Baltimore Haunt: Relocation hunt

Long-running seasonal attractions in Maryland often face structural challenges as urban retail spaces evolve. Bennett's Curse, a haunted house operating for 26 years, is currently searching for a new location after spending the last decade inside Eastpoint Mall in Dundalk.

Co-owner Jill Bennett described the operation as more than a commercial venture, calling it a family tradition driven by passion for Halloween. She stated that the attraction allows them to share that joy with local families who have visited over the years.

This marks the fifth relocation for the business, and the physical scale of the move presents a logistical hurdle. Bennett noted that transporting an attraction spanning more than 20,000 square feet is a substantial task. The search criteria require a large interior space, adequate parking, and a landlord willing to support a small business model.

Bennett acknowledged the financial difficulties inherent in running a small enterprise in the current economic climate. She expressed a desire for a property owner who understands the attraction's role in the community and wants to participate in that tradition. The move offers an opportunity to transform the experience, which Bennett described as an exciting next step for the Maryland area.

No new site has been secured yet, and the transition has led the owners to pause several popular seasonal events. Bennett's Curse remains open to the public Friday through Sunday until Nov. 7.