A&E
Pumpkin Spice Paradise
With the fall season arriving, restaurants serve up their annual flavored treats. BY STEPHANIE VINCE REPORTER
THE BEAST Terrorizes This haunted house offers both fear and fun in an abandoned warehouse. BY TAYLOR PITZL WEB EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Shrouded in fog and surrounded by abandoned warehouses, The Beast haunted house draws haunted house aficionados and newbies from all over the region with hopes for scares and screams. While a tad too long, The Beast offers an at times scary but other times silly experience that is perfect for the Halloween season. The Beast takes about 40 minutes to an hour to complete. The use of fog, strobe lights and dramatic sets help to create a feeling of eerie suspense while walking through the various rooms and scenes. The first part of the haunted house is the undoubtedly the best part, with the scares still fresh. After getting trapped in the humid and stuffy marsh maze, the rest of the house tends to feel repetitive. However, it is still fun to walk through the rest of the house. Walking through the house, it becomes clear that The Beast must be an amazing place to work. The dramatically dressed actors all seem to thoroughly enjoy dressing up in the elaborate costumes, screaming at the top of their lungs and trying to scare each and every guest that ventures into their domain. The great cast only heightens the experience and adds another level to the multi-dimensional experience. While employing classic haunted-house tropes such as jump scares and animatronics, The Beast also surpasses lesser haunted houses with its unique features. The disorienting mazes heighten feelings of anxiety and nervous anticipation. There are also two multi-story slides inside the house, including a four-story slide to end the experience. For an extra fee, there is also the opportunity to jump out of a two-story window onto a crash pad instead of sliding down the final slide. Located in the West Bottoms, tickets start at $27, but with a $5 processing fee and taxes, expect to spend about $35. Unlike in past years, now the two story jump costs an extra $15. Fortunately, parking is free. The price is a little steep, especially with the sneaky fees and unclear description of what is included with each ticket. However, the ticket is well worth it for the experience. Even after the scares wear off, the haunted house is fun to walk through and to appreciate the creepy props, costumes and sets. If going to The Beast, aim to arrive as close to the opening as possible, usually around 7:30 p.m. to avoid long lines. It also gets pretty hot and stuffy in the house so dress in light, breathable clothes. There’s an abundant use of strobe lights throughout the haunted house, so if sensitive, it is wise to stay away. The Beast is a great way to get into the Halloween spirit, and is sure to bring screams and frights to any haunted house visitor.
SMOOTHIE KING // Pumpkin Yogurt D-Lite Smoothie King opened up their fall menu with their annual four items including: the Pumpkin Coffee High Protein Shake, Pumpkin Slim-N-Trim, Pumpkin Vegan Shake, and the Pumpkin Yogurt D-Lite. The pumpkin yogurt d-lite is a sweet, creamy frozen yogurt based smoothie with just the right amount of sweetness. Each sip bursts with the delicious flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, and spices in your mouth. Although a pumpkin smoothie may sound outlandish, it is definitely worth the purchase. Smoothie King was able to make pumpkin and smoothies work! This drink tastes like a pumpkin pie frosty with the perfect ratio of pumpkin to froyo. For only $5 you can purchase this festive, velvety beverage.
FREDDY’S // Pumpkin Pie Concrete The annual, limited edition Freddy’s pumpkin pie concrete is certain to put you in the festive fall mood. This creamy, delicious treat is blended with vanilla soft serve and a slice of real pumpkin pie topped with whipped cream and cinnamon. When taking a bite of the concrete, you feel as if you are with your family on Thanksgiving Day. The velvety, smooth texture with the occasional chunks of pie leaves your mouth watering. This drink is perfect for those that love pumpkin pie and soft serve ice cream. Although it is on the sugary side, it is definitely worth a try. You can get this pumpkin pie concrete bursting with flavor for only $4.59.
IHOP // Pumpkin Pancakes The fast-food chain IHOP has begun selling their limited-edition pumpkin items for the fall season. Their yearly seasonal item, the pumpkin pancakes, are now hitting griddles across the nation. For $4.99, you can now purchase four of these fluffy, cakes topped with whipped cream and spices. Each bite of the pancake fills your mouth with a soft, airy consistency with a subtle pumpkin spice flavoring that is not overwhelming. For all of those who do not want an overbearing pumpkin flavor, this is a good balance of pumpkin and spice. However, this item would not pack a punch for all those vibrant pumpkin spice lovers. Overall, this breakfast item is perfect for a crisp, fall morning.
Nothing Bundt Cakes // Pumpkin Cake Nothing Bundt Cakes is now offering their yearly pumpkin spice bundt cakes this fall season. From the very first bite, your mouth waters with the perfect mixture of cream cheese frosting and pumpkin cake. The light frosting adds the perfect amount of sweetness to the moist, airy cake. This treat gets five-stars because of its blend of texture, taste and price. The pumpkin spice flavoring is consistent with the taste of pumpkin bread, but in a more luxurious representation. You can get the delicious miniature pumpkin bundtlets for only $4.25.
OCTOBER 2018
27
