Tag: long beach

Events, halloween

Inside Dark Harbor: The Spirits Rise on The Queen Mary

by Jennifer Vasquez7 Comments on Inside Dark Harbor: The Spirits Rise on The Queen Mary
Vamp Jenn at The Queen Mary's Dark Harbor
Vamp Jenn at The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor

The last time I attended The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor was in 2019 before it went dark for the proceeding four years. Experiencing its return this spooky season was exciting and overwhelming to the senses. Where do I begin? Since I’m an October baby, I celebrate my birthday by hitting up whatever Halloween events I can. Of course, Dark Harbor was at the top of that list. It was a night filled with frights and delights, and I’m eager to tell you all about it and share a ton of photos.

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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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Art, Culture

The Dark Art Emporium Resurrects in a New Space in Downtown Long Beach

by Jennifer Vasquez5 Comments on The Dark Art Emporium Resurrects in a New Space in Downtown Long Beach
The Dark Art Emporium in downtown Long Beach
The Dark Art Emporium in downtown Long Beach

When you’re looking to take in macabre works of art in Long Beach, CA, you head to The Dark Art Emporium, otherwise simply known as DAE. The gallery has been injecting the city with doses of weirdness since 2016, hosting darkly eclectic art exhibits and showcasing a variety of oddities. I’ve attended many of their events over the years and it’s definitely one of my favorite spots in the LBC.

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entertainment, Events, History, Travel

Inside the Haunted Encounters Tour Aboard the Queen Mary

by Jennifer Vasquez22 Comments on Inside the Haunted Encounters Tour Aboard the Queen Mary
Vamp Jenn aboard the Queen Mary
Vamp Jenn aboard the Queen Mary

When the world practically shut down in 2020, so did the Queen Mary. The historic liner was already in need of major repairs, and even when establishments began to open their doors for business, her royal highness remained closed. I’ve kept a close eye on updates regarding the vessel, and it’s undergone not only significant renovations and maintenance but also a change in management, putting complete control back in the hands of the city of Long Beach, CA.

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Fashion, Lifestyle

Spotlight on Eclipsed Emporium: A Goth Fashion Boutique in Long Beach

by Jennifer Vasquez8 Comments on Spotlight on Eclipsed Emporium: A Goth Fashion Boutique in Long Beach
Inside Eclipsed Emporium (Model: Angelina Sambrotto/ Photo credit: Anabel D'Flux)
Inside Eclipsed Emporium (Model: Angelina Sambrotto/ Photo credit: Anabel D’Flux)

As a goth resident of Long Beach, California, I was thrilled when I heard about the new boutique that opened up for the darkly inclined fashionista, Eclipsed Emporium. It’s nestled in the borough of Bixby Knolls and, when it comes to this part of town, is the only one of its kind and a veritable jewel. Outside of Los Angeles, the only other goth apparel and accessory shop I knew of was Ipso Facto in Orange County. Now there’s a spot in my neck of the woods, and I’m here to share it with you.

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Events

Midsummer Scream Thrills & Chills

by Jennifer Vasquez10 Comments on Midsummer Scream Thrills & Chills
Cross Roads Escape Games at Midsummer Scream
Cross Roads Escape Games at Midsummer Scream

For the first time in three years, Midsummer Scream made its long-awaited return to Long Beach, CA! After having to cancel the event in 2020 and move to a smaller venue in 2021, the Halloween and horror convention had its homecoming in 2022. If you don’t know, the event spans across a three-day weekend, featuring discussion panels, celebrity interviews, haunts, vendors and other activities geared toward the spooky community. I’ve been looking forward to it for months and am here to share details of my experience.

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Art, Events

The Dark Art Emporium Presents “Dakuato” & “12 Inches of Wood”

by Jennifer Vasquez7 Comments on The Dark Art Emporium Presents “Dakuato” & “12 Inches of Wood”

“Loveless” by Meimaro

“Dakuato” is the newest exhibition at The Dark Art Emporium in Long Beach, California, presenting the work of three artists hailing from Japan — Meimaro, Ren Hoshi and Niku. Also on display is “12 Inches of Wood