HAUNTED HOUSE HOTLINE

109 North Byron Street, Homer, MI 49245

(517) 568-7295 or www.thehomermill.com

MAY 19, 2008 - We're looking forward to the 8th annual GREAT LAKES FRIGHT FEST being held May 30, 31 and June 1st in DUNDEE. It should be a blast! For full info click here on www.greatlakesfrightfest.com See you there!

Someone asked what haunt last season was the absolute creepiest that REALLY invoked  strong feelings of apprehension and eminent doom. The first one that came to mind was THE HOMER MILL HAUNTED HOUSE in HOMER. This haunt blew us away with amazing production values and a genuinely creepy giant OLD building whose omnious presence will grab you several blocks away! The ONLY thing that prevented us from awarding it the full 5 stars was the pacing, which was quite rushed. Of course, we DO understand it's difficult to handle mass quanities of patrons, and they surely did the best they could given the circumstances. Remember, if ANYTHING isn't perfect during our visit at a haunt we can't give it 5 stars. We truly wished we could've given it 5 stars, but to be fair and accurate we couldn't.  But we guarantee you will LOVE this haunt if you go, and there's a cool looking bar we wished we could've hung out at too.

A close second for a truly creepy haunt had to be NIGHT STALKERS in MILLINGTON. We'll be going again for sure, IT WAS GREAT!

APRIL 30, 2008 - Well, we couldn't make it to HAUNTCON last week in Texas, but we'll be at the HALF WAY TO HALLOWEEN COSTUME BALL this Saturday night, May 3rd at THE CROFOOT in PONTIAC. It should be a lot of fun! Wear your best costume for a chance at a prize, $4000 up for grabs so far! And get in for half price by getting on the guest list - go to www.thecrofoot.com Our friends at the amazing EREBUS are co-sponsors of this event, BE THERE!

And, speaking of amazing haunts in Pontiac, THE REALM OF DARKNESS has been working 24/7 since the flood in January. They promise you will experience an even BIGGER AND BETTER haunt than they've ever produced before - we can't wait!

FEBRUARY, 2008 - If you're reading this now in the off season there's a good chance you're a haunt operator and we've got an amazing story to tell that has a lesson too, so listen up!

NOVEMBER 22, 2007 3:45 PM - HAPPY THANKSGIVING! I'm hangin' out with my haunting partner and we're making plans tO visit GHOSTLY MANOR in SANDUSKY, OHIO this spring! Then we're going to Thanksgiving dinner; haunting plans come first because she's having severe withdrawals from haunting. :( Maybe we'll hit DOCTOR PHOBIA'S too, and if anyone knows of any other haunts open early please e-mail us. Off we go to gnaw on drumsticks!! GOBBLE, GOBBLE, have a  happy and safe holiday season, ENJOY!

NOVEMBER 15, 2007 1 PM - More e-mails still coming in - Lance says: "...I went to CELL BLOCK 13 and it was a really good haunt (considering I've been to erebus & the Realm of darkness this year) they had a real live snake in there and a very confusing layout but it made it really fun and it was longer than I expected and better that I thought it'd be!!" Lance has sent us more e-mails than anyone else this year and we really appreciate his input! We wanted to go to CELL BLOCK 13 but there's JUST SO MANY HAUNTS in the Flint area it's almost impossible to get to them all! Now THAT'S a nice problem to have, if you ask us! We did go to CELL BLOCK 13 in 2005, their first year but missed 2006. We'll make a special effort to check them out next year.

NOVEMBER 14, 2007 9 PM - Just in case there's any FIREWORKS FANS out there - the Wayne County Lightfest kicks off tomorrow night and is preceded by a short fireworks display including a grand finale, sometime between 6 and 6:30 pm. The entrance to the show is off of Merriman in Westland 2 1/2 miles south of I-96, and that's where the fireworks will go off before they start letting cars into the display. For more info call Nankin Mills Nature Center at (734) 261-1990.

We recently drove all the way thru Hines Drive and saw some of the new goodies this year, the best of which is right near the end. It's a giant rectangular tunnel of tiny lights you'll drive thru, we can't wait to see it when it's on! And there's another giant curved tunnel earlier that's not new. There are also some new displays that haven't yet arrived but will be in place soon so it might even be worth 2 visits, hey it's only 5 bucks. At the end check out Santa's Gift Shop which offers visits with the special bearded dude and some really silly Christmas goodies including "Reindeer Dust" and an "Anti-Depression Kit." Last year they had real reindeer (except for Rudolph) on Tuesdays brought in from a farm in Northville, maybe they'll have them again.

