My final thoughts: Heart Stopper Fright push the limits of physicality by squeezing through tiny spaces, crawling through crawlspaces, climbing over beds, and sliding down an insanely unstable slide. I have never been to an attraction with this type of physical nature. Be sure to dress comfortably, you are in for quite the exertion.

Q & A:

When did HSF start?
We started in 2007, but have been in the industry for 20 years.

What interested you in the Haunted Attraction industry?
We have done special effects, commercials, and also worked with Lil’ Wayne on his music video. We decided to go to the next level.

What makes you different from other Haunted Attractions?
We don’t have a set pathway. We are spread out amongst 13 acres that require you to crawl, jump, and slide your way out.

What is the most memorable reaction you have witnessed?
A guy got so frightened, he fell over backwards flat on the floor.

Credentials:

www.3Haunts.com

High Life Divas - 1st Place

You can’t call yourself a Texan without a Chili Cook-Off in your life. Being a regular at Frank-N-Steins Bar & Grill of Sugar Land, TX I came to discover they were hosting their first annual chili cook-off this year.

I haven’t been to a chili cook-off since Elementary school, so I couldn’t resist. I packed my gear, brought my appetite, grabbed my trusty sidekick David Huynh and I was on my way. The crowd was great, the DJ was spinning, brews were pouring, and the chili was hot and fresh. As I made my way to each tent, each team took the time to educate me on their chili masterpieces. Being of Hispanic descent, I was in a chili feeding frenzy. I strongly feel as though Sugar Land should host chili cook-offs more often. Next time, I’ll be sure to bring a to go box and bribe the contestants for some take homes. Thanks again for having us Frank-N-Steins, and congrats to all who placed.

Vic

Credentials:

Frank-N-Steins Bar & Grill

9907 Highway 6 S

Sugar Land, TX 77478

281.568.5593

Verdun Manor

Halloween is one of my favorite times of the year. Every October I make sure to check out the local Haunted Houses in the Houston and surrounding areas or when i’m visiting other states. What sparked my interest in haunted houses was when I was younger my parents would take me to the local haunted houses every year. I was so terrified of them but for some reason they always gave me a huge thrill. After being a bit burned out of the same houses in Houston I decided to head to Dallas, TX to see what they had to offer.

After much googling and researching reviews, articles, pictures on the haunted house scene in Dallas, I came across one in particular that grabbed my attention. 50 acres of land, 8 houses, middle of nowhere in the country lands, I was sold. Ahh yes..The famous Thrillvania Thrill Park in Terell, TX. Thrillvania was actually featured on the Travel Channel’s “America’s Scariest Haunted Attractions”. It was a short drive outside of Dallas but in no time I was off the main freeway onto a small 2 way road surrounded by farmland. One thing came to mind, Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Next thing I know, I see lights, signs, smoke, several people and cars. I was astonished by the size of that thing! (TWSS) The place is very well organized with a surprisingly friendly staff. I found my parking space, and proceeded to purchase my tickets. Not only was this venue bigger than the Houston ones, but it was also more for the buck. ALOT more.

Labyrinth of Terror 3D

Each attraction was unique in its own way. No two attractions had the same set up or illusions. From great pyrotechnics to 3D illusions that throw you off your senses and have you vulnerable to unexpected actors startling you. It takes quite a bit to scare me, so if a place can startle me or catch me off guard, then its legit. My favorite attraction in my opinion would have to be the Haunted Manor. Reason being is because it appears to be a very old manor built in the early 1900s and abandoned decades ago. Upon a first look you think to yourself, this place must have all types of history behind it. Insane people, murders, human testing, sacrifices, etc. As you wait in line for the attractions, they have shows performing, concession stands, Halloween costumes, and a live DJ spinning Halloween related music. Whats Halloween without a little Michael Jackson’s thriller?

My final thoughts on my experience: Location couldn’t have been better. In my opinion, a haunted house can NOT be eerie if it is not in the right environment. A Haunted house in a local mall? A shopping center? No thanks. Parking is well lit, actors are very detailed, and attraction settings put you in nightmares. All in all you get more than what you pay for. My regards to the general manager Michael Majec for assisting me and assuring I enjoyed my time at Thrillvania. I would not mind getting a group of friends and taking a trip back to this place this Halloween season. I will surely be visiting again next October.

Vic

Last month I was given the opportunity to attend the Brewmasters International Beer Festival held at the Moody Garden Hotel in Galveston, TX. Once my friend told me there would be beer tasting of over 150 craft and specialty brews, I was sold. Not only did they have many types of amazing beer, but also had specialty chefs that paired specific foods and desserts along with those amazing beers.Between you and I, I honestly had no idea there were certain foods and desserts that paired deliciously with specific beers. Upon arriving to the venue, a good sized line of people from different ages and backgrounds was formed at the entrance.

I checked into the venue on foursquare, then walked in. Once inside the venue, I was greeted with a 2 ounce sampling beer mug and a hole punch card, assuming that is so I don’t get too intoxicated with all the delicious beers.

My first stop that caught my eye was the Heineken table. Reason being they were pairing an interesting gummy powdery type of dessert along with it. Sweets and beer? How can anyone say no. So I bit into the soft sweet dessert and chased it with a Heineken. Absolutely a delicacy. After that experience, I must try more, so I moved on to the next table. An interesting unidentified piece of food laying out at the Hotel Icon of Downtown Houston, TX section caught my eye. As I approached, it appeared to be a type of dessert, but as I got closer, it slowly started to seem as if it were some sort of meat. I asked the specialty chef what it was because I noticed a syrup substance underneath the slice. To my surprise, it was a slice of lamb chop soaked in butterscotch with a pork grind resting above. I was skeptical at first, but then again I was wrong about the sweets and beer being a non enjoyable mix. It may have actually been the most tender, delicious piece of lamb chop I have ever tried. The butterscotch surprisingly mixed perfectly, as if they were made to be together. They will definitely be seeing me again at their restaurant.

I am very open minded when it comes to beer, but there is one that will always have my heart. As soon as I noticed they had a section, I just about skipped over to them like a child at chuck e. cheese. The one and only, Blue Moon Brewery. Since Fall is right around the corner, I started off with a Harvest Moon in which it is a pumpkin ale. Following that, I rewarded myself with my fav, Blue Moon which is a Belgium style wheat ale with a pleasant orange hint of flavor. I <3 you Blue Moon.

Another section which caught my eye was the wine and champagne table. I am not a wine guru, but I know what I like to taste. One bottle resting separate from the rest of the bottles grabbed my attention. Asked for some information about it, and handed them my sampling mug. A bit bubbly, with a wine flavor? Amazing! It was a champagne style wine called Rosa Regale. Miss Regale, you have a new costumer.

As I was approaching the exit, I noticed Saint Arnold’s section in which had many of their recipe and brewing equipment spread out on their table. Very kind group of people. If you ever see them at an event, be sure to approach them and feel free to ask the knowledgeable crew any types of questions you may have. I had a quick conversation with the gentleman about home-made beer, flavors, and equipment, and I am now somewhat educated on the art of home-made brew.

I was introduced to a whole new world of great food, tasty beer, and information. From bacon wrapped pork chops, to butterscotch seasoned lamb chops. This was definitely an eye opener for me and I am looking forward to the next event I am invited to attend. Thank you Brewmasters International Beer Festival for having me.

-Vic

Oh wait..

yeah.

This is my new wordpress.

bye.