Mothman Vs. The Great Pumpkin

Did the Great Pumpkin show up at your house last night? If not, the Mothman Museum in Point Pleasant, WV may have an explanation as to what happened!

Theresa Tries a Pumpkin Spice Donut

I have admitted to it before, but for those of you who are new to this blog, what I'm about to tell you may come as a shock.  As much as I love Halloween and everything to do with Halloween...I hate pumpkin-flavored food and beverages. There. I said it. Again.

But this Halloween season, I decided I was going to bite the bullet and really taste-test some of the pumpkiny goodies that everybody seems to rave about each year. I started this experimental trek off with a pumpkin spice donut from our local Tim Horton's. It LOOKED really good. It was very fresh with a moist center and perfectly glazed outside....but I just couldn't do it. Below are the before and after photos of my attempt at pumpkin spice. It didn't go to waste, though. My boyfriend gladly finished it off for me! I gave it my best shot and I will try again. Check back next week for my experiences with pumpkin flavored frozen yogurt!

BEFORE

AFTER

Review: The 817 Haunted Truck Stop

As some of you may have seen, Friday, October 13th was National Haunted House Day! National Haunted House Day is held the second Friday of each October, and is a day to celebrate the artistry and hard work of the haunted house attraction industry. Last year we celebrated by going to Scareview Grave School (Schoul?) in St. Albans, WV. This year, however, we decided to try out a new location---the 817 Haunted Truck Stop.

Located in the Old Country Roads truck stop along the former Route 35 (now 817) just north of Winfield, this haunted attraction is in its first year of operation and I gotta say...for a newly opened haunted house, they've done a really great job! 

The 817 Haunted Truck Stop is open Thursdays from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 6 p.m. until midnight, with dates running through until November 4th. Thursday admission is only $8 with a donation of canned food and Friday/Saturday admission is $10. Concessions are available on-site.

My friends and I arrived Friday night around 7:30 p.m. and were pleasantly surprised to see that plenty of parking was available. It was a short wait to buy our tickets and be taken through the maze. Our group of three were taken in by ourselves, which made for a nice, intimate experience. And, like I said earlier, for being its first year in operation, I was really impressed. 

Each room or scene wasn't too overly gross or gory, which I really appreciated, but some areas did seem a little...sparse...something I'm sure will be improved upon as this haunt continues to grow. But whatever was lacking with props and stage setting, the scare actors certainly made up for it! Each one of the dedicated volunteers really had an innate knack for knowing where to be and when. They did a great job with distracting you and focusing your attention in another direction....and then popping out where and when you least expect them. I'm not usually one that gets startled easily, but there were definitely a couple of times where I was knocked off guard. And I have to give bonus points to one of the youngest actors in the haunt---she played her role perfectly and was the embodiment of spooky and unsettling, lol. 

One thing I would have liked to have seen was a little more cohesion in the theme from room to room. It did flow just fine, but this place was an actual truck stop at one point. I would LOVE to see that unique aspect utilized more, especially with the sounds of truck horns, headlights coming at you, and out of control truckers running around. Clowns and Freddy Krueger are certainly frightening, but when there's a CLEAR story line running through the entire location, it just bumps the whole experience up a notch.

Everyone we dealt with in connection to the haunt was very nice and professional, an aspect that made the evening all the more enjoyable. I loved the small group size as well, which is great for customizing the scares a little. It can get a little spookier for the adult-only groups, but then the actors can back off a bit if there's a group with younger guests...and there were plenty of younger guests in attendance that night. I guess since this is a no-touch haunt where the actors do not rely upon screaming obscenities, and the scenes are not overly gory or inappropriate, it does make for a perfect experience for someone visiting such an attraction for the first time. That doesn't mean it isn't scary, though! As evidenced by the tally board in the ticket area, plenty of guests are experiencing the FULL haunted house experience!