Then GREENFIELD VILLAGE in DEARBORN will have fireworks in December weekends as part of their Christmas show. And rememer, PHANTOM FOREST HAYRIDES in GROSSE ILE and SPOOK TRAIN in BRIDGEPORT offer Christmas themed rides. We plan to check them out, they should be fun!

NOVEMBER 13, 2007 10 PM - Just added: mini reviews of THE HAUNTED WINERY in FARMINGTON and HOUSE OF FEAR in HAZEL PARK. Reviews are in the works for BLAKE'S, THE REALM OF DARKNESS and more. Stay tuned...

NOVEMBER 12, 2007 10 PM - We took off yesterday for the Grand Imperial Eleven Eleven Festival, mandatory because Eleven Eleven is part of the ZIOPTIS phone number! Really, we just needed an excuse to throw a party on Sunday night and reminisce about the amazing things we saw this year.

One thing that kept coming up was the fact that most DETROIT area fans either can't or won't go to haunts outside the tri-county area of WAYNE, OAKLAND and MACOMB. We feel truly sorry for them, because there's so much excellence out there and they're missing out! Some of the haunts we were thinking of include NIGHT STALKERS in MILLINGTON, HOMER MILL in HOMER, THE HAUNTING in ADRIAN, THE HAUNT in WALKER, SLAUGHTERHOUSE in FOWLERVILLE, PIGMAN'S LAIR in CHELSEA, TERRORTOWN in MAUMEE, OHIO, CHAINSAW CREEK in TOLEDO and McCURDY'S REVENGE in CORUNNA. They were all FANTASTIC in 2007!

An e-mail came in today from TERRORTOWN in MAUMEE OHIO. They're almost done putting things away and are about to start work on next year's show. They say they have some big things in store again, and we totally believe it! They have delivered the goods BIG TIME every year, and the fans agree too. We received some wildly enthusiastic messages on the audio version from some adventurous Detroit area fans who DID decide to drive to Ohio and were glad they did!

THE EXTREME SCREAM in TAYLOR wasn't open in 2007. This was an old school haunt whose subtle approach really worked! We watched them evolve and improve thru the years and they won BEST SPOOKY FEEL in 2005 and floored us again in 2006. Their sound system and original soundtrack were incredible. JL, PLEASE COME BACK! TAYLOR is plenty big enough for 3 great haunts! (the other 2 are TERRORZONE at PAPP PARK and THE SCREAM MACHINE) At one time we actually submitted to the GUINESS BOOK OF WORLD RECORDS the claim that TAYLOR had more attractions than any other city - it was 6 that year! Unfortunately they told us they had no category for it, but at least we tried.

NOVEMBER 9, 2007 9:30 PM - ATTENTION HAUNT OPERATORS! We've decided to send special thank you packages to all the haunts we visited this year. ALL OF YOU put on worthy shows and should be proud of your efforts! We won't say what it is, but we promise you'll like it - A LOT! If any of you would like us to use an alternate address than your haunt for your package, please e-mail us at hotline@zioptis.com or leave a message on the audio version at (313) 438-3531.

NOVEMBER 7, 2007 9:30 PM - Just added: mini reviews of MOTOR CITY MASSACRE in ROSEVILLE and McCURDY'S REVENGE in CORUNNA, awards will be announced in December.

NOVEMBER 2, 2007 2 PM - THE SCREAM MACHINE in TAYLOR will be open tonight (Friday) thru and including Sunday. It's a 5 STAR haunt that has been generating lots of repeat business! Here's your last chance to see it this year.

NEWS FLASH! THE REALM OF DARKNESS in PONTIAC will be open this Friday and Saturday November 2nd & 3rd. ALL proceeds go to area handicapped children. This haunt has always been known for giving back to the community, something we admire a lot!

2-3 PM "AMERICA'S SCARIEST HALLOWEEN" (2007) The creepy collection includes the Chamber of Thrills in Bakersfield, Ca.; the Bates Motel in Glen Mills, Pa.; and Hangman's House of Horrors in Fort Worth, Tx. The attractions feature state-of-the-art effects and actors.

3-4 PM "AMERICA'S SCARIEST HALLOWEEN" (2006) Frightening locations include Thrillvania Thrill Park in Terrel, Tx.

