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 

 

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
 

Spark Project's Olympus And Bellissaria's Splash Adventure

 

 By Gemma Cleanslate

Raven Frostwych (RavenStarr) and her team,the Spark Project have again taken another view of the universe. Her futuristic Nova, will be closing soon but her newest Olympus installation reaches far back into time to the Greek deities. It is a demonstration of the historical view of what Olympus was visioned in antiquity and the stories still entice people to study and learn their origins.

On arrival one finds a teleport to make it easy to get to the major sites so easily, just click each location. But walk a bit to get a good look around to see all the beautiful statues around the steps of the arena. By hovering my cursor on the statues I was able to see the names of those they represented.

The gathering of statuary of so many deities are scattered over the whole build which is held up, emerging from the clouds by three massive titans. One can get a good look at the titans from the Ring of Orion. Following the stairs will bring you around to each teleport destination with enticing areas along the way.

Athena , Neptune, Demeter, Dionysus some of the major deities have their own place. Each will offer different aspect of those days of old in the myths of Greece. They all loved to have water baths in their homes it seems. There are so many levels of these gods and goddess and offspring that I have forgotten but was happy to go back and see some of them and do a little research to remember how many myths are connected to them all. Then there are the offspring of the gods and humans to complicate all the stories. Go see if Olympus will reinvigorate your knowledge of the interesting stories. 

 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Spark/136/117/135

I also visited a very different activity location going. The Bellisserian Hammies have done it again. I say so often.

For the 3rd year they built the marvelous water park called the Splash Adventure, The Oasis Water Park. It will be on the Bellisseria Fairgrounds until the end of August.

There are water slides from a great height. I tried one and made it! Look for a life saver TP near the exit from the slide to get to the top.

A number of fun games are placed around the site as well as food vendors. Or you can choose a cabana and just sit and read of chat with friends. Parties take place almost every day with DJs on the stage.

 It will be going on until the end of August. Make time for a visit.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Bellisseria%20Fairgrounds/151/237/24

Gemma Cleanslate

 

Post-Christmas Winter Attractions: Winterland and Rebel Yell

 
By Gemma Cleanslate

Now that the Christmas holidays are winding down and winter is just starting so I went looking for places to enjoy it. A trip to Winterland at Adagio Gardens offered lots of ways to have fun. It is a great place for lovers or just friends to relax and hang out or take advantage of the sports there. Andi greets you and passed along information to make your stay a pleasure.

I tried the skating at two different ponds. There are skate balls for you or use your own. One can ride a horse between the two or TP over. At the larger pond there is plenty of room to zoom around on the snowmobile you can rezz. Also near the arctic express train there is a stairway to a pathway above the region. Skate along it and jump off at one of the private little dance platforms. On one platform There is also a glider rezzer. What fun!!

I explored the other areas and found some more rezzers including a bungee jump, sledding and a zip line. I found loads of little nooks for great photo shoots. This is two regions of winter but if you are looking for multi regions to explore, TP to the other parts of Adagio Gardens . Join the group for rezz rights or rent a vacation cottage and stay a while. Teleports to the other experiences are available if you want to go wondering. I will be going back to check them out. http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Adagio%20Gardens/167/98/1202

Another venue for wonderful skating and so  much more  is the Rebel Yell winter place that Lestat Zalivstok and his staff install each winter. It is called Christmasville. There are free skates and a fun  skating AO . I took a horse ride around to check out what else was around the huge pond. 

There is a Bar where skaters can get relax with a hot toddy and get warm. It is a great place to hang out. The snow mobile is fun on the ice and the snowy area around the region. Look for the rezzer near the cocoa stand.

Take the tram up to the top of the mountain . The view is enchanting. At the top there is a choice of sled or skis or snowboard for going down . I stopped in the glass igloo for a drink and to look out over the mountains through the telescope. Back at the skating pond farther along I found the lovely lodge with a dining hall all set up for holiday dinners and parties. The buffet table is loaded with delicious offerings.

I walked around through the snow and discovered a village nearby. Reindeer were relaxing after all their work and enjoying their dinner. There was a cute cafe and I wandered in to have a beer and a great sandwich. This venue offers more photo opportunities and is a good place to hang out and will be here for a few months.Lestat will be adding and changing other décor for the season. Valentine day will be celebrated.

 Rebel Yell is a marvelous Tribute Band and winner of 10 Golden AviChoice awards. They hold concerts and musicals in second life that are very realistic to the originals. Check them out. In the meantime visit this delightful winter spot before the snow and ice melts and the skiing and skating is still good! http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/REBEL%20YELL%20HEADQUARTERS/148/138/30

Gemma Cleanslate
 

Mardi Gras at Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez

by Gemma Cleanslate

The parade is running and Jazz is playing but only until February 16! It’s Mardi Gras! People line the Bourbon Street in  New Orleans to watch the parade as it rolls by, dancing and cheering .

