Lake Chelan is one of Washington’s most popular summer vacation destinations for people all over the PNW. But if you weren’t able to go this summer or you’d rather not deal with large crowds, you might be surprised to learn that this area thrives in the off season as well. In fact, thanks to the debut of Haunted Manson, autumn just might be the best time of year to plan a Chelan trip.

Haunted Manson is actually a series of events and activities, ranging from family-friendly fun to more haunted attractions and “boosy” wine festivities. We’ll give you nine good reasons to pack your bags and head toward the lake this weekend.

1. The Scarecrow Contest.
Haunted Manson / Facebook
This is more than just a scarecrow stuffing. At quite a few of the local wineries, cafes, and other prominent spots, you'll find a creative scarecrow propped up next to quite a backstory. This is Snuffy Smith, who lives at Lake Chelan Winery after making a daring escape from a jail in Tennessee (where he had been arrested for making moonshine). Snuffy has since changed his ways, and now he helps with the winemaking.
2. Fall festivities at Lake Chelan Winery.
Lake Chelan Winery
Lake Chelan Winery / Facebook
Speaking of Lake Chelan Winery, it's a great place to spend an autumn afternoon. While they just wrapped up their delicious BBQ in the Vineyard, you can still take a vineyard tour, explore the fantastic gift shop, nibble some cheese, and even enjoy some free wine tasting.
3. The Haunted Hayride.
Haunted Manson / Facebook
Every Friday and Saturday in October, the Haunted Hayride departs from Antheia of Chelan. You've never had a hayride like this (we hope).
4. The absolutely stunning views (and yoga!) at Amos Rome Vineyards.
Amos Rome Vineyards / Facebook
Chelan has an abundance of beautiful destination wineries, vineyards, and tasting rooms. But when you stroll across the yard to the patio at Amos Rome, you'll feel like the main character in an acclaimed film. The lake views are remarkable, and they're dotted with fall foliage this time of year. The fact that the wine is exceptional is just a bonus. On November 6th, Amos Rome will host Yoga Uncorked, an exhilarating yoga session that ends the way they all should ... with wine.
5. A haunted house -- in a wine warehouse (naturally).
Haunted Manson / Facebook
Head to the Manson Wine Co. Warehouse every Friday and Saturday in October for a screaming good time. Each of the five rooms has its own scary story, and they'll all spook you. Much like the Haunted Hayride, mature audiences are recommended for this attraction.

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6. SO much delicious BBQ (and pizza ... and tacos).
Alta Cellars, 135 Wapato Way, Manson, WA 98831, USA
Jessica Wick
BBQ in the Vineyard wraps up on the second weekend of October, but so many of the season's local attractions are serving BBQ that you're bound to find your new favorite brisket. Alta Cellars' Live Music and Food Trucks event has Burch Mountain BBQ on October 16th, weekends are for BBQs at Chelan Family Vineyards, and there's always the scrumptious Smoke on the Water BBQ in Manson. And if you'd rather have pizza, Local Myth is a local legend.
7. Sunsets at Succession Wines.
Jessica Wick
The wine here is incredible, and so is the inspiring backstory of how the winery came to be -- the owners lost everything in the Carlton Complex wildfires and decided to pursue this passion. But there's really nothing like a fall sunset on this property, especially with a glass of Syrah in hand.
8. All the seasonal fun (and stunning views) at Chelan Valley Farms.
Chelan Valley Farms
Jessica Wick
Chelan Valley Farms is truly a fun destination for the entire family. The family is participating in Haunted Manson this year, offering daytime activities like wine barrel rides, U-pick apples and flowers, and the Apple Shoot. And of course, they hold the title of having the first pumpkin patch in Chelan.
The farm is owned and operated by Washington natives Jeana and Chad Steiner, who have a passion for agriculture and, after years of study and grape-growing, have just started making wine.
Jessica Wick
During the fall, this place is a day trip destination all on its own -- but you can visit anytime if you book their guest house and enjoy a farm stay.
9. The abundance of beautiful fall foliage.
Brewbooks / Flickr
This part of the state has some of the best fall foliage in the Pacific Northwest. Even if you're not a fan of wine, yoga, pumpkin patches or haunted attractions, we guarantee this seasonal beauty will take your breath away.

Haunted Manson has been a huge success so far, thanks to an abundance of generous local sponsors and volunteers. To see what’s in store for the rest of the season (and read more scarecrow bios), check the website’s schedule and start planning your visit.

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