Times Herald Record
Annual review of the haunts in the Hudson Valley By Sandy Tomcho
also by George Spohr
Times Herald-Record
Posted: October 09, 2009 - 2:00 AM
With the economy in scary shape, you may not have the money to hit up each of the Hudson Valley's haunted attractions.
So we'll cut to the chase:
If you only have the money for one or two events, head to — in this order — TerrorDome in Newburgh and Kevin McCurdy's Haunted Mansion across the river in Wappingers Falls.
Each year, we hit up the region's five biggest attractions on either their first or second night in operation. This year has proven to be a mirror universe to last.
The Haunted Mansion left us scared out of our wits. And that's the point of Halloween, right read more http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091009/ENTERTAIN/910090324
Haunted Hudson Valley visits read about their experience here :
http://www.hauntedhudsonvalley.net/haunted-mansion/
Haunted Attraction magazine
“Kevin’s Haunts are very theatrical relative to other haunted houses. You can debate the throughput issues this type of show can have, but you cannot debate the quality or entertainment value of the show. I loved it and I know the other guests did too. The show had atmosphere, scares, screams, and laughter and provided great entertainment overall.”
Read more at http://www.hauntedattraction.com/blog/grand-tour/haunted-attractions/kevin-mccurdys-haunted-mansion-haunted-house/
Kevin McCurdy’s Haunted Mansion in Poughkeepsie, NY is a slightly different type of haunted attraction. It’s been running since 1977 and, in our opinion, is one of the most interesting and creative haunts that you will find. Many of the cool tricks that you now take for granted at your usual haunt may have been invented by this guy and his team. KMHM was one of the first haunts to incorporate a storyline. In fact, he does extensive work for hire with other haunted attractions and was just getting set to leave to do an installation after the night that we came to his haunt.
This year they have 3 attractions. The Nightmare is a surreal walkthrough haunted house. Fright Trail is exactly what it sounds like. London After Midnight is a Jack the Ripper/Sweeney Todd/Mr. Hyde themed indoor haunt where you are led through (and at times terrorized by) an actor or actors.
These are not standard startle-scare haunts. This is a haunt that has startle scares but is very theatrical in it’s execution. You may need to sit or do something in each room, or you may just walk through. Actors may lead you through or you may need to find your own way. The sets and effects were, true to their word, different than any other haunt we have ever seen. “Handcrafted” is a good way to describe the great custom work that you’ll find here.
The night that we went through it wasn’t totally finished, so the finale room of this attraction was not yet present. If what we saw is any indicator, this is definitely one that you should check out.
ONEZUMIVERSE.COM 2013
ONI HARTSTEIN