 FrannyDJ has opened the party so make sure you get there. This is an annual event here in Second Life and is one of the best celebrations of rl where one can join in with no worries.  Hop on a float and wave and dance for the fans. The entire parade lasts 1 1/2 hours from beginning to end and has 103 floats .  Look up too so you don’t miss the big balloons passing overhead, some of which you can ride on.

Stop at the French Jazz Club or the Burlesque Club on Bourbon Street and check out the Mardi Gras Museum near by . If you join the group Fame you will get notices of parties on the Riverboat Parties Restaurant held often. The Voodoo Shop  and  the Magic shop too is filled with freebies so do not miss those. Masks and beads and feathers await you.

Take a walk through the park to get over to the Carnival where games and rides are all working. If you have time take a walk along the back streets where there are lovely homes like those you would see on a walk around New Orleans. The culture there is so charming and vibrant .Remember to grab a piece of King Cake when you get there at the entrance. It is good to plan several trips to enjoy everything that is offered there. I did. Bring friends!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Colossus/55/176/1163

Gemma Cleanslate

Wedcot Center Park

By Gemma Cleanslate

The ad said “Disney tribute - Celebrate the future with Spaceship Earth, Horizons, Soarin', Test Track, World Showcase and more. Amusement WDW Rides theme park magic kingdom carnival Garden,”  So off I went after my tour of Wedcot Center Park.

My visit to  started with a pram tour of the grounds which gives one a great overview of all the buildings to be visited and the lovely landscaping of the region. As I exited I  grabbed a guidemap and a times schedule at the bottom of the stairs and began the long walk to explore all the scientific buildings.

I stopped at the grand Globe of course , rezzed a vehicle and found myself on a tour of the short , pointed marvelous history of the world and man from cave living to computer.

It was a good review before moving on to the unknown future world.

As I entered  my next  stop, The Land, I took some time  to have a snack in their cafeteria then entered. Most of the food there is grown right in the exhibit. One thing I love about these guided tours is the riding in a vehicle with explanations of the views as we pass them . The Land is a great example of learning  that is fun and informative.. The second life prims and mesh are integrated in to the greenhouses. (Subtile “clean your inventory “ hints here too. )Across the way with the entrance in the cafe is another delightful tour that takes you around the world in video, again, seated .

My next stop was at The Sea. While there is a ride there that is interesting and cute , upstairs there is a aquarium and learning lessons on the fish and care of the sea. I picked up a nice free piece of coral while there and  bought a cute shirt on the way out.

I found a  short ride on a boat that took me over  to World Showcase. Of course  I fell off the dock exiting the boat  into the deep waters but was able to tp back before I drowned. There are very inexpensive outfits and items from around the world in the lovely shops representing the culture of various countries. This is a charming  little area to walk through. Hungry again I picked up a California roll at the Katsura Grill to enjoy while strolling.

There is so much to do here at the Park and more to see so I left some for you to discover. Hint:look for Beauty and The Beast dancing in a park. Take more than a few hours vacation at the enjoyable park.
here !
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Real%20Dreams/42/9/106

Gemma Cleanslate

Five Fun Places in Second Life

By Cyfir

Second life is full of great places to explore and have fun. Below I have compiled five such places that I have discovered over the years. Whether you’re bored, want to explore, or want to take that special someone on a date, one of these sims could be just the experience that you were looking for.

Kowloon's Gate Reborn

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/kowloon/148/83/24

This is a Japanese/Chinese themed sim with tons of crazy things to discover for those who love to explore. There are also plenty of shops with very unique avatars and mods as well as entertainment venues. This sim was created by the Japanese PlayStation game maker Kouki Inoue who created a game on the original PlayStation of the same name. Go here if you want a unique experience.

Pixel Hills

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Pixel%20Hills/89/121/26

A video game inspired sim featuring a sandbox and a mall. There are also plenty of classic video game related experiences to discover that will tickle your nostalgia bones.

Memento Mori

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Chouchou%20V/86/128/1090

A very abstract experience created by a Japanese music duo. There’s not much else to say here. It’s pretty. Great place to feel like you’re in a dream.

Winter Moon

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Winter%20Moon/40/71/21

Speaking of dreams, this next sim looks like mine. This sim is absolutely beautiful and a perfect place to take someone on a date. Want to chill out and get away from everything in a peaceful setting? This sim is the perfect place for that as well.

Disney Tribute

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Bracket/250/126/27

Want to go to Disneyland but don’t have the money to? Take a walk down Main St. in this loving recreation of the historic park. There are rides, shops, and plenty to explore, which is nearly like the real thing. There’s even a monorail!

Cyfir