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 

 

Necropolis Umbrae And Bewitched

 

 By Gemma Cleanslate

When I received a notice from the Nature Collective that warned,

“If Treasure you seek in this dark sad place, a deadly trial must you face.

In the deepest tombs not all things sleep and there must you go. though you may weep.

With the nameless beast will you find the key, and then you seek its symbols three.

With the key in hand you will find what you crave, and perhaps a path beyond the grave”.

I had to go see what was going on of course.

Necropolis Umbrae is an enticing cemetery. I am fond of cemeteries and this one is dark and lovely, filled with monuments (and many photo opps) among them. In the olden days cemeteries were places where families spent time enjoying the beauty and having picnics close to loved ones who have passed.

Walk around and you will see. The occult library is most interesting. And of course if you wish you can search out the answer to the riddle above. Save time!

I did and found the key! I saw two other avatars looking for it and were very close! Try it and you will be pleased if you succeed. It is an experience looking for it but don’t be afraid! You may find vampires or other frightening creatures waiting for you in the dark places. Just a warning.

Necropolis
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Or/143/118/1272

I was not daunted by that experience so I went off to another Halloween region. Bewitched is another Halloween Region that will take some time to explore.

Take a train ride to get a full overview of what to expect on your visit. This is just a taste of what you will face in Bewitched.

There are so many ghouls and goblins around the rail tracks . Keep an eye out as you pass by and hang onto the seat! Wander and worry about whom or what you might meet next among the grave stones or in the huge castle where I found many strange rooms, and people. I loved the Halloween tree in one of the rooms . It is the first one I have seen in my visits so far.

Walk through the grave yard up the steps to the haunte house and hop onto the little cart to take the ride through the haunted house. It is filled with all sorts of frightening skeletons and creatures popping up right in your face. Bring friends to protect you! HAZY COVE/127/1/21

Another autumn decorated place with some Halloween fun is Yosemite. I stopped over to check out this year’s décor and was met with skeletons standing around and pumpkins adorning the whole region. The trees have changed color adding a hue to the tall pines that live there.

I stopped over at the Visitor’s center where a navigator hud is available in the office for travelers and explorers and campers who visit often. On the porch one can see the many who have arrived and perhaps never left. I have a cabin and love it there .

Take a walk along the many paths or take a horse ride choosing among the many eager horses in the corral just waiting for you . Campers are already there with families to enjoy that and the playground for the kids.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Yosemite/143/62/25

Gemma Cleansate

 

Dark Harvest

 

By Gemma Cleanslate

 

“A close-knit town and countryside, is now cloaked in unease. With strange sightings and eerie sounds have left the community on edge. The townsfolk fear that something dark has awakened and it's hungry.” Scary sounding isn’t it. That was the feeling I had when I visited Dark Harvest and read the description.

A small town contains buildings , a magic shop, an authentic cauldron shop. Mrs. Lovett’s meatpies shop.. Hmmm , that name sounds familiar. I think I will skip it. I dropped into the Voodoo shop but bought nothing and Carnaby Street shop did not appeal to me as I gazed through the window at the horrors behind the fashionable window décor. Several buildings had locked doors so I moved on.

At the end of the street I found a leafy path leading to the country outside town. A coffin maker has a shop there and I am sure he has customers. The path is haunted by disappearing ghosts. I know someone must live here but found no occupants as I wandered into the barn. There is a fresh crop ready in the field to be harvested and a many horses to be fed, as well as many chickens. I passed a huge barbecue with tables set for a feast meats ready to eat. Just past that I found a skeleton riding a skeleton horse that was not reassuring. Farther on ghostly wolves roamed the top of the hill.

The lighthouse at the top of the hill glowed red and bats flew wildly around . I turned at that point and looked down at the pond below and the houses that stood empty wondering where were the people who cared for this whole place. I ran into two friends who were exploring the region also and enjoying my favorite scene. The greatest collection of Pumpkins that I have seen anywhere including one evil pumpkin who talked constantly…

“Evil Jack-O-Lantern by C3: I have a bone to pick with you. It's your femur.

