The Horrorlust Brood

The recent cool down in temperatures has come just as the hallowed hearth is lit for the 2015 haunt season. As such, I thought it appropriate to acknowledge all of those who decided to become a sponsor of Horrorlust Radio. I’m very excited for all of the possibilities that the program can bring to the Michigan haunt scene and the podcast, as presented, simply wouldn’t be feasible without the support of sponsors. I offer my sincere thanks to those of you who lent your trust and support; may we create many nightmares together.

Wiard’s Night Terrors: The name Wiard is synonymous with Halloween in Michigan. Since 1984 the orchard has offered haunted attractions alongside other seasonal fare. Wiard’s boasts four haunted houses, each with its own theme, a haunted hayride and a zombie paintball event known as Splattertown. There’s also Scareyoke, a bakery and creatures who prowl the grounds.Wiard’s Night Terrors is located in Ypsilanti, Michigan and will be open to thrill-seekers September 25th – November 1st. For ticket options and other information please visit their website: Wiard’s Night Terrors

Hush: Now in its third season, Hush burst onto the scene in 2013 with unbridled energy and an eye on the future. There is an emphasis on continuity here as the narrative has evolved year to year. If you have any questions about the history of the Hush Corporation, I’m sure that Dr. Phineas Phun, despite his recently deceased status, would be happy answer your inquiries. Hush is located in Westland, Michigan and will operate September 25th – November 1st. For tickets and other information please visit their website: Hush

 

The Deadland: Inherited a great location when Deadly Intentions closed-up shop following the 2012 haunt season. Located in Warren, Michigan at the County Line Antique Trade Center, The Deadland will offer unlimited trips through the haunted house for just $10 during opening weekend (September 18, 19 & 20). The Deadland will operate September 18th – October 31st. For ticket prices and promotions please visit their website: The Deadland

 

Slaughtered at Sundown: A staple of the Macomb County haunt scene for more than a decade, Slaughtered at Sundown features both a haunted house and haunted hayride. Located in Armada, Michigan, Slaughtered at Sundown will operate this fall September 25th – October 31st. For more information regarding ticket prices and other promotions please visit their website: Slaughtered at Sundown

 

Dark Legacy: Burst onto the scene in 2014 with three haunted attractions housed under the same roof — Government Owned Haunt, Kensington Dentention Center and Fang Cemetery. Dark Legacy is located in Wixom, Michigan and will operate September 18th – October 31st this fall. For ticket prices and additional information please visit their website: Dark Legacy

Wired for Wiard’s Night Terrors

The skies were clear and dry on Saturday night and what an evening of haunting it was at Wiard’s Orchard in Ypsilanti. I brought my delightfully strange sister-in-law, Madison, along for the nocturnal adventure that saw us survive backwood moonshiners on the Hayride of the Lost and ward off a wave of zombies in Splattertown.

That was a mere prelude of things to come — there was a comical fire juggler, roaming creatures of all species and the hilarity of poorly performed Scareyoke; and then of course there were haunted houses!

Alien Caged Clowns had a fun, creepy and intelligent charm while The Asylum, The Mind Shaft and The Ultimate Haunted Barn forged a trifecta of terror highlighted by laughs and screams alike.

A big thank you to Brandon Wiard for the invite who was a most gracious host, passionate haunter and all around friendly human being.

As with any other haunted excursion, a full review is in the works.

Wiard’s Night Terrors, Corpse Barn Shock Haunt Primed to Titillate

There is a certain undeniable excitement that accompanies the first big outing of each season; my mind is a frenetic mass of anticipation, nervousness and memories. Tonight those feelings seem more potent than usual, likely due to the somewhat delayed kickoff of the 2014 season. I’m brimming, jonesing, aching for a haunt fix! Tonight, I feed and sate my lust.

Our first stop will be a long-awaited visit to Night Terrors at Wiard’s Orchard where we’ll experience The Asylum, The Ultimate Haunted Barn, Alien Caged Clowns, Hayride of the Lost and Mind Shaft. Billed as “The Grandaddy of Gore since 1984” the name Wiard’s is synonymous with Halloween throughout the region and it’s time Night Terrors and Horrorlust become acquainted.

That’s a lot of haunting for one night — especially so early in the season, but portion control has never been my strong suit and I am chomping at the bit so if mother nature and father time are on our side we’ll springboard from Ypsilanti to Jackson. What’s in Jackson, you ask? Well, it’s actually what’s just outside of Jackson, in Napoleon to be exact, that has drew my gaze on this night.

Last September, after I had returned from Darksyde Acres in Jonesville and Jackson’s Underworld in the aforementioned Jackson I learned of another haunt in that neck of the woods and was aghast that we failed to realize that it was so close. That attraction is known as the Corpse Barn Shock Haunt and it has the look of a gritty, in-your-face, throwback. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again — there’s a certain dark element that festers inside of barn haunts and I am drawn to it like moth to flame.

Here’s to the 2014 haunt season and endless spooky nights.