the restaurant, interacting with and startling the guests as they enjoy their meals. The reactions from patrons have been a mix of bravery and pure terror, with some seeing it as a rite of passage to conquer their fears.While the full menu will be available, the Sumner House will also offer special Halloween-themed dishes and drinks, with creative names like "Jason's Stew" to add to the spooky atmosphere. Ratner promises that the food and drink specials will be just as much of a treat as the haunted experience itself.

A Haunted History and a Ghostly Encounter

The Sumner House itself has a rich history, being part of the longest National Register of Historic Places District in New Hampshire. The building, which celebrated its 200th birthday last year, was originally owned by Judge Frederick Augustus Sumner and has since changed hands several times.While Ratner himself has not witnessed any paranormal activity at the Sumner House, he acknowledges that some patrons have reported ghostly encounters. One notable incident involved a couple taking a selfie, only to have a mysterious, ghostly face photobomb the image. Ratner has also heard stories of unexplained occurrences during the Sumner House's days as a live music venue, with a photograph capturing a figure in the background that could not be accounted for.

A Passion for the Spooky and the Thrilling

Ratner's love for Halloween and all things spooky is evident in his enthusiasm for the "Haunted Halloween" event. He considers it his favorite holiday of the year and believes that being scared is a vital part of feeling alive. Ratner's goal is to create an experience that caters to those who share his passion for the thrilling and the chilling, offering a chance to embrace their inner child and indulge in the excitement of the season.The Sumner House's "Haunted Halloween" event promises to be a truly unique and unforgettable dining experience, blending the historic charm of the building with the adrenaline-fueled thrills of a haunted house. Whether you're a seasoned thrill-seeker or simply looking for a fun and festive way to celebrate the Halloween season, this event is sure to leave a lasting impression.