Review: Haunted Overload

Three words: atmosphere, atmosphere, atmosphere. Haunted Overload is drenched in it.

I'm going to keep the review somewhat brief for two reasons. First, it's a good way to keep the hyperbole down to a minimum. I loved this place so much I could go on for a good, long time about it. Second, I took a day off work to get ready for Halloween and I have a TON of stuff to do. So let me get right to it.

It began with the ride down the winding back roads of Lee, NH. Houses glowed in the blur of dark woods and stretching fields as we made our way. The only hint that we were on the right path: a lonely scarecrow standing in a front yard with a sign reading "Haunted Overload" and an arrow.

Shortly after, we arrived at the entrance Coppal House Farm. There's no fanfare here. Just another small sign and a dark, narrow, dirt road lined with towering oaks. In the distance the light of the attraction flickered above the treeline.

At this point my smile became permanent.

Haunted Overload does it right. The setting, the props, the actors, just the overall feel of the place is magnificent. They even do a great job of managing the crowd. Tickets are sold in advance and once they reach capacity for a show they pull it down. The result is that you are assured a parking spot and a short wait in the one (!) line leading to the actual park.

I could give you a blow-by-blow description at this point but you REALLY need to see it. I don't want to spoil it. Let me put it to you this way: if you have ever wanted to walk around inside of Tim Burton's head then this is the place you need to be. Fantastic from start to finish. I enjoyed every second of it.

Eric, if you're reading this, my hat is off to you. Absolutely stellar work. Some of the props were truly awe-inspiring. Not to mention bloody huge. I can't wait to go back next year.

If there are still tickets left you must see Haunted Overload. Do it. Do it now.

Haunted Overload is located at Coppal House Farm in Lee, NH.