Archive 36

OCTOBER 1, 2021 FRIDAY 3 AM - A PIECE OF CAKE

HAPPY OCTOBER! Our favorite month has finally arrived, and lots of haunts are opening tonight.

Haunt operators have been planning and toiling...many of them beginning last spring...all leading up to Opening Night.

There’s lots at stake. Social media chatter and countless phone calls between haunters will shape peoples opinions as to which haunt is the best.

And all eyes are on the NEW KID ON THE BLOCK, a monstrous high-tech marvel taking up residence in an actual former mental hospital where countless human atrocities occurred.

We’re talking of course about  

 from out-of-state

(being written now)

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OCTOBER 15, 2019 TUESDAY 11:11 PM - A DILLY OF A PICKLE (CONTINUED)

Many harvest moons ago my partner was given a very special gift by a close friend.

It was a “good luck” dill pickle made of glass.

She handed it to her and said, “Here’s a good luck dill to hang on your rear view mirror in your hunt for dills!”  ;)

(An old German tradition at Christmas is to hide a pickle in the Christmas tree, then the first to find it has good luck and gets an extra present.)

The dill traveled with her for many a moon over thousands of miles in countless journeys, searching far and wide for the Ultimate Dill.  ;-)

The decorative purposes only dill pickle remained steadfast through thick and thin, braving many ridiculous encounters with clueless guys...

And then finally, just recently something spooky and strange occurred.

While cleaning out her old car preparing to trade it in on a new one, the trusty dill was packed into a large paper sack and left out on the lawn next to the driveway.

But then, after triumphantly returning back home with the BRAND NEW SHINY FORD EDGE she made a gruesome discovery.

THE DEVASTATING DEMISE OF THE DANGLING DILL 

Somehow, the LUCKY DILL had fallen out of the sack and found its’ way onto the driveway directly below one of the massive Michelin tires on the FORD EDGE.

With the formerly trusty dill now crushed and shattered into hundreds of tiny glass shards, she said to herself “Oh no! This is bad luck.”

But we went haunting, and everything was fine.

A PICKLE OF A MESS

And then, the very next day after getting the BRAND NEW MAGIC BUS...

Just leaving Colasanti’s Market in Milford with food for dad, driving DOWNTOWN no less in the middle of the day on a very busy road... low and behold THREE DEER suddenly bolted into the road...whose car do you think they ran in front of...BANG!

She felt the impact, and watched in horror as the deer went flying.

What a deal, less than a hundred miles on the car and already nailed a deer. Rats!

OCTOBER 14, 2019 MONDAY 3 AM - OUT OF MY MIND ON MONDAY MOANIN’

Are you superstitious?

If not, the true story of what just happened to us may change your mind. It’s a real DILLY OF A PICKLE!

Do you believe in unexplainable coincidences, or is what happens to us just destiny?

First, the back story that ties this all together...coming next!

OCTOBER 13, 2019 SUNDAY 10 PM - ANY WAY YOU WANT IT

We saw two completely different haunts Saturday night, but we loved them both.

First we hit the wild and crazy AZRA CHAMBER OF HORRORS HAUNTED HOUSE in MADISON HEIGHTS which has expanded inside and out since their debut last year.

Outside, they essentially converted the waiting area into a DANCE PARTY CLUB complete with a DJ, club lighting, and a PARTYMASTER DUDE that reminded us of REDFOO. They even played the song “Party Rock,” which REDFOO did with his band LMFAO.

It gets better. The entire area is now covered and heated, and the sound system is PRO AUDIO with massive subwoofers for body thumping bass.

Inside, the haunt has expanded by about 1/3 from last year with 2 new areas and special emphasis on the CLOWN ROOM upstairs which has doubled in size.

Then we hit the magical wonderland that is HAUNTED GARAGE PRODUCTIONS in GROSSE POINTE FARMS. They’ve expanded too, and take you to so many different places -- even other planets -- that your head will spin! The actors are supplemented by a dizzying array of animatronics the likes of which we’ve never seen at a single haunt before.

One feature at HAUNTED GARAGE that drove my partner wild had nothing to do with the impressive scenes. It was the aroma of FRESH DONUTS being made. The combo of a donut and cider is irresistible!

Our apologies to THE HAUNTED FOREST in ROCHESTER for missing them. It’s located at a zip line adventure park, which reminds us of a haunt we went to in FRANKENMUTH a few years ago also at a zip line park.

OCTOBER 13, 2019 SUNDAY 7 PM - WILD AND CRAZY / FANTASY WONDERLAND

Our WISCONSIN GUEST has gone now, off to a big IT CONFERENCE in CHICAGO that starts tomorrow.

Sadly, he wasn’t able to join us for haunting last night...

But we had a blast, visiting two TOP NOTCH HAUNTS as different as night and day, AZRA CHAMBER OF HORRORS HAUNTED HOUSE in MADISON HEIGHTS and HAUNTED GARAGE PRODUCTIONS in GROSSE POINTE FARMS.

OCTOBER 13, 2019 SUNDAY 6:30 PM - SUNDAY FUN DAY!

There’s plenty of great haunts open tonight: BLAKE’S HAUNTED BIG APPLE in ARMADA, DECADES OF THE DEAD in YALE, EREBUS in PONTIAC, EXIT 13 in MT. MORRIS, FACTORY OF THE DEAD in SAGINAW, THE HAUNT in GRAND RAPIDS, HUSH HAUNT in WESTLAND,  JACKSON’S UNDERWORLD in JACKSON, NIGHT TERRORS AT WIARD’S in YPSILANTI, PURGATORY in WYANDOTTE, ROTTEN MANOR in HOLLY, SCREAM PARK in NILES and TERRORFIED FOREST in PINCKNEY.

OCTOBER 13, 2019 SUNDAY 6 PM - A PICKLE OF A MESS

OMG! You won’t believe what just happened, right while talking to my partner by phone.

And it all goes back to a jar of pickles I bought last week at Kroger, and a new car good luck charm my partner’s friend gave her long go.

Huh?

Stand by my little monkeys...

OCTOBER 12, 2019 SATURDAY 4 PM - DAIRY LAND DAYDREAMING

Visiting with our WISCONSIN GUEST right now, watching some LaserFace...

Wisconsin does have many wild haunts...but we know that DETROIT TOTALLY ROCKS THE HAUNT SCENE and we’re gonna have a great time tonight!

We’re hitting two haunts that WON ZIOPTIS AWARDS last year, AZRA in MADISON HEIGHTS and HAUNTED GARAGE in GROSSE POINTE WOODS.

And we hope to also check out the new HAUNTED FOREST in ROCHESTER if time allows...

Laser lighting has become part of many haunts, and we sure do LOVE a good LIQUID SKY room!

In case you don’t know, the LIQUID SKY effect is created with fog and a laser projector facing towards you from the opposite end of a room. The beams turn 3D in midair.

The beams can dance around, or stay in a fixed oval pattern. When an oval pattern is used, it created a tunnel effect. You can clearly see the edges of the laser in the fog, and if you drag your fingers through at the edge you can actually see the air currents being produced!

Even better is when a fan is placed behind the laser to suck air towards it, creating a spinning tunnel that seems to draw you in. THE HAUNTING in ADRIAN was the first to feature this effect to our knowledge many moons ago using a fixed beam oval green laser.  It was a jaw dropper - people had never seen this before!

Lasers have come a long way since then, check THIS out from LaserFacewww.youtube.com/watch?v=QtXx3Oubmy

Rats, that link isn’t working but it still takes you to YouTube. Copy the following and paste into the search bar:  Laserface by Gareth Emery / Seattle WaMu 2019 (Full Set LIVE) and prepare to be amazed!