5-6 PM "AMERICA'S HAUNTED HOUSES" (1998) The folklore, legend  and pop culture of haunted places is explored.

OCTOBER 31, 2007 12:45 AM - We had a message on the audio version from Nick who has been calling since it began in 1999. He says TERRORTOWN in MAUMEE, OHIO (near TOLEDO) is 5 STARS and their t-shirts ARE 10 STARS! He and his wife were blown away this time and on previous visits. He knows people in the t-shirt business, and he says they're practically giving them away at only $7! Halloween is their last day this season. My partner has often remarked that if we lived closer to Ohio this is a haunt we'd probably go to twice every year!

OCTOBER 30, 2007 5 PM - Tonight we're off to THE HAUNTED WINERY in FARMINGTON HILLS, HOUSE OF FEAR in HAZEL PARK and MOTOR CITY MASSACRE in ROSEVILLE.

OCTOBER 29, 2007 10 PM - Fate dealt us a double disappointment tonight. We arrived at FACTORY OF TERROR after dinner but found no sign of activity. Then just as we arrived at the WINERY the parking attendant told us there were power probelms and they were done for the night. But he said they've had big crowds, and we're not surprised because this haunt always delivered the goods and the site itself is steeped in history! We're going to try to get there again tomorrow.

OCTOBER 29, 2007 5 PM - Tonight we'll visit an old favorite and a brand new haunt. THE HAUNTED WINERY in FARMINGTON HILLS has always impressed us in past years. The new one is FACTORY OF TERROR in WALLED LAKE located in a 55,000 square foot building! It could be a monster, tune in tomorrow.

OCTOBER 29, 2007 2 PM - Someone asked if DEMONIC DEMONS in DETROIT is open this year, to our knowledge it's not. For more about this one-of-a-kind haunt see the archived listing in "Wayne Cty."

At least we still made it to ZUKIN'S RIB SHACK, they close at Midnight. I KNOW I would've NEVER heard the end of it if we didn't go for ribs and fulfill our annual tradition! And that reminds me...while many of the haunts are concerned with which awards they might win, one important category is sorely lacking. A major disappointment we've had this year is that many of the haunts do not offer hot dogs on their menu, leaving my partners' quest for the ultimate weiner unfulfilled. The winner so far this season is HAUNTED HILL ACRES. Last year's top honors went to HOUSE OF HORRORS in DAVISBURG. While we are aware hot dogs contain sodium nitrite and unspeakable body parts, they are one of our top forms of haunting sustenance each year along with OSTRIM OSTRICH STICKS. I rely on my partners' keen olfactory organ to select the year's best frightful fodder. In fact, she packs on 5 pounds each October.

OCTOBER 28, 12:30 PM - We just had a nice talk with the operator of TERRORZONE at PAPP PARK in TAYLOR. The hayride and walk thru are spruced up this year, including 40-50 actors for the hayride! This haunt didn't advertise in FF or HG this year, they're probably on a limited budget. But they put on a haunt that everyone was pleased with EVERY time we went! Tonight should be great weather for hayrides, why not check this out?

Also tonight we plan on visiting PHANTOM FOREST HAYRIDES in GROSSE ILE, ANXIETY ALLEY in LINCOLN PARK as well as an encore visit to THE SCREAM MACHINE in TAYLOR.

And tonight we will observe a most sacred haunting tradition we have developed thru the years. Whenever we visit ANXIETY ALLEY, we are also COMPELLED to obtain deluxe haunting sustenance from ZUKIN'S RIB SHACK also in LINCOLN PARK. Super tasty, fall off the bone ribs!

Also, we'd like to suggest you go to THE TERRORFIED FOREST & MANOR in PINCKNEY, which wowed us in May during HAUNTCON, as did EREBUS and THE REALM OF DARKNESS. We heard 2007 is their last year. If you haven't seen this before, do yourself a favor and get there soon! Numerous visits here have convinced us this is the best forest walk out there. (see archived reviews in "Other MICH")

OCTOBER 27, 2007 3 PM - We had a GREAT Friday night (Oct. 26) at HOMER MILL HAUNTED HOUSE in HOMER and PIGMAN'S LAIR in CHELSEA! (mini reviews now posted) They were both awesome, our only regret was not making it to THE HAUNTED TRAIN in COLDWATER due to a traffic jam delay on I-94.

