Carver's Curse

Brooklyn, CT

Website: https://carverscurse.com/

Pricing: $25

Type: Haunt/Corn Maze

Setting: Indoor/Outdoor

Full Contact Option: No

Overview

Carver's Curse is a new attraction in eastern Connecticut, consisting of an indoor and outdoor attraction. We picked the absolute coldest night to go, one usually reserved for the end of the season, not right in the middle of it. Being an indoor attraction, it didn't seem too bad, except for the 40-minute line to get in. It didn't feel that long, but seeing that I was dressed for daytime, it quickly became less than pleasant. My fault in any case.

The grounds were well-done surrounding the attraction. A DJ played a mix of not-quite-Halloween music. It seems nutmetal, 90s Manson adjacent, and modern metalcore are fast becoming the soundtrack to seasonal haunts. I can't complain, even if multiple songs by the same artist were played back to back.

There were some food trucks and swag, but then it was time to get on in. Everything takes place in a large building, making it akin to Spooky World or Fright Kingdom. Each room, of sorts, has its own theme, the standout being the initial barroom, which was playing Cumbersome by 7 Mary 3—a perfect song for the location. I'm not sure if I managed to hit the exact moment when the objectively correct song was playing, or if the actors had to listen to it on repeat, making it live up to its namesake.

There was a little confusion in spots as to where to go to get to the next room, but overall, it wasn't too bad. Once we got to the end, it wasn't truly the end, as the outside wrapped around and had a few more themed sets to get through, including a greenhouse and a few more actors.

And then it still wasn't over, since you could take a walk through the corn maze. I opted to follow the people in front of me, which proved to be a huge mistake. Never put your trust in others. By the first loopback, I broke free and found my own path, which may or may not have been an official trail, but it got us out in record time.

Overall, it was a nice addition to the options in the area, and one worth visiting again before I grow weary and want to find something new.

Notable Moment

It was a tie between the bar-room music and paving my own way in the corn maze. Sometimes it's hard to see what's a genuine path and what are just rows in the corn, so you have to use your judgement.

Photos

Ratings

Ambience:

The outdoor decor helped set the scene, especially during the wait in line. When I was leaving, it had only grown, so the music, food, and some stray aesthetics were nice to observe in the interim.

Value:

It's right in the middle and at the point where a single indoor attraction feels right. Add in the corn maze, and there's a bit of extra value.

Scares:

The actors are of the usual sort. They do their jobs, and since no one can touch you, there's a limit to the rights. During the line portion, they would often chase the children around, which made it a fun/scare, but they were also amenable for photos, so none of that aggressive attitude business that many adopt.