OCTOBER 12, 2019 SATURDAY 3:30 AM - Finally! A new tab has been added for 2019 Reviews.

Please note: after clicking on Reviews you’ll need to select from the list of years on the left of the page.

And sorry for the hard to read print in the tabs with similar colors; hope to get it changed soon and to get our GREAT PUMPKIN back too!

Also, What’s Next just updated.

OCTOBER 12, 2019 SATURDAY 3 AM - BRAND NEW SHINY

We took the night off Friday after various delays, one of which was totally worth it.

It was at the car dealer of all places, and HOORAY we now have a brand new ride for our haunt journeys!

A FORD EDGE will take over the MAGIC BUS status that previously went to our TOWN & COUNTRY VAN.

The van died a horrible death. It was ugly. It was a mass of twisted hideousness. And now it lies in the graveyard for motorized monstrosities, all alone with nobody to talk to.

BTW, you may have heard that FORD is also an acronym. Just in case you didn’t know, F.O.R.D. stands for “First On Race Day.”

OCTOBER 11, 2019 FRIDAY 3 PM - MOTHER NATURE’S MONKEY WRENCH

DOUBLE RATS! All week we’ve been anxious for Friday night to hit more of our favorite outdoor haunts.

HAUNTED FARM OF TERROR and SCAREFEST SCREAM PARK was the plan, but the weather forecast for tonight in LENOX TWP. is rain at a whopping 90%. They might be open “Rain or Shine”...we’re not sure...okay, what’s PLAN B?

And then there’s our WISCONSIN GUEST...will he arrive soon enough to go?

Last time we had an out of town guest it was someone from New York, and we took him to HUSH HAUNT in WESTLAND and KRAZY HILDA’S in YPSILANTI...

Boo hoo! KRAZY HILDA’S is not open this year. One thing we totally loved about KRAZY HILDA’S was the ambiance and feel of ACTUALLY BEING OUTSIDE for a haunted experience.

The possibilities in a forest are limited only by the imagination, and of course the ability to pull it off. KRAZY HILDA’S PA was killer, and their one-of-a-kind ghoul dollies are family heirlooms. They made full use of the forest’s advantages with giant scale gags/doors and strategically placed monster hiding spots. We miss them so, PLEASE COME BACK NICOLE! 

HUSH HAUNT is indoors, and so is THE SCREAM MACHINE in TAYLOR so rain can’t interfere with the show.

This would be our 2nd visit to HUSH, and our third to THE SCREAM MACHINE!

HUSH is worth going to twice, as the attention to detail and just the shear amount of stuff going on now brings them to BONA FIDE MEGA HAUNT status. It’s hard to absorb that much in a single visit, which reminds me...

I don’t care how big and bad you are, every haunt has its’ strengths and also weaknesses.

Last year, the major weakness that HUSH suffered was a short show length. The Ford Road location building was tiny compared to what they have now *, and still they won THREE ZIOPTIS AWARDS IN 2018!

* = The new HUSH facility is 40,000 square feet!

OCTOBER 11, 2019 FRIDAY 4:30 AM - BUCKEYE SIGN OFF

We heard that THE HAUNTED HYDRO in FREMONT, OHIO is in their last year. Boo hoo!

CRAZY BOB is the genius behind this amazing haunt, made from an out of commission hydro electric plant. www.thehauntedhydro.com

Part carnival, part fantasy story land, this haunt is always a total blast! We really love the bigger than life books here, and the monolithic towers have been known to erupt with giant fire blasts.

And not much further away is the amazing GHOSTLY MANOR in SANDUSKY, OHIO. www.ghostlymanor.com

This haunt was recommended to us from the operator of the now defunct THE HAUNTING in ADRIAN, and it instantly became an Ohio favorite of ours along with the also now defunct TERRORTOWN in TOLEDO.

Owner/operator MR of TERRORTOWN took his staff by surprise years ago...

After opening night, he called a special staff meeting where he announced they would have to finish the season without him because...

The next day, he flew to Los Angeles to work with ROB ZOMBIE on his haunted house!

TERRORTOWN is gone, but their website isn’t. www.terrortown.net  

OCTOBER 11, 2019 FRIDAY 3:30 AM - RANDOM ASSOCIATIONS

So I was at the local grocery store last night, getting guacamole and such. Avocados are really good for you...

I asked my cashier if she goes to haunted houses...she lit up and said she went to AZRA last year and was blown away!

AZRA won THREE ZIOPTIS AWARDS last year, as well as an honorable mention. We can’t wait to see them this season after such an amazing start last year.

Another cashier chimed in, saying she went to WIARD’S last year and had a great time.

NIGHT TERRORS AT WIARD’S won a whopping FIVE ZIOPTIS AWARDS last year!

OCTOBER 10, 2019 THURSDAY 4:30 AM - MEMORIES, DREAMS, REFLECTIONS

Occasionally, we have out of town guests visiting during October. Whenever possible, they join us on a haunt journey.

Last time is was someone from NEW YORK, and this time it’s going to be somebody from MADISON, WISCONSIN.

Wisconsin reminds me of the defunct HOUSE OF FEAR that was in HAZEL PARK.

Huh?

HOUSE OF FEAR was a fabulous all volunteer haunt who once had a guest actor that was with the WISCONSIN JAYCEES.

Pause...it was THE JAYCEES who first started the HAUNTED HOUSE CRAZE to begin with...

The guest actor performed the final gag, and it was awesome:

He had a custom-made costume that expanded upwards when he stood up after starting in a chair, magically growing into a super tall monster!

And another gag they had was one we can’t forget:

A room was decorated as if in the 1940’s, with incandescent lighting and a wooden AM radio that was playing period music backwards!

In the waiting area of HOUSE OF FEAR they had a special couch. When you sat down, a giant wind machine was activated.

Other great volunteer haunts we miss include BURTON HAUNTED FOREST in BURTON, HAUNTED HOLLOWS in WESTLAND, and McCURDY’S REVENGE in CORUNNA.

Ah, memories...

OCTOBER 6, 2019 SUNDAY 6 PM - SUNDAY FUN DAY!

There’s plenty of great haunts open tonight: BLAKE’S HAUNTED BIG APPLE in ARMADA, DECADES OF THE DEAD in YALE, EREBUS in PONTIAC, EXIT 13 in MT. MORRIS, FACTORY OF THE DEAD in SAGINAW, THE HAUNT in GRAND RAPIDS, HUSH HAUNT in WESTLAND,  JACKSON’S UNDERWORLD in JACKSON, NIGHT TERRORS AT WIARD’S in YPSILANTI, PURGATORY in WYANDOTTE, ROTTEN MANOR in HOLLY, SCREAM PARK in NILES and TERRORFIED FOREST in PINCKNEY.

OCTOBER 6, 2019 SUNDAY 3 PM - IT’S ALIVE!

And kicking too...THE DETROIT HAUNT SCENE IS KILLING IT BIG TIME, if what we saw last night is any indication.

Although it’s early in the season, the lines of happy haunters were long and strong at HUSH HAUNT in WESTLAND and THE SCREAM MACHINE in TAYLOR.

We hit DERANGED in ROMULUS right at opening, so the line was just starting to grow. We predict a successful run for them!

OCTOBER 6, 2019 SUNDAY 3 AM - DETROIT STRONG, WORLD CLASS

We hit 3 of the 9 Detroit area haunts Saturday night.* To our knowledge, 9 is the most haunts in any county/municipality on the planet which goes to show that indeed DETROIT IS THE WORLD CAPITAL OF HAUNTED HOUSES!