As a paranormal investigator, though, I'm always looking for REAL haunts and scares...and like many other haunted house attractions, this one might actually be haunted. According to the entry on the WV Ghosts Halloween Attraction Index, the truck stop is haunted by the ghosts of several truck drivers who passed away and a cook who died in the kitchen area. I'm not sure if that was just part of the fabricated back story or a hint at some real activity...but I hope to find out and maybe get the chance to bring HPIR in to investigate! If you have any details as to whether or not this place has a true haunted reputation, please let me know in the comments below or over at Theresa's Haunted History Facebook!

Anyway, there are a couple more weekends to come and experience the 817 Haunted Truck Stop for yourself before the close of the season and I highly recommend that you give it a shot if you're in the area! It is well worth the price of admission. As an added bonus, this haunt is just a short drive from the Fear on the Farm attraction on the other side of Winfield, and of course, Scareview, located in nearby St. Albans. If you time it right, you could hit up all three in one night! 

*Photos are from the 817 Haunted Truck Stop Facebook page. You can also find them on Twitter and on Instagram*

Vincent Price and the Black Cat

This photo of horror legend Vincent Price holding a black kitty cat totally made my Monday morning. I hope it has brightened your day as well! 

The Girls of Bewitched

I love this old photograph of Elizabeth Montgomery, Erin Murphy, and Agnes Moorehead! I couldn't find much information about it, but it appears to be a promotional photo for either the Season 3 or Season 4 Halloween episode of Bewitched, which would have aired around 1966-1967. There's even a slightly different version, with a more intimidated-looking Tabitha, as seen below. Happy Witchy Wednesday! 

Welcome, October!

Happy October 1st!

If you're like me, you've already been 'celebrating' Halloween for at least the past month, but now that it's actually October, those celebrations are a little more socially acceptable among the masses. So, let the celebrations begin...it's time to run amuck!

Amuck!

Amuck!

 Amuck! 

Jack Skellington Pie

I came across this photo while on Pinterest, and thought it was too cool not to share! And, while trying to find the photographer/baker to give credit to, I discovered a ton of different variations on this spooky twist to a classic crusted pie!

Obviously, there are also multiple websites and even YouTube videos available to help walk you through the process of adding a little Nightmare Before Christmas to YOUR favorite pie! I guess you could use just about any filling you wanted, but me personally....well, I'd turn Jack, the Pumpkin King, into Jack: The Pumpkin PIE King! Happy Foodie Friday!

Retail Witches

You've probably seen this photo floating around Facebook and other social media sites. I gotta admit...its pretty darn funny! Trust me, I've certainly run into my fair share of witches at Target. Unfortunately, they weren't the kind that ride broomsticks and respect nature, lol. Happy Witchy Wednesday, ya'll!

Ichabod's Revenge

One of my favorite spooky stories is the tale of Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman. Each year, my family and I kick off the Halloween season by watching the classic Disney cartoon adaptation. Throughout the month of October, I like to sneak in a few viewings of some of the many OTHER adaptations available out there, as well as re-reading the actual Washington Irving story. I love the story so much...I even named my little black cat, 'Ichabod!'

I'm tickled that I found this hilarious lil' comic gem...and that it looks like Ichabod has finally gotten his chance to get back at The Headless Horseman!

Mondays, Ugh.

Well, its the start of another week...at least that means we're one more week closer to Halloween! Hope you had a wonderful weekend. Enjoy your week as well!

I found this image on the All Hallow's Eve Facebook page. If you get a chance, hop on over there and give them a LIKE!

Jack-O-Lantern Face Swaps (Volume II)

Yeah, so face swapping isn't really that big of a thing anymore...but its still pretty hilarious, especially when it involves MY favorite holiday, HALLOWEEN! Last year, it was predicted that face swapping with Jack-o-Lanterns was going to be the next big thing. However, that phenomena never really took off....perhaps it was just too creepy? Anyway, it was difficult, but I managed to find a few more examples to add to last year's collection. I hope you enjoy the horror...and if you're so inclined, send me your own Jack-o-Lantern face swap photos. I'd love to feature them here!

