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If a GWAR concert was a haunt... |
Todd - This year's first haunt, Terror Town, is likely to be the most surprising and unexpected of the first year. Based on their website and marketing, I anticipated what you get a face value - a old, wild west town with a haunt attraction spin.
The town itself is pretty impressive. Numerous, authentic-looking storefronts offer a place for local vendors of various crafts and oddities reside within. Wares are anything from toy guns (keeping with the wild west theme) to Americana-style Halloween decorations to disturbing oddities such as a real century-old human skull or sand timers made with the cremated ash of deceased people (yes, this vendor was my favorite). If this sounds reminiscent to a renaissance festival, you're in the correct line of thinking; we're just dealing with a different theme. Other vendors offer snack food, Terror Town merchandise and even some last minute needs such as medicine or bug repellent, which I highly recommend using (the mosquitoes were evidently parched).
The main attraction of Terror Town is the trail - a lengthy, story-driven experience that is supported by roaming actors within the town itself. The theme this year is Cultism and it's evident from start to finish. For example, each night there's a a public execution via hanging. A cultist priest leads a town procession decreeing that the offender has not fallen in-line worshiping their higher being. A few devout followers may freely give their lives for the cause, but there will always be one who is unwillingly brought to the gallows, fitted with a noose and dropped. It's a nice touch!
The trail supports all of this lore in a fair amount of detail. The actors portray both those who have yet to succumb to the cult and the majority who have become devout. Let's just say the latter group is not too happy with you, the visitor. The trail circles and crosses a number of open acres of land, but each scene is either housed within a structure or staged area. Since it is such a thematic and interactive experience, I will not provide any details here.
The way the queue for the trail is handled is perfectly executed. Much like a restaurant, you register your name and phone number and you'll receive a text when it's your time to go. Groups of ~8 go through at a time. This system allows for larger gaps between groups and ensures that no groups will run into each other. Each scene is paced so you wont (or can't) go right through it. If you think you can just run through the trail to get to the end, good luck with that.
We need to talk about Red Bracelets.
What's a the Red Bracelet. Well, it's the equivalent of a "touch pass" at your typical haunted house...you know, where they can touch you or separate you from the group, etc. However, it's so much more. Terror Town is EASILY the most invasive haunt I've ever been to with a touch experience. Those familiar with Haunted Hotel in Louisville know that it can get pretty intense. In the time of COVID-19, it's not so much that the actors grab at you (though they will still get close and personal), but that they like to get down and dirty. Literally - and this, I was not expecting AT ALL. I mentioned that the marketing for this haunt gives off that Tombstone / wild west vibe. Ha. If it only stopped there.
Wearing a red bracelet, I was locked in numerous jail cells, separated from my group, left to navigate a maze by myself in the dark (in sticky mud no less), locked in a stockade for at least 5 minutes, had about a pound worth of mud plopped on my head, "washed off" with numerous cups of water and drenched with a ridiculous amount of fake blood - so much so that when I got home, I found it was even in my underwear.
I loved it.
You have to be prepared though - we were not. I would recommend leaving your phone in the car (or keep it in a sealed bag) because of the sheer volume of liquids you may be unwillingly exposed to. If you don't wear a poncho of some sort, I HIGHLY recommend bringing a change of clothes for the car ride home. I have black leather interior, so it wasn't too bad. This blood wont bode well for your light suede or fabric seats. Upon entry you have to sign a waiver of liability, which is not common for even touch haunts so the blame will be solely on you. Besides, if you follow these recommendations you'll be able to really get into it and not worry about messing anything up. Trust me, it's well worth it. It's also worth mentioning that this is not a kid-friendly haunt, even without the bracelet. A lot of vulgar language is used by the actors to maintain the wild west, intimidating demeanor. Use your own judgement.
Don't think you're safe outside the trail. Read through Paul's review. He got literally blasted with blood early in before we even started the trail. Teresa was tied up with a whip, lead around in front of everyone and then pretty much forced on stage to take place in a side show in which things were whipped out of her hand. All of this is just what happened to the three of us. Who knows what happened to other groups.
All in all, despite not being prepared for the experience, Terror Town was a blast and although I was apprehensive about getting wet and dirty with god-knows-what, I quickly embraced it and from there it was game on. Next time I'll be prepared and can throw caution to the wind. In the end, I realized Terror Town is the kind of place you may just go to in order to see how dirty you can get. Like a GWAR concert, you go for the music...but you're really there for the crazy, goo-fueled experience. Terror Town can pull the punches for those without the red bracelet, but whats the fun in that?
