Haunted houses scare from a distance

YULEE, Fla. — Some Jacksonville-area haunted houses are staying open despite the COVID-19 pandemic, but they will have new safety measures in place to keep customers safe.

Fear Trails in Yulee is opening for the first time ever this year. The owner, Dawn Grant, said it’s mostly outside, which will keep customers safe while still getting a scare this Halloween. Actors will spook people from 6 feet away and will not touch guests, and guests cannot touch the actors.

Masks are encouraged but not required. Grant told Action News Jax that groups who drove together will stay together, and each group will be separated.

At the entrance, guests will be screened, and their temperatures will be checked. Guests must purchase a ticket ahead of time. The ticket will include a specific time slot.

“It’s already difficult enough with COVID and everything and people being trapped and can’t go out,” Grant said, adding that it was important to open with the holidays around the corner.

Opening night is Oct. 17. Tickets can be purchased at https://feartrails.com/.

Lake Asbury Nightmare is an indoor attraction. The owner said patrons are strongly encouraged to wear a mask. Actors will stay 6 feet away from guests, and each group walking through will be separated. The owner said fewer people inside the haunted attraction will add to the haunted experience.

In the queue, individuals will be socially distanced and sanitizer is provided at the entrance and exit.

Lake Asbury opened Friday and is open every weekend through Halloween. Guests can purchase tickets online or at the door. Buy tickets at http://lakeasburynightmare.com/?fbclid=IwAR30yfJe-afC7IwZwYjR6qY0uVvhYAikRCvU4fDIHRan2fyDagPNY8jhPpA#faq.

Cox Media Group