October 27, 2010

Regional Halloween Haunted House Directories

This is not meant to be an all-inclusive list. Just some sites I dragged out of my old database or wandered around and found tonight. Meanwhile my puppies are being hyper so I have to stop working and put them to bed in their crates!

California Haunted Houses - Commercial haunts, as well as spook walks and hay rides, etc.

DFW Haunted Houses.com - Dallas, Fort Worth haunted houses, including haunt reviews.

2 Best Haunted House and Attraction Online Directories

I no longer offer my list of hundreds of haunted house links online. Those links were the most often stolen part of my database - probably because the Halloween niche is valuable to advertisers and those links are difficult to maintain. If you're actually trying to run a useful directory, you want to be extremely sure the haunt is still up, running, active and interesting before you send people to the haunts. That takes a lot of time. Easier to steal the info than to spend hundreds of hours actually doing the research and upkeep work that I did on Dark Side of the Net for years.

Instead of posting my own links this year, I want to point you towards the two best, most updated, well maintained lists of Halloween haunts, attractions, hayrides, cornfields, and activities on the Web. Their maintainers are extremely dedicated, do their own research and don't steal other people's links, and their sites are easy to navigate and VERY up to date.

They are so up-to-date that I get discouraged whenever I find a new (to me) link to a haunted house, only to do a quick Google check and realize these sites already know about them!

1. Haunted House Online

Affiliated with HauntWorld Magazine, this site lists attractions by state, plus Canada and international haunts. They also list corn mazes, pumpkin patches, Halloween hayrides, and attractions. The site also offers videos, photos, links, haunt forums, and free pumpkin patterns. Lots of great stuff here, I am very impressed!

http://www.hauntedhouseonline.com/

2. Haunted House.com

I'm not a big fan of sites that claim to be "The #1 Halloween Website." I don't like the bragging, and there are tons of fantastic Halloween sites out there. However, they do have an excellent directory of haunted houses and Halloween attractions. (Their Halloween-related links directory leaves something to be desired - most categories have at most 5 links.)

Their blog hasn't been updated since January 2010, so that makes me a bit nervous about how updated their links are. But in clicking around their site, I haven't found a dead link yet.

Stick with the well-researched haunted attraction links, and enjoy the clean site design and cool graphics. You're sure to find a haunt in your area you might want to check out over the weekend!

http://www.hauntedhouse.com/

Happy Halloween!

--Carrie

http://www.darklinks.com/

October 26, 2010

Goth and Horror Cocktails for Halloween

1. Black Widow

This cocktail uses 42 Below vodka, but you can of course substitute your favorite.

Black Widow, at Drink of the Week

2. Vampire's Punch

Yum, cherry vodka.

Vampire's Punch, at Food & Beverage World

3. Wicked Witch Apple Punch

Wow, I don't even want to know the calorie count on this drink. It has so many different fruit juices in it.

Wicked Witch Apple Punch, by Skyy

October 20, 2010

13 More Cool Halloween Blogs

1. Redecorating Middle-Earth in Early Lovecraft

The tagline is "Always Halloween and never Thanksgiving." This is author Amy H. Sturgis' blog with lots of links and resources on Halloween, Lovecraft, vampires, classic horror literature, and more fascinating topics. If you follow the frequently-posted links here, you'll have plenty of things to keep you busy on cold autumn nights.

http://eldritchhobbit.livejournal.com/

October 17, 2010

13 Haunting Gothy Videos for Halloween

Following is a list of videos I'm enjoying watching and listening to while I'm working on Dark Side of the Net in another window. It's not meant to be a comprehensive "list of Goth Halloween songs," nor is it good to use as a Halloween party playlist. The tempos are too varied - some songs are loud, hard and fast, others are dreamy, slow and soft.

Just wanted to share some things I'm enjoying listening to this month of October while I wait eagerly for Halloween to arrive.

October 13, 2010

New Goth Links for October 13

DARK ART:

Miranda Adria

She creates photomanipulations, digital paintings (my favorite is "Torn Apart"), photography, self-portraits, and also works in mixed media. The art is lovely, goth, and not gory.

http://www.mirandaadria.com/

Miranda Adria at Deviant Art

Benjamin Lacombe

A French artist's gallery displaying old-fashioned freakshow artwork and creepy children's book illustrations he's been commissioned to do. I really love the artwork here, and spent more time tonight looking this over than I'd expected to.