The town itself is pretty impressive. Numerous, authentic-looking storefronts offer a place for local vendors of various crafts and oddities reside within. Wares are anything from toy guns (keeping with the wild west theme) to Americana-style Halloween decorations to disturbing oddities such as a real century-old human skull or sand timers made with the cremated ash of deceased people (yes, this vendor was my favorite). If this sounds reminiscent to a renaissance festival, you're in the correct line of thinking; we're just dealing with a different theme. Other vendors offer snack food, Terror Town merchandise and even some last minute needs such as medicine or bug repellent, which I highly recommend using (the mosquitoes were evidently parched).
The main attraction of Terror Town is the trail - a lengthy, story-driven experience that is supported by roaming actors within the town itself. The theme this year is Cultism and it's evident from start to finish. For example, each night there's a a public execution via hanging. A cultist priest leads a town procession decreeing that the offender has not fallen in-line worshiping their higher being. A few devout followers may freely give their lives for the cause, but there will always be one who is unwillingly brought to the gallows, fitted with a noose and dropped. It's a nice touch!
The trail supports all of this lore in a fair amount of detail. The actors portray both those who have yet to succumb to the cult and the majority who have become devout. Let's just say the latter group is not too happy with you, the visitor. The trail circles and crosses a number of open acres of land, but each scene is either housed within a structure or staged area. Since it is such a thematic and interactive experience, I will not provide any details here.
The way the queue for the trail is handled is perfectly executed. Much like a restaurant, you register your name and phone number and you'll receive a text when it's your time to go. Groups of ~8 go through at a time. This system allows for larger gaps between groups and ensures that no groups will run into each other. Each scene is paced so you wont (or can't) go right through it. If you think you can just run through the trail to get to the end, good luck with that.
We need to talk about Red Bracelets.
What's a the Red Bracelet. Well, it's the equivalent of a "touch pass" at your typical haunted house...you know, where they can touch you or separate you from the group, etc. However, it's so much more. Terror Town is EASILY the most invasive haunt I've ever been to with a touch experience. Those familiar with Haunted Hotel in Louisville know that it can get pretty intense. In the time of COVID-19, it's not so much that the actors grab at you (though they will still get close and personal), but that they like to get down and dirty. Literally - and this, I was not expecting AT ALL. I mentioned that the marketing for this haunt gives off that Tombstone / wild west vibe. Ha. If it only stopped there.
Wearing a red bracelet, I was locked in numerous jail cells, separated from my group, left to navigate a maze by myself in the dark (in sticky mud no less), locked in a stockade for at least 5 minutes, had about a pound worth of mud plopped on my head, "washed off" with numerous cups of water and drenched with a ridiculous amount of fake blood - so much so that when I got home, I found it was even in my underwear.
I loved it.
You have to be prepared though - we were not. I would recommend leaving your phone in the car (or keep it in a sealed bag) because of the sheer volume of liquids you may be unwillingly exposed to. If you don't wear a poncho of some sort, I HIGHLY recommend bringing a change of clothes for the car ride home. I have black leather interior, so it wasn't too bad. This blood wont bode well for your light suede or fabric seats. Upon entry you have to sign a waiver of liability, which is not common for even touch haunts so the blame will be solely on you. Besides, if you follow these recommendations you'll be able to really get into it and not worry about messing anything up. Trust me, it's well worth it. It's also worth mentioning that this is not a kid-friendly haunt, even without the bracelet. A lot of vulgar language is used by the actors to maintain the wild west, intimidating demeanor. Use your own judgement.
Don't think you're safe outside the trail. Read through Paul's review. He got literally blasted with blood early in before we even started the trail. Teresa was tied up with a whip, lead around in front of everyone and then pretty much forced on stage to take place in a side show in which things were whipped out of her hand. All of this is just what happened to the three of us. Who knows what happened to other groups.
All in all, despite not being prepared for the experience, Terror Town was a blast and although I was apprehensive about getting wet and dirty with god-knows-what, I quickly embraced it and from there it was game on. Next time I'll be prepared and can throw caution to the wind. In the end, I realized Terror Town is the kind of place you may just go to in order to see how dirty you can get. Like a GWAR concert, you go for the music...but you're really there for the crazy, goo-fueled experience. Terror Town can pull the punches for those without the red bracelet, but whats the fun in that?
