It’s mid October, nearing that crazy time of year when people dress up like their favorite celebrities, sports figures, ghouls, goblins or other unique personality. Yes, Halloween is right around the corner and dressing up and trick-or-treating can be a blast, but if you live in Nashville there are plenty of other Halloween festivities to partake in.
Haunted houses run a muck around the Nashville area, however, finding one to fulfill the thrill you’re looking for can be a difficult task. There is a haunted house out there for everyone, but the chore is finding one that’s scary enough for those daring adrenaline junkies, not too scary for those bringing children, and easy on the gore for those with weak stomachs. Here’s some insight on some of the most popular haunted houses in 2011.
Nashville Nightmare, a new haunted house established this year, consists of highly detailed scenes, state of the art animations and special effects as well as intense actors. It is located at 1016 Madison Square and general admission is $15.
Bikers Who Scare Haunted House is hosted by bikers that are a part of the Bikers Who Care Organization. It is hosted in an old movie theater in Clarksville, Tenn. and is usually open only on weekends. Located at 1955 Madison Street, it is one of the cheaper haunted houses around, costing under $10.
Abby Dodson, a nursing major from Franklin, Tenn., attended Haunted Woods Haunted House in Leipers Fork, Tennessee.
“I didn’t think it was particularly scary, but it was fun to go to with a group of people,” Dodson says. “It was a walking trail back in the woods where they built structures to go through and some of it is in the open woods and people constantly jump out at you and attempt to scare you. I thought it was a great way to start the fall season and get in the spirit of Halloween.”
The Bell Witch Cave haunted house is based on the legend of the Bell Witch of Adams, Tenn. It is supposedly one of the most vicious spirits ever documented in paranormal science. Although this cave lacks the typical lure of most haunted houses with scary people jumping out, an overwhelming presence of gore and blood and the sound of chainsaws starting, the story of the spirit itself is enough to scare anyone senseless. The Bell Witch Cave offers plenty of events every year including candlelight tours of the haunted cave, hayrides, storytelling, psychic reading and tours of John Bell Cabin. Located at 430 Keysburg Road, prices vary from $8 to $20 depending on the activity you wish to participate in.
Adam Austin, Marketing major from Terre Haute, Indiana, was absolutely terrified when he went to The Bell Witch Cave.
“The caves scared me to death,” he says. “It was totally different than any other haunted house I had ever been to because you felt like what was going on could actually be real. Those stories haunted me for months. If you are into extremely scary stories, and creepy places you should definitely go. Otherwise, stay at home!”
Dead land Haunted House offers a trek through over a mile of terrifying woods locally owned and family operated, Dead Land is scheduled to open in late September and will be open to terrify the public through Halloween. They are located just south of Lebanon at Hurricane Creek on 7040 Murfreesboro Road and charge a $15 admission fee.
Death Row Haunted House is described as “a sanitarium of slaughter.” It is Middle Tennessee’s largest haunted house featuring 80,000 square feet of pure terror. It is located at 418 Harding Industrial Drive.
Devil’s Dungeon is the most controversial haunted house in Nashville and, therefore, one of the best known. It spans over 25,000 square feet, offers 2 floors or terror filled scenes and encompasses over 30 haunted scenes. You will travel a narrow, one-way path as you pass spirits, demons and other nightmarish creatures and eventually fade into the formidable black. The dungeon holds the warning, “Stick close to your friends if it makes you feel better, but no one can help you now, for you have entered….” It is located at 510 Davidson St and costs $15.
Shelby Marvel, a marketing major from Ashland City, Tennessee was one of those that dared to enter.
“Devil’s Dungeon was totally worth the $15 I spent to get in,” she said. “It was quite scary and a huge adrenaline rush. I definitely left with my heart pounding. I would highly recommend it to others; it was a great, fun thing to do with friends!”
Experience one of these great seasonal events Nashville has to offer and get your game face on, or be prepared to scream.