Friday, December 19, 2025

Joyful Gardens

 
By Netera Landar
 

Joyful Garden’s creator, Hedy Heartsong, cleverly shaped the main landmass into a tree. The nearby islands are in the form of a bird and a squirrel. Call up the sim map to see for yourself. At the landing point, you’ll find a sleeping fox in an old tree’s hollowed-out space. 
 

Take the grass path toward the gazebo, past the deer, and through the concrete and metal fence. Carefully walk up the stone stairs, as the weather changes. An adult wolf howls as you seek shelter from the rain under the stone ruin garden. A small bird drinks water from the double-tiered stone fountain, unafraid of the statue of a fox that is perched on top. Wildflowers are scattered in this area. Just beyond, an umbrella, blanket, and pillow await you for a mid-day meal.


Down the hill, you’ll find a very detailed garden setting. Floral posters are positioned in a garden of red geraniums, white flowers, and taller greenery. A sprinkler sends out bursts of water, nurturing the flower bed. Four benches welcome guests in front of a four-tiered fountain where butterflies gather. Poinsettias flank the benches, adding a calm burst of color. A piano plays calming music.


To the right, you’ll find the butterfly house. A white netting keeps them in their glass-and-stone domain. They flutter their wings so close to you that you can almost reach out and hold them. Sit on the leaf chair and watch them land on their food plates.

The second greenhouse is decorated for Christmas, complete with tea and pastries on a linen-covered table. Sit with friends on the settee or pale silk armchairs. A Christmas tree with gifts stands in the corner. Tassels hold back the drapery to let in the day’s light. Several other greenhouses are filled with bright, blooming flowers.


The academe awaits its students. Perfect for a small gathering of a virtual garden club. 


To the right of the small gazebo is a cozy garden tucked away under a tree covered in purple leaves. Black bistro chairs invite you to chat with a friend and have a cold glass of iced tea.  A short walk away, two Koi swim in a freshwater pond among the lily pads and two fountains. A Magnolia tree shades the small patio near the pond. On one side, you can be seated at bistro tables with umbrellas, or at a rectangular gazebo covered in Wisteria. 
 

You’ll find three children patiently waiting for an ice cream cone at the Bunny Scoops truck. Ride the Kosmotron Rocket Ride and listen to the chosen music. Then climb aboard the colorful Ferris Wheel. Click the green button on the control panel to get it working. Recall childhood memories without standing in line for an hour. Don’t forget to click the coin slot to start the dolphin ride. You even hear them. 


You’ll love the Enchanted Garden maze. It’s another inviting garden. Walk into the center of the maze to find a beautiful bird statue, a curious bunny, garden cover, and flowers. A quiet garden to get away and reflect.
 
 
Netera Landar 
 

Monday, December 15, 2025

Yosemite in Winter

 
By Gemma Cleanslate


The snow fell in Yosemite and the ground and mountains are covered. I went over to see the beauty of it . You will want to stop in the Visitor Center and pick up a Yosemite Park Navigator Hud.Then I suggest you take a walk around the paths to see what is going on. Or , you may want to pick a horse to take you for a ride instead. I did run into a Mama bear and two cubs wandering so keep an eye tho she seems calm when avatars come by. A cute skating rink is ready with free skates if you do not bring your own.


When I left the center I saw Santa practicing climbing on the rock wall behind the building. 
 

Some campers have arrived for the winter holiday and fires were burning to keep them warm. The playground is open and kids were playing. Lots of families visit Yosemite at this time. There are so many places to play on this region. 


After visiting that area I recommend opening the hud and choosing Glacier.Pass. to visit. Up here again there are some cute cabins for rental . 


The ski lift is open and there is a coffee stop at the bottom so refresh before you start down the hill again. If you prefer a sled ride that is available also. Visitors are always welcome at Yosemite even if you are not renting or camping so feel free to visit. The hud lets you get a look at many other areas there. Have fun! 
 