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Well that was a haunt experience like I've never had! |
Paul - Terror Town is a haunt that first opened its doors in 2019 and quickly made a mark on the local haunt scene. Located on the East side of Greater Cincinnati in Williamsburg, Terror Town has is on a massive plot of land where there is a literal town to wander through. Once you enter into the town you are immediately pulled into another world.
Walking through what looks a bit like a set for an old Western, the main street is lined with saloons and shops where you can stop in and shop for some creepy home decor, have a snack, a beverage or two, or maybe find some new apparel to wear to your next funeral. There are some rather insane individuals walking around who may make you a part of their alternate reality, and throughout the night there are some shows that take place where you'll see some rather impactful displays of things you might expect to happen in a cult-possessed 1800s town.
As amazing as the town itself is, the main attraction here is the trail. I'd advise going to the trail entrance and putting your name in as soon as you enter the town. In one of my favorite ideas I've seen at a haunt... You put your name in the queue, then you can just go walk around the town while you wait for a text message telling you it's your turn. Once the message comes through, you just show up at the booth and they'll send you to the start. You don't have to stand in line AT ALL. Fantastic system.
Once it's your turn to start your voyage along the trail, be prepared for a wild ride. The background is that a cult has taken over the town, and during your tour of the village the cult members will try to make you a part of the group as well. You'll stop at quite a few scenes along the way, with very theme-correct sets, and extremely enthusiastic actors. It's done very well, and I can't recall a single point along the way where I felt something was out of place or not part of the theme -although the mud was a bit distracting in spots. They're working on taking care of the mud, but you may want to wear some boots just in case. The chapel near the beginning was one of my favorites, but every stop along the trail brought a fresh group of lunatics ready to make you a cultist as well.
One of the advantages of the way you wait for the trail and the layout they used throughout is that they can space the groups out properly so you'll never run into the group ahead of you. Each scene is spaced far enough apart from the last that you really don't even catch a glimpse of the groups in front of you, which is rare in an attraction this long. It's really a great system and I have a feeling it's one that some other haunts will (or should) pick up.
The only thing I wasn't happy about in our visit was the lack of my own research on the red bracelet.
If a haunt offers a touch pass of some kind, we always get it. It really adds to the experience and makes it more exciting. So when we got to Terror Town and we were offered the red bracelet for the extreme experience, we of course said yes. While I don't want to say it was a mistake in going with the bracelet, it was a mistake in that I wasn't prepared for it. Terror Town's red bracelet will likely have you looking like you just walked off of the set of a Tarantino film in that there's a good chance you'll be SOAKED in fake blood. Not a few drops, not a mist... Amounts that could likely be measured in quarts or gallons. Within 10 minutes of starting to explore the town I was absolutely drenched in the sticky red mess by a very angry undertaker. There was so much of it on my t-shirt that the next day after it dried I was able to stand the shirt up vertically. I think they probably went a little overboard because it's 2020 and they were making up for not being able to actually touch you, but I heard it wasn't far off of last year.
Had I been prepared for this with a change of clothes, or towels, or a poncho, I think I would have been ok, but after that incident I just kept thinking about how I was going to keep this stuff from getting all over the car on the way home. If you're ready for the mess, the blood is an experience that you won't find anywhere else!
This is truly one of the only haunts where you can easily spend an entire evening on-site and have something to do the entire time.4 days post-visit and I'm honestly still mentally processing Terror Town. It's so different from any haunt we've experienced before, I keep finding myself going over all of the little things that make it so unique and impressive, as well as all of the possibilities for the future. They're only 2 years into the haunt and it's already this good... I'm really looking forward to the many years to come!
Walking through what looks a bit like a set for an old Western, the main street is lined with saloons and shops where you can stop in and shop for some creepy home decor, have a snack, a beverage or two, or maybe find some new apparel to wear to your next funeral. There are some rather insane individuals walking around who may make you a part of their alternate reality, and throughout the night there are some shows that take place where you'll see some rather impactful displays of things you might expect to happen in a cult-possessed 1800s town.