Evil Jack-O-Lantern by C3: Om! Nom! Nom!

Evil Jack-O-Lantern by C3: My doctor told me I need to get in shape. I told him that round is a shape.

Evil Jack-O-Lantern by C3: I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy!

Evil Jack-O-Lantern by C3: I may be gutless, but so are you!

Evil Jack-O-Lantern by C3: Do you ever have a hunger that only human hands can satisfy? Or is it just me?” 

 

He is hiding somewhere among the pumpkins! Watch out.

Well, I hope citizens are safe and return soon to care for the animals and crops before disaster occurs, unless it has already. Roxy Chronotis (Roxy Christenson) owner of Lyrical Grove , part of this region connected to this has set up this special autumnal and Halloween site for all to visit. It is a great stop to visit before the season is over which is soon… I will return to see what will happen after Halloween.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Chronotis%20Empire/79/58/22 

Gemma Cleanslate

 

Places

Moochie’s All Hallows

 

By Gemma Cleanslate

 

October has arrived with all its colorful or dark fun. Orange is the most outstanding color not only for decorations but the sign of Halloween. Pumpkins abound, no matter where one goes it seems. You will find at least one little pumpkin in place.

 

I have started visiting some venues that are Halloween personified. My first stop is to a regular for me every year and that is Moochie’s All Hallows.

"Did you know sometimes it frightens me

when you say my name and I can't see you

will you ever learn to materialize before you speak…"

The greeter says, “Welcome to All Hallows! Please respect the no nudity policy and have fun exploring. There are nooks and crannies to be found throughout, if you are willing to step into the darkness…”

Take the advice. If you bring a sweetie or a friend try the couples walk rezzer and take the step into darkness together. Grab a notecard before you leave that will guide you on your way to some of the sites. Oh, don’t forget to get the postcards from Moochie too!

Follow the various paths and see the sights. Cressida Wretched was serving Corn Dogs that were advertised as sometimes delicious so I skipped that and settled for a large cider given to me my Henrietta Hogwort that seemed a little safer.

There are many nooks to sit and relax just enjoying the shimmering lights in the darkness of the night. Listen to the spooky Halloween tunes like "I’m a Vampire Baby." Don’t miss the Theatrer on the Hill where there are classic horror films of the past showing or the “Campfire Stories' at All Hallows this year. A dedicated little parcel right at the end of the pumpkin patch will play old time radio tales 24/7 from now right through until the end of October”. Try to relax and enjoy (laughing out loud). 

 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Moochie/170/200/23

Before I forget there are new Healthinfo Island for October you may like to  visit. They are appropriate for the season. Objectophilia is a new one on me but check it out above the site on Dying.

Nearby there is a whole section on Microplastics which I find is scarier than any Halloween  creature! Learn about it!  There is so much more on the Virtual Ability island.. take a walk.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Healthinfo%20Island/171/146/22
 

 Gemma Cleanslate

 

Love Valley Halloween And The Bradbury Project

 

 By Gemma Cleanslate

Witchy laughter greets you when you arrive at Love Valley Halloween. It is dark and foreboding so “the deeps of the night, under the bright moon lays an abandoned park. A place close to an village, where folks singing happily "Trick or treat!". But they never visit the park, as they are afraid of the dark that lives there. Are you afraid of the dark”

This is Evely Heartsong’s game park you will love to visit . The games are scary but fun, perfect for Halloween lovers . Hop on ‘Shiver me Timbers ‘and listen to the nearby bones of past pirates as they ride the rowboat to nowhere. Shell Shocked is another fun ride . Go see how many more you can find ,

There is a photo contest with a prize of 5000L that extends into the Christmas region opening November 1 for those who love contests. Take the different paths to find different experiences like Masquerade of Murder .

 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Fricken/129/139/12

Seanchai Library that presents the wonderful Dickens Project every Christmas has a new project ,The Bradbury Project with Mr. Lurky everywhere. The town on the first level looks peaceful enough with quaint homes and a park. You are offered refreshments at one home with an open door and the ticking of a grandfather invites one in. No one is home.

