A Frightful Night of Monsters, with Merlot and New Friends!

It's not often you get the opportunity to head to a cornfield for a dining experience while surrounded by...  MONSTERS!  But that's exactly what happened for numerous guests/victims to Bloomsbury Farm last Friday, and I was one of em. For the past couple of years, Bloomsbury Farms has been doing their "Monsters and Merlot" event, where for a flat fee, you get one of the most fun and unique Halloween experiences.  The evening started out with a cocktail hour, complete with a bountiful selection of hot and cold hors d'oeuvres, as well as drinks.  The whole time, various monsters are patrolling the room, saying little, but making you a bit uncomfortable as they just stare, or stalk, or both.  Strange.

I settled into a seat at one table, and became instant friends with a group who was in their second year of attendance, and had plenty of stories to share from last year.  They had so much fun, they knew they couldn't pass up this year.

The next step was a trip over to the barn where dinner would be served: Ribs, cheesy potatoes, cole slaw, a corn medley, endless Merlot, fresh bread, and strawberry shortcake for dessert, all while the monsters again roamed the room, serving the meal and posing for plenty of awkward pictures.  The fun here was figuring out what you were about to eat, as the lighting was dim.  But no worries, it was all good, especially as it was warm. (Eating outside on a chilly night had me a bit apprehensive, but being out of the wind, it really didn't feel too cold.)

After dinner, you are more than welcome to head on through the 3 haunted attractions, to which I was originally leery, as I'm not the biggest fan of Halloween frights.  But, having new friends, and for the fun of the night, I gladly "toughened up" and was so glad I did.  Sure it was kind of weird encountering a creepy clown who apparently knew I worked in radio...umm, odd... and getting a thumbs up from a strange monkey for my amazing ability to imitate him, but it was a complete blast.  Would've been a bit more fun if we had someone with us who was a complete screamer or honestly terrified, but when you're with new friends, just having a great time was more than enough.

So here's my suggestion to you: when you hear about the event next year, get signed up immediately.  Even if you hate haunted attractions, it's for the fun of the season, and well worth the unique experience.  I also highly recommend to go in a small group, and plan to make new friends.  And, if you can't wait till next year and want to experience this even sooner, get signed up now for their next event, "Wine with a Witch" coming up on the 23rd.  Not quite the same thing, but similar.  All I know is you can count me in for next year!