As amazing as the town itself is, the main attraction here is the trail. I'd advise going to the trail entrance and putting your name in as soon as you enter the town. In one of my favorite ideas I've seen at a haunt... You put your name in the queue, then you can just go walk around the town while you wait for a text message telling you it's your turn. Once the message comes through, you just show up at the booth and they'll send you to the start. You don't have to stand in line AT ALL. Fantastic system.
Once it's your turn to start your voyage along the trail, be prepared for a wild ride. The background is that a cult has taken over the town, and during your tour of the village the cult members will try to make you a part of the group as well. You'll stop at quite a few scenes along the way, with very theme-correct sets, and extremely enthusiastic actors. It's done very well, and I can't recall a single point along the way where I felt something was out of place or not part of the theme -although the mud was a bit distracting in spots. They're working on taking care of the mud, but you may want to wear some boots just in case. The chapel near the beginning was one of my favorites, but every stop along the trail brought a fresh group of lunatics ready to make you a cultist as well.
One of the advantages of the way you wait for the trail and the layout they used throughout is that they can space the groups out properly so you'll never run into the group ahead of you. Each scene is spaced far enough apart from the last that you really don't even catch a glimpse of the groups in front of you, which is rare in an attraction this long. It's really a great system and I have a feeling it's one that some other haunts will (or should) pick up.
The only thing I wasn't happy about in our visit was the lack of my own research on the red bracelet.
If a haunt offers a touch pass of some kind, we always get it. It really adds to the experience and makes it more exciting. So when we got to Terror Town and we were offered the red bracelet for the extreme experience, we of course said yes. While I don't want to say it was a mistake in going with the bracelet, it was a mistake in that I wasn't prepared for it. Terror Town's red bracelet will likely have you looking like you just walked off of the set of a Tarantino film in that there's a good chance you'll be SOAKED in fake blood. Not a few drops, not a mist... Amounts that could likely be measured in quarts or gallons. Within 10 minutes of starting to explore the town I was absolutely drenched in the sticky red mess by a very angry undertaker. There was so much of it on my t-shirt that the next day after it dried I was able to stand the shirt up vertically. I think they probably went a little overboard because it's 2020 and they were making up for not being able to actually touch you, but I heard it wasn't far off of last year.
Had I been prepared for this with a change of clothes, or towels, or a poncho, I think I would have been ok, but after that incident I just kept thinking about how I was going to keep this stuff from getting all over the car on the way home. If you're ready for the mess, the blood is an experience that you won't find anywhere else!
This is truly one of the only haunts where you can easily spend an entire evening on-site and have something to do the entire time.4 days post-visit and I'm honestly still mentally processing Terror Town. It's so different from any haunt we've experienced before, I keep finding myself going over all of the little things that make it so unique and impressive, as well as all of the possibilities for the future. They're only 2 years into the haunt and it's already this good... I'm really looking forward to the many years to come!
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If you have a red bracelet, you can count on getting some amount of blood on you. We're talking anything from some splatter and "basting", to going full Carrie. If you haven't seen Carrie, think buckets of blood. Like a dunk tank of blood. |
Teresa - This was our first year at All Hallow's Eve | Terror Town, and only the second year it has been open. Color me impressed and bloody! Stay with me - I'll explain. This attraction is located near Williamsburg, Ohio and takes place in the Old West town of Bravado. The roads are dirt, the shops are wooden store fronts, and there is plenty to see and do. There are food and drinks, actual restrooms, and lots of interesting, creepy, artistic items which may be purchased in the stores. There is also a stage manned by some old-timey clowns doing various shows and stunts (sometimes with less-than-enthusiastic helpers from the crowd), and a gallows with live hangings! The main attraction, however, is the trail. See, the town has been taken over by a wicked man named Obediah and his family, and they tend to torture and hang anyone who won't fall in with their extreme beliefs. You get to see the full extent of his depravity as you walk the trail. So, when you get to Terror Town, you first wait in line to get your entry tickets, at which point you will have to decide if you want the standard experience, or the "ultimate horror" experience. The latter one gets you a red bracelet which you will wear throughout the town and trail, which basically signals to those old-timey clowns and other even older creatures lurking about that you aren't afraid, nay that you WANT to be targeted. For this experience, you must sign a waiver, so before doing so, make sure you know what you are getting into. This is part of what I will try to explain. The website says you may get doused in stage blood. If you have a red bracelet, you can count on getting some amount of blood on you. We're talking anything from some splatter and "basting", to going full Carrie. If you haven't seen Carrie, think buckets of blood. Like a dunk tank of blood. DO NOT wear clothes you care about. You will be dirty and sticky. Most of ours washed out okay, but one of the hats didn't. Be prepared to cover your car seats or change your clothes. Think of this like a color-run, but with sticky blood and mud. And the experience starts as soon as you enter. One of our group was bloodied within the first few minutes of being in town. This might be a good time to note, you can always remove your bracelet if you decide this is too intense. You may get some splatter and mud without it, but nothing like what you get wearing it. Although, the roads are dirt and if it is rainy, they will be quite muddy, so keep that in mind, too. The evil townsfolk of Bravado have been reined in quite a bit this year due to COVID, but they make up for it in many creative ways. I was lassoed and forced to perform on stage with some creepy antique rodeo clowns. When I say "perform" I mean they did some stunts involving a whip and me, while the crowd laughed and applauded, and then I was whipped and paddled (just a bit) and I have rope burn to prove it. But what's a little rope burn among clown and victim? In all seriousness, everything done here is in good fun. It really isn't that intense. It's just fun because you or your friends are the ones participating in these shenanigans and it makes for some good laughs. I got a kick out of the clown eating popcorn while he watched a poor girl be hanged.
