There’s something especially spooky about fall in New England and the Halloween spirit thrives throughout Connecticut. Residents can expect to get the usual frights offered by local haunted houses, hay rides and graveyard trails. While it’s fairly uncommon to hear about haunted bars, they do exist in Connecticut and there’s no better time of year to pay them a visit.

Abigail’s Grille and Wine Bar
4 Hartford Road
Simsbury, CT 06089
(860) 264-1580
www.abigailsgrill.com

Before the Mill Group (owners of the popular Connecticut venue Mill on the River) acquired Abigail’s Grille and Wine Bar of Simsbury, it was known as the Pettibone Tavern for nearly 200 years. Today, the tavern menu features delicious bar bites such as calamari, shrimp scampi, oysters and much more. Since it is a Mill restaurant, it is a little on the higher end, but prices are still affordable. For a great deal, try Abigail’s happy hour when small plates are half price, beers are $3 and featured drink and wine specials are offered for $5. Be wary if you need to use the restroom as guests and staff alike have reported feeling the chill of Abigail’s ghost in the women’s restroom on the second floor. Abigail Pettibone resided in the home while her husband was a captain and often gone for long lengths of time. It is rumored that she had affairs with other men in her husband’s absence until he arrived home without notice and caught her in the act, killing her and her lover with an axe. Aside from the chills, staff of Abigail’s have reported hearing voices, witnessing candles re-light themselves and seeing furniture that’s moved on its own. Some guests report enjoying drinks with no unusual experience. For a classy night out, visit Abigail’s and see for yourself.

Jonathon Pasco’s Restaurant
31 S. Main St.
East Windsor, CT 06088
(860) 627-7709
www.jonathanpascos.net

History buffs and foodies alike love Jonathan Pasco’s. An East Windsor native, Jonathan Pasco was born in 1760 when the colonies were still ruled by the Brits across the pond. The legend goes that Captain Pasco, along with other soldiers, were captured by Indians during the Revolutionary War. Eventually, Pasco escaped and returned to East Windsor where he built his home. With such an ancient history (by America’s standards), it is no big surprise that staff of this restaurant and lounge (the home Pasco built after his escape) have reported it is haunted. Some of the paranormal events that workers have experienced include random cold spots and hearing foot steps and doors slamming by themselves. Those who dare dine and drink in Pasco’s former home can enjoy a lounge menu of nachos, quesadillas, burgers, chicken wings and much more. There is also a dinner (a little on the higher end) and brunch menu, as well as an extensive beer and wine list. For a evening of fine dining or just drinks in the lounge, this is the perfect place to relax (or be spooked) in an authentic colonial atmosphere.

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Saybrook Point Inn and Spa
2 Bridge St.
Old Saybrook, CT 06475
(860) 388-1111
www.saybrook.com/Dining

Located along the historic Old Saybrook Marina, Saybrook Point Inn and Spa is popular among both out-of-town visitors and locals. The waterfront restaurant offers a bar menu from 2:15 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 2:15 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Aside from the regular dinners and drinks enjoyed by guests, weddings are also a popular occurrence at this picturesque venue. In fact, it is during weddings when the supposed haunted happenings have occurred. Reports involve a “phantom bride” ghost that appears in photographs taken at weddings. Perhaps a dead bride is still lingering around the inn. Even if you’re not a guest of nuptial festivities, residents are free to pop in for dinner or drinks. Make sure to bring your camera if you hope to capture an image of the unknown bride’s ghost.

Shubert Theater
247 College St.
New Haven, CT 06510
(203) 624-1825
www.shubert.com

Featuring some of the hottest touring musicals such as “Jersey Boys” and “Les Miserables,” as well as concerts by musical talents like Joss Stone, the Shubert Theater of New Haven offers Connecticut a wide variety of entertainment. In its past, the Shubert was also home to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s hit “Phantom of the Opera” which recently celebrated its 25th year. Like the story of Webber’s musical, the Shubert may have its own phantom. While stories of a supposed haunting at Shubert Theater are relatively unknown, Donna Kent conducted a full investigation. Kent is the head of Connecticut’s Cosmic Society of Paranormal Investigations, located in Ansonia. Theatergoers can enjoy a full bar at the Shubert, but be warned that there may be some unusual activity.

There is no shortage of Halloween fun in Connecticut. If you’re itching to spice up the usual haunted house or hay ride adventure, consider visiting a haunted bar for a chance to experience some true ghost activity. Even if the spirits are on their best behavior and don’t give patrons a paranormal trick, you can at least be guaranteed a delicious drink as a treat.

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Nicole DiCicco is multimedia specialist in Connecticut who enjoys dancing, movies and live music. She writes about all the nightlife Connecticut has to offer. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.