The Frightening Four

Readers of the Savings.com blog will of course recall my post from a few weeks back entitled The Sinister Six, in which I detailed six haunted destinations to visit this Halloween. Well, one reader was not completely pleased with my post. He would have preferred I write about a slightly different topic, namely haunted houses.

I quote:

"i have an idea for another Halloween article. you say the best haunted houses. I cant do the research thats your job but i have some suggestions. and by haunted houses i mean like the kinds that has people in it trying to scare you. not like with real ghosts..."

The displeased reader is my eleven-year-old nephew, and I would like to state unequivocally that I did not ask him for any research help, so I don't know why he has to go and take that attitude. But Haunted Houses is a pretty good idea. So, starting with my nephew's #1 choice, here are The Frightening Four Best Haunted Houses to visit this Halloween.

Frightworld Screampark - Buffalo, NY

Now, my nephew's reasoning for giving Frightworld his #1 ranking is because it's where he got to watch his female cousin being chased around by a man with a chainsaw. But, it turns out the kid knows what he's talking about! Frightworld has been voted the best haunted attraction by AOL and Hauntworld Magazine, in addition to being featured on the Travel Channel's "Scariest Haunted Houses." What sets Frightworld apart from the rest of the ghoulish gang is that it is five haunted houses in one, all under one giant abandoned building's roof. Choose from The House of the Dead, Wicked Woods, Return of the Mummies' Curse, Phobia'z, CarnEVIL, or be terrified by all five. The choice is yours. Just watch out for that guy with the chainsaw.

If you're planning on traveling to Frightworld, you can use this Expedia deal to save on your hotel room. And as long as you're visiting Buffalo, you may as well take in a Bills game. Having grown up nearby, I can tell you--this is real football country. We've got a StubHub deal for NFL Tickets From $24, and who knows, with the Bills doing so miserably, you may be able to snag some for even less!

Netherworld Haunted House - Atlanta, GA

Review after review of Netherworld brings up two key points: the special effects at this attraction are amazing, and the actors are completely top-notch, much better than what you'd expect at a typical haunted house. Some digging at their website reveals that Netherworld was created by film and television professionals, which explains the movie-quality special effects and trained thespians. Netherworld even has zombies, vampires and the like come out and scare you while you're waiting in line--how thoughtful! Fangoria considers Netherworld the #1 Hometown Haunted House in America. And just listen to the comments from this satisfied customer, via the Netherworld website:

"i went there i really couldn't sleep i was so scared that when i got out to go in again the group of people i was with left me so i was there by myself going in again and i almost peed on myself!!!!"

After being scared half to death at Netherworld, you'll need a place to rest your weary head. Or at least a place to huddle up in the covers staring at the front door with all the lights on. May we suggest this Hotels.com deal, with Atlanta accommodations from just $32.

House of Shock - New Orleans, LA

I kept reading that the House of Shock is the most controversial haunted house in America. The articles were kind of vague, but the website is very heavy on pentagrams so I think I may have some idea from where the controversy comes. From all accounts this haunted house is intense, full of extreme content and definitely not for the kiddies. One of its founders is former Pantera frontman Philip Anselmo, which is part of the reason it's been deemed the "Rock and Roll Haunted House" and been featured in publications such as Rolling Stone, Maxim and Playboy. And part of the reason why I believe this place must be truly terrifying...have you heard Pantera's music??? House of Shock delivers on its Rock and Roll moniker by featuring a live concert every night, including a full pyrotechnic display. And what really hits the spot after all that thrashing music and oceans of blood and gore and disturbing religious imagery? Why, snacks of course! House of Shock is the only haunted attraction I could find with a refreshment stand (Hell's Kitchen, natch) and a fully stocked bar.

You'll probably want to hightail it out of town ASAP after a terror-filled night at the House of Shock, but in case you're planning on sticking around, check out our Hotels.com deal for up to 50% off New Orleans accommodations.

The Beast - Kansas City, MO

The Beast gets my vote for best haunted house because it has the least scary website and I'm writing this blog right before bed. Seriously. All the other websites were full of horrible images and descriptors like "gut-wrenching" and "heart-pounding." The Beast, on the other hand, bills itself as "Kansas City's Most Elaborate Haunted House" and boasts its high theatrical value. It sounds downright civilized! But let's inventory the fear factors for you die-hards out there: four floors of terror, check. Thriller dancers and Headless Horseman hanging around outside, check. Free, well-lit parking and security in every room, check. See, I told you it was civilized! The Beast is celebrating its 35th anniversary, so it must be doing something right. The most impressive stat I saw on the website is that it takes 45-60 minutes to get through this haunted house. 45-60 minutes! That's an eternity in haunted house time!

Now, it looks like we're not featuring any travel coupons to Kansas City right now. But I did find this great $30 off $200 coupon for Kansas City Steaks! It's a great deal...if you can ever eat red meat again after all this blood and gore.

I've had it with writing these posts about Halloween deals! Give me a warm and fuzzy holiday any day. Tune in next Easter when I explore the history of Peeps, and finally answer the age-old question of who's cuter: Peter Rabbit, Flopsy, Mopsy or Cottontail.

Got any favorite haunted houses to recommend? Post your suggestions in the comments and make sure to follow me on Twitter @SavingsHSimas for great wine tips and deals!