(Detroit is in Wayne County, so any haunts in Wayne County can be considered DETROIT AREA.)

First stop was at DERANGED HAUNT in ROMULUS. It’s only their 2nd year, and they’ve already expanded and improved the show. And we heard the MOST AMAZING WHOOSHING SOUND we’ve ever heard at any haunt here...a few times actually.

WHOA NELLIE, what kind of monstrous sound system do they have?

IT’S NOT JBL OR KLIPSCH. IT’S REAL.

The haunt is in a bona fide forest, but it’s also in ROMULUS where WAYNE COUNTY AIRPORT is. These are REAL JET PLANES doing a fly-by of sorts, and the result is breathtaking!

Even better, there was little wind and the resulting cloud of fog rising added a spooky ambiance that can not be achieved at an indoor haunt.

Not too shabby for just the first stop in a DETROIT TRIFECTA OF TERROR!

Next up was HUSH HAUNT in WESTLAND.

WOWSER, BIG TIME.

This place is incredible! It’s like a mansion...wait a second, it is a mansion...for real.

Huh?

Those walls...they’re not props made for set...they’re real.

The exquisite stained glass...is real.

The antique furniture...is real. It looks and feels old, because it is old. There’s many amazing stories all connected to these items...for real.

Say what?!

The Cliff Notes version of what happened since last year with HUSH goes something like this:

Owner operator CB somehow found estate sales at some amazing genuine mansions, and bought everything lock stock and barrel.

Then he reassembled the mansions, and a lot more inside the new building they constructed at the new property.

Of course such a monumental task could not be accomplished without assistance, so he reached out to the SCREAM QUEEN who many consider to be the premiere haunt consultant/designer in the industry.

To give perspective, SCREAM QUEEN has also played key roles in the creation of other WORLD CLASS HAUNTS such as THE HAUNT in GRAND RAPIDS, ROTTEN MANOR in HOLLY, SCREAM PARK in NILES and many more.

Our last haunt for Saturday was THE SCREAM MACHINE in TAYLOR.

“Wait a second Zioptis...didn’t you already go there?”

Yup.

LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT / GOOD THINGS COME IN SMALL PACKAGES

“Why did you go back?”

Thing is, we fell in love. We had to go back.

In a genius casting move, THE SCREAM MACHINE features an unforgettable pint-sized actor that has been WOWING the crowds big time. This visually striking image is so strangely compelling...you have no choice but to submit! The only way you could have prevented it is if you had not seen it.  ;)

All gushing aside, of course it takes more than one stellar performer to carry a haunt. The SCREAM MACHINE actors were spot on throughout, with excellent delivery and interaction.

When we got there we watched with glee as happy haunters were being jettisoned out of the MIGHTY SCREAM MACHINE.

We did ask a few what they thought at the exit, but really just their faces said it all in an instant.

That certain exhilaration... the sheer excitement... THAT’S HAUNTING MOTOR CITY MADNESS STYLE!

* The 9 haunts in Wayne County are:

1. DERANGED, ROMULUS  2. HAUNTED FUNERAL HOME, INKSTER 3. HAUNTED GARAGE PRODUCTIONS, GROSSE POINTE WOODS  4. HUSH HAUNT, WESTLAND  5. PHANTOM FOREST HAYRIDE, GROSSE ILE  6. PUMPKIN FACTORY, BELLEVILLE (western edge of Wayne County)  7. PURGATORY, WYANDOTTE  8. THE SCREAM MACHINE, TAYLOR 9. WOODS OF DARKNESS in SOUTH ROCKWOOD

OCTOBER 5, 2019 SATURDAY 3:30 PM - OVERCHOICE HITS DETROIT HAUNT SCENE

A book from 1970 called FUTURE SHOCK by Alvin Toffler predicted the predicament we find ourselves in right now.

Huh?

Toffler warned of someday having so many choices about things available that just making that choice could be bewildering.

And so it is today.

Here it is...SATURDAY NIGHT and the weather is perfect...where do we go?

SHAWHAVEN FARMS in MASON and BESTMAZE in WILLIAMSTON?

SLAUGHTERHOUSE in FOWLERVILLE and the brand new GHOSTLY GROVE in PINCKNEY literally right next door to Hell?

HUSH HAUNT in WESTLAND and DERANGED in ROMULUS?

We already went to THE SCREAM MACHINE in TAYLOR, but if we get started early enough we could hit them again...

HUSH has expanded by a factor of 6, with their brand new location at the site of the former SKATELAND WEST on CHERRY HILL.

DERANGED is in the 2nd year, and won a ZIOPTIS AWARD to boot...

Oh yeah, last year HUSH WON 3 ZIOPTIS AWARDS!

Decisions, decisions...what a nice problem to have...

OCTOBER 5, 2019 SATURDAY 1 PM - AMAZING ARMADA

As small towns go, Armada is a giant in the haunt world!

They have TWO excellent haunts, and we’re reminded of when for example, a Burger King moves in next door to a Wendy’s...

Theoretically they’re competitors, but they end up being allies because they bring more total business of that kind to the area.

We started our Friday night in Armada getting slaughtered at sundown at SLAUGHTERED AT SUNDOWN, as we saw firsthand why this haunt has been so successful for so many years.

Then we went to one of the two BLAKE’S in Armada.

Huh?

Besides BLAKE’S HAUNTED BIG APPLE on North Avenue, Blake’s also has another giant facility with a fabulous restaurant on Armada Center Road, BLAKE’S ORCHARD.

Finally, we made our way to BLAKE’S HAUNTED BIG APPLE which was totally off-the-hook!

They have a walk through HAUNTED BARN, their famous HAYRIDE, 2 mazes, cool photo ops, an incredible store, karaoke, and lots more.

The karaoke boasts high quality sound & lights...

One song we heard was “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey, and the entire audience joined in with great enthusiasm when the lyrics got to the line “Born and raised in SOUTH DETROIT!”

Amenities are second to none at BLAKE’S HAUNTED BIG APPLE, with a small army of employees roaming the grounds and a stand alone bathroom building the gals are sure to appreciate!

The hayride at BLAKE’S was totally different from our last visit, except for the halfway stop where the friendly witches serve everyone cider & donuts to die for. Yum! 

Our only regret Friday night was that we didn’t get a chance to sneak in a 3rd haunt by driving only 10 miles from Armada to Lenox Twp...

Just like Armada, Lenox Twp. ALSO has 2 fabulous haunts!

HAUNTED FARM OF TERROR and SCAREFEST SCREAM PARK are BOTH in Lenox Twp. Even better, they both have killer hayrides as well as walk through haunts. Decisions, decisions...

OCTOBER 4, 2019 FRIDAY 12 NOON - FAREWELL DEAR FRIENDS

Every year, haunts come and go. It’s just the nature of the beast.

This time, it’s KRAZY HILDA’S in YPSILANTI and REALM OF HAUNTED MINDS in ROMULUS that are missing in action.

KRAZY HILDA’S website still says they’re not operating in 2018 and they’ll be back in 2019, but there’s no ad in the haunt rags and their phone # is out of service.

REALM OF HAUNTED MINDS is a different story. The HURON TURKEY FARM where it’s located answered their phone promptly, and said the haunt is gone but that it may be converted into a fun house starting next year.

HURON TURKEY FARM remains open for business, and is going strong as a prime family friendly destination.

Their front building still has tasty treats and is decked out even more than before.

OCTOBER 2, 2019 WEDNESDAY 6 PM - FALL IS HERE, LET THE HAYRIDES BEGIN!

The weather is looking great for this weekend, and that means HAYRIDES!

