The HAUNTED is DEAD!

Here's what happened:

Yes, it's true. The HAUNTED is closed. I am sure many of you are wondering exactly what happened. We certainly know how distorted the rumor mills can be, so I thought I would post the truth for you all to read.

The gentleman that we were leasing the building from passed away. The new owner of the building (we were not really given a fair opportunity to purchase it ourselves) initially told us that we could stay "as long as we wanted". Apparently "as long as we wanted" really means "a couple of months." We considered re-locating, but the monumental task of moving to a new location was just more than we could handle (plus, we are expecting our 1st baby (son) in January, so we have more important things to attend to now).

We would like to thank the many volunteers that worked so hard to pull this thing off year after year. We couldn't have done it without you. We appreciate all you did for the HAUNTED. As you were aware, it was the most unique and "pound for pound" the best haunted house in Alabama, and our guests would agree.

So this year we plan to do something we haven't been able to do since 1999 — go see other haunted houses (and the Bama vs Tennessee game!)

Since you can't come to the HAUNTED (well, you can, but it is a dance studio now) where should you go? Here is my educated and experienced opinion:

Where to go:

If it is open this year (and as of right now I can't confirm it) go to Haunted High in Palmerdale. We went last year (on our night off) and it was pretty darn good! I have searched the internet for 2008 info and there is none to be found. We may be down to just 2 major haunts in Birmingham this year, folks!
If you want to get serious about your Halloween Attractions, you need to head to Atlanta to Netherworld. It is nationally known as one of the best haunts in the country, and it is only 2 hours away — you will wait in line at Atrox that same 2 hours so spend it in the comfort of your car! Go see the real deal — it will blow you away. It's called Netherworld, and it is clearly worth the drive. We go every year — that should tell you something. Netherworld is an overload of props, animatronics and everything you can possibly think of. They literally have it ALL. Go see what a six figure budget can do for a haunted house. Look it up online or click on this link.
If you just have to go to Atrox, that's fine. At least it's clean, far safer than Sloss, and they try harder and longer. They know what they are doing. They certainly have the best facility in town. Go early in the season during the week to avoid the lines. It's more fun when they aren't at max capacity.
Barns of Horror is a bit of a drive in the country, but it is unique and they try hard. The price is good and they are friendly. They know what they are doing – it has been around a long time.

Where NOT to go:

Folks, it's about time we all wised up and quit going to Sloss Fright Furnace. No one ever leaves there without being disappointed. It's basically the same old tired program year after year. There is no reason to believe it changed this year. Go to Netherworld already.

- Barry and Nancy Hamric
(former) owners, the HAUNTED.