Kids enjoy the ballfield filled with food, drinks and activities. Photo by Jennifer Albarracin Moya/The Connection
One at a time, packs of people creep into the trail that leads them through what used to be the 55-acre D.C. Department of Corrections Lorton Reformatory 18 years ago. Along the trail, creepy clad teens pop out of the highly crafted haunted scenes created to frighten their victims. Painted clown faces and crazed inmates are just some characters that make an appearance throughout the night. Presented by the Workhouse Arts Center, 2019 Haunted Trail – Breakout! naturally has a new addition this year, guests will be able to go inside the prison cells as part of the 25-minute haunted trail and see where prisoners were sleeping and eating years ago.
On a lighter note, besides the trail there is also a field full of attractions from an outdoor movie screen playing Halloween-themed films along with sofas to sit and watch, a Ghost Bar, a cardboard made jail cell to take selfies of yourself, and a game of cornhole. Along with the entertainment, snacks are available to buy from cotton candy, popcorn, and hot cider. There’s even a food truck by the Peruvians Brothers to fill those late-night hungers.
There are only two days left of Breakout Haunted Trail: Nov. 1 and 2, from 7- 10 p.m. Its popularity among teens, young adults, and families this past weekend has proven it is worth a scare.