It is always the spooky season in Cape May with ghosts and spirits claiming their place along the backstreets and byways of this historic seaside town. Victorian Cape May, the nation’s oldest seashore resort, surrounded on three sides by water at the southernmost point of New Jersey, holds echoes of seaside spirits who make their voices heard here. Ghost seances, ghost walking tours and ghost and spirits trolley tours are all available as the weather cools and the evenings arrive earlier during October, and many are also available year-round.
 
The Emlen Physick Estate considered Cape May's original “haunted house” is where Halloween happens from Oct. 1 to 31, all month long, in the nation’s oldest seaside resort. The 1879 Estate located at 1048 Washington St. will host the Annual Scarecrow Alley during October, a community display of creative, scary, and funny scarecrows built by local businesses, families, schools, community groups and Individuals. Every year is something new! Admission is free.
 
Explore Scarecrow Alley at the Physick Estate on Oct. 26, as part of the Halloween Outdoor Crafts & Collectibles Show. An open-air show featuring wares of local vendors and crafters will take place on the grounds from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feel free to come in costume.
 
Trick or Treat at the Emlen Physick Estate will take place on Halloween, Monday, October 31 from 5 to 7 pm. Some spooky characters await within for good little ghosts and goblins, pirates, and princesses to come in for their Halloween treats. 
 
Ghost and spirits tours with such names as Phantoms of the Physick Estate, Voices from Beyond House Tour and Ghosts of Cape May Trolley Tour are available if you dare to experience. Visit www.capemaymac.org for more information about these events and the ghost and spirits tours.
 
The Cape May County Park and Zoo’s annual “Boo at the Zoo” event will take place on Saturday, October 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Cape May County Park, in Cape May Court House. Sponsored by the Cape May County Board of Commissioners, this event is free and open to the public. Visitors of all ages are invited to wear a costume to this fun family event, which includes activities for the kids, craft station, games, candy, entertainment, animals, inflatable obstacle course, pirate ship, and more.
 
A Costume Contest will start at 11 a.m., registration begins at 10 a.m. An awards presentation will follow the Halloween costume contest. The Cape May Dancers will perform at Noon with a live animal presentation in the boneyard throughout the day. Master DJ & Sound will be rocking the event with some special Halloween tunes. For more information, visit www.capemaycountynj.gov/1008/PARK-ZOO
 
Ocean City’s Halloween plans have literally gone to the dogs as the HSOC “Howl-O-Ween” parade on Oct. 26. For owners who like to dress themselves and their pooch in zany, fun Halloween costumes, it’s the Dog Day event that will celebrate your favorite furry canine. Hosted by the Humane Society of Ocean City, parade your pup on the Boardwalk from 6 to 14 Streets beginning at 3:00 p.m. 609-399-6111. www.oceancityvacation.com
 
Before the pups and pooches take center stage, a good-old-fashioned Halloween parade will make its way down Asbury Ave. from 6 to 11 Streets in Ocean City on Oct. 24 beginning at 7:15 p.m. For more information call 1-800-813-5580 or visit www.ochp.blogspot.com/
 
Other Jersey Cape Halloween events include: 
Oct. 18: HALLOWEEN PARADE & DANCE PARTY IN SEA ISLE CITY: Parade begins at 7:00 pm. and travels along Landis Ave. Dance party to follow parade at Excursion Park. 609-263-0050
 
Oct. 26: GREATER WILDWOOD ELKS HALLOWEEN HAUNTED HOUSE: Trick-or-treaters walk through a “haunted house” and receive treats at the Elks Lodge, located at 1st Ave and New Jersey Aves. in North Wildwood from 5:30 – 8 p.m. Free! 609-729-2170. www.Elks1896.com
 
Oct. 26: NORTH WILDWOOD TRUNK-OR-TREAT HALLOWEEN BLOCK PARTY: Families are encouraged to bring their vehicles decorated. Children will come in costume and visit each car where families will provide treats from the trunks of their cars. Music, Magic, Balloon Twisting and more!  Prizes will be awarded to the best decorated vehicles. Children’s’ costumes will not be judged. The event will take place along Olde NJ Ave. in North Wildwood from 5:30 – 7 p.m. 609-522-2955. www.NorthWildwood.com
 
Oct. 26-27: BOO FEST - MAKERS MARKET: Visit over 40 of the best vendors at the Wildwoods Convention Center. It's a spooky event, with face painting, kids activities, and plenty of vendors. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. FREE Admission. For more information 609-412-3897. events.malloryeats@gmail.com
 
Oct. 31: STONE HARBOR BUSINESS DISTRICT TRICK-OR-TREAT: Put on your costumes and hit the streets of Stone Harbor for a fun trick-or-treat event through the borough’s stores and businesses. The event takes place in Stone Harbor’s 96 St. Business District. www.stoneharborchamber.com