Check out the mindblowingly cool trailer for his Alice in Wonderland pop-up book.

http://www.benjaminlacombe.com/

Benjamin Lacombe Fan page on Facebook


DARK AND HORROR AUTHORS:

John Everson

John Everson has published four short story collections (the latest being "Creeptych") and four horror novels. He won the 2005 Bram Stoker Award for First Novel, for "Covenant." You can sign up for his newsletter to get updates and, occasionally, free fiction.

http://www.johneverson.com/

John Everson on Facebook

John Everson on Twitter


DARK NET RADIO:

Radio Black Light

I'm excited to share this cool Seattle-based goth/industrial radio station with you. It plays 24 hours a day - we needed another station like this! It's run by a lady named Bianca, and somehow Radio Black Light is affiliated with Carpe Nocturne Magazine.

Right now it's playing KMFDM's "Strut," the Disco Balls mix, and that's making me giggle. Ooh, now it's switched to Siouxsie's "Peekaboo."

Tomorrow night (Thursday), my friend DJ Daemon Chadeau will be spinning live from 7pm to 10pm Pacific. I'll be listening while I'm working on more blog posts for you all!

http://radioblacklight.com/

Radio Black Light on Facebook

VAMPIRES:

Vampire News

This blog is updated multiple times per day with vampire entertainment related news. It's hand selected news, not automated. Currently posting about Vampire Diaries, Lost Boys: The Thirst, and Breaking Dawn. A fast way to keep yourself updated every day, if you're interested in vampires in popular media.

http://www.vampirenews.com/

October 10, 2010

New Goth Links for 10/10/10

DARK ART:

Anne-Julie Aubry

This French artist's dark art illustrations are of lovely dark-haired waifs and forlorn looking ladies wearing long dresses. There are also some fairytale illustrations here (Snow White and Rose Red; Little Red and the Wolf). My favorite is "My Only Friend," shown above. She also has a Whimsical Art gallery of girls in gossamer gowns, and her illustrations adorn some jewelry as well.

http://www.annejulie-art.com/

Damned III

A dark art show in Detroit, October 28-30 2010. "An exhibition of enlightened darkness." Artists include Chad Michael Ward, John U Abrahamson, Leonard Nimoy (yes you heard me right!) and Aunia Kahn. There will also be a masquerade, music performances, a dinner, and an absinthe tasting. This sounds incredibly cool, I would totally go if I lived within a couple hours drive.

http://thatdamnedshow.com/

Anne Sudworth

This is a different style of art than I usually share with you guys, and I almost didn't link it here. It's fabulous, but not spooky or goth. There are mystical forests, goblins, twisted trees, Druids, and fairies.

When I saw "Whitby Abbey" (shown above) I was convinced you will enjoy what you'll see here. Check out the artist's photo, probably the most stylish, fashionable artist photograph I've seen on a bio page yet!

http://www.annesudworth.co.uk

Julien Martinez

A French artist's gallery of dark, creepy artist dolls. My favorite is the ghostly, ethereal "Ophélien" shown above.

http://www.ozzdollsfactory.com/


DARK MAGAZINES:

Dark Beauty

This is an incredible new magazine that you can buy online. Download the digital copy, or order a print copy mailed to you. I am so impressed by the high quality photography and stylized design here. I'm definitely ordering a print copy to keep in my archives, at least of the October issue for starters. Their blog (which you of course can read for free) is updated often and has very interesting things to show you. I haven't been this impressed with a new magazine in a long time. This reminds me exactly why I enjoy doing what I do here at Dark Side of the Net.

http://www.darkbeautymag.com/

http://www.darkbeautymag.com/updates/


DARK MOVIES:

Horrortheque

This site posts links to public domain horror movies that are hosted elsewhere (Google Video, etc). If you're bored while working in another window, this is a great way to quickly find something interesting and horrific to watch, without having to take time to explore the video sites for yourself. They do a good job of keeping the links up to date, too.

http://www.horrortheque.com/


DARK MUSIC:

Saints of Ruin

Goth rockers from California. The guitars are a bit too noisy and metal-y for my personal tastes, but they're getting good press and being booked for cool gigs including the Vampire's Ball. My favorite song of theirs on MySpace is "End of Days."