 
 
 
Places 

Wednesday, December 10, 2025

Christmas Lane

 
By Gemma Cleanslate
 

Christmas Lane has an extensive collection of décor for you if you are still looking. Shop after shop is chuck full of interesting items, Santas, gnomes, baubles and bulbs...outdoor scenes are great. Tiny shops and cafes and goodies , carts are for sale at good prices for your property. Some would look great beside a skating pond. I saw a hot tub with a counter for coffee after the dip and near by a red checkered spread on a Christmas bed.

 
Inside one of the little shop I saw another bed with a very pretty plaid coverlet. On the walkway sat a santa’s old fashioned car with an elf riding along with a huge bag of gifts in the back seat… reindeer on strike?


I think that this Market has the most gachas lined up for fun shopping that I have seen anywhere. The Black Friday sales vendors may still be there too. It was yesterday when I landed. So many lovely values on sale there so I hope you get to see them.


It is right across from the Advent Calendar where I will be visiting everyday but one needs the group . Join it so you do not miss her specials. She has some lovely outdoor Pine trees and snow covered trees with and without lights ,and many many Christmas trees all decorated in a variety of colors and lights.


One more cute market to visit if you are looking for odd cute Santas or elves , I saw fairies and even a Krampus or two. Angels hovered and little elves on snowskis. All were chubby and sweet and a bit different than most .


Take a look at the little skaters on the pond and the many other unique creatures moving about the snow . 
 
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Paris%20Land/108/19/2313



There are so many wonderful items for sale in markets across the grid . I have chosen a few that I like to visit every year and new ones too. Shop and Hop is open now and many lovely places to have fun and relax I will be checking out from now to Christmas. My wallet is getting empty from not resisting the temptations I experienced this year. There is always that one snow globe that I never saw before and just had to have or that outfit that is just too good a bargain! At some of the shops you will see the poster for places to visit . There are 3 notecards full , not to mention the long list in the Destinations guide. Have a great time trying to get to at least some!! I will let you know about some I did get to visit.

Gemma Cleanslate
 
 

Friday, November 28, 2025

Tex Tree Farm

 
By Gemma Cleanslate, 
 

 

Time to cut the tree! Tex has so many rich green fir trees on his lot Tex Tree Farm just waiting for the chop! The blades are sharpened and ready so bring the family or partner or go alone to get that tree on a sled and choose the décor.


It is so much fun picking out that special one, tall or short for the home or outside. I absolutely love visiting this farm. 


Next move over to the gorgeous decorations , your choice of many varieties. Take a good look at all of them. Directions are clear to help you decorate. Santa seems to be keeping an eye on those who come.
 

 
I noticed something new there. I saw a cable line and went over to check. Sure enough there is a cable car leading down the hill and over the highway. Tex has a new restaurant, The Glacier Restaurant so don’t miss it.


You can have a lovely meal down there in a relaxing atmosphere and warm up, nice addition to the farm. After that I was off to Under the Tree Shop right at the top of the hill overlooking the farm. This is such a great store for anything you need. There have been some other changes here too.

 

Outside I found a cute snack shack in case you need to rest after or before your shopping in the store. It is for sale too with all the décor. Across the way I saw a lovely little skating pond.


Next to the big store is a Red Barn with animals to visit. Inside the same wonderful Christmas décor is still there . Many kids games and toys are available for purchase. I ran into Tex there while checking them out and asked him about the changes He said he would have Peppermint get in touch. The kitchen is still full of luscious dishes available for your holiday table and implements for cooking and serving. The arrangement has changed a bit but getting around is no problem. The various rooms are easier to see all the goodies there.


One new room is filled to the ceiling with vendors on the wall with an almost unimaginable display of décor you can choose to buy according to the number, Gachas! Samples are displayed on the floor. It all goes on and on! You have to go experience it all! Remember to take.The next room is filled with lovely furniture for the holidays, sofas, chairs , dining tables and more. 
 
