Night tripping: Cullman's Queen of Halloween shares some of the best attractions to put a scare in you

Oct. 28—Cullman County's all things scary aficionado, Kim Chambers Striker, makes it a mission to visit as many "haunted attractions" as possible during the spooky season.

If there are screams and scares, she's paid it a visit.

Forget day tripping. Take a drive to one of Striker's favorite scary attractions after dark, but first, make sure to check out their websites for age restrictions, special events, admission costs and schedule changes. And, if you have the nerve — and want to know what you're getting into — check out their galleries, but be warned ... they aren't for the faint of heart. Also, it doesn't matter which you choose ... there will always be clowns and there will always be dolls.

Lester Hospital

30338 Lester Road, Lester, Ala.

"D.E. Jackson Memorial Hospital opened in the early 1940's as a clinic for Lester and surrounding communities. There have been many, many patients pass through the halls of Lester Hospital. Some never left." The Lester Haunted Hospital is now a charity run haunted attraction. Look out for Jigsaw, Samara Morgan and be warned ... the Dark Nurses are lurking and it's best to stay silent in their presence. If you know what any of that means, you'll probably want to tour Lester.

— thelesterhauntedhospital.com

2023 remaining schedule — Oct. 28, 31

Eastaboga Manor Haunted Attractioneastabogamanor.com

91 Mudd St. Eastaboga, Ala.

The proprietors of this haunt invite you to "come face your fears" in this indoor/outdoor maze of jump scares and horror. No one under the age of 13 can enter without an adult.

While you're down in Calhoun County, and if you have the spine, you can also hit Eastaboga's other big attraction, City of Chaos, 6755 Curry Station Road, just a few miles down the road.

2023 remaining schedule for both — Oct. 28-31

Arx Mortis 4051 US 72, Killen, Ala.

Arx Mortis is all about the story. Five of them. In 2023, guest can tour Sir Cecil's World Famous Bigtop, Covington Clinic, Cell Block 9 Prison, Deadwater Bayou, and The Underground features theatrical animatronic props, special effects, and live actors carrying out the legend of the ancient story of the Arx Mortis — Death Fortress." — arxmortis.com

Stop by the Emporium of Curiosities and Oddities for some spooky swag.

2023 remaining schedule — Oct. 28-29 and Halloween night.

Nightmare 30081731 Decatur Highway, Fultondale, Ala.

"First opened in 2012, Nightmare at 3008 is an award winning haunted house known for its chaotic, dark and grungy style. The long and twisted indoor and outdoor trails will throw you into the terrifying unknown at every turn." — nightmareat3008.com

2023 remaining schedule — Oct. 28-31, Nov. 4

Atrox Factory®8404 Parkway Dr., Leeds, Ala.

The attraction's website touts it as "The largest indoor haunted attraction in the Southeast." Prepare to walk through more than a quarter mile of "twisted hallways and shocking surprises." — atroxfactory.com

2023 remaining schedule — Oct. 27-31. Nov. 10-11 will be a "lights out" event where guests maneuver the 50,000 square foot facility in pitch dark with only a glow stick to guide their way.

Nashville Nightmare Haunted House1016 Madison Square, Madison, Tenn.

Along with themed areas such as Midnight Mortuary, Dark Fabulist, Horror High Homecoming, Alien Threats and Outcast Carnival, this attraction has mini escape rooms and Mummy's Curse escape experience, food vendors and spooky libations for the 21 and older crowd, making is all worth the 2 hour drive north. Guests 15 years of age and younger must be accompanied with an adult while on the Nashville Nightmare property. Check out nashvillenightmare.com for prices, times and rules (clear bags only).

2023 remaining schedule — Oct. 28-31. Nov. 3, 4 and 11.

Netherworld Haunted House1313 Netherworld Way, Stone Mountain, Ga.

In its 27th season, experience two new haunts filled with terrifying live actors, special effects and plenty of monsters: Primordial and Cryptid Chaos. There's also a midway filled with the spirit of Halloween, tasty treats, massive gift shop with creepy swag, photo ops with roaming creatures, five escape rooms and Museum of Monsters. Check them out at fearworld.com for more details and with a 3 hour drive, it's best to purchase tickets ahead of time.

2023 remaining schedule — Oct., 28-31; Nov. 3-5, 10-11.

News Editor Amanda Shavers can be reached at 256-734-2131 Ext. 233.