Category: Travel

Culture, Dining & Drink, Travel

Sinking My Fangs Into the Vampiric Side of New Orleans

by Jennifer Vasquez6 Comments on Sinking My Fangs Into the Vampiric Side of New Orleans
Vamp Jenn enjoying a Blood Bag Mocktail at the New Orleans Vampire Cafe
Vamp Jenn enjoying a Blood Bag Mocktail at the New Orleans Vampire Cafe

While I can’t explain why a vampire mythos surrounds New Orleans, there’s no denying that these nocturnal creatures have a connection to the city. One major reason is likely due to Anne Rice’s Vampire Chronicles. NOLA was such an integral part of the series and her characters, especially for Lestat, Louis, and Claudia in Interview With the Vampire. During my recent trip, there were three spots in particular that I was eager to visit because they’re entirely dedicated to the vampire figure.

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entertainment, Events, holidays, Lifestyle, Nightlife, Travel

Odd & Macabre Events 2026

by Jennifer Vasquez3 Comments on Odd & Macabre Events 2026
The Obscure upper chamber
The Obscure upper chamber

While one year has gone, another has begun. That means it’s time to look ahead to see what spooky surprises 2026 has in store. Every year on Vamp Jenn’s Corner, I like to compile a list of events that are taking place worldwide throughout the course of the next 12 months. My Odd & Macabre Events Calendar highlights all sorts of gatherings that fall under the strange and unusual umbrella. My hope is that it makes it easier to discover spooky events happening near you.

I include horror cons, immersive experiences, macabre holidays, dark art exhibits, Halloween haunts, and so much more. Some events are returning, so you may have seen them on my past calendars. I try to feature as many things as possible that take place across the globe, so a variety of locations are covered. I also do my best to keep this post updated and add more functions as I learn about them. Here’s a taste of what morbid and bizarre happenings you can expect in 2026. Please do bookmark and share this page. Enjoy!

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History, Travel

Chasing Vampires in NOLA with Haunted History Tours

by Jennifer Vasquez4 Comments on Chasing Vampires in NOLA with Haunted History Tours
Vamp Jenn at the gates of Jackson Square
Vamp Jenn at the gates of Jackson Square

Some believe real vampires have inhabited New Orleans for hundreds of years, emerging at night to seek out fresh prey. Author Anne Rice put these nocturnal creatures right on the map in NOLA when she penned her Vampire Chronicles. There’s no question that the city is laden with vampiric mythos, and like the vampire enthusiast I am, I had to book the vampire tour offered by Haunted History Tours. To top it off, I partook in the experience on All Hallows’ Eve!

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Culture, Travel

Exploring New Orleans’ Unique Cemeteries

by Jennifer Vasquez5 Comments on Exploring New Orleans’ Unique Cemeteries
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1

One of New Orleans’ distinct characteristics is its cemeteries. Mausoleums populate the landscapes of the city’s graveyards, encapsulating the remains of families, notable individuals, and numerous citizens. During my trip to NOLA, I had the opportunity to visit a couple of historic burial sites—St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 and Metairie Cemetery. I was in awe of the elaborate architecture and sentimental significance behind these landmarks of death.

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History, Travel

Exploring the Haunted Side of Long Beach on the Driver Horror Tour

by Jennifer Vasquez2 Comments on Exploring the Haunted Side of Long Beach on the Driver Horror Tour
Vamp Jenn hopping on the Driver Long Beach Horror Tour
Vamp Jenn hopping on the Driver Long Beach Horror Tour

The shuttle company Driver is offering a fun way to explore Long Beach, California, with their fleet of street-legal golf carts. Not only do they offer rentals for locals and visitors year-round, but they’re also hosting a special excursion for Halloween season. The wonderful people at Driver invited me to be part of their first-ever Horror Tour and I’m so thankful they did!

