Spooky Steamboat Soiree: Edgar Allan Poe Themed Cruise Coming to KY

Every year, I eagerly anticipate Mike Flanagan's latest horror release on Netflix. His work, affectionately known as the Flanaverse, has delivered several entries in the "slow burn horror" genre. I started watching a few years ago with The Haunting of Hill House. I have to admit, that series really got under my skin. I was genuinely afraid to be alone in my own home—even during the day. And when the series ended, I was totally heartbroken. Interestingly, that intense fear shifted my whole perspective on the supernatural.

I'm not usually the type to get so engrossed in TV shows, but Hill House was something else.

After that, Flanagan released Bly Manor and Midnight Mass. They were solid, but nothing quite matched the impact of Hill House. Midnight Mass, in particular, was a creative blend of familiar horror themes in a way that felt refreshingly new.

What really pulls me into the Flanaverse is how he mixes different elements into something entirely original. Last year's series, The Fall of the House of Usher, didn’t disappoint. It’s actually my second favorite after Hill House. The way it intertwined various Edgar Allan Poe tales into a single, cohesive story was brilliant. Each episode took pieces from Poe’s works and reimagined them in a contemporary setting.

Analyzing the connections with my co-workers and spotting references to Poe’s stories was a blast. I wasn't a huge Poe fan before this series, but it definitely sparked an interest!

Read More: Dive Into Darkness: A Guide To Kentucky’s Upcoming Public Paranormal Conventions and Events

Whether you're a die-hard Edgar Allan Poe fan or just someone who loves Halloween, there's a unique event happening in Louisville that you might want to check out.

This October, you can experience Dream Within A Dream: A Journey with Edgar Allan Poe. The event takes place on the Belle of Louisville, a historic steamboat built in 1914. As the only remaining authentic steamboat from the great American packet boat era, the Belle is a National Historic Landmark and a beloved icon of the Louisville waterfront. In fact, it’s the most widely traveled steamboat of its size in American history.

This combination of Poe’s eerie tales and the storied Belle of Louisville promises a truly memorable experience!

According to the website:

“Dream Within A Dream: A Journey with Edgar Allan Poe” explores a number of works of the 19th century poet and author. Come aboard this two-and-a-half hour excursion and experience Poe’s haunting tales performed in the round in a setting unlike any other.

1st Act
The Bells
The Oblong Box
William Wilson

2nd Act
The Raven
The Facts in the Case of M. Valdemar
The Masque of the Red Death

What's included

• 2.5 Hour Cruise
• Live performance

I’m guessing this cruise will be packed with Poe enthusiasts, and you can expect some pretty impressive costuming. It’s Halloween, after all—so why not go all out with some steampunk flair or even full Victorian attire? It’s the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the macabre atmosphere and celebrate in style!

The Belle of Louisville also offers a Halloween cruise for kids.

Lift your spirits this spooky season and treat the family to a Halloween Kids Cruise! Aboard the historic steamer Belle of Louisville, guests will have the opportunity to explore the 109-year-old vessel, as well as participate in other fa-BOO-lous activities, including Halloween-themed crafts, a trick-or-treat train and a dance party! Costumes are encouraged for this Halloween cruise, but not required.

What's included

• 2 hour cruise
• Trick or treating
• Dance Party
• Crafts

Both of these events look so fun! Happy Halloween!