PeppermintTwinkles Resident the shop owner told me in answer to my question to Tex , “yes we have updated the main store and added 9 large Skydomes full of gatchas that we had a surplus of. The new Teleport indicates which skyedome is Christmas, Easter, Halloween and we will be adding a summer one next year. “ more than that , “We also own all the Seaside Resaturantes in SL.Later this month we will open ( in the red barn by the main store) the Xmas cafe shop that will include additional non gatcha Christmas items. “ I will have to go back for that too.I did check out the Gacha Store 2and 3 where I found more, larger fun items at 2 ! Time to move on!These are very busy people! I will have to visit all the sites after Christmas! I cannot even imagine the inventory! Plan time LOL !

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Larsen/49/30/112

 
Gemma Cleanslate
 

Monday, November 24, 2025

Snuggles

 
By Gemma Cleanslate
 

A few weeks ago I stopped over at Snuggles but the boxes were not open yet for Christmas but now they are. I love going to Snuggles the main store and the holiday stores . I need lots of time to traverse the huge area of outdoor décor set all over the region . Starting from the barn of Santas that is very busy with Santas clinging to the walls and climbing outside ,to the inside where a variety of Santas sit waiting for shoppers.


From there paths lead in all directions with a myriad of outdoor scenes from huge go tiny that you might like on your property. There are snowmen, animals, cute little sleighs. Large ornaments and so many more choices of décor depending on your taste.


 On a pond there are skaters of different types and I saw poor Santa fallen on the ice and his pack lying near by. If you would like a path liner of large candy canes in red or green you will see them along the paths.


After walking the lanes be prepared for the immense gift shop . Outside are all kinds of Snowmen of different styles .The shop goes on and on. The walls are lined with all sorts of gorgeous cards to pass along to sweethearts or friends or business people you know. Many of the cards offer changeable verses. Song cards play the whole songs. Don’t miss the garland and weath area next to the christmas tree section 


The tables are filled with sweet gifts and boxes to pack them in. Of course a whole shelf of Snow globes and flower domes caught my attention. There are bears galore. If you are looking for beautiful non seasonal globes or other gifts you can tp down over to the main Snuggles shop where there are beautiful statuettes of birds and other animals etc . I love that place too for the lovely choices.


The gift shop is on another region but visible from the paths.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Snuggles%20Holidays/14/187/27

Gemma Cleanslate
 

Monday, November 17, 2025

"A Winter Wonderland Christmas" And "Kenzie’s"

 
By Gemma Cleanslate


“A Winter Wonderland Christmas Welcomer whispers: "Welcome to Winter Wonderland Christmas Bazaar! Please consider joining the VIP Group for a 5% Discount on all VENDOR items. ( Kealoha Home Goods VIP )You are welcome to enjoy our winter setting but please be respectful of all other guests on the parcel and surrounding regions. Thank you for stopping in to visit, I hope you have a great time! Feel free to contact Kiki Kealoha for any assistance! Happy Holidays!” Somehow I missed a visit here last year but learned that Kiki moved it to the mainland last year and perhaps that is why.


Of course the first thing I saw when I arrived was a giant snowglobe which made me happy. There are more around the walkway and I am trying to ignore them…. For now. Inside one of the shops though I found some mini globes and I could not ignore them, as usual. 

 
Lots of gnomes and small pieces of décor are on the tables and glistening wreaths up on the wall. Stockings galore on the walls below. If you have your sweetie with you or not look around for the mistletoe.


The site is an easy visit. Some quaint shops hold vendors with indoor and outdoor holiday scenes. Walk the square and stop in each one to check them all out. I loved the carousel with Santa standing by his reindeer and allowing you to ride them. Near by the giant outdoor snow covered tree decorated with glowing candles and red bows a rideable train circles the tree full of gifts. Hop on that too. A skating area allows one to try the ice skates and rezzable sled so have some fun while you visit. Remember to turn on the music to put you in the mood! A few of those cute little shops on the square are for sale too in case you need one.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Eaton/100/200/98


I stopped by Kenzie’s since I know that besides decorating your region or home you would be décor ting yourself too. There is a shop full of Christmas outfits for both men and women. Some are cute skating or dancing outfits and some lovely formal gowns for the many parties that will be going on.