We have SO many fabulous hayrides in Michigan.

Just a few faves: SLAUGHTERHOUSE in FOWLERVILLE was created by magicians and comedians, HAUNTED FARM OF TERROR in LENOX TWP. has one-of-a-kind giant monsters to freak you out, BLAKE’S BIG APPLE in ARMADA has grandiose gags that will knock your socks off, SCAREFEST SCREAM PARK in LENOX TWP. has an amazing story teller and a swamp that swallows you up...WIARD’S NIGHT TERRORS in YPSILANTI designs their own amazing props/gags...and the list goes on and on... 

SEPTEMBER 29, 2019 SUNDAY 2 PM - GERMAN FAIRY TALE COMES ALIVE IN FOREST!

The Brothers Grimm would be proud.

ROTTEN MANOR in HOLLY has a new GINGERBREAD HOUSE that is to die for...literally, if the wackos inside it have their way.

It’s part of the new forest experience this year at ROTTEN MANOR, complete with a pathway of giant lollipops and a special meat smoker the occupants are eager to fire up...just for you!

We barely recognized ROTTEN MANOR since our last visit in 2017!

So much has been added to what was already a bona fide Mega Haunt, it’s mind boggling.

Full review coming, but here’s just a few highlights of ROTTEN MANOR for 2019:

First of all, it’s the actors.

Actors can make or break ANY haunt, regardless of how many amazing props and special effects they have...

Right from the get-go, they were absolutely fabulous!

The ticket taker Patricia Jake (common name Joe Leonard) has silly tricks up her sleeve, and the first room greeter is remarkable. He delivers a strange rhyming story as premise for the haunt. He is SO good he could be a SAG/AFTRA VO dude! haha

Another new feature this year is the EXTREME 3D VORTEX, which takes the classic BlackHole effect to a new dimension with an optical illusion we’ve never seen before with this gag.

Even the amenities have been revamped, as with the gourmet food truck offering tasty Latin Street Food with plenty of healthy choices. One of our faves was the side dish of smoked squash & corn. Yum!

Our apologies to BONADEO FARMS for missing them last night. We were at ROTTEN MANOR for about 4 hours, and still didn’t get to do everything!

SEPTEMBER 28, 2019 SATURDAY 4 PM - MASSES DESCEND INTO MADNESS

We just got back from the HAUNTED GARAGE SALE, sponsored by the Motor City Haunt Club and it was a giant success!

We immediately saw someone we know, GW from HAUNTED GARAGE PRODUCTIONS in GROSSE POINTE FARMS. And the wristbands have their name on them, which we didn’t notice until after leaving...

There was an amazing variety of haunt related things for sale, including lots of original artwork. One of our favorites was the DISTURBED DOLLZ collection from an artist named Cheryl.

We took lots of pictures with a NIKON DSLR, and will be posting them soon on our Flickr photostream.

Now time for a short rest before heading out for a wild Saturday night, with BONADEO FARMS and ROTTEN MANOR. We can’t wait!

SEPTEMBER 28, 2019 SATURDAY 7 AM - “...HERE I COME TO SAVE THE DAY!” ( NO, NOT MIGHTY MOUSE)

When your plans don’t work out, you need a “PLAN B.”

But if even that doesn’t work out, it’s fabulous if there’s something else you can always fall back on that never lets you down. And so it was last night.

We hit HAUNTED FUNERAL HOME in INKSTER, and got a primo dose of Old School that turned out to be just what the doctor ordered!

The “What’s next” section is a wish list of sorts actually...

At the bottom of the current list is the haunt we’re actually most anxious to see ASAP this season.

WHO’S ON FIRST

“I don’t wanna click there...WHICH HAUNT, WHICH HAUNT?”

THE HAUNT.

“No, WHICH haunt?”

THE HAUNT.

“The one where you get your money back if you make it all the way through?”

No, that one is fake news. THE HAUNT.

“The one with the Guinness World Record?”

No, THE HAUNT.

“Oh! The one put on by the Frat House that got kicked out of U of M Med School?”

No, that one is fake news too...the real one is THE HAUNT.

“But WHERE is it?”

Now we’re getting somewhere. It’s in Grand Rapids.

“But isn’t DETROIT THE HAUNTED HOUSE CAPITAL OF THE WORLD?”

Yes, absolutely. But the world is shrinking every day, and gravity is proof that it sucks too. That’s why your plans don’t always work out.

THE BIG STORY WE WERE FORCED TO DISREGARD

It actually started a couple years ago, after JB finished an amazing run at THE HAUNT...yup that’s the full name of the place...in GRAND RAPIDS.

This was a haunt that had 35,000 people go through in their first year!

But nothing lasts forever, and the lease finally ran out at the Waldorf building. We were there for JB’S Swan Song, and it was bittersweet...

JB, who was always totally cool and forthcoming, didn’t say what was to become of his incredible creation he was clever enough to call just “THE HAUNT” and we didn’t ask.

The silence was deafening. What would happen?

TA DAH! DS took over at a new location and everybody, including other haunt operators, told us it takes things to a whole new level when it comes to haunted attractions! JB’S LEGACY LIVES ON.

We couldn’t make it to THE HAUNT last year which was the first time at the new location, so we’re determined to get there this season.

Thinking back...it was actually THE SCREAM MACHINE in TAYLOR that was the first one to tell us we had to see THE HAUNT in GRAND RAPIDS...

COMING AROUND FULL CIRCLE

And then this season...

Before leaving THE SCREAM MACHINE in TAYLOR recently, we mentioned to the operator that we were going to ROTTEN MANOR in HOLLY.

With a big smile, she said it’s a favorite haunt of hers! How could she know that?

They have a system where I think it’s 11 haunts get to visit each other, and that’s how she was able to go to ROTTEN MANOR.

Signing off for now...see you at the HAUNTED GARAGE SALE later today!

SEPTEMBER 27, 2019 FRIDAY 4:30 PM - A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS

We sadly missed ROTTEN MANOR last year, but in 2017 we went and took a few pictures after going through the haunt.

Those pictures are now posted on our Flickr photostream: www.flickr.com/photos/45316911@N03/

Also, other haunted attraction pictures can be found by clicking on “Albums” and then on “Haunted Attraction Stuff.”

SEPTEMBER 27, 2019 FRIDAY 2 PM - RAINING ON OUR PARADE, ALREADY

Rats! Rain is forecast with 80% probability tonight for the White lake area where BONADEO FARMS is, and half of it is outdoors.

Also half outdoors is ROTTEN MANOR in HOLLY, also in Oakland County...

Last year, rain thwarted our plans to hit HAUNTED FARM OF TERROR and SCAREFEST SCREAM PARK both in LENOX TWP...

Tonight is opening night at the new location of HUSH HAUNTED ATTRACTION in WESTLAND. But this is really important, and we always try NOT to go on opening night for key haunts...

Not only is HUSH at a new, much larger location this year but THE SCREAM QUEEN* herself is on board there this year...

In past years in this situation we’d just go to the FLINT AREA. But alas, CLIO MANOR HAUNTED HOUSE, ST. LUCIFER’S and THE CRYPT are not open this year. EXIT 13 is open this year, and they blew us away last year...

AZRA CHAMBER OF HORRORS HH in MADISON HEIGHTS is indoors and open tonight, but the plan is to hit HAUNTED GARAGE PRODUCTIONS in GROSSE POINTE WOODS which is mostly outdoors on the same night as AZRA...

Decisions, decisions!