When you're ready, make your way to the ticket booth inside, where you will put your name into the queue for the trail. If the park is busy, I suggest doing this early so you don't have to wait too long. This part is awesome. They just text you when it is time for your group to be next in line, so you don't have to wait in a long socially-distanced line. You are free to explore the town, eat, drink, catch a hanging or comedic show...whatever. When it is your turn, you get to brave the trail. It is done in a rustic manner with different sections, connected by torches, each mirroring some aspect of what has happened to the town with the arrival of Obediah. You stop in each section and the characters explain to you the story and often force you to participate in some manner. I don't want to give away too much, but as it says on the website, you will probably get muddy, and maybe a little bloody with a standard ticket. With a U.H. ticket, plan to get all of the above and then some. You WILL be separated from your group. You may or may not catch up. It all depends on the whims of those trying to convert, consecrate, baste, bury, or torture you. And you may get to be the one doing those things, too, to some other victim in your party! This can be absolutely hilarious and really makes you get involved. This place is so much fun! Just make sure you know what to expect and go in knowing you will get dirty. It's a blast walking out of the town, looking like you just barely survived your favorite horror movie. For adults, this place makes for a really fun, interactive (albeit messy) night. Older children are allowed, only with parental supervision. If this is the kind of unique experience you love, keep an eye on this place! Especially once this pandemic is over. These guys are very motivated to grow and improve your experience and have some big special events in the works that will blow your mind! I look forward to coming back post-COVID and seeing how much more intense it is when these crazed townfolks can get really up close and personal!
When you're ready, make your way to the ticket booth inside, where you will put your name into the queue for the trail. If the park is busy, I suggest doing this early so you don't have to wait too long. This part is awesome. They just text you when it is time for your group to be next in line, so you don't have to wait in a long socially-distanced line. You are free to explore the town, eat, drink, catch a hanging or comedic show...whatever. When it is your turn, you get to brave the trail. It is done in a rustic manner with different sections, connected by torches, each mirroring some aspect of what has happened to the town with the arrival of Obediah. You stop in each section and the characters explain to you the story and often force you to participate in some manner. I don't want to give away too much, but as it says on the website, you will probably get muddy, and maybe a little bloody with a standard ticket. With a U.H. ticket, plan to get all of the above and then some. You WILL be separated from your group. You may or may not catch up. It all depends on the whims of those trying to convert, consecrate, baste, bury, or torture you. And you may get to be the one doing those things, too, to some other victim in your party! This can be absolutely hilarious and really makes you get involved. This place is so much fun! Just make sure you know what to expect and go in knowing you will get dirty. It's a blast walking out of the town, looking like you just barely survived your favorite horror movie. For adults, this place makes for a really fun, interactive (albeit messy) night. Older children are allowed, only with parental supervision. If this is the kind of unique experience you love, keep an eye on this place! Especially once this pandemic is over. These guys are very motivated to grow and improve your experience and have some big special events in the works that will blow your mind! I look forward to coming back post-COVID and seeing how much more intense it is when these crazed townfolks can get really up close and personal!
Questions? Have a story to share? Leave it in the comments!