NIGHTMARES FROM ELMRIDGE
Nightmares From Elmridge has to be the best kept secret in Maryland. It is a haunted house, that is in the cellar! It doesnt get much more creepier than that! It is one of my All-Time favorite haunted houses as well! This is a MUST-SEE TOP 5 event in Maryland! It just aint halloween until you visit Nightmares From Elmridge. Here is there official website, check out there schedule, and make sure you don't miss out on this event!! Click on here to go to there website http://nightmaresfromelmridge.com/
Interview with Nightmares From Elmridge Owner Robert Vaccaro Jr.
We recently had the chance to interview one of the owners, of the legendary Nightmares From Elmridge haunt. And this is what he had to say..
Haunted House News: Can you first tell the readers what is your position/title at Nightmares From Elmridge, and also where you are located?
Robert Vaccaro Jr: The crew includes my immediate family: Myself and my wife(Rob and Melinda) and my two sons Joe and Frank. My wife and I are the owners and operators of the haunt, my sons run the operations, design sets. We are located in downtown Arbutus Md. at 5400 East Dr. Arbutus Md. 21227.
Haunted House News: How did you and your wife first decide to get involved in the haunted house industry?
Robert Vaccaro Jr: The 1st Halloween after we bought our house we were so excited that we decorated our front yard and only had 6 trick-or-treaters. The next year we went even bigger and had almost 80 visitors. Soon as our neighbors got involved, we talked about how much fun we had and thought we could do something better to involve the kids in a safe and fun event. That summer we started planning and WOW were we surprised how much work and preperation was involved. For months we searched for a rental property but each time we mentioned what we were going to do, the answer was NO. Then we came across a location that had been rented and torn up. We met and the owner and agreed that we would make all repairs if she would rent to us for 4 months. Finally we had caught a break. We worked our butts off and all was looking good until....a few neighbors that didn't know or care to ask us what we had planned took it upon themselves to make a complaint to the county. After having petitions signed, talking with the community and contacting Delegate Jim Malone(who believed in our safe community event) we were up and running. That year was a great experience, however we did such a great job fixing up the place the owner had a tenant. Then the property search began again..
Haunted House News: I have to admit that I love how your haunted house starts out. Just the long dreaded walk down the steps into the deep dark cellar, has made people scream in my group everytime I been there. How did you find, and become aware of this place to be home to your Nightmares From Elmridge haunt?
Robert Vaccaro Jr: One spring while touring the town of Arbutus, my oldest son noticed a For Rent sign on a door of a commercial property. Next we met the land lord Steve and he believed in what we were doing. We took a look at the property and come to find out is was under 3 foot of water. After a lot of work with a few months to spare we were able too overcome long hours and inspections to revive Nightmares of Elmridge for a 2nd year(this is where the cellar was born)
Haunted House News: I have stated on the record, that Nightmares From Elmridge is still the best kept secret in Maryland every October. Every group I have ever been with, have screamed non-stop inside your multi-room haunted cellar, from start to finish. What would you say to haunt fans who have never visited Nightmares From Elmridge?
Robert Vaccaro Jr: The smell, dampness and the whole basement idea creates scares before visitors even get started. Our attention to detail, changes in rooms and scenery and just an overall fun safe event. Never though the place was actually haunted, but after talking to local folks....
Haunted House News: What can we expect this October from Nightmares From Elmridge?
Robert Vaccaro Jr: This year like every other, expect to be scared, entertained and see a crew(veteran)volunteers that work there tails off.
Haunted House News: Is there anything you would like to add? You can say anything you want, any subject or topic.
Robert Vaccaro Jr: Also said, looking back on history, we have provided a great, scary event for the community. It is with our family, friends and community support that we could run. THERE ARE PEOPLE THAT BELIEVE IN THIS!!!
Haunted House News: Can you first tell the readers what is your position/title at Nightmares From Elmridge, and also where you are located?
Robert Vaccaro Jr: The crew includes my immediate family: Myself and my wife(Rob and Melinda) and my two sons Joe and Frank. My wife and I are the owners and operators of the haunt, my sons run the operations, design sets. We are located in downtown Arbutus Md. at 5400 East Dr. Arbutus Md. 21227.
Haunted House News: How did you and your wife first decide to get involved in the haunted house industry?
