"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 

 

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