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Michigan Haunted House Showing How They Create Their Thrills

The season is here for all things spooky and haunted, and you can see that with all the haunts across Michigan in full swing. But, why should all the fun…

Haunted Ride

(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

The season is here for all things spooky and haunted, and you can see that with all the haunts across Michigan in full swing. But, why should all the fun go to those who venture out late at night? Sure, that's when vampires and ghosts linger, but scary stuff can happen during the day, too, especially around Halloween.

As it turns out, one Michigan haunted attraction is offering a special behind-the-scenes look at what they do during the day. It's a glimpse into how they make all the mystifying magic happen.

Starting Saturday (Oct. 15), Erebus Haunted Attraction in Pontiac, Michigan, will offer weekend matinee behind-the-scenes "no-scare tours." That means these are perfect for the kiddos who don't want to get too scared.

"Erebus is known for its intensity and size, where creatures grab you, bite you, attack you and then bury you alive. We’ve had haunted house operators from across the state and around the globe travel to Erebus for a look at our set design, animatronics, illusions, and special effects. Over the years, we’ve had people tell us they’ve heard our commercials, seen our spotlights and billboards, and want to experience Erebus without fear and see what happens without the scare. Now, for the first time ever, we’re making that opportunity available to the public on specific weekend days through the end of October," Erebus co-owner Ed Terebus said in a statement.

"Guests will receive a non-scary view of the scenes, sounds, illusions, and artistic development that create spine-tingling chills, thrills, and the fright-fest of electrifying hair-raising, skin-crawling sensory assaults that have made Erebus famous. Guests will receive a no-scare tour exploring Erebus’ indoor, half-mile four-story labyrinth," Erebus states. No Actor tours will take place on Oct. 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, and 30. A limited number of tickets are available and can be purchased online at www.hauntedpontiac.com for $15 each plus a $3.99 service fee. Happy haunting!

Often times, the cool cities to live in aren't necessarily the most reasonable. Many cities that are considered trendy and cool are simply very expensive to reside in. One Michigan city, though, is apparently super cool and has a low cost of living, ranking No. 1 on a list of the coolest cities in America with the lowest cost of living.

The list comes from PureWow.com, with the outlet naming their "10 Coolest Cities with the Lowest Cost of Living in the U.S." In the study, they state, "Sure, you could find the absolute cheapest city in the country, pack up all your things and head out. But even if your money goes a long way, if there’s nothing around, you’ll have nowhere to spend it. What about the food? The drinks? The arts? The entertainment? For some, we want the best of both worlds."

As for how they did the study, PureWow.com "cross-referenced data from the Council for Community and Economic Research's Cost of Living Index (for reference, the U.S. cost of living benchmark average is 100, so anything under that is good) with some qualitative analyses (like, is there anything to do in these towns?) to find the happy meeting place of the coolest and most affordable cities in the country."

As mentioned above, one Michiagn town is actually No. 1 on this list, which is pretty mind-boggling. The rest of the picks comes from all across America. Look below to find the list, and for more information and the methodology , visit PureWow.com here.

10. GREENVILLE, SC

When it comes to art and food, PureWow.com says Greenville is "somewhat of a haven for creatives with its nice weather and friendly prices."

9. INDIANAPOLIS, IN

They're home to the Indy 500 but have so much more to offer!

8. HUNTSVILLE, AL

Fun fact: Huntsville is nicknamed Rocket City.

7. GREEN BAY, WI

Don't hold the Packers against them! ; )

6. DES MOINES, IA

One highlight is the historic Des Moines Art Center.

5. SAVANNAH, GA

If you want a mix of city life and still be in a coastal city.

4. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK

"Oklahoma City has plenty of hustle without all the hassle," says the city's Visitor's Bureau.

3. FAYETTEVILLE, AR

This is an off-the-radar pick, offering a cool city at a great living rate.

2. KNOXVILLE, TN

Nashville what? Knoxville offers nightlife, shopping, restaurants and more.

1. KALAMAZOO, MI

PureWow.com states, "With the lowest cost of living composite index on this list, from groceries to housing (and a relatively low state income sales tax), you’ll find your dollar can probably go further here than other Mitten-state enclaves, like Ann Arbor or Grand Rapids. But what gives Kalamazoo the “cool” factor? The ‘Zoo is unique. It’s a mid-sized city that packs both a small-town and big-city punch—so you get your chili cook offs, farmers markets and your visual and performing arts too. Yes, you can have it all."

The 10 Coolest Cities with the Lowest Cost of Living in the U.S.

This list is via <a href="https://www.purewow.com/travel/coolest-most-affordable-cities-us" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PureWow.com</a>.

Anne Erickson started her radio career shortly after graduating from Michigan State University and has worked on-air in Detroit, Flint, Toledo, Lansing and beyond. As someone who absolutely loves rock, metal and alt music, she instantly fell in love with radio and hasn’t looked back. When she’s not working, Anne makes her own music with her band, Upon Wings, and she also loves cheering on her favorite Detroit and Michigan sports teams, especially Lions and MSU football. Anne is also an award-winning journalist, and her byline has run in a variety of national publications. You can also hear her weekends on WRIF.