Nightmare on Cherry Street

Some people love, love, love Halloween.

For them it's a chance to express their whimsy and creativity and bring to life books or movies.

Patrick Hughes is one of these people.

Since he was a teen, the 32-year-old Novato resident has loved scary movies and began collecting life-sized Halloween dolls. 

The Hughes family would put out the dolls on their front yard, eventually amassing so many that their haunted graveyard became a must-see in their San Rafael neighborhood. 

Two years ago, the family relocated to Novato and have again created their impressive display, complete with figurines of Frank Cotton from "Hellraiser," Ghostface from the slasher film "Scream" and many other characters meant to put a little chill in your bones.

"I love getting scared," says Patrick, a former English teacher at Novato High. "And I enjoy seeing the joy people get out of it."

Among their haunted bunch is Medusa with glowing red eyes and snakes coming out of her head, a woman, her face a ghostly white holding a candelabrum, and a body wrapped in a burlap bag hanging from a tree branch. When you walk by, the figures laugh or groan, giving the outdoor set up the feel of a haunted house.

The family has tried to strike a a balance between keeping the display kid-friendly, but still making it thrilling for visitors.

"Stop by for a laugh and a little fright," says Dennis Hughes, Patrick's father. "We just want to give the kids a fun night."

The Hughes home is located at 663 Cherry Street and is open Mondays through Thursdays from 6-9pm, Fridays from 6-10pm, Saturdays from 12-10pm, and Sundays from 12-8pm.

READERS ALSO RECOMMEND THESE ADDRESSES FOR BEST DECORATED HOMES:

On corner of Gertrude and Sutro

On corner of Sunset and Parkway

Houses along Rowe Ranch Way

Know of another Novato home with great Halloween decorations? Tell us about it (including address) in the comments below.