The Frankenstein Encounter of Sturbridge

 

 

Last night, went to The Frankenstein Encounter at Sturbridge Village. It was the first time we had been to Sturbridge in a couple of years, since we went to the Christmas experience there, which was awesome.

 

 We did not know what to expect from this event. We had been to several of the different themed Halloween nights at Sturbridge, from the Trick or Treat nights, to the Circus events, to the Pumpkin aglow events they had. But, because it was an 1818 Frankenstein theme, we said let's give it a go.

We were not disappointed. First, when we arrived, we had a "WHOA" moment. We had to park way in the back on the left fields....a place I didn't even know existed. There was a huge line to get in. But we soon found out why. They were acting out vignettes to the story and all of the open buildings had themes related to Frankenstein, from the four humors  to a coffin making store. There was live music, the fog-clocked covered bridge, and even fun lightning in the trees. And, the Frankenstein creation and final battle were great.

 

We all loved it and hope to go again next year....though we plan to get their earlier. 

The One With Phantoms by Firelight

 

 

 

Last night, we enjoyed Sturbridge Village's latest edition to their holiday programming by going to "Phantoms by Firelight." While we have been at different Village Halloween programs before, this one was just as neat.

The premise was a troupe of traveling performers set up residence in the village. There were acrobats and a knife juggler - which we saw. There were also story tellers, a temptress, singers, and fire jugglers (which we did not see). It was a pretty cool concept.

 

We also worked hard to solve riddles for the Village's Clues for Candy contest, which was neat. Instead of trick or treating, visitors could answer a riddle (or get a stamp) and turn it in for candy while leaving. It was neat.

 

As an added feature, there was a full moon in the sky...which was quite awesome. And the covered bridge was decked out in sound effects...very much like the Ichabod Crane bridge.

Overall, another great Halloween experience in Sturbridge.

The One With Christmas By Candlelight

 

 

Last night, we visited Sturbridge Village on a quick getaway. They have this annual festival called Christmas by Candlelight. Although we went several years ago and said we should come back one day, we had not....until last night. 

We were happy we did. It was a remarkable experience. They extended the festivities by opening up the back part of the village - something they had not done the last time we met. We were able to visit the barn animals (they were still outside), grab a delicious cider, and see rows of Christmas trees lighting the way, which was visually stunning. The Bixby House had a dinner set up like one that would have been served at the Crachits. And, the Ghost of Christmas Present was there to bid visitors a farewell. Very clever.

The wooden bridge had a series of "wishing trees," that people could write wishes on. That was amazing!!!

And the main village was well decorated. We went to the meetinghouse, where two people were playing the Coventry Carol. We toured the mansion, which only had the first floor open because of Covid. They had setups for an 1830s, 1850s, and 1870s Christmas in New England (showing how the popularity of the holiday and the decorations had grown.

Of course, we made a stop at the two stores....with some great 50 percent off deals. AMAZING, too.

What a trip! We definitely will come again.