* = For those not familiar with the Detroit haunt hierarchy, there’s two major players. MR. HAUNTED HOUSE started THE FEAR FINDER and THE SCREAM QUEEN helped start THE HAUNT GUIDE along with KW and serves as consultant for many haunts.

SEPTEMBER 27, 2019 FRIDAY 4:30 AM - ‘O PUMPKIN ON HIGH!

Talking with my partner earlier...we both feel the call of the SKY HIGH PUMPKIN at SHAWHAVEN HAUNTED FARM in MASON.

They have a pumpkin WAY UP HIGH mounted on a super tall pole...IT’S WAY COOL JUNIOR! www.shawhavenhauntedfarm.com

We also lamented it’s been too long since we hit TERROR ON 27 in ASHLEY. www.terroron27.com

TERROR ON 27 doesn’t open until October 4th this year, so there’s plenty of time to plan a journey. They have a killer sound system that hits you the moment you arrive...quad attraction haunt...the food was awesome....gotta get back there hopefully this season!

They always blew us away with original story lines and unusual approachs...one time they put a spin on interaction with a challenge between you and just one monster that essentially you end up playing hide-and-seek with...never seen this before...

Another fave from TERROR ON 27 was the ultra dainty manicure with a really BAD ASS MOTORCYCLE DUDE...fabulous!

Or how about this wild premise from a part of the now defunct TERRORTOWN in TOLEDO, OHIO at Lucas County Fairgrounds (we always got lost trying to find the elusive Key Street...GPS didn’t exist yet).

One member of your group is selected to carry a special electric lantern. It supplies the ONLY light during the journey. There’s no strobes, blacklights, lasers...NOTHING.

You must trust your lantern to help find your way through a very dark pathway. But then it flickers and then dies out...then it strobes...goes out again, comes back on...

Turns out the lantern is REMOTE CONTROLLED BY THE MONSTERS. They see you coming, wearing night vision equipment...and toy with you mercilessly!

SEPTEMBER 27, 2019 FRIDAY 3 AM - CALLING ALL HAUNTS! (AND YARD HAUNT ENTHUSIASTS)

THE HAUNTED GARAGE SALE, sponsored by the MOTOR CITY HAUNT CLUB is coming up on Saturday, Sept. 28 from 9AM - 3PM in DEARBORN at the FORD COMMUNITY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER. www.motorcityhauntclub.com

Here’s your chance to grab a great deal on quality haunt gear, without paying SCARE FACTORY prices! It’s only $4 to get in for adults and free for kids under 14.

Perhaps you’re a haunt looking for a new gag or a yard haunt fanatic looking to WOW the neighborhood.

Or even just a haunt fan, like most of you reading this right now. Here’s your chance to hobnob with haunt royalty! ;)  And yes, we’ll be there too. Hey, why not meet us there? We’ll be the ones right in the middle of hundreds of wild and crazy haunters!

(According to their Facebook page, there’s 760 people going, and 4.7K are interested.)

SEPTEMBER 26, 2019 THURSDAY 4 AM - NEW BLOOD

Here’s a new outdoors haunt, GHOSTLY GROVE in PINCKNEY. www.ghostlygrove.com

This haunt is on the site of the SCHELL FAMILY FARM, and they’ve hired professional set designers for this first time effort. We welcome them to the vibrant Michigan Haunt Community!

Pinckney is right next to Hell, what better place for a brand spanking new haunt?!   ;)

SEPTEMBER 25, 2019 WEDNESDAY 11 PM - NO BEANS SPILLED BEFORE THEIR TIME

Flipping through the FEAR FINDER and THE HAUNT GUIDE...both are looking cool...and now we can mention something we’ve been anxious to talk about.

Often, we’re privy to what haunts are planning for the following season. Haunt operators know they can bounce ideas off us without it getting out ahead of time...

Well, here’s the BIG NEWS FOR 2019 we’ve been anxious to announce (and you may already know if you looked at THE HAUNT GUIDE):

HUSH HAUNTED ATTRACTION has expanded, in fact it’s SIX TIMES BIGGER than before! They’re still in Westland, but moved from Ford Road to Cherry Hill at the site of the former SKATELAND.

They did an amazing job with a much smaller space, so we can’t wait to see what they’re up to now where they can stretch their chops out big time!

SEPTEMBER 22, 2019 SUNDAY 10 AM - There’s some glitches that need to be fixed after switching to a newer version of our website program.

The text on the left in the tabs is hard to see, and in Reviews the blue tabs appearing on the right aren’t working. Until they’re fixed, please select from the tabs on the left on the Reviews page.

Also, the pumpkin graphic on the main page is missing.

We’ll be seeing the webmaster soon...

SEPTEMBER 22, 2019 SUNDAY 7 AM - THE MADNESS BEGINS!

Like anxious kids on Christmas Eve, we’re always trying to get to haunts as soon as possible in the season...

For years we went to ST. LUCIFER’S HAUNTED ASYLUM for our first haunt of the year...and who remembers the HAUNTED TRAIL PROJECT that used to be across the street?

Sadly, we won’t be going to ST. LUCIFER’S this year because it’s again closed for the season. But we might see them again, as we heard a new location was in the works...

So where to go instead?

Someplace we’ve been to a lot...it’s gotta be killer...time for a road trip to Jackson for JACKSON’S UNDERWORLD! “High Ho Hi Ho, to Jackson We Must Go...” (sung poorly)

We’ve been to JACKSON’S UNDERWORLD for TEN YEARS IN A ROW NOW, they must be doing something right!

It’s not too far from Detroit...the natural amazing ambiance of the place with the massive 150,000 square feet building just makes you FEEL LIKE HALLOWEEN...right now!

Then on Saturday night, we couldn’t wait to experience ROTTEN MANOR in HOLLY which many now regard as DETROIT’S NEW PREMIERE MEGAHAUNT.

But wouldn’t you know it...RATS! Turns out I-75 is closed between 696 and Square Lake until Monday morning...and that’s how Mandy* says we need to go...

PLAN B TO THE RESCUE

Where else can we go?

Someplace we’ve been to a lot...it’s gotta be killer...time for a road trip to TAYLOR for THE SCREAM MACHINE!

NECESSITY IS THE MOTHER OF FORCED REINVENTION

Huh?

After the season is over, they have to move everything out of the building.

So THE SCREAM MACHINE is literally disassembled every year, even as they remain at their ECORSE ROAD location which is only seconds off of TELEGRAPH ROAD (the Main Drag of the area).

What better way to reinvent yourself?

And so it is, and THE SCREAM MACHINE is again way different from last year!

Even better, the HANDS DOWN BEST GAG this year is totally new and will positively KNOCK YOUR SOCKS OFF!

We’re not about to say exactly what it is, but you will know it when you see it.

We will tell you this much: A PINT SIZED ACTOR IS GONNA BLOW YOUR MIND!

That’s not just us saying that either...a group of 5 girls ahead of us were SO FREAKED OUT they would NOT continue...they latched onto us and we eventually went past them...

Wow, what a GREAT SATURDAY NIGHT we had...THANK YOU SCREAM MACHINE!

* = “Mandy” is the girl inside our GPS unit, she speaks so beautifully saying things like “Turn right, and take the motorway.”

SEPTEMBER 20, 2019 FRIDAY 1 PM - IF IT AIN’T BROKEN...

There’s been a push by the Halloween & Costume Association on www.change.org to change the date that Halloween is celebrated from October 31st to the last Saturday of the month.

Say what?! Why would they do that?

The main reason is that supposedly it would be safer for the kids during Trick-or-Treating.

Also, it would be better for the bars.

As to the safety of the kids, we say NO it would not be safer...in fact it could end up being less safe.