http://saintsofruin.com/

Saints of Ruin on Facebook

Saints of Ruin, on MySpace

The Strand

An industrial rock/EBM band based in Chandler, AZ. They've performed at Convergence, and at the SLC Dark Arts Festival. They also play at steampunk conventions. I'm listening to "Haunted" on MySpace right now and really enjoying having it in the background while I work on this blog post today.

http://www.strandland.com/

The Strand on Facebook


DARK MUSIC GENRE:

Sepiachord

You already know about this important steampunk music resource, with news, event listings, articles, interviews and resources. I didn't have it in the Darklinks database for some reason, so making sure I get it in now.

http://www.sepiachord.com/

The Strand on MySpace

The Strand on Twitter


DARK NET RADIO:

Xiled Radio

This radio show is posted weekly on Thursdays. You can download it or play the recorded stream in your browser. The show plays powernoise, dark ambient, noise, and industrial music. They've posted 51 shows so far - that is incredible dedication!

http://www.xiledradio.com/

Xiled Radio on Facebook

Xiled Radio on Twitter


DARK SHOPS:

All Saints

This store confuses me, but also intrigues me. It's like a cross between Hot Topic, The Gap and Ralph Lauren. There's boring beige scarves and gray cardigans, but you can also pick up a Lady Death t-shirt for your little girl. The shop sells men's, women's, children's, jewelry and home items. The color palette is mostly gray, black, and cream. Definitely enough pieces here you could pick up some basics or things to layer with your existing fashion-maven-goth look. I probably won't be compelled to buy anything here personally, but it was quite interesting browsing around and I was surprised how much time elapsed before I was done looking. The shop is UK-based but has a web shop for the US.

http://www.allsaints.com/

http://www.us.allsaints.com/

Antoinette's Atelier

There are some really incredibly beautiful things here. Check out the 18th-century inspired black-and-white gown and this red rococo historical wig. The shop sells Marie-Antoinette and 18th-century France-inspired jewelry, wigs, costumes, and accessories - with a dark touch.

http://www.antoinettesatelier.com/

http://www.etsy.com/shop/AntoinettesAtelier

Antoinette's Atelier, on Facebook

An Etsy shop selling cute and spooky jewelry and hair accessories. There are also some steampunk items, like a pocket watch and a cyborg steampunk heart.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/hearseboutique

Velvet Mechanism

An Etsy store selling lovely steampunk jewelry. They also sell steampunk corsets, harnesses, cufflinks, and goggles.

http://www.velvetmechanism.com/

Velvet Mechanism on Facebook

October 6, 2010

October and November 2010 Dark, Goth and Horror Events

Abertoir Horror Festival

The National Horror Fest of Wales takes place November 10-14, 2010 at the Aberystwyth Arts Centre. The Damned will play, as will Zombina and the Skeletones.

http://www.abertoir.co.uk/

Abertoir Fest on Facebook

Abertoir Fest on Twitter

Buffalo Screams

Buffalo Screams Horror Festival takes place October 21-24, 2010 in Buffalo, NY.

http://www.buffaloscreams.com/

Crypticon

November 5-7, 2010 in Minneapolis. A "Mad Monster Party." Guests include William B. Davis ("Cigarette Smoking Man" from X-Files), Jeffrey Combs (Re-Animator) and lots of props and special effects masters.

http://www.crypticonminneapolis.com/

Crypticon on Facebook

Crypticon on Twitter

Chiller Theatre Expo

October 29-31, 2010 in Parsippany, New Jersey. It's a toy, model and film expo. It's not limited to the horror genre - there are also guests (including Larry Hagman, Bill daily and Barbara Eden) from "I Dream of Jeannie," "Star Trek: TNG" (LeVar Burton) and non-genre movies. Very cool guests from the genre include John Astin from The Addams Family, Linda Blair from The Exorcist, Kyron Schon from Night of the Living Dead, and Sara Karloff, daughter of Boris.

http://www.chillertheatre.com/

Chiller Theatre on Facebook

Dead by Dawn

A horror film festival held in Edinburgh, Scotland. Saturday, October 9, 2010.

http://www.deadbydawn.co.uk/

Dracula's Ball

The legendary ball, held October 30, 2010 this year in Philadelphia. Seraphim Shock will play.

http://www.draculasball.com/

Dracula's Ball on Facebook

Dracula's Ball on MySpace

Eerie Horror Film Festival

October 7-10 in Erie, Pennsylvania.

