We’re more than halfway through October, surrounded by the beautiful colors and notes of autumn. If you want to really embrace the fall – and get cozy with your special someone – there’s nowhere better than New York City’s cool temperatures and amazing Central Park foliage. But if you want to get off the beaten path, travel downtown for the chillingly spectacular Blood Manor experience.

I am certainly not one for haunted houses, but this year even I couldn’t resist visiting Blood Manor, New York’s premier haunted attraction. The first-class seasonal horror show is partnering with their SoHo neighbors to create a sweet-and-scary Halloween Date Night like no other.

Start your evening in costume at Candytopia, where sweet dreams really do come true. (Check out Candytopia in Houston as well.) This interactive art installation of a dozen rooms celebrates the vibrant colors and flavors of your favorite candies. For Halloween, the wonderland is both spooky and sweet, filled with treats, tricks, and hidden surprises. If you loved Candyland or dreamed of finding a Golden Ticket, you cannot miss out. Use the code SWEETHALLOWEEN for a 15% discount.

Then head further downtown to Belle Reve . With the vibe of an English pub, its laidback and relaxed atmosphere is perfect for a first or fifteenth date. Their American fare with a modern twist is outrageously good. Appetizers range from oysters and crispy calamari to mac and cheese (perfectly balanced between comfort and fancy) and nachos, providing something for any mood or occasion.

My date tried the birria tacos and simply could not put them down. I highly recommend the dirty bird sandwich, fried chicken smothered in sweet and spicy chipotle aioli. Don’t snooze on their seasonal pumpkin spice churros or original and spooky cocktails (options available for both Oktoberfest and Sober October fans). Blood Manor guests receive a 10% discount if you show your same-day ticket or reservation.

Once you’re stuffed and ready to get scared, Blood Manor is just a two-minute walk to Broadway, where the ghouls are waiting to frighten you half to death.

Hold your date tight so you don’t get carried off or buried alive in The Crypt or Hannibal’s Hell. There’s certainly a terror for everyone: all the best Halloween thrills and characters usher you along the winding maze from The Wake to the Maggot Invasion … or try to keep you there forever.

Do be careful if sensitive to flashing lights or complete darkness. And put in your contacts that morning to best experience the 3D Killer Clown Room. My favorite part was right at the start. An enchanting zombie violinist (@wikkamusica), creates an atmosphere you can’t resist that drags you inside, ready or not.

Is Blood Manor’s historic space truly haunted? Many guests would say so. And if that’s not scary enough for you, get tickets for the Lights Out Nights  – when you explore the manor in complete darkness with nothing but a glow stick to light your path. Get 10% off the purchase price with the code PERFECTDATE.

Finally, finish your night at either Saint Tuesday’s cocktail bar or the Happy Be  rooftop bar. Both locations are offering holiday drink specials for Blood Manor guests, and reservations are recommended.

Personally, I didn’t think I could manage slipping down into a cellar after Blood Manor – no matter how charming Saint Tuesday’s and their live music is – so we retired to the gorgeous skyline views and fresh air of Happy Be. It’s the perfect place to relax and cuddle as your heart slows down at either classic high-table bar stools or personal sofa nooks. Halloween is on tap with drinks like All My Sins Remembered and There’s Daggers in Men’s Smiles.

Whether you’re visiting the city or just looking to make date night truly special, the Walker Hotel  is offering charming luxury in a quaint, well-appointed property in the heart of historic Tribeca. Blood Manor guests can book a king room for just $300 per night with the code BLOODMAN.

From classic to sweet to scary, your Perfect October Date Night in New York City is waiting for you. It’s all prepared… come to the East Coast, if you dare.

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Cover Photo ErinNicole Conti

A proud native-New Yorker, ErinNicole Conti completed her Masters Degree in Publishing: Digital and Print Media at New York University. When not obsessively reading, she catches up on science-fiction and dramedy shows with her adorable cat.