Tonight we're off to HALLOWEEN SPOOK TRAIN in BRIDGEPORT, McCURDY'S REVENGE in CORUNNA and hopefully EXIT 13 in BURTON which we unfortunately missed on our Flint area tour earlier.

OCTOBER 27, 2007 2:45 PM - DOWNRIVER ALERT: TERRORZONE at PAPP PARK in TAYLOR is open tonight thru next Tuesday. They have an excellent hayride and walk thru haunt. This is the haunt that hosted a wedding on Halloween once, how's THAT for fan devotion? Talk about a fantasy wedding come true! We're going ourselves tomorrow, and then will revisit THE SCREAM MACHINE just for kicks 'cuz we loved it so much! For info on PAPP PARK call (313) 295-4010 or see their listing in "not in FF/HG."

OCTOBER 25, 2007 10:30 PM - Tomorrow we're off to THE HOMER MILL HAUNTED HOUSE in HOMER, PIGMAN'S LAIR in CHELSEA and possibly THE HAUNTED TRAIN in COLDWATER. That wild and crazy guy CREEPY CLYDE (also a PURPLE ROSE THEATRE actor) is performing at PIGMAN'S LAIR this year.

THE HOMER MILL HAUNTED HOUSE sounds awesome - it's in a 3 story building built in the 1800's and is endorsed by Detroit rock star ALICE COOPER.

OCTOBER 25, 2007 6:45 PM - We just had a great conversation with Martez from Detroit who turns 16 ON HALLOWEEN! THIS GUY HAS IT IN HIS BLOOD TO BE A HAUNTER, we're glad he came to us for advice on haunts to visit. He left a message on the audio version and asked to be called back. Based on what he was looking for in haunts, we ended up recommending THE SCREAM MACHINE in TAYLOR, THE REALM OF DARKNESS in PONTIAC and HOUSE OF FEAR in HAZEL PARK (only $5).

OCTOBER 25, 2007 12:30 PM - More ratings just posted, reviews coming asap.

OCTOBER 24, 2007 10 AM - We had a great Tuesday night with DEATH SENTENCE in WATERFORD and THE REALM OF DARKNESS in PONTIAC! (stay tuned for more details soon)

Also on Tuesday we received a second e-mail from a fan who asked us last week if we could recommend SCAREFEST SCREAM PARK in LENOX TWP. We told them yes, based on what we saw them do in 2006 and what the operator had done in previous years at HAUNTED TERROR ZONE at JOHNNY APPLESEED'S in WASHINGTON TWP. which was 5 STARS. (see "Macomb Cty" archives) Sadly, that site was bulldozed to make way for yet another strip mall.

LENOX TWP. is a haunters paradise! 3 separate, great haunts all with a couple miles of each other - 26 & 28 Mile roads.

OCTOBER 22, 2007 11 PM - We got an e-mail 20 minutes ago from our friends in cherry land (TRAVERSE CITY) at NIGHT TERRORS including DREADMOORE MANOR. Their HEARSE SMASH was a big success last Thursday! (also see the August 29, 2007 entry about this haunt)

OCTOBER 22, 2007 7 PM - Just got back from a relaxing day at LAKE ERIE METRO PARK in BROWNSTOWN TWP. and they have a haunted hayride this year again October 26 & 27, sponsored by the local firefighters. We weren't able to check it out in 2006, and to be honest we're almost sure we won't be able to go in 2007 either.

OCTOBER 22, 2007 12:45 AM - We just got back from a great Sunday night with 3 haunts. We brought a guy who had NEVER been to a haunt before, something we try to do whenever we can. At the end of the evening we asked him what his favorite was. The hands down favorite was HAUNTED FARM OF TERROR in LENOX TWP. We went in 2004 and really liked it (see "Macomb Cty" archives) but unfortunately missed 2005 & 2006. You can be sure we WILL NOT miss 2008! They BLEW AWAY ALL OF US with a great walk thru haunt and a hayride. And they had 2 movies playing on giant screen TV'S. You can sit by a bonfire with cider and donuts to wind down after the SUPER SCARY, HIGH INTENSITY hayride!

OCTOBER 21, 2007 2 AM SUNDAY MORNING - We just got back from an awesome Saturday night with 4 haunts, 3 new to us. ALL haunts put on excellent shows worthy of your business! We went to THE DEADLAND HAUNTED HOUSE in DAVISON first, which we really liked. Then we were talking to the operator and we asked about NIGHT STALKERS HAUNTED HOUSE in MILLINGTON. He said good things and they had recently e-mailed us inviting us out, so we decided to go there next. We are SO glad we did! We REALLY ADMIRE when haunt operators tell us good things about their competitors.