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entertainment, Events, holidays, Lifestyle, Nightlife, Travel

Odd & Macabre Events 2025

by Jennifer Vasquez5 Comments on Odd & Macabre Events 2025
Vamp Jenn in her coffin at Dark Harbor

While one year has gone, another has begun. That means it’s time to look ahead to see what spooky surprises 2025 has in store. Every year on Vamp Jenn’s Corner, I like to compile a list of events that are taking place worldwide throughout the course of the next 12 months. My Odd & Macabre Events Calendar highlights all sorts of gatherings that fall under the strange and unusual umbrella. My hope is that it makes it easier to discover spooky events happening near you.

I include horror cons, immersive experiences, macabre holidays, dark art exhibits, Halloween haunts, and so much more. Some events are returning, so you may have seen them on my past calendars. I try to feature as many things as possible that take place across the globe, so a variety of locations are covered. I also do my best to keep this post updated and add more functions as I learn about them. Here’s a taste of what morbid and bizarre happenings you can expect in 2025. Bookmark and share this page and enjoy!

Continue reading “Odd & Macabre Events 2025” →
Art, Culture, Dining & Drink, entertainment, Travel

The Ultimate Spooky Travel Guide to Long Beach, California

by Jennifer Vasquez6 Comments on The Ultimate Spooky Travel Guide to Long Beach, California
Vamp Jenn's Spooky Travel Guide to Long Beach, CA
Vamp Jenn’s Spooky Travel Guide to Long Beach, CA

Within Los Angeles County, there’s a city filled with spooky things to do—Long Beach. This SoCal city is where I grew up and holds a special place in my black heart. While there are many creepy activities and events sprawled across LA, I wanted to hone in on this slice of the California coast. I figured it’s time I create a travel guide to the LBC, mapping out macabre places you must check out. Whether you’re a visitor or local who’s pining for new spots to discover, this list is brimming with spooky finds and is meant for the traveler who appreciates the darkness.

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Lifestyle, Travel

Vamp Jenn’s Crypts: Welcome to RavenWolf Manor

by Jennifer Vasquez10 Comments on Vamp Jenn’s Crypts: Welcome to RavenWolf Manor
RavenWolf Manor in Navasota, TX
RavenWolf Manor in Navasota, TX

Imagine living in a Victorian house that’s more than 130 years old. Well, that fantasy is a reality for Lawyer B Douglas II and his husband who are the owners of RavenWolf Manor in Navasota, TX. The property is a majestic 19th-century structure that brims with beauty and enchantment. Be prepared to take a step back in time and into a spellbinding realm.

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History, Travel

Piecing Together the Mystery of The Black Dahlia with Grave Line Tours

by Jennifer Vasquez3 Comments on Piecing Together the Mystery of The Black Dahlia with Grave Line Tours
Vamp Jenn with tour guide Blaze
Vamp Jenn with tour guide Blaze

Despite the Hollywood glitz and glam that mainstream media likes to boast about Los Angeles, there’s no question that a dark energy also plagues the City of Angels. Grave Line Tours highlights the seedy underbelly of the town, “putting death on the map,” as they describe it. They offer various experiences exposing the tragedies that have occurred here, from the Manson murders to haunted sites. I went on an excursion to retrace the steps of the infamous Black Dahlia, a cold case that continues to mystify the public and remains unsolved.

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Events, Travel

The Grey Ghost Project: A Paranormal Investigation on The Queen Mary

by Jennifer Vasquez12 Comments on The Grey Ghost Project: A Paranormal Investigation on The Queen Mary
With lead paranormal investigator of the Grey Ghost Project, Becca
With lead paranormal investigator of The Grey Ghost Project, Becca

I had the opportunity to experience The Queen Mary in a way I haven’t before. The historic ship hosts a special attraction called The Grey Ghost Project. “Grey Ghost” is the name the vessel garnered when it was used for military transportation during World War II. The project, however, is not at all like the other tours offered and is a methodical, hands-on paranormal investigation of the ship. It’s a novel approach that produced interesting interactions.

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