Robert Vaccaro Jr: The 1st Halloween after we bought our house we were so excited that we decorated our front yard and only had 6 trick-or-treaters. The next year we went even bigger and had almost 80 visitors. Soon as our neighbors got involved, we talked about how much fun we had and thought we could do something better to involve the kids in a safe and fun event. That summer we started planning and WOW were we surprised how much work and preperation was involved. For months we searched for a rental property but each time we mentioned what we were going to do, the answer was NO. Then we came across a location that had been rented and torn up. We met and the owner and agreed that we would make all repairs if she would rent to us for 4 months. Finally we had caught a break. We worked our butts off and all was looking good until....a few neighbors that didn't know or care to ask us what we had planned took it upon themselves to make a complaint to the county. After having petitions signed, talking with the community and contacting Delegate Jim Malone(who believed in our safe community event) we were up and running. That year was a great experience, however we did such a great job fixing up the place the owner had a tenant. Then the property search began again..
Haunted House News: I have to admit that I love how your haunted house starts out. Just the long dreaded walk down the steps into the deep dark cellar, has made people scream in my group everytime I been there. How did you find, and become aware of this place to be home to your Nightmares From Elmridge haunt?
Robert Vaccaro Jr: One spring while touring the town of Arbutus, my oldest son noticed a For Rent sign on a door of a commercial property. Next we met the land lord Steve and he believed in what we were doing. We took a look at the property and come to find out is was under 3 foot of water. After a lot of work with a few months to spare we were able too overcome long hours and inspections to revive Nightmares of Elmridge for a 2nd year(this is where the cellar was born)
Haunted House News: I have stated on the record, that Nightmares From Elmridge is still the best kept secret in Maryland every October. Every group I have ever been with, have screamed non-stop inside your multi-room haunted cellar, from start to finish. What would you say to haunt fans who have never visited Nightmares From Elmridge?
Robert Vaccaro Jr: The smell, dampness and the whole basement idea creates scares before visitors even get started. Our attention to detail, changes in rooms and scenery and just an overall fun safe event. Never though the place was actually haunted, but after talking to local folks....
Haunted House News: What can we expect this October from Nightmares From Elmridge?
Robert Vaccaro Jr: This year like every other, expect to be scared, entertained and see a crew(veteran)volunteers that work there tails off.
Haunted House News: Is there anything you would like to add? You can say anything you want, any subject or topic.
Robert Vaccaro Jr: Also said, looking back on history, we have provided a great, scary event for the community. It is with our family, friends and community support that we could run. THERE ARE PEOPLE THAT BELIEVE IN THIS!!!
Nightmares From Elmridge and Legends of the Fog...Who did we rank better?
To the left(photo taken at Legends of the Fog) To the right(photo taken from Nightmares from Elmridge)
Nightmares from Elmridge
Nightmares from Elmridge vs Legends of the Fog
In our only single contest of the year. We selected Legends of the Fog to challenge Nightmares from Elmridge, in our 1st ever Haunt Challenge. Each year we will pick one matchup. We would visit both these events on Oct.3rd. We were excited for our double header. Our 1st stop would be Legends of the Fog.
We would have 6 people in our review group. Each one at the end of the night would have to pick a rating of 1-10. With 10 being the best score they could give. As we got to Legends of the Fog, we seen 2 of there famous characters near the ticket booth. We seen Edwin and Jack Gourd, both friends on my facebook page. Both are very talented actors. Below is a pic we took of Jack Gourd. On the haunted hayride, I saw another legend Rip-Saw, come out on the hayride with his famous chainsaw. I enjoyed the event overall. The Hayride was good. I think it was a little to dark at times. And the only problem I had with the hayride(which I understand is for the actors safety) was the 2 security guards who rode with us. One on each end. I kind of felt like I was in pre-k. The security guard(lady) kept mentioning how the actors are volunteers, and there here for the love of it. I already knew that. I just dont think we want to be reminded of that on the hayride.
We kind of want to take our mind off of daily stress, and go to a place that takes our minds off of everything. All in all, I can see 1 security guard, but 2.....its a little overboard. Let us enjoy the hayride, we dont need a lecture on the kids who volunteer. All the actors were good, they do have a few with great costumes(see the ones I mentioned above). But I think some of the kids should have wore masks. At times they were more cute than scary.
I think there best event was Carsins Manor. It was good, and even the kids in this area were scary. They scared my wife, and my daughter several times. But the SiNiStEr CiRcUs, I was forced to wait in line for over a hour. Once I got inside the rooms were nicely decorated, but the event was over in less than 4 minutes. That is what I call fast. When my review group seen it was over that fast, we were very disapointed. A person in line asked me how was it....I said it was OK.
Final Review on Legends of the Fog: It was a good event. But I just think its a bit overpriced at $25 a ticket. And make that $35 for VIP. I think either this event has to get more of a haunt feel, by not reminding the hayride paying customers(Security) how these actors are volunteers, and then following us on the wagon, like we are thugs who are there to hurt the actors) I felt like I was in Pre-K. I think there are enough decent people on board to prevent a prison attack on a actor. I feel like this event has the right feel, there is a big room for overall improvement. I would say this event should be priced around $15 per ticket, for all events. I dont think this event is even yet on the same level with Bedlam in the Boro. They charge around $15 and there event, last time I seen it was a little bit better. Here are the score cards from our 6 review members including myself. While some people will say a few are not PRO's, they are the average haunt fan, so there opinion is very important.