Then we backtracked to FLINT for THE CRYPT (new to us) at CHEMCO and SAINT LUCIFER'S HAUNTED ASYLUM, which we have been to before. We had also planned to hit EXIT 13 in FLINT, but it was just too late. We also went to a wedding on Saturday and had such a great time we stayed later than planned. But we have always liked EXIT 13 before, and hope to reschedule them. FLINT is an amazing haunted paradise, with LOTS OF HAUNTS WITHIN A FEW MILES of each other! There's just so much we usually try to allocate 2 days. We also missed CELLBLOCK 13. Somebody just exiting DEADLAND told us CELLBLOCK 13 is better this year, we'll try to go!

OCTOBER 20, 2007 12:30 PM - How sweet it is to sleep in on Sweetest Day after a great night of haunting! CHAINSAW CREEK in TOLEDO has a new 3D maze and TERRORTOWN in MAUMEE is ALL NEW! (ratings now posted, reviews coming soon) Tonight we'll be in FLINT and tomorrow off to the east side.

OCTOBER 19, 2007 1 AM - We received an e-mail invitation to SHAW HAUNTED FARM in MASON, MICHIGAN. We hope to squeeze them into our busy schedule! www.shawhavenfarm.com (listing in "Other MICH")

OCTOBER 18, 2007 11 PM - The "What's Next" section has just been updated. Tomorrow (Friday) is OHIO night, then Saturday FLINT and possibly MILLINGTON for NIGHT STALKERS HAUNTED HOUSE. Sunday will probably be LENOX TWP.

OCTOBER 18, 2007 3 PM - We've decided to reschedule WATERFORD  and PONTIAC to next week so we can catch up on some other things. There's business cards to be picked up, e-mails to be sent, reviews finished, and the audio version needs to be updated in time for the weekend. We'd rather be haunting tonight, but our responsibilities are calling!

OCTOBER 17, 2007 11 PM - We just talked to the operator of DEATH SENTENCE in WATERFORD and we're looking forward to checking them out tomorrow.

BANG FOR THE BUCK ALERT - HOUSE OF FEAR in HAZEL PARK is only $5 in 2007! We were happy to pay $8 in 2006, see 2006 ratings. It's an all volunteer haunt, really well done and a definite bargain at ONLY 5 BUCKS!

OCTOBER 15, 2007 11 PM - THE HAUNT review has been expanded again but still isn't finished. And a mini review of SLAUGHTERHOUSE in FOWLERVILLE has been posted. Mini reviews of 5 other haunts being written now.

OCTOBER 14, 2007 2:30 PM - Tonight we finish our BELLEVILLE tour with THE PUMPKIN FACTORY and HAUNTED HILL ACRES.

OCTOBER 14, 2007 1 AM - We made it to 3 out of 4 targets Saturday night: SPOOKTACULAR in BELLEVILLE, REALM OF HAUNTED MINDS in ROMULUS and HAUNTED HALLOWS in WESTLAND. ALL of them are worthy efforts! (reviews coming soon)

WESTLAND JAYCEES HAUNTED HOUSE in WESTLAND was just closing as we arrived, but we talked with them briefly and will try to reschedule them. We've long admired the rich, long history of JAYCEES helping promote and perpetuate the haunted attraction scene! We always make an effort to check out JAYCEES haunts. Does anyone out there remember the PLYMOUTH JAYCEES amazing shows long ago? And the REDFORD JAYCEES had a great haunt until they finally lost their excellent multi-level building a few years ago. But the JAYCEES are a dynamic bunch of go-getters, who knows they could be back. If they do, we'll be some of the first eager patrons!

After mucho driving last night, we're going to stay closer to home tonight in WESTLAND, BELLEVILLE and possibly ROMULUS. Details coming later.

OCTOBER 13, 2007 4:20 AM! - We just got back from a great trip to Muskegon and Walker. A thousand thanks to NIGHTS OF FEAR and THE HAUNT for burning the midnight oil - by the time we left THE HAUNT it was almost 2 AM! We got a later start than planned, then hit some really heavy traffic but just barely made it to both haunts. Details coming after we wake up...time to crash now!