Saturday night is NOT a school night, which means they’d probably be out later than on the 31st which most often is on a school night. This year the 31st will be Thursday, for example.

As to what’s best for the bars, we say WHO CARES? Halloween is more for kids than them! Either way, the bars will find a way to have a Halloween theme party.

We just checked their website, and how about that there’s also now petitions to KEEP the date of October 31st! www.change.org/search?q=halloween  Don’t mess with tradition!

SEPTEMBER 20, 2019 FRIDAY 11 AM - GENTLEMEN, START YOUR ENGINES!

We’re off and running, starting off another fabulous haunt season this weekend at two of MICHIGAN’S PREMIER MEGA HAUNTS: JACKSON’S UNDERWORLD in JACKSON and ROTTEN MANOR in HOLLY.

We sadly missed ROTTEN MANOR last year, so that’s a priority. This is the haunt that many regard as the NEW PREMIER MEGA HAUNT for the Detroit market!

SEPTEMBER 13, 2019 FRIDAY 9 PM - HOLLYWOOD COMES TO HOLLY, SORTA

ROTTEN MANOR in HOLLY is open tonight! www.RottenManor.com

Even if you went last year, you’ll want to go again in 2019 because about half of the now defunct BRANDYWYNE CEMETERY is now part of the show at ROTTEN MANOR!

Wow, how did they swing that?

Never mind that...but here’s another insider tidbit for you: The other half of BRANDYWYNE went to HAUNTED GARAGE PRODUCTIONS in GROSSE POINTE WOODS.

BRANDYWYNE CEMETERY was created by a former DISNEY ARTIST, and is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece!

SEPTEMBER 13, 2019 FRIDAY 8 PM - DOUBLING DOWN

No, not The Donald. It’s the moon & the date.

Huh? Read on...

Happy Friday The 13th!

And HAPPY FULL MOON FRIDAY too.

Tonight is a full moon, but it’s also the MICROMOON.

What the heck is that?

Basically, it shrinks. Okay, it just looks that way because it’s even more way out than usual!

Huh?

These guys can explain it better: www.livescience.com/friday-the-13th-micromoon.html

JULY 13, 2019 SATURDAY 12 NOON - HOT FUN IN THE SUMMERTIME

GODSMACK returns to where they shot their “Awake” video this weekend, the OHIO STATE REFORMATORY in MANSFIELD!

It’s all part of the INKCARCERATION FESTIVAL along with SHINEDOWN and many other awesome rock bands.

THE BLOOD PRISON HAUNTED HOUSE will be open too! Details: www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2019/01/inkcarceration-announces-2019-lineup-shinedown-godsmack-more.html

Closer to home, today is the WAYNE COUNTY PARKS FAMILY FUNFEST at Nankin Mills Park off Hines Drive in Westland with live music, rides, etc. Details: www.nankinmills.org

MARCH 17, 2019 SUNDAY 12:15 AM - HAPPY ST. PATTY’S DAY!

JANUARY 5, 2019 SATURDAY 3 PM - WE SALUTE YOU!

We’d like to congratulate all haunt operators, whether or not an award was received.

All of you were up to the challenge of providing that unique form of entertainment that kids of all ages have come to love, HAUNTING!

Your creativity and imagination never cease to amaze us, and you enrich our lives with wacky craziness that takes us to another world...

One that is always lurking in the recesses of our minds, waiting, waiting...until next Fall when the monsters jump into action again!

DECEMBER 31, 2018 MONDAY 6 AM - AWARDS NOW POSTED

Click on Awards to the left. Also now posted in News: THE ZIOPTIS 2018 STATE OF THE INDUSTRY ADDRESS

DECEMBER 30, 2018 SUNDAY 3 PM - THE BIG PICTURE

In addition to the awards, we will also be posting:

THE ZIOPTIS 2018 STATE OF THE INDUSTRY ADDRESS

DECEMBER 30, 2018 SUNDAY 5 AM - ALL WILL BE REVEALED...

The categories are now listed for the ZIOPTIS HAUNT AWARDS 2018, and tomorrow the winners will be announced! (Click on Awards.)

DECEMBER 29, 2018 SATURDAY 7 PM - A WORD ABOUT THE UPCOMING AWARDS

We debated long and hard about whether we should give awards this year, after having missed some major haunts that probably would’ve won some of them.

Because of this, there will NOT be an overall best haunt of the year award!

Instead, the awards will highlight specific noteworthy achievements and are not meant to compare haunts.

(We did away with our original 5 STAR RATING scale in 2009, which became counterproductive to our purpose of promoting the entire haunt scene.)

DECEMBER 13, 2018 THURSDAY 2 PM - MAKING A LIST & CHECKING IT TWICE

We’re in the process of deciding on awards for 2018 that will be announced at the end of the year.

Besides reviewing the recordings and notes, we’ll be calling select haunts to check on various things...names of certain characters, gags and such...

So if you’re a haunt operator and get a phone call from us, it’s a good thing!

DECEMBER 2, 2018 SUNDAY 2:30 PM - Just added: a NON REVIEW of ROTTEN MANOR in HOLLY. Huh? See Reviews 2018_A.

Sorry, the right side tabs are still not enabled for Reviews...please click on the left section to find various years.

DECEMBER 1, 2018 SATURDAY 1 PM - RAINING ON OUR PARADE

Today is the CHRISTMAS IN IDA FESTIVAL which we’ve mentioned in past years. www.ChristmasInIda.com

It’s a lot of fun, and a chance to go to an event the likes of which is usually available only during summer.

There’s a FREE COUNTRY CONCERT followed by fireworks and a massive parade. This year the concert is by Michigan native JOSH GRACIN, who got his start on AMERICAN IDOL.

Unfortunately, the weather is not cooperating this year and rain is in the forecast...

But the show will go on. I talked to festival director Dale Zorn, who said nothing short of a tornado would make them cancel!

We decided to skip it this year, but still encourage you to go if you don’t mind carrying an umbrella.

One of the silly highlights is HOLIDAY HOUNDS ON PARADE, featuring dogs dressed in holiday garb...GREAT STUFF!

This is the biggest event of the year for this small town, with over 50,000 people attending!

Be sure to tune in again at the end of the year for the 2018 ZIOPTIS HAUNT AWARDS.

NOVEMBER 22, 2018 THURSDAY 11 AM - HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

May your turkey be moist and your surroundings warm and cozy.

NOVEMBER 6, 2018 TUESDAY 7 AM - ANOTHER REASON TO VOTE TODAY

Here’s a MAJOR FREEBIE for voters today as HENRY FORD MUSEUM in DEARBORN offers free admission when you show your “I Voted” sticker. Tickets are $23 normally. www.thehenryford.org/current-events/calendar/rockwell-roosevelt-the-four-freedoms

This place is world famous for good reason!

THE WHAT?

HENRY FORD MUSEUM is a part of what they call THE HENRY FORD for some reason... which also encompasses GREENFIELD VILLAGE, an authentic little town like you wouldn’t believe!

Confused? Just go, and prepare to be WOWED...BIG TIME.

NOVEMBER 5, 2018 MONDAY 3 AM - THE CAN REMAINS UNTIPPED

There’s a crazy album cover you may have seen by THE WHO that’s reminding me of EXIT 13 in FLINT right now...

A GIANT CAN OF BEANS has been spilled...into a bathtub containing their flamboyant singer Roger Daltry of all things...ah, those comic Brits...lookie here: www.rollingstone.com/music-news/b-o-baked-beans-buns-and-the-who-188382/

Anyways...so we were talking to the operator of EXIT 13 about future plans after a great trip thru the haunt...it went something like this:

“OMG! REALLY?”

