Are you looking for something frightening to do along the Connecticut shoreline and not afraid to drive down Interstate 95 South to the Greater New Haven Region?
If you are brave enough, check out the Haunted Isle at the Shore Line Trolley Museum at East Haven.
This past Saturday night, I went there and it was one of the most elaborate and largest haunted house-type events I have ever attended, certainly larger than The Dark Manor in Baltic.
Folks first ride on an old suburban trolley that takes them into the eerie darkness where horror movie style music is played on large speakers.
While waiting in line, a number of scary creatures lurk around including Jason Voorhees, a witch, a skeleton girl, and a mysterious monster with a plastic crate affixed to the top of his head.
The only friendly creature is a dog from Wags and Whiskers Animal Support Group, which supports the West Haven Animal Shelter.
Those with hunger and thirst pains can enjoy hot dogs, popcorn, candy, soda, and hot chocolate with all proceeds going to the animal shelter.
Brave souls can also purchase Haunted Isle T-shirts and other souvenirs to remind them of their trek through a number of scary buildings and scenes in the Connecticut shoreline woods.
Some of the most interesting parts are the creepy graveyards, a dark maze, two tunnels, a sadistic circus, a frightening little child’s room, a dining room and kitchen where brains are being served, the butcher shop with fresh human meat, a funeral home with folks hidden in caskets, a mad scientist’s lab, and a haunted school bus.
Creatures include clowns, the Wicked Witch of the West, Pinhead, Cat in the Hat, Thing 1 and Thing 2, the chainsaw guy from Texas Chain Saw Massacre, and many others.
Actors and actresses include adults and children of all ages.
The costumes and makeup were pretty realistic and the actors did a great job of interacting with guests.
At the end, folks can get photos taken with various creatures and purchase ice cream before riding the trolley back to the museum.
Ticket prices are $10 at the door and express tickets are $20 at the door or can be bought for $15 on the website. Express tickets bring folks to the head of the Haunted Isle Entrance.
The night I attended, I got there about 9:15 p.m. and the cashier told me it was about an hour wait for regular tickets and a half hour wait for express tickets. I purchased the regular tickets.
The first $5,000 the Haunted Isle raises from tickets and souvenirs goes to the East Haven High School Yellow Jacket Marching Band while the remainder is split 50/50 between the museum and the marching band.
According to the trolley conductor, about 12 volunteers start setting up the various buildings and settings as early as February.
It is not too late to visit the Haunted Isle 2012. Advanced tickets are still available for Friday, Oct. 26 and Sat., Oct. 27 for the time slots of 7 p.m., 8 p.m., and 9 p.m.
For regular admission, folks can arrive anytime between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. either day.
