The ghosts and haunts have been quiet of late on the Island but just when you thought it was safe to go back to the graveyard, the joint is about to get bone-rattling busy.

That’s right, no more cozy winter potlucks for our Island ghosts bored with scaring the local residents because, well, we scare them back. They are now ready to greet the summer visitors and take them on a ferry ride of another sort, to the grand beyond. Consider yourself forewarned. Perhaps best to go with a seasoned guide.

And you’re in luck because the Vineyard Ghosts Walking Tours are beginning next week. And fear not, the tour is truly family fun for all ages.

The tours were inspired by Islander Holly Nadler’s books Haunted Island and Vineyard Spiritual. They operate out of the three down-Island towns, meeting Mondays at the Secret Garden store in Oak Bluffs, Tuesdays and Wednesdays at the park next to Edgartown Books in Edgartown and Thursdays outside the Bunch of Grapes Bookstore in Vineyard Haven.

The tours run an hour long and combine walking and seated opportunities to hear about the Island’s haunted past. Visit graveyards, churches, inns and other spirited hotspots. The tours run begin at 8 p.m., are lantern led and combine a good dose of humor along the way.

No reservations are required but sometimes the times and locations are subject to change. Call 774-563-0762 or 508-627-9445 before setting out.

Cost is $10 per adult, $5 for eight and under. Private tours are available year-round.