“Yup, it should be ready for next season.”

“Hey, that’s fabulous! Can we tell the public?”

“Not yet, please...but we’re really excited about it!”

NOT LIKE ROGER

We NEVER SPILL THE BEANS, but this much we can tell you. It’s BIG...REALLY BIG...and it will literally add a whole new dimension to EXIT 13!

We can’t wait! EXIT 13 BLEW US AWAY this season with their highly physical hands-on approach, and we KNOW they’re gonna do this right. They have a proven track record, and the know-how to do what they’re planning!

NOVEMBER 4, 2018 SUNDAY 3 AM - TAKE A WALK ON THE DARKSYDE

Oh, bliss!

What a great ending to the season, at DARKSYDE ACRES in JONESVILLE last night with a massive crowd of happy haunters.

The setup is brilliant. Just one queue line leads to all 5 attractions that occupy over 70,000 square feet, with a path running 1 1/2 mile!

The food was outrageously good too, thanks to onsite catering from HILLBILLY BONE BBQ...YUM!

Full review coming, and stay tuned for some big news later today...

NOVEMBER 3, 2018 SATURDAY 3 PM - ALL DRESSED UP WITH A FEW THOUSAND FRIENDS

Hot on the heels of Halloween is another chance to put on an outrageous costume and not be out of place.

A SALUTE TO SAILOR MOON

It’s YOUMACON 2018, and it’s happening Nov. 1 - 4 in Detroit at the COBO CENTER. www.youmacon.com

From their website: Youmacon is a popular culture event similar to most Comic Cons, however instead of focusing on comic books, Youmacon is a celebration of Japanese popular culture and its influence on our own culture over the past few decades. Common themes throughout the event are Anime (Japanese animation), Video Games, Japanese style artwork and comics, and the rising internet culture influenced by all of the above.

Youmacon brings a unique all-ages mix of interactive events, celebrity guest panels, and live musical performances to Downtown Detroit. One of its most popular events, Live Action Mario Party, emulates the video game experience  often filling the room to fire code capacity. Players participate in gameshow-like mini-games to help their teams advance and win.

Wearing costumes, or Cosplay as it’s known at conventions, is very popular with attendees of Youmacon. It is not uncommon to walk into a pair of Italian plumbers in overalls on the escalator, only to meet someone dressed as Edward Elric or Master Chief from Halo minutes later.”

NOVEMBER 3, 2018 SATURDAY 2 PM - NEVER WOULD WE EVER

About the upcoming 2018 ZIOPTIS AWARDS:

After several years of not having awards, we’ve decided it’s time to have them again after seeing so many amazing things this season.

However, there will NOT be an overall “BEST HAUNT OF THE YEAR AWARD.”

“HUH? WHY NOT, ZIOPTIS?”

This has been a really strange season for us, with many unexpected problems that prevented us from visiting many key haunts...any of which could potentially have earned the “BEST HAUNT OF THE YEAR AWARD.”

To give that award would be unfair to haunts we missed such as: BESTMAZE, BLAKE’S, BONADEO FARMS, THE CRYPT, EREBUS, GORE GROUNDS, THE HAUNT, HAUNTED FARM OF TERROR, HAUNTING IN IRISH HILLS, NIGHTSTALKERS, NILES SCREAM PARK, THE PUMPKIN FACTORY, ROTTEN MANOR, SCAREFEST SCREAM PARK, SHAWHAVEN FARMS, SLAUGHTER HOUSE, SLAUGHTERED AT SUNDOWN, and TERROR ON 27.

The awards will celebrate the individual achievements of haunts we visited.

Our purpose is to the promote the entire haunt scene, not pit one house against another or compare them!

As in past years, the awards will be given at the end of the year.

Also as in past years, we’ll alert you to OFF SEASON HAUNT EVENTS so stay tuned!  

NOVEMBER 2, 2018 FRIDAY 3 AM - THE LAST GASP!

This is it.

Your last chance to go haunting this season...BOO HOO!  ):

CALL NOW! / AVOID FUTURE REGRET & SHAME!

Besides the “BLACKOUT” events, the haunts in FULL SWING this weekend are:

AZRA CHAMBER OF HORRORS HAUNTED HOUSE, MADISON HEIGHTS - A dynamic first year haunt with quirky edges and HIGH INTENSITY THRILLS AND CHILLS!

DARKSYDE ACRES, JONESVILLE - A first class farm haunt that’s set a goal of becoming the WORLD’S LARGEST HAUNTED ATTRACTION!

EREBUS, PONTIAC - The PREMIERE MEGA HAUNT in the Detroit Haunt Market by MR. HAUNTED HOUSE, who started with a trailer haunt called HAUNTED GALLERY. An AMERICAN SUCCESS STORY like no other!

HUSH HAUNTED ATTRACTION, WESTLAND - An up and coming STAR OF THE DETROIT HAUNT MARKET that reinvents itself constantly, ever evolving its creativity and fan base as a result.

THE SCREAM MACHINE, TAYLOR - Downriver’s LONGEST RUNNING HAUNT  for good reason, totally revamped again for 2018 with classic horror scenes to die for!

So which of these should you hit?

ALL OF THEM, if you can! We’ve had awesome experiences at every one of them, and plan to do so again THIS WEEKEND if humanly possible...

Hey, come join us...we’ll be the ones right in the middle of thousands of screaming haunt fans!  (;

NOVEMBER 1, 2018 THURSDAY 2 PM - THE COWS COME HOME & THE FAT LADY SINGS

This is the LAST HURRAH! Here’s the list of haunts open this weekend, Friday & Saturday November 2 & 3:

AZRA, DARKSYDE ACRES, EREBUS, GORE GROUNDS*, THE HAUNT*, HUSH, NILES SCREAM PARK*, and THE SCREAM MACHINE

* = Please note - GORE GROUNDS, THE HAUNT, and NILES SCREAM PARK will have BLACKOUT NIGHTS, not the regular show. Usually, this means the lighting fixtures and sound equipment have been removed but the props are still in place. Groups are given GLOW STICKS with which they make their way through.

GORE GROUNDS will also have BLACKOUT NIGHTS on Nov. 9 & 10.

Also, HAUNTING IN IRISH HILLS will be open on November 3rd only.

NOVEMBER 1, 2018 THURSDAY 2 AM - SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION

We went out in a BLAZE OF GLORY on Halloween night!

With excellent choices of ROTTEN MANOR, EREBUS, DARKSYDE ACRES, and THE HAUNT which did we choose?

None of them!

Not that we didn’t want to, mind you...but things can change in a flash.

And we’ve actually done this before, switching our BIG CITY HALLOWEEN PLANS to go where nobody would expect us to.

For several years, it was A NIGHTMARE ON ELM ROAD (gone now) in tiny WEBBERVILLE.

We just couldn’t make it to Oakland County or even farther this Halloween...logistics and such.

Where to go? It’s gotta be killer! Our “newbie” is coming this time...PAUSE:

Each year we select a “newbie” to come with us to haunts. This is someone who has little or no experience with haunting.

This year’s “newbie” was anxious to go on A KILLER HAYRIDE!

Early season wet weather hindered plans to take the “newbie” to LENOX TWP. for HAUNTED FARM OF TERROR and SCAREFEST SCREAM PARK, and to ARMADA for BLAKE’S and SLAUGHTERED AT SUNDOWN.

So off to NIGHT TERRORS AT WIARD’S in YPSILANTI we went...and it was a total blast! MISSION ACCOMPLISHED.

This was our 2nd time here this season! (The “newbie” couldn’t come the first time.)

