Headless Horseman Hayride and Haunted House
778 Broadway (Route 9W), Ulster Park.
339-BOOO
www.headlesshorseman.com
Open: Fri.-Sun. through Oct. 19, then Oct. 23-26 and Oct. 29-31
Hayrides depart at 7 p.m.
Admission: $29
Reservations strongly suggested
"HHHHH" boasts a narrated hayride through dark woods, three haunted houses, a corn maze and walk-through attraction for its 16th season. Entertainment is provided by John Shaw and his "Pandemonium Midnight Sideshow." Grab pumpkin pie or pizza at four food stands and give your credit card a workout at five gift shops. If the opening-night crowd is any indication, this place is going to be packed the closer it gets to Halloween. Definitely make reservations.
FEAR FACTOR: For the best scares, sit on the back of the hayride. You'll have the Headless Horseman in your face — and he comes so close you can feel the warmth of his horse's breath — and chain-saw-wielding madmen in your lap. For the best views, though, opt for one of the sides. The corn maze and haunted houses all contributed to an overall frightening experience. 5
PROPS/COSTUMES: Loved, loved, loved the hayride! The props were phenomenal, and turning various children's fairy tales evil was delightfully twisted. 5
ACTORS: The Wicked Witch of the West forgot her line, but that was the one stumbling block in an otherwise polished performance. Watch out for the demented dentist! Speaking of actors, we sat next to Matthew Gray Gubler from CBS' "Criminal Minds" on our hayride. Even the celebs love the horseman! Especially impressive is the actors' ability to distract you while other actors move in for the scare. 4.5
Overall: 4.9
Going tomorrow night with the work crew, sooooooo stoked!!! (none of the other haunted attractions were rated near this high)