Article: Nobody is On Board with this Jack-o-Lantern Face Swap

Pumpkin the Python

Meet Pumpkin! Pumpkin is a pied (pie bald) ball python whose picture recently caused quite a stir when it was shared on the Zoo Creatures Facebook page. The pet store, located in New Hampshire, is offering Pumpkin up for sale, but don't bet on this lil' cutie being available for too long. With that adorable jack-o-lantern marking and the close proximity to Halloween, someone is sure to give this the unique reptile a new home sooner rather than later. 

1958 Halloween Poem

It's Thursday...so let's have a little throwback! This image, with the accompanying poem by Alice Swaim entitled Night for Pretending, was found on the Doo Wacka Doodles blog. The date given was 1958. 

Haunted Halloween Farm

I have a confession. I used to hate the color orange. I still loved Halloween, but my aesthetic definitely left out anything pumpkin-colored. But, as I've gotten older, my tastes have definitely changed. I have found myself falling in love with absolutely anything featuring black and dark burnt orange. There is just something so vintage and nostalgic about this color combination---I honestly cannot get enough of it! 

A beautiful example of such is this painting by Ryta (rytaray) entitled Haunted Halloween Farm. At one time, prints were available of this visually stunning piece of art, but unfortunately do not seem to be available at this time. However, go check her out on eBay and maybe you can get lucky! She has a wonderful collection of similar vintage images in her shop. 

Ghost Hug!

Hello, everyone! I know its only September 11th, but I'm already so excited for Halloween. Halloween is my absolute favorite time of the year, so I tend to go a little overboard in the celebrations. September 1st generally marks the first day of the Halloween season for me! 

However, today the celebration is a little subdued. Today marks the 16th anniversary of the tragic 9/11 attacks. Hurricanes Harvey and Irma have caused so much damage to the southern part of our country. Mexico was recently rocked with an extremely large earthquake. All over the world, countless people are hurting for various reasons. So, today, I'm sending out a ghost hug to any and all who need it. Feel free to pass it on! 

Halloween Glow in the Dark Vodka Ghosts

It's another Foodie Friday here at Theresa's Halloween Wonderland and today I'm sharing a really fun idea that would make a great addition to any ADULT Halloween party:  Glowing Ghost Jello Shots!

With a little tonic water (you need the quinine to react under the black light), some booze, gelatin, and a ghost mold, you can make some pretty cute alcoholic treats for you and your guests! This video comes from Tipsy Bartender. Make sure you check below the video for a link to an ice cube mold...and happy haunting!

Ghost Ice Cube Mold

Witchy Wednesday: Kitty Meme

This is the cutest lil' witch I've ever seen! Happy Witchy Wednesday, y'all. 

Werewolf Wednesday!

Happy  Werewolf Wednesday! Eclipse mania seems to be finally dying down, but here's one last funny to commemorate the historic event. 

Trick or Treat!

I was thinking that Halloween season has come earlier than usual this year (not that I'm complaining!) when I started noticing Dollar Tree and Big Lots putting out their Halloween items the first week of August. I honestly don't ever remember them putting them out so early...

But now I KNOW Halloween season is here ahead of schedule, lol. Yesterday, our mayor posted this graphic after an apparent barrage of questions concerning what day trick-or-treat will fall on this year. (I guess I'm not the only one already planning for this year's festivities.)

Anyway, you MIGHT think that question would be silly...but here in Putnam County, West Virginia, we're not too far removed from the Bible Belt. Per local custom, trick-or-treat is never held on Sunday or Wednesday since those are church days. Also, trick-or-treat is never held on Friday or Saturday for reasons I've yet to figure out. I guess they don't want us having too much fun, lol. So, that leaves trick-or-treat narrowed down to a Monday, Tuesday, or Thursday evening. 

Needless to say, trick-or-treat isn't always held on Halloween night. As an adult, I've come to terms with that, and in some cases, not having trick-or-treat ON the 31st works out to an advantage---it really stretches out the celebration! Still, there's something magical, especially to a child, about trick-or-treating on Halloween night, so I'm happy with the schedule.  Just, uh...don't get me started on the stupid time restraints! 