We hope you as much fun as we did on Halloween and during the 2018 haunt season...which, by the way...is still not over!

Some haunts will be open this coming Friday & Saturday November 2 & 3 - a list will be posted later today.

OCTOBER 31, 2018 WEDNESDAY 3:45 PM - DECISIONS, DECISIONS...

Time is running short, and we still haven’t been to some major haunts that we wanted to...

ROTTEN MANOR blew us away every year since they opened in 2015 to become the NEWEST MEGA HAUNT IN THE DETROIT MARKET!

EREBUS is legendary for good reason, but it’s been awhile since we made the pilgrimage there...and MR. HAUNTED HOUSE is a long-time pal of ours...

It’s also been awhile since we made it to DARKSYDE ACRES, whose goal is to become THE WORLD’S LARGEST HAUNTED ATTRACTION. It’s ridiculously giant; they could conceivably do it. After all, “Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve!”

THE HAUNT in GRAND RAPIDS has a new owner, and was strongly recommended to us by another haunt operator!

OCTOBER 31, 2018 WEDNESDAY 3 PM - THE ELLEN SHOW HALLOWEEN EPISODE is on WDIV-TV Channel 4 in Detroit right now, and then again at 4 PM on WTVG-TV Channel 13 in Toledo, Ohio.

OCTOBER 31, 2018 WEDNESDAY 2 PM - GOOD TO THE LAST DROP

No, not MAXWELL HOUSE although we do have a pot of coffee brewing right now.

It’s the last final stretch of the haunt season! Some are even open this coming weekend Nov. 2 & 3 that we’ll list later, but for now here’s the HAUNTS OPEN HALLOWEEN NIGHT 2018:

AZRA, THE CRYPT, DARKSYDE ACRES, DERANGED, EREBUS, EXIT 13, GORE GROUNDS, THE HAUNT, THE HAUNTED FUNERAL HOME, HUSH, JACKSON’S UNDERWORLD, NIGHT TERRORS AT WIARD’S, NILES SCREAM PARK, ROTTEN MANOR, THE SCREAM MACHINE, and TERRORFIED FOREST & MANOR

OCTOBER 31, 2018 WEDNESDAY 10 AM - DETROIT TRAIN DEPOT GETS HALLOWEEN MAKEOVER!

You’ve probably heard that FORD MOTOR COMPANY of DEARBORN bought the old train depot building with amazing renovation plans.

They had public tours to let people see the “before” and they were so popular they added extra days...

Well, tonight they’re throwing a MASSIVE HALLOWEEN PARTY there including a light show and trick or treating so:

They’re essentially turning this former blight into an INCREDIBLY GIANT HAUNTED HOUSE IN DETROIT!

Check it out: www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/ford/2018/10/30/michigan-central-station-comes-alive-halloween/1823879002/

OCTOBER 31, 2018 WEDNESDAY 9 AM - THE TODAY SHOW HALLOWEEN EDITION on NBC-TV is in its final hour right now, featuring the staff all dressed as famous people from the 80’s and lots of clever Halloween anecdotes.

OCTOBER 31, 2018 WEDNESDAY 8:30 AM - GIVING CREDIT WHERE IT’S DUE

ZIOPTIS HAUNT AWARDS WILL BE PRESENTED AT THE END OF THE YEAR!

And stay tuned, as there’s much more still to come. The haunt season is not over!

Later today we’ll publish a list of haunts still open, including this coming weekend.

OCTOBER 31, 2018 WEDNESDAY 8:15 AM - DEVIL’S NIGHT IN THE D

We hit 2 INCREDIBLE DETROIT MARKET HAUNTS last night: AWAKEN in LESLIE and JACKSON’S UNDERWORLD in JACKSON.

EYE POPPING SPOOKY GOODNESS / ALL IN THE FAMILY

Both haunts feature excellent 3D art sections - AWAKEN has displays by legendary 3D artist STU SMITH, and JACKSON’S UNDERWORLD has displays by the owner’s son!

There’s lots more too at both haunts, and even better they’re only minutes apart from each other which made for an ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS DEVIL’S NIGHT!

OCTOBER 31, 2018 WEDNESDAY 8 AM - HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

A Halloween story written after visiting HAUNTED HYDRO in OHIO now appears at the top of the page in “News.”

OCTOBER 30 2018 TUESDAY 12 NOON - What better way to spend DEVIL’S NIGHT than at a haunted house?

Here’s the haunts open tonight: AWAKEN, AZRA, THE CRYPT, DERANGED, EREBUS, EXIT 13, GORE GROUNDS, THE HAUNT, HAUNTED FARM OF TERROR, THE HAUNTED FUNERAL HOME, HUSH, JACKSON’S UNDERWORLD, PHANTOM FOREST HAYRIDE, ROTTEN MANOR, THE SCREAM MACHINE, and TERRORFIED FOREST & MANOR

OCTOBER 30, 2018 TUESDAY 2:30 AM - $100 TO GET IN, BUT YOUR MONEY BACK IF YOU MAKE IT ALL THE WAY THROUGH!

Yeah, right.

Have you ever heard something like this about a mystery haunt?

It’s total baloney, and here’s a popular prior posting that may ring a bell:

OCTOBER 27, 2015 TUESDAY 1 AM - DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THIS ONE HAUNTED HOUSE WHERE_____________________________? (fill in the blank)

Ever play the "Telephone Game," where a circle of people whispers a "secret" to each other one at a time until it goes all the way around?

The first person writes the "secret" down, and compares it to what the final person says. It's NEVER the same, and the results can be hilarious.

Now, imagine a "Telephone Game" where the "secret" is about an outrageous haunted house where all sorts of disgusting stuff is going on.

So every year there's FAKE HAUNT STORIES that are stretched to new dimensions of absurdity with every re-telling.

Multiply this concept by several thousand or so, and you've got this ever evolving story about an illusive HAUNT FROM BEYOND THAT DOESN'T EVEN EXIST, yet lives a life that cannot die!

The details vary widely, but there's always one thing in common with all of these amazing stories - nobody can ever tell you exactly where the haunt is. Why?

It's simple. It's only an urban legend.

But in peoples' minds...ah, that's a whole different animal.

There, it mutates itself and slays even the most rugged He-Man that eats pit bulls for breakfast.

As far as we know, the first version of this story goes something like this:

"There's a haunt that costs $100 to get in, but there's 10 rooms and you get back $10 for every room you make it thru.

But unspeakable things happen there, and three people already went insane.

In fact, NOBODY has made it past the third room!  It's put on by a frat house in Ann Arbor that got banned and kicked out of U of M.

The crazy haunt from hell includes renegade Medical Students who got booted from U of M MED SCHOOL for stealing body parts from cadavers!

They performed hideous experiments, and decided to see what they could get away with before being shut down by the Police.

The first room is filled with 6 inches of water, and you must remove your shoes and socks. (They do promise to return them later when you exit.)There are hundreds of snakes slithering around your feet and in between your toes, but all non-poisonous so they can't get sued.

The second room is totally pitch black. As you make your way to a hallway end, you feel gooey slimy stuff on the wall. It's human remains, mixed in with turkey guts to completely fill the wall.

You get blood all over your clothes. It smells like death, and everybody gags and throws up.

The third room is only 25 feet square, but has 500 live rats. You still have no shoes or socks, so they go to town on your feet and ankles.

But to avoid lawsuits all the rats have been de-teethed so you don't actually get bit, just gummed." (end of FICTIONAL story - do NOT repeat this to anyone!)

Rest In Peace, Adam T. Ladd
June 19, 1974 - May 30, 2014
4


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