Legends of the FOG Report card(by our review group)
Tim Lumber(me) 6
James Meeker(part owner of this site) 4
Kim 6
Chelsey 9
Mary Lumber 6
Alan 6
Too many 6's, all most as if its possesed. Total score 37 out of 60
We then made our way to Nightmares from Elmridge. I was feeling kind of let down from Legends of the Fog(Security teachers) and was hoping to salvage my night. We arrived at the best kept secret in Maryland at approx. 10:15. Just in time before they closed. We were met by owner Robert Vaccaro Jr. he would be our tour guide for the night.
I was happy to get to meet one of the best minds in the haunt industry today. Robert was a 1st rate tour guide. He led us into there fabled deep dark cellar, and my wife had already screamed, and my step-daughter was yelling. Each room was very well planned. I love there themes, they are so original. Nightmares from Elmridge isnt just a cellar haunt, its one of the best designed room sets you will see.
The room that had me buzzing was there 3 Little Pigs room. I loved it! All 3 actors brought there A Game. I heard perfect pig noises, that sounded like a real pig. And all 3 woman on our group had there head down in fear of these 3 Little Pigs. I dont want to give away too much. I think this is a great event, that you should see for yourself. They even had one actor in there who was like 7 foot tall. He had to be the biggest horror attraction actor I have ever seen.
I loved this place as well as my review group that I want to tell you about each room and how creative they were.....BUT I WONT! That is something you should see 1st hand! The Vaccaro Family runs a 1st Class haunt. I would probally say it could very well also be the best family haunt(for family with kids) in Maryland. I still have more reviews to do, but it is currently in 1st place for Best Haunted Attraction in Maryland.
They are our 2009 winner of the Haunted Attraction "Face Off" they easily defeated a big time event in Legends of the Fog. I would never have even guessed before the day started that this would be even possible. I knew Nightmares was a good haunt, but I was surprised at how easily it beat Legends of the Fog. These are 6 peoples opinion. 4 are haunt fans. They all said Nightmares from Elmridge was the best place between the 2.
Here are our scorecards for Nightmares From Elmridge...
Tim Lumber(me) 10
James Meeker(co-owner) 8
Kim 8
Mary Lumber 8
Alan 10
Chelsey 10
They would get 3 perfect 10's from our group. This puts Nightmares just a notch below Field of Screams who had a perfect 60 score. Total score 54 out of 60. Thats very good considering this haunt doesnt have half the budget size of Legends of the Fog and Field of Screams. So currently Nightamares from Elmridge takes our lead for Best Haunt in Maryland.
The competition is far from over though. We have many more stops to go. But CONGRATULATIONS to Nightmares from Elmridge as our 2009 Haunted Attractions " Head to Head Challenge" Champion. Each year we will pick 2 attractions to go head to head. The picture below sums up how happy my group was after the event. I took the pic, so I am not included in it. When a review group wants to get a pic with the tour guide(Robert Vaccaro Jr.) you know they must have did something right!! Click on to this link to go to there official website http://nightmaresfromelmridge.com/
Its also one of the BEST values you willl find. Not only is it one of the best family events out there but tickets are only $8 per person 11 years and older. $5 for 10 and under and free for kids under 4 years old. Its a great deal. Its cheap affordable tickets and a great family event that wont take you broke! Location
5400 East Drive
Side Entrance on Maple Ave
Downtown Arbutus Create
We would have 6 people in our review group. Each one at the end of the night would have to pick a rating of 1-10. With 10 being the best score they could give. As we got to Legends of the Fog, we seen 2 of there famous characters near the ticket booth. We seen Edwin and Jack Gourd, both friends on my facebook page. Both are very talented actors. Below is a pic we took of Jack Gourd. On the haunted hayride, I saw another legend Rip-Saw, come out on the hayride with his famous chainsaw. I enjoyed the event overall. The Hayride was good. I think it was a little to dark at times. And the only problem I had with the hayride(which I understand is for the actors safety) was the 2 security guards who rode with us. One on each end. I kind of felt like I was in pre-k. The security guard(lady) kept mentioning how the actors are volunteers, and there here for the love of it. I already knew that. I just dont think we want to be reminded of that on the hayride.
We kind of want to take our mind off of daily stress, and go to a place that takes our minds off of everything. All in all, I can see 1 security guard, but 2.....its a little overboard. Let us enjoy the hayride, we dont need a lecture on the kids who volunteer. All the actors were good, they do have a few with great costumes(see the ones I mentioned above). But I think some of the kids should have wore masks. At times they were more cute than scary.
