As a horror fan, Halloween is the most fun and exciting holiday of the year. The entire month of October is a celebration of sorts. Parties, concerts and events make every year memorable. This year definitely stands out as one of the best thanks to my good friends Leeann and Jamie. The duo brought my husband, Steve and I, to the Haunted Graveyard at Lake Compounce in Bristol CT.
Neither Stephen nor I had been to Lake Compounce before. When I was younger I visited amusement parks but ever since Six Flags bought out Riverside (New England folks remember Rock-n-Roll-A-Riverside very well), things were too crazy and crowded for me to attend.
I’m happy to say that the excited and vamped feeling I had when I was a child at Riverside, quickly returned as I walked through the gate at Lake Compounce. We arrived at 5 P.M., as the employees welcomed us in.
There were carnival games where one could win prizes (I walked away with a Papa Smurf) and festival food like Fried Dough and Caramel Apples. There was the evil animatronic pumpkin man who when crouched to the ground looked like an amazing piece of art, but when standing nearly 15 feet tall and speaking as his eyes beat red was a sight to see!
The rides were larger than life, and Stephen and I ventured onto the Zoomerang. It’s a 45mph rollercoaster with a 125ft drop. It takes you
forward, spins you upside down, and then boomerangs you backwards. I hadn’t been on a coaster in over 15 years, but I certainly remembered why I loved them so much as a child. Despite my neck and back aching like an 80 year old after the ride, the adrenaline rush and euphoric feeling was a great way to start the day.
After Zoomerang, we went to get drinks. We figured that the sodas would probably be expensive, but we were ready to spend as this was a fun day out. Shockingly, the drinks were free – not buy 1 get 1 free- not free refills – JUST FREE! This really was like my childhood days.
By 6:30, it was time for the Haunted Graveyard. My friends had gone last year and warned me that it was pretty freaky and that I was most certainly going to be scared. I decided my place was crouched against my husband, clutching his hand tightly. Without giving away too much, it’s a 30-45 minute walk-through. It’s also a must-see and must-experience for every horror fan. Every genre of horror from possession, to zombies, vampires, and werewolves are all accounted for. Animatronics, art, and actors are all present to create an atmospheric and genuinely scary experience. Fog machines and rooms that provide the illusion that they are spinning aid in confusing the patrons enough to be off their game so when one of their actors jumps out in full garb, it has the full effect.
I cannot encourage people enough to venture out to Lake Compounce for the variety of fun they offer. It has the old fashioned feeling while embracing modern rides.
On a side note, I just want to say another Thank You to both Jamie and Leeann who certainly gave my husband and I a night to remember. You two mean the world to us and we love you guys!!
Purchase Tickets at http://lakecompounce.com/site/tickets.html
Lake Compounce Rating: 10/10