OCTOBER 11, 2007 10 PM - Plans for tomorrow have been finalized - we're going to MUSKEGON NIGHTS OF FEAR in MUSKEGON and THE HAUNT in WALKER (GRAND RAPIDS area). NIGHTS OF FEAR is a first time effort that e-mailed us in August. See the August 21st entry for more or click on their way cool website www.nightsoffear.com

OCTOBER 11, 2007 9 PM - I just got off the phone with my brother who  went to EREBUS in PONTIAC tonight and was TOTALLY BLOWN AWAY! He hasn't been to a haunted house in ages and was asking me where to go in Oakland county to see amazing haunts. I told him about EREBUS and THE REALM OF DARKNESS. He plans to take his wife to THE REALM, he thought EREBUS might be too intense for her. A thousand thanks to ET and crew for delivering the goods even on a weeknight!

OCTOBER 11, 2007 8 PM - Just added: MANSION OF TERROR in ROUND ROCK, TEXAS (AUSTIN area) listing in USA Southern  www.mansionofterror.com

OCTOBER 10, 2007 9 PM - Just added: new haunt listings for LOMBARD JAYCEES HAUNTED HOUSE in LOMBARD, ILLINOIS www.haunted-house.com  CREEPERS HAUNTED HOUSE in SMYRNA, GEORGIA www.creepershauntedhouse.com  OLD TOWN HAUNTED HOUSE in PASADENA, CALIFORNIA www.oldtownhaunt.com  and THE HAUNTED WORLD in CALDWELL, IDAHO.

OCTOBER 10, 2007 1 PM - What a coincidence! We were JUST thinking about posting a BANG FOR THE BUCK alert about McCURDY'S REVENGE in CORUNNA and an e-mail has now arrived from them. They had a FANTASTIC HAUNT last year which was our first time there. Their 2006 review has been temporarily moved to the top for easy viewing. From their e-mail: "On Monday, October 15, 2007, McCurdy's Revenge Haunted Houses will be hosting a Night of the Spooks Special Event from 7pm - 9pm. This special night is for all haunters so they can experience the Nightmare at the Museum...$10 per person, groups of 15 or more $8..." HAUNT OPERATORS: Here's your chance to see a FIRST CLASS HAUNT next Monday at McCURDY'S REVENGE! www.mccurdysrevenge.net

OCTOBER 9, 2OO7 12:30 AM - More e-mails coming in, here's one from a fan named Justen who says: "You guys HAVE to go to the 'Haunted Barn and Maze' in Imlay City! I have gone there for the past few years and it is one of the scariest I've been to. This is their 13th year and every year is completely different! Before you get to the barn you have to walk through a short but scary haunted corn maze. The Haunted Barn is VERY scary!!! They have live animals, a clever use of a slide, and it is a partial contact haunt, oh it's also 3 stories! You will have to crawl, and feel your way through pitch black hallways! Last year they even locked you in a cage with a chainsaw maniac! For me this is what a haunted house should be, they don't try to be flashy,  they only try to scare you crazy!! I drive 45 minutes every year for this! It is totally worth the drive!"

What a devoted fan! We'll try to get to this one, it's not too far from Flint. They're at 6675 Wagner Road, Imlay City, MI 48444  (810) 533-2591 (now listed in "Other MICH")

OCTOBER 6, 2007 1 PM - DOWNRIVER ALERT: HELL'S HOSPITAL in WYANDOTTE had to close for the weekend so don't try to go there until next Thursday. We had hoped to go tonight, but we'll still be downriver tonight for THE SCREAM MACHINE in TAYLOR and LEO'S HOUSE OF HORRORS in RIVERVIEW. ANXIETY ALLEY in  LINCOLN PARK opens next weekend, and their price FINALLY went up after many years of being only 5 bucks. Now it's 6. Now, where else can you go to a haunt that's been around FOREVER for only 6 bucks?

