Field of Terror
E. Windsor NJ

It was the most perfect of fall nights when we arrived at Field of Terror in E Windsor, NJ. We were surprised when greeted by the parking attendant with “dropping off or staying?” We advised we were staying but would soon understand the nature of her question.

We were greeted by Sharon and her hillbilly (or maybe I should say “Piney,”our Jersey version) husband Kevin. We had a full schedule ahead of us, so after a few pleasantries we quickly headed to the wagon that was loading up.

Finding our seat on the wagon, nostrils filled with the smell of damp earth and hay, crisp clear star filled sky above and the sounds of chainsaws and screaming coming from behind me… it made me remember why I loved our hometown haunts here in the northeast. We love the theme park events too… but THIS is Halloween. Followed up by some hot chocolate and a bonfire… life is good. But back to the story.

The Hayride premise is the story of a farmer by the last name of Payne who was murdered and his body was never recovered. Ever since, there have been eerie happenings on the homestead. The hayride consisted of familiar sets as well as their own twist on a few themes…

After leaving the hayride we went directly to the corn maze. We waited in line for a bit, as it was still early in the night it wasn’t too long and we had the entertainment of now seeing the young girls in a full dead run being chased by chainsaw wielding maniacs… all the way to the concession stands!

We entered the corn maze with a group of 8 teenagers. A decent mix of a few scared girls huddled together and the boys they brought for protection. The corn maze encompasses 6 acres of the farm and takes about 20-25 minutes to get through. Not wanting to give away any of their secrets… I can say we were pleasantly surprised at the ingenuity of these haunters when it came to sets and props. I think we may have even been startled a time or two (not an easy task after all this time!). Between clever set ups and the enthusiastic actors we encountered throughout, we had an amazing time. 

Taking a quick break before entering the Barn of the Unknown, we admired the set up Sharon and Kevin have provided. A bonfire area for the chillier nights to warm up a bit with your cocoa, concession stands offering up sausage sandwiches (which smelled awesome), fried Oreos and various other goodies. We’d noticed a few young girls we thought might have been a tad over (or maybe under?) dressed for “haunting” but soon discovered they were also there for the DJ and the music. Field of Terror also puts on fireworks shows twice a year as well, early in the season. There wasactually one scheduled the following day.

Off to the barn, the first thing we noticed was the good choice of music. Many haunts go in for the Midnight Syndicate soundtracks or the old “Halloween” theme song, etc… which all have their place, but some good angry music that heightens the level of agitation really can give an attraction a different energy.

Again, no spoilers… but more well done rooms designed to confuse their victims, always a good set up for a scare. At one point, unable to find an exit, we found ourselves opening a refrigerator door because we did not put it past them to make us walk through one!

The actors in the house were top notch in their enthusiasm as well. We went through this attraction with 2 young ladies and their gentleman companion and my favorite line of the night was “I’M SCARED… I need to move at my own pace!”

Feel free to move at your own pace… but put Field of Terror on your list of things to do this season or next. Nestled in a township that embraces them, with neighbors that enjoy evenings on their porch listening to the sound of screams, they are well into their 7th season and are doing things right. We expect great things from them for years to come.

We wish them a successful and safe haunt season and plenty of sweet screams.