http://www.eeriehorrorfilmfestival.com/

Eerie Horror Film Festival on Facebook

Eerie Horror Film Festival on MySpace

Festival of the Dead

Throughout October 2010, Salem, Massachusetts will host many Halloween and witch-themed events. Their most famous event is the Official Salem Witches' Halloween Ball.

http://www.festivalofthedead.com/

Festival of the Dead, on Facebook

Festival of the Dead, on MySpace

Freak Show Horror Film Festival

October 8-10, 2010 at the Wyndham Orlando Resort in Orlando, Florida.

http://www.freakshowfilmfest.com/

Grimm Up North

A horror and fantasy film festival in Manchester, England, October 28-31 2010.

http://www.grimmfest.com/

Grimm Up North Group on Facebook

Grimm Up North Page on Facebook

Grimm up North, on Twitter

Horrorhound Weekend

November 12-14, 2010 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Malcolm McDowell will be there to help celebrate the 40th anniversary of "A Clockwork Orange," and Jeffrey Combs will help celebrate the 25th anniversary of "Re-Animator." Damn, I feel old now. Also, Julian Sands (from "Warlock," "Gothic," and "Naked Lunch") will attend.

http://www.horrorhoundweekend.com/

H.P. Lovecraft Film Festival and Cthulhu Con

This just took place October 1-3, 2010 in Portland, Oregon. Wish I could have made it! I hope to next year.

http://hplfilmfestival.com/

New York City Horror Film Festival

This is the ninth year of the NYC Horror Film Festival. It's held at various venues throughout New York City for the week of the festival, November 10-14, 2010.

http://nychorrorfest.com/

NYC Horror Festival on Facebook

NYC Horror Fest on Twitter

Rhode Island International Horror Film Festival

October 21-24, 2010 in Providence, RI.

Rhode Island International Horror Fest

Rock and Shock 2010

A horror movie and rock music festival in Worcester, MA. October 15-17, 2010. Guests include director George Romero, actress Adrienne Barbeau ("The Fog"), Alex Winter ("Lost Boys") and Doug Bradley (Pinhead in "Hellraiser").

http://www.rockandshock.com/

Rock and Shock Festival on Facebook

Sacramento Horror Film Fest

October 21-24, 2010 at the Historic Colonial Theatre in Sacramento, CA.

http://www.sachorrorfilmfest.com/

Sacramento Horror Film Fest, on Twitter

The Scarefest Horror and Paranormal Convention

November 5-7, 2010 in Lexington, Kentucky.

http://scarefestcon.com/

Scarefest on MySpace

Spooky Empire's Ultimate Horror Weekend

October 8-10 in Orlando, Florida at the Wyndham Orlando Resort. Same time as the Freak Show Horror Film Festival.

http://spookyempire.com/

Spooky Empire on Facebook

Starfury Presents The Vampire Ball

A three day convention celebrating vampires in the media. November 26-28, 2010 in London.

Starfury Presents - Vampire the Ball

Starfury: The Vampire Ball on Facebook

Steamcon

"The Weird Weird West." A steampunk convention right here in my hometown of Seattle, November 19-21, 2010. So big, it's at two hotels: the Marriott and Hilton at SeaTac.

http://www.steamcon.org/

Steamcon Group on Facebook

Steamcon on Twitter

Bram Stoker International Film Festival

October 14-17, 2010 in Whitby, UK.

http://www.bramstokerfilmfestival.com/

Bram Stoker Fest on Twitter

TeslaCon 2010

A Steampunk convention in Madison, Wisconsin, November 5-7 2010.

http://www.teslacon.org/

TeslaCon, on Facebook

Weekend of Horrors

A Creation Entertainment horror convention in Los Angeles. It takes place October 15-17, 2010 at the Marriott Burbank Airport Hotel. Bruce Campbell is the guest star, along with Clive Barker and "True Blood's" Kristin Bauer.

Weekend of Horrors

Whitby Gothic Weekend

October 28-31, 2010 in Whitby, UK.

http://wgw.topmum.co.uk/

Whitby Gothic Weekend on Facebook

Whitby Gothic Weekend on Wikipedia

ZomBcon

Seattle's zombie festival, October 28-31 2010 at the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall.

http://www.zombcon.com/

ZomBcon on Facebook

ZomBcon on Twitter

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