’Whatever you’re afraid of, it’s in there’: Tour 2 of SLO County’s scariest haunted houses

It’s spooky season, and with the changing of the leaves, haunted houses are sprouting like pumpkins across San Luis Obispo County.

Two of the county’s top haunted houses — The Haunt in Atascadero and Nightmare from Main Street in Paso Robles — reopened their doors this month, welcoming guests into a series of unique nightmares.

The Haunt and Nightmare from Main Street took very different paths to scaring their clients, but both stuck the landing.

Horror lovers will have plenty to enjoy at these attractions, and if you’re of a less horrific persuasion, you can survive the houses, too.

Tribune reporters Stephanie Zappelli and John Lynch took a stroll through both haunted houses and were shocked and horrified more times than they could count. Here’s their full review of these spooky spectacles.

The Haunt: Stroll through a vampire lair

Get ready to scream, San Luis Obispo County.

Those who step foot in The Haunt in Atascadero will be stalked by bloodthirsty vampires through dark and winding corridors in a haunted house dubbed “Vampyres of Transylmania.”

Visitors are greeted by an undertaker of sorts, whose introduction will send chills up their spine.

“We’re remodeling, we’re trying to paint everything a lovely shade of red,” he said. “It turns out each and every one of you have about nine pints of red dye in you — we’re going to squeeze every little last drop out.”

The dark and narrow corridors of The Haunt would strike terror in the hearts of claustrophobic visitors, and unexpected twists and turns led us toward false exits that would make anyone feel trapped.

Visitors interact with a dedicated cast of characters, including a vampire bartender preparing a “Bloody Mary.” But beware, those who stay to chat too long may notice a creature creeping behind them.

Every ghoul and monster that crossed our path were played by convincing actors, who were generous with their time and always in character, leading to some really fun and unique interactions.

No two scares felt alike through the 20-odd rooms featured in The Haunt.

You’ll be reaching for your garlic as vampires jump out of shadowy corners and other unexpected places, as well.

The Haunt provides a personalized, bone-chilling walk through a vampire lair that would strike fear in the hearts of even the most dedicated vampire fans.

“I felt genuine fear when I came across a door that wouldn’t budge. The tight, claustrophobic setting and deliciously dark atmosphere really made The Haunt feel like a real vampire’s den.” — John Lynch

“I fell to the floor in fear when a vampire launched himself out of nowhere, kudos to a dedicated cast! The Haunt is truly frightening and lots of fun!” — Stephanie Zappelli

Nightmare from Main Street: Tour a menagerie of menace

The Nightmare from Main Street — so named because the attraction has moved from its namesake street in Templeton to Paso Robles — offers up something a little different from the tightly wound corridors of The Haunt: a warehouse of horrors to frighten and delight.

Instead of keeping with the same theme all the way through, Nightmare from Main Street opts for a menagerie-like series of large rooms, usually with a path winding between each fright.

Each room brings a unique vibe, from clowns and dolls to the mundane horrors of the doctor’s office, or a Little Shop of Horrors-inspired garden.

That makes for a more linear experience, as we didn’t feel trapped in any one room or corridor, but felt we could stick around and appreciate each space without as much fear of gumming up the works for the guests behind us.

Those with a weak stomach for sudden movements might want to sit this one out, as the number of actors performing in each room can range between one and possibly a half-dozen, all waiting to leap out and make you regret taking your eyes off of that particular Michael Myers mannequin.

Multiple times, we were spooked by a monster or serial killer that stood still as a statue among a row of themed decorations, only to jump out at the worst possible moment, leaving us grateful we left the Big Gulps at home.

Though they were less directly involved with each guest than the denizens of The Haunt, the Nightmare from Main Street actors deserve props for commitment to their characters and their dedication to making us feel genuinely unsettled whenever we entered a new room.

The cherry on top of this experience were the 3D glasses, which really added a new dimension to each room.

We didn’t notice them on our first trek through the house, but were given a chance to try them out in some of the rooms, and they really shined.

Though they make seeing more difficult — and could certainly cause headaches for people who wear glasses or dislike 3D — the more restrained sight actually works to their advantage, making jumpscares even more unpredictable and unsettling.

We won’t say exactly how they’re implemented, but they’re worth wearing if you can handle some mild disorientation.

It all builds to a finale that left us genuinely wowed — no spoilers, but those prone to disorientation and dizziness may want to sit out the final corridor.

“I was blown away by the finale, but was constantly on edge all the way through the house! If you’re like me and can’t handle jumpscares very well, this one will strike terror in your heart. Be sure to grab those 3D glasses for the full experience!” — John Lynch

“Whatever you’re afraid of, it’s in there.“ — Stephanie Zappelli

Tickets and times for 2 SLO County haunted houses

While we’re still recovering from our scares and the micro-heart attacks they caused, here’s where you can find San Luis Obispo County’s spookiest spots.

The Haunt is located at 5805 El Camino Real, and is open 6:30 to 10 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through the end of the month, plus Halloween night on Oct. 31.

Tickets are $16. For more information, call 805-457-5845 or visit thehauntinatascadero.com.

The Nightmare from Main Street can be found at 828 14th St. in downtown Paso Robles, with tours available from 7 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through October, plus Oct. 30 and 31.

Tickets are $20. For more information, call 805-423-0674 or visit nightmareonmain.com.