When it comes to the spooky season, Romeo goes all out. From haunted houses and history to an entire street full of decorated homes, there are lots of attractions around town – and nearby – to celebrate Halloween.
Terror on Tillson is the main event, with blocks of Halloween décor. But the area has lots of fall and Hallow’s Eve festivities to help you get in the spirit. If you’re in the area to pick apples or get a pumpkin, or even just stopping downtown for dinner, it’s worth a stop to see the efforts residents put into decorating and making their street fun.
Terror on Tillson
Spanning along Tillson Street, the fun decorations of this annual neighborhood tradition draw thousands of people each year and is a well-known Halloween festivity for Michiganders near and far. Residents of the historical street go all out with their displays. Terror on Tillson is a free event, and parking is available on neighboring streets in Romeo. The homes are lit every day, and there are no formal visiting hours. Decorating tends to be finished up the weekend before Halloween, but many residents continue adding decorations up to the actual holiday, when many kids visit for trick-or-treating.
In addition to being fun for all ages, the Buzz Lee Memorial Scholarship Fund that takes place alongside the Halloween festivities raises money to support various groups, including veterans and education. T-shirts will also be for sale during the event.
Romeo Masons Annual Haunted Lodge
This year’s Annual Haunted Lodge, hosted by the Romeo Masons, takes place over the two weekends of prior to Halloween. In its 10 th year, the event takes place at Historic Gray’s Opera House, and admission includes “magic lanterns” for kids or those who do not want an overly scary experience, that haunted house actors will see and “tone down the fright level,” so there’s something for everyone at this fun fundraiser event.
Romeo Masons Annual Haunted Lodge
On Oct. 26 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. shops in Romeo will be passing out goodies for the Village’s annual Merchant Trick-or-Treat event. Kids can fill their treat bags downtown before heading to Romeo Village Park, located at 300 N Rawles Street, for the RWBPR Costume Contest. The five categories for the costume contest are age 5 and under, age 6-11 years-old, over 12, family costumes and pets.
History and Hauntings
Learn more about Romeo’s history and visit some haunted spots during the annual History and Hauntings wagon tour that takes you on an informative ride through town. The tour, which will take place rain or shine, leaves from the Douglas House Barn, and visits other sites and historical buildings, sharing spooky – but true – stories from each spot. Ticket proceeds go to RHS scholarships for fine arts students.
The tour, sponsored by the Romeo Monday Club starts on October 19th, at 228 N. Main Street, from 2 pm to 8 pm. Tickets, $30, can be purchased in advance at MJC Marketplace.
Nearby apple picking and pumpkin patches
The area surrounding Romeo is home to a multitude of places to find the perfect pumpkin and pick apples for fall treats. Make a day of your trip out to the countryside by starting at an orchard or farm, and wrapping up with a walk around Downtown Romeo and a stop at Terror on Tillson.
Northern Farm Market LLC
This local farm market offers fresh produce, including apples and pumpkins.
Location: 74865 Van Dyke Road, Romeo
Hours: Monday – Sunday, 9 am – 7 pm
Phone: 586-752-6002
Westview Orchard
Patrons can enjoy pumpkin donuts, cider and U-Pick apples or pumpkins. The farm’s fall festival will be held 10am – 5pm; tickets are $6.95 per person, with children under 36 inches admitted free.
Location: 65075 Van Dyke Ave, Washington, MI 48095
Hours: Monday – Sunday, 8 am – 6 pm
Website: www.westvieworchards.com
Blake Orchard and Cider Mill
U-Pick apples and pumpkins, cider mill, family-friendly activities, haunted attractions, winery.
Location: 17985 Armada Center Rd
Hours: Sunday – Thursday 8 am – 7 pm, Friday – Saturday 8 am – 9 pm
Website: www.blakefarms.com
Verellen Orchards
Cider mill and farm stand market open featuring fresh produce and treats.
Location: 63260 Van Dyke Ave., Washington
Hours: Monday – Friday 6:30 am – 6 pm, Saturday – Sunday 7 am – 6 pm
Website: www.verellenorchards.com