I think there best event was Carsins Manor. It was good, and even the kids in this area were scary. They scared my wife, and my daughter several times. But the SiNiStEr CiRcUs, I was forced to wait in line for over a hour. Once I got inside the rooms were nicely decorated, but the event was over in less than 4 minutes. That is what I call fast. When my review group seen it was over that fast, we were very disapointed. A person in line asked me how was it....I said it was OK.
Final Review on Legends of the Fog: It was a good event. But I just think its a bit overpriced at $25 a ticket. And make that $35 for VIP. I think either this event has to get more of a haunt feel, by not reminding the hayride paying customers(Security) how these actors are volunteers, and then following us on the wagon, like we are thugs who are there to hurt the actors) I felt like I was in Pre-K. I think there are enough decent people on board to prevent a prison attack on a actor. I feel like this event has the right feel, there is a big room for overall improvement. I would say this event should be priced around $15 per ticket, for all events. I dont think this event is even yet on the same level with Bedlam in the Boro. They charge around $15 and there event, last time I seen it was a little bit better. Here are the score cards from our 6 review members including myself. While some people will say a few are not PRO's, they are the average haunt fan, so there opinion is very important.
Legends of the FOG Report card(by our review group)
Tim Lumber(me) 6
James Meeker(part owner of this site) 4
Kim 6
Chelsey 9
Mary Lumber 6
Alan 6
Too many 6's, all most as if its possesed. Total score 37 out of 60
We then made our way to Nightmares from Elmridge. I was feeling kind of let down from Legends of the Fog(Security teachers) and was hoping to salvage my night. We arrived at the best kept secret in Maryland at approx. 10:15. Just in time before they closed. We were met by owner Robert Vaccaro Jr. he would be our tour guide for the night.
I was happy to get to meet one of the best minds in the haunt industry today. Robert was a 1st rate tour guide. He led us into there fabled deep dark cellar, and my wife had already screamed, and my step-daughter was yelling. Each room was very well planned. I love there themes, they are so original. Nightmares from Elmridge isnt just a cellar haunt, its one of the best designed room sets you will see.
The room that had me buzzing was there 3 Little Pigs room. I loved it! All 3 actors brought there A Game. I heard perfect pig noises, that sounded like a real pig. And all 3 woman on our group had there head down in fear of these 3 Little Pigs. I dont want to give away too much. I think this is a great event, that you should see for yourself. They even had one actor in there who was like 7 foot tall. He had to be the biggest horror attraction actor I have ever seen.
I loved this place as well as my review group that I want to tell you about each room and how creative they were.....BUT I WONT! That is something you should see 1st hand! The Vaccaro Family runs a 1st Class haunt. I would probally say it could very well also be the best family haunt(for family with kids) in Maryland. I still have more reviews to do, but it is currently in 1st place for Best Haunted Attraction in Maryland.
They are our 2009 winner of the Haunted Attraction "Face Off" they easily defeated a big time event in Legends of the Fog. I would never have even guessed before the day started that this would be even possible. I knew Nightmares was a good haunt, but I was surprised at how easily it beat Legends of the Fog. These are 6 peoples opinion. 4 are haunt fans. They all said Nightmares from Elmridge was the best place between the 2.
Here are our scorecards for Nightmares From Elmridge...
Tim Lumber(me) 10
James Meeker(co-owner) 8
Kim 8
Mary Lumber 8
Alan 10
Chelsey 10
They would get 3 perfect 10's from our group. This puts Nightmares just a notch below Field of Screams who had a perfect 60 score. Total score 54 out of 60. Thats very good considering this haunt doesnt have half the budget size of Legends of the Fog and Field of Screams. So currently Nightamares from Elmridge takes our lead for Best Haunt in Maryland.
The competition is far from over though. We have many more stops to go. But CONGRATULATIONS to Nightmares from Elmridge as our 2009 Haunted Attractions " Head to Head Challenge" Champion. Each year we will pick 2 attractions to go head to head. The picture below sums up how happy my group was after the event. I took the pic, so I am not included in it. When a review group wants to get a pic with the tour guide(Robert Vaccaro Jr.) you know they must have did something right!! Click on to this link to go to there official website http://nightmaresfromelmridge.com/
Its also one of the BEST values you willl find. Not only is it one of the best family events out there but tickets are only $8 per person 11 years and older. $5 for 10 and under and free for kids under 4 years old. Its a great deal. Its cheap affordable tickets and a great family event that wont take you broke! Location
5400 East Drive
Side Entrance on Maple Ave
Downtown Arbutus Create