The Cozy Ohio Café That Transforms Into A Haunted Hideaway Each Halloween
Each October, Hallowed Grounds Coffee Co. in New Middletown brews more than just espresso; it stirs up a full dose of Halloween magic.
By day, it’s the perfect cozy café for a quiet cup and good company. But as night falls, cobwebs glisten, ghosts peek from corners, and eerie lights set the scene for a spooky yet inviting haunt.
It’s the kind of place where pumpkin spice meets playful fright, and every sip feels enchanted.
October Means Full-Throttle Halloween Transformation
When the calendar flips to October, Hallowed Grounds morphs into a spooky showcase that would make Tim Burton jealous.
Every corner gets draped in elaborate Halloween décor, from cobwebs and skeletons to pumpkins and eerie lighting.
Regulars know to expect the transformation, and first-timers often do a double-take at the door. It’s not just a few token decorations.
The Clarks go all out, creating an immersive haunted hideaway that still serves your morning latte with a side of friendly frights.
Victoria Clark Brought Her Dream to Life in 2021
Victoria Clark opened Hallowed Grounds in September 2021 alongside her husband, Sean, turning a passion for coffee and community into a brick-and-mortar reality.
The couple co-owns the café, blending their love for quality brews with a quirky, welcoming vibe. From day one, they’ve made the shop a gathering spot for locals craving more than just caffeine.
Their hands-on approach keeps the place feeling personal and genuinely homegrown, a rare find in today’s chain-dominated landscape.
The Annual Halloween Market Is a Local Tradition
Hallowed Grounds hosts a buzzing Halloween Market each fall, including a quirky event they call the “Halloween Flea.”
Local vendors set up shop, peddling everything from handmade crafts to vintage finds and seasonal goodies.
The market has quickly become a must-visit for treasure hunters and Halloween enthusiasts alike. Shoppers wander through booths while sipping coffee, soaking up the festive atmosphere.
It’s part swap meet, part Halloween party, and entirely charming in that small-town Ohio way that feels genuinely authentic.
Market Days Bring Tarot Readers and Food Trucks
Beyond the usual vendor booths, market days at Hallowed Grounds feature tarot and palm readings for those curious about their fate (or just looking for a fun conversation starter).
Local mystics set up tables, offering fortunes alongside the coffee and pastries. Food trucks often roll up too, adding savory options to the sweet café menu.
The mix of mystical vibes, street food, and Halloween energy creates an eclectic atmosphere you won’t find at your typical shopping event.
Find Them at 13.5 Sycamore Drive (Yes, Really)
The official tourism board lists Hallowed Grounds on Sycamore Drive in New Middletown, with the phone number 330-366-5075 for anyone needing directions or hours.
But here’s where it gets fun: event flyers often list the market location as “13.5 Sycamore Drive.” That quirky half-address perfectly captures the café’s playful spirit and Halloween obsession.
Whether it’s a real fractional address or just clever branding, it adds another layer of charm to an already delightfully weird spot.
The Menu Goes Beyond Basic Coffee Shop Fare
Hallowed Grounds serves up quality coffee alongside breakfast sandwiches, fresh pastries, and authentic New York-style water bagels (a rarity in Ohio).
The bagels alone are worth the trip, boiled and baked the traditional way for that perfect chewy texture.
Whether you’re grabbing a quick breakfast or settling in for a leisurely brunch, the menu hits all the right notes.
The Clarks clearly understand that good food and good coffee create the foundation for a beloved community hangout.
They’ve Mastered the Art of Year-Round Spooky Vibes
While October brings the full haunted treatment, Hallowed Grounds keeps a subtle spooky aesthetic all year.
The name itself is a clever play on “hallowed ground” and Halloween, hinting at the café’s true identity from the start. Even in July, you might spot a skeleton tucked in a corner or gothic touches in the décor.
The Clarks have created a space where Halloween fans feel at home any month, proving you don’t need a calendar excuse to embrace the eerie and unusual.