For the men great jackets and sweaters and more.


Outside the shops are kiosks with more holiday outfits to check out and many cute scenes for the your décor. This is the 11th year for this shopping opportunity . Find a teleport to take you to trees,

decorations .and group gifts if you want to find them quickly. More Christmas tunes to put you in the mood are playing.


I walked around the stone pathway and they are all within close access. I found brightly blinking lighted trees and next to them trees without the blink in case you prefer them. I came across an Advent calendar set up so will be coming back here I am sure. Oh dear, and more Christmas globes!!!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Paradise%20Skies/132/22/1224

Gemma Cleanslate 
 

Monday, November 3, 2025

Last-Minute Halloween Places

 
 By Bixyl Shuftan
 
As I write this, Halloween is gone. It was a blast, but all good things must come to an end. But I had a little time this weekend to see a few Halloween-themed places. Keep in mind that they won't be up much longer. In fact, one or two may be gone by the time you read this. 
 

Checking out the Destinations Guide, one place caught my attention:  "Inspire Space Park - Shadows of the Mist." Inspire Space Park has always been a cool place to visit (article). But this promised to give the picturesque attraction a new look.

An eerie mist has rolled into Inspire Space Park, cloaking the asteroids in shadow. The park is haunted, and whispers tell of secret treasures hidden in the dark. The hunt begins here; dare you step into the mist? But the adventure doesn’t end there. Stick around, float in zero gravity, and enjoy the custom radio mix of eerie, soothing Halloween sounds while you celebrate among friends. 
 

 Dropping by, the place had a darkly beautiful feel to it. The music was described for reading a Gothic horror story. And to my surprise there was a hunt
 
 Welcome to Inspire Space Park's Shadows of the Mist Hunt! Start your adventure by finding the Haunted Places hunt bag on the other side of the arch. Follow the clue to your first prize! Further instructions will be available there.


Head there at https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Shinda/98/208/1559
 

 I also decided to check out a place called "The Ratking's Sewer."

 
The endless tunnels of the Ratking's sewers in the town of Northbridge will have you lost in a maze of wonder and adventure. Each passage may lead you to new and exciting worlds, but beware of the Ratking's experimental subjects.


 This place was, dark. I ended up going around in mouselook at times as I was worried about being taken by surprise unless I could see right in front of me.
 
https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Vigdorova/148/228/2958
 

 I'd heard about "Firestorm Ghost Town," and decided to check it out. 
 

 Nothing super terrifying. This was an old-fashioned carnival ride. 
 

 https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Firestorm%20Ghost%20Town/171/72/505
 

 And what's Halloween without a good vampire story? I went and checked out " Castle Dracula - Gothic Horror Experience."

Castle Dracula offers a chilling Gothic Horror experience, blending immersive storytelling with Victorian gothic legends. Enter the eerie halls of Count Dracula's castle, uncovering haunted secrets of vampires, ghosts, and werewolves. New in 2024, the Frankenstein expansion deepens the horror, inviting visitors to explore a spine-tingling journey through the heart of Transylvania.


The starting location let's you know you're in for an experience that isn't kid stuff and some flashing lights, and you'll need to accept experiences. You'll find a HUD attached going through. 
 
The story begins on a train, in which a train is taking you to Transylvania. A friend of yours went there to conduct a real-estate deal with Count Dracula, and vanished, and you've taken it upon yourself to find him. You get a letter from the Count himself inviting you to his castle, so head over, stopping at the tavern first.


Outside the tavern, a dark carriage is waiting to take you there, the coachman greeting, ""My master the Count bids thee welcome to the Carpathians. He awaits your coming eagerly...." And he gives you a ride to the castle, talking some along the way, "A land of wolves and ghosts...? Such is often said of this land by those abroad...


I haven't checked out the game very far, but it looks great for those who have the time. 

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Fort%20Nowhere/21/240/1401

Be sure to check out more haunts in the Destination Guide: https://secondlife.com/destinations/haunted
 
That's all for now for spooky sights. 
 
Bixyl Shuftan