I took a tp to Moundshroud’s House. The creaky door opens and then you understand what this is all about! Here you find a library with Ray Bradbury’s book displayed on every shelf. Touch anyone for information.

Explore the house , every corner has is an oddity to check out. The sounds enhance the experience so be sure to listen. You should look for Mr. Lurky in your travels ,- “everywhere from the main landing in Town, to the Kite Barn and The Halloween Tree. 

 

Look for the funny little black guy with the grinning purple face as you explore, and keep count. “. There is a notecard with instructions at the entrance so you will know what to do with your find. He is not easy since he is lurking . Have fun!!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Nowhereville/203/43/26

Gemma Cleanslate

Reader Submitted: Halloween on Caledon Downs

 

By Cynthia Farshore

 

 

On Tuesday October 10th the Duchy of Caledon Downs opened the month long Halloween festivities with a dance at the Goblin Cave Community Center. The dance which started at 6pm SLT lasted till 8pm marked the beginning of events.

The main event is the Ghost Hunt. Two version of a ghost figures appear for very short periods in various locations across the region. The idea is to use a prim firing weapon to hit the image before it vanishes. The great thing is you don't need to sign up or anything and can use your own gun. Your score is automatically sensed and recorded at the score pole inside the Goblin Cave.

A smaller hunt is the Jack O' Lantern Hunt. There are 5 hidden across the region. Touching it will give you a prize but don't be greedy a second touch will give you something regrettable. An information panel with a list of hints is located in the Goblin Cave next to the Ghost Hunt panel. Both panels you touch for a notecard.

This year's Ghost Train Ride is double in length with more gruesome and gory sights. You head to the high ground over at the train station and touch the little coffin on the tracks.

Ride as many times as you dare. Some who have slower rezz I suggest that you do so as this will load your cache, plus you can have another chance to see what you missed when you closed your eyes the first time, MAhahaha.

Caledon is open to ALL, it is not a hardcore roleplay community, and you don't have to dress Victorian to enjoy our land. Come to the Goblin Cave Community Center and bring a friend along, enjoy the music from the 50s to the 80s classic rock.

 

,,, and talk your friend to death, literally.

Cynthia Farshore
 

A Few Halloween Shopping Places

By Gemma Cleanslate

Halloween seems far away but it is closer than we think. So many stores are full of fun decorations and I went to a few of my favorites and some new ones(to me) checking out the wares out for those who love decorating for the ghoulish holiday. One that is always lots of fun to explore is Dench ..

Amanda Dench is always opening in early September . She has terrific animesh figures and puts out a trial area where you can rezz and check them out. Her decorations are great for either region décor or home décor and the prices are great.

If you want a whole cemetery take a look at that. Go visit and check out all the goodies.

My next visit was over to Snuggles . I love visiting here for all holidays. It is a large place full of indoor and outdoor items. Move from one side to the other to get a good look at what is there . Check all the cute items inside the store too after you finish outside. You can find autumn décor that will take you up to change over for Christmas. 

 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Snuggles%20Holidays/37/161/26

Never You Mind is the place for little critters that roam your area. The gifts for group members always get a chuckle and I grab them every time. Halloween critters are all around and have a different look than other critters you will find anywhere. A tip gets you little shoulder pet too. Take a walk to see all the different little guys and gals Harley (Harleywan Haggwood) makes for all times of the year.

Halloween Delights has an array of decorations to choose from always. Loads of pumpkins of all sorts , even pumpkin trees can be found here. One long wall is studded with Halo vendors.I love the flying witches

Another wall has a myriad of costumes to please anyone looking for any style. By the way Delights not only has Halloween but also many lovely fall decorations . Several other places do also.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Ragdoll/186/196/2006

Khargo is another market I love to see at Halloween time as well as Christmas. There are so many choices there for large scenery as above. Beach scenes with skeletons lying around can decorate your own beach. The store is filled with small décor for the house. It is a large place to explore.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Yellowstone%20Falls/237/5/22

There are many more shopping places to explore but I am running out of time! Have fun and check the Places in search or Halloween in Destinations. Have fun!!

Gemma Cleanslate