OCTOBER 5, 2007 2:30 PM - The "What's Next" section has just been updated. We've decided to hit THE HAUNT & MUSKEGON NIGHTS OF FEAR next Friday. Tonight we're off to HAUNTED GHOST TOWN & HAYRIDE in BRIGHTON (new) and SLAUGHTERHOUSE in FOWLERVILLE which has ALWAYS BLOWN US AWAY! They've expanded big time and have a hayride now too, which was new last year. If we have time we might also stop by THE TERRORFIED FOREST & MANOR in PINCKNEY which we loved going to during Hauntcon last May. It has always been a favorite forest walk and won the UNSUNG HERO AWARD in 2006. (see "Awards")

OCTOBER 5, 2007 12 noon - More e-mails coming in and new haunts listed - NIGHT STALKERS HAUNTED HOUSE in MILLINGTON, MICHIGAN is in its' fourth year. They say: "...every year we are not only larger but our attendance doubles! We believe in Hollywood type sets, scares and training our actors all throughout the year. We require monsters to take summer training classes so that whe the season arrives they will be ready to put on the best scares...added the second floor of our building...stop by and see why our customers love us and keep coming back year after year. Michigan's best kept secret...but not for much longer." We hope to check this out soon! www.nightstalkershh.com

Also just added: BLOOD MANOR HAUNTED HOUSE in NEW YORK CITY www.bloodmanor.com (listing in USA Eastern)    SPOOKY HOUSE HAUNTED HOUSE in CHATSWORTH, CALIFORNIA www.spookyhouse.com  (listing in USA Western)

OCTOBER 4, 2007 10 PM - Finally read today's newspaper, we subscribe to The Detroit Free Press. What a great surprise to see a 2 page spread about local haunts in the weekend "PLAY" supplement in the "BEST OF THE REST" section! (pages 40 & 41) The article is entitled "Beware, all ye who enter - these haunted houses will send a shiver down your spine." They list 5 haunts "not to miss." Not surprisingly the top 2 they pick are THE REALM OF DARKNESS and EREBUS, both in PONTIAC. And we JUST got an e-mail yesterday from a happy haunter about THE REALM, what a coincidence!

OCTOBER 4, 2007 9 PM - We got an e-mail yesterday from Lance who lives near Flint. He says: "Me and about 10 of my friends went to The Realm Of Darkness and I can't believe how cool it is! They have sooooo much detail and so many props. I went to 4 haunts last year (including Erebus) but I didn't even know about The Realm Of Darkness and I can honestly say that The Realm Of Darkness blew me away with their creativity...I didn't get to 'defeat the wizard' but attention to detail here is amazing."

We heard MANY comments similar to this last year, and they ended up winning the ZIOPTIS PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD for 2006! www.therealmofdarkness.com

OCTOBER 4, 2007 10 AM - We talked to THE HAUNT in WALKER late last night which was media night, about 300 went and it was a big success! We're still weighing options for this weekend. Part of THE HAUNT is outdoors this year, but MUSKEGON is indoors. Decisions, decisions!

We're still VERY ANXIOUS to see the new show at THE HAUNT in WALKER but are equally nervous the good weather won't last into the rest of the month. So, we're considering changing our plans to concentrate on outdoor haunts and hayrides this weekend and going to WALKER, MUSKEGON and OHIO next weekend (mostly indoors).

We were very disappointed not making it to HAUNTED HILL ACRES in BELLEVILLE in 2006. Also beckoning us are hayrides at THE PUMPKIN FACTORY in BELLEVILLE, HAUNTED HALLOWS in WESTLAND, SPOOKTACULAR in BELLEVILLE, SCAREGROUNDS AT THE FAIRGROUNDS at MICHIGAN STATE FAIRGROUNDS, SLAUGHTERHOUSE in FOWLERVILLE, HAUNTED GHOST TOWN & HAYRIDE in FLINT, SPOOKY TRAILS in SWARTZ CREEK and PHANTOM FOREST HAYRIDES in GROSSE ILE. These could easily fill the whole weekend! We'll see how things work out, calls have been made and messages left.

OCTOBER 3, 2007 - Just added: SCARE AT THE FAIR /  HAUNTED MANSION & CASTLE OF NIGHTMARES in BUFFALO, NEW YORK to the "USA Eastern" section. It sounds like a winner! We pride ourselves in listing the best haunts and having the most accurate up to date info ANYWHERE! www.scareatthefair.com

OCTOBER 2, 2007 8:30 PM - We had a long day and decided to wait until the weekend for THE SCREAM MACHINE in TAYLOR. The energy level will probably be the highest then, and we try as much as possible to let haunts show us their best possible effort.

HAUNT OPERATORS: Here's a chance for you to check out one of Michigan's major haunts because THE SCREAM MACHINE in TAYLOR is OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK! We know you RARELY get to check out the competition but here's your big chance right now.