The Pumpkin's Destiny

Lately, there's been a distinct, Autumn chill to the air here in the tri-state. The local stores are beginning to put out their Halloween stock, and I've been watching hours of YouTube tutorials on different Halloween crafts. Needless to say, I'm getting pretty excited about Halloween 2017!

Today's vintage image was found on the Facebook group, Vintage Halloween. I couldn't find any additional information on it, but it was too weird not to share with you all. The faces on the non-carved pumpkins are, well....horrific, especially that big guy in the middle! I can only imagine what is running through their minds as they gaze at lighted corpses of their own kind.

Pumpkin Sky

I recently stumbled across this beautiful image of a Jack-o-Lantern in the clouds on the Facebook page, Halloween Hollow Haunts. I instantly fell in love with it! It is a work by artist Artem Rhads Chebokha, and is titled Witchland.  Arten doesn't seem to concentrate solely on spooky Halloween creations, but he totally nailed the spirit of the season with this beautiful piece! 

Foodie Friday: Bat Cake

I could spend hours looking at Halloween cakes...and honestly, I probably have. From cute to creepy, and gross to elegant, there is such a huge variety of skillfully decorated Halloween yummies that I always have such a hard time choosing examples to feature here. However, this little gem immediately caught my eye. The best part is, Erin Gardner of Wild Orchid Baking Company, has posted a tutorial for you to make your own! You can find it over on The Cake Blog! 

12 Months of Halloween

In many ways, Halloween is already celebrated year-round in my house! My collection of vintage Halloween masks graces the mantle throughout the seasons, there's never a bad time to watch a Simpson's Tree House of Horror, and of course, I've been trying to keep up with this blog!

So, I'm totally down with this list...although I will say, the idea of celebrating "Fathersween" this month sounds a little, uh, well, inappropriate, lol. 

More Halloween Cookies

Happy Foodie Friday, Halloween lovers! I found today's beautiful photo posted over on the Facebook page, Halloween Magic - Hocus Pocus! These cookies aren't quite as fancy as the last batch I posted, but they're still quite lovely....and definitely adorable! I really enjoy the classic colors and familiar shapes, especially the lil' ghosts. 

Animal Kingdom Trick-or-Treat

I love Halloween and I love sloths...so a little sloth dressed in a devil costume with a ghostly candy bag warms my heart. And yes, little anteater....raisins do NOT make good Halloween treats, lol. 

Accidental Hanging Claims Boy

I was recently perusing old newspaper articles when I came upon this Associated Press story printed in the October 30, 1977 edition of the Herald-Dispatch (Huntington, WV). Warning: This story is pretty tragic. While I usually try to capture and share the beauty and magic of the Halloween season here on the blog, I think we sometimes all need a reminder that life isn't always perfect. 

Leslie Methodist Church, Google Images

DUNN, N.C.---A church Halloween carnival "house of horrors" became grim reality for a 13-year-old boy who apparently accidentally hanged himself, authorities said.

Keith L. Norris strangled on a fake noose which was rigged in a plywood booth and intended to scare visitors by making it look as though someone had been hanged. The boy, who had been playing the part of a hanged person, was found on his knees, suspended by his neck from an inch-wide nylon parachute strap tied to resemble a noose.

He would have been 14 on Halloween Day.

"It looks as if he was leaning into the noose and just slowly lost consciousness," said Dr. Brad B. Randall of the state medical examiner's office who performed an autopsy on the boy Friday.

The death was ruled an accidental asphyxiation.

Norris' limp body was discovered about 9:15 p.m. Thursday, shortly after the end of a Halloween carnival sponsored by the Leslie Methodist Church.

Charles C. Matthews said his 13-year-old son Marchie was the first to realize something was wrong with Norris.

"Marchie said he walked by once and the boy looked like he was playing," the father said. "Marchie was going to take out some trash, and when he came back the boy was in the same position, on his knees, so he called somebody to look at him."

G. Floyd Barefoot, who  was cleaning up after the festival, was called to look at the boy.

"I tried to revive him. I gave him mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, trying to get air back into him. Tried to get it going, but it weren't there," Barefoot said.