Fletchers Farm Review (2016)

Fletcher’s has a volunteer cast of around 50 individuals. Out on the trail and in the ‘house,’ the actors seem to be well-positioned and do a good job of staying in-character to deliver scares. There were a few instances of actors coming out to the waiting area and removing their masks to take a break, which does break immersion. When actors used dialogue, it tended to be believable and appropriate for the character. The majority of the actors were enthusiastic (and even helpful when we wandered off the beaten path!).

The ‘flower girls’ in one scene were very interactive, creepy, and believable as spectral, grave-side welcomers and demented flower-sellers.

Be prepared when you visit the Farm! Close-toed shoes are recommended by the site and we concur. You’ll be wandering dimly-lit forest paths, ducking under low ceilings, squeezing through narrow passages, climbing small ramps and, sometimes, navigating uneven floors.

There are staff members in the waiting area and, occasionally, along the outdoor trail (flashlights can help you find your way in the dark). Staff are friendly and approachable, but sometimes blend in with other customers. There’s not really a lot of signage to direct you out to Fletcher’s Farm; consider it a hidden gem. The driveway, however, is well-lit and, given the isolated location, will be apparent as a destination.

The huge, outdoor waiting area not only has a concession stand and multiple fire pits, but also a dancing skeleton providing some entertainment value (Link to Instagram Image). The music selection isn’t exactly Halloween related, but where else do you get to watch a dancing skeleton while waiting to ride off across deserted fields?

If there’s one word for the effects at Fletcher’s Farm, that word would be ‘loud.’ From air horns to chainsaws, there’s lots to make you jump… sometimes in places where you least expect it. Some of the scene spreads that you move through along the trail are very well done. The Fletcher’s team has done some creative set building for their visitors to get lost in. Be on the lookout for a laser effect, the vertical, black-lit sticks, and an amazing ending.

Some areas of the trail did have poor lighting. There are large, blank spaces that separate each scene that could have used some more attention, but served to allow a visitor to approach each area fresh and ready for a new scare. If anything, the scenes were too small because we often wanted more and more.

While there is a bit of a wait after you get your ticket, once you are off the trailer and starting the haunt, you can move through at your own pace. We spent about 45 minutes walking the length of Fletcher’s Farm. Given that tickets are only $11, that comes out to 4 minutes of haunt per dollar. Despite the scares, take the time to enjoy the scenes and get lost in the work that’s been done out on the Farm.

We would have liked to have had some scares on the hayride out to the start of the trail back, more things along the trail itself, or even just longer scenes, but many of the scenes at Fletcher’s are well done and worth the wait to see.