Next weekend should be incredible! On Friday it's THE HAUNT in WALKER (borders GRAND RAPIDS) and MUSKEGON NIGHTS OF FEAR in MUSKEGON, a first time effort. See the September 26th entry for some AMAZING STUFF about THE HAUNT. Last year was SLOW for them - ONLY 31,000 PEOPLE WENT! Most haunts would DIE for those kind of numbers, we understand the nationwide average is about 8,000.

Then we're off to OHIO, TAYLOR and hopefully some outdoor haunts and hayrides. We wanted to check out PHANTOM FOREST HAYRIDES in GROSSE ILE last year but the unusually wet weekends ruined our plans. We are DETERMINED to get to them in 2007! And we're anxious to check out the hayride at SLAUGHTERHOUSE in FOWLERVILLE which was new last year, but wasn't running on the only night we could go because of rain.

There's a cool article in The Detroit Free Press today in the "MONDAY JUMP START" section on page 2A entitled "Damp pants under a spooky moon." You can easily guess where that's headed! It's about the always amazing WORLD'S LARGEST WALK THRU HAUNTED HOUSE which of course is EREBUS in PONTIAC. Kudos to the Freep! www.hauntedpontiac.com

SEPTEMBER 30, 2007 - We had a great night in CAPAC and ARMADA last night, reviews coming soon. We're taking the night off tonight to go to the GENESIS concert at the Palace. But on Tuesday we plan to hit THE SCREAM MACHINE in TAYLOR which is OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK!

SEPTEMBER 29, 2007 11:11 AM - Well, the pizza is gone but not the memories of last night! DEADLY INTENTIONS in WARREN once again lived up to their reputation as a HARD CORE, HIGH INTENSITY haunt with a new show that some may find TOO intense! Review coming soon, and check their 2006 review and their archieved reviews in "Macomb Cty." As far as NOX is concerned, shame on US for NOT listening to 950 AM radio on the 8's for traffic and weather. We ended up in a horrible traffic jam on I-75 North, and by the time we arrived an over zealous nit-picking inspector decided to flex his bureaucratic muscles and close the show down temporarily which was NOT necessary. But the new location on Rochester Road in Troy looks great, all indoors. You may remember this haunt was unfairly hindered in 2005 at the Novi Expo Center when it was forced, at the last minute, to have the haunt outdoors. We look forward to re-scheduling them soon.

SEPTEMBER 29, 2007 12:05 AM - What a wild night we just had! We ended up at DEADLY INTENTIONS in WARREN and NOX in TROY instead of CAPAC and ARMADA which we now plan to hit tonight (Saturday). Ohio was our original plan for Saturday, but it has to be delayed. Tune in real soon for more about tonight...

Tonight we're off to east side - SALEM'S HAUNTED BARN in CAPAC, and then BLAKE'S SPOOKY HAYRIDE & 4 LEVEL BARN in ARMADA. Blake's hayride has always been the best we've seen! (see 2006 ratings and Macomb Cty for archieved reviews) www.hauntedblakes.com

Tomorrow, Saturday night we'll visit CHAINSAW CREEK in TOLEDO, OHIO and TERRORTOWN in MAUMEE, OHIO. (see 2006 reviews and Ohio for archieved reviews) www.chainsawcreek.com   www.terrortown.net

SEPTEMBER 27, 2007 - Tonight is opening night at THE SCREAM MACHINE in TAYLOR who wowed us last year! For more see the September 25th entry.

SEPTEMBER 26, 2007 - We received a special invitation from THE HAUNT in WALKER (bordering GRAND RAPIDS) to BE THE FIRST ONES to go thru their new show. Out of tens of thousands that go EVERY YEAR to this, they want US to be the first to check it out! We're going to make every effort to take them up on it, logistics allowing. This is truly an amazing haunt - consider some of these facts:

They are featured in the new Chuck Williams film "Happy Haunting of America." Check out the amazing trailer at www.dvdhalloween.com

And their website is AWESOME! It's interactive (high speed  only) with a new door opening every day. We haven't had time yet to check out everything there, there's SO MUCH! And their HTML for dial-ups is excellent too. Check it right now www.the-haunt.com

(313) 274-1111.

(313) 438-3531. It is listed with Directory Assistance in EVERY directory with 313, 248, 734, 810, 586 and 947 area codes in Michigan.  Because it is virtually the ONLY listing containing the word "haunted," people asking for "haunted...anything" are offered this # by the Information Operators!

*MICHIGAN HAUNTS NOT IN THE FEAR FINDER / HAUNT GUIDE - just click on "NOT IN FF/HG"