Summary:

This was not my first visit to Raven's Grin Inn, but I had dragged along a few people that had never experienced it. First of all, Raven's Grin never gets old, and I see new things every time I visit. Second of all, witnessing other people experience Raven's Grin for the first time is entertaining all by itself. It's such a unique experience (and it is almost impossible to describe), so there is a real element of surprise for newbies here.

We arrived just as the group ahead of us was experiencing the first room of the tour. We caught the last minute or so of the best intro video I have yet to see anywhere, and we were given the history of the building and its owners. After a couple of startles and laughs, we made our way into the walking portion of the tour. Along the way, multiple trick doors and hidden passageways can be seen and used. The artwork in the home (on the walls, floors, and ceilings) is masterfully done, and a story and/or joke usually coincides. The first of two slides is introduced fairly early in the tour, as well. There is never a dull moment here.

In between twisting and turning through all of the halls and rooms, we visited the outside portion of the tour. The largest of the unique hand-crafted artwork and displays can be seen here, and some of them even come to life. After crawling back into the house, we found ourselves back where we came from earlier in the tour. I have to mention the freshly painted monsters on the chipped ceilings here. I could have stood in place and stared at them for hours. So clever!

We continued on and finally found the second slide in the building. Yet again, I could not gather up the courage to try this slide, so I stayed behind while the rest of the group enjoyed the (very safe) plummet into the cellar. As usual, everyone that braved the slide enjoyed it thoroughly and told me I was missing out. The cellar and the basement are always the highlight of the tour for me. Again, the hand-crafted artwork here is visually appealing and is just the right amount of frightening and/or hilarious.

As I mentioned earlier, it is nearly impossible to describe Raven's Grin Inn. The owner and (most of the time) tour guide, Jim, is a master of his craft, and his craft is a unique combination of fright, comedy, and whimsy. The house almost has its own personality and there is something to look at around every corner. During our hour and a half long tour, we were presented with non-stop acts, scenes, jokes, startles, and stories. I always enjoy my trips out to Raven's Grin and this year was no exception. I highly recommend a visit to this gem of a haunted house.

To find out more about this event, visit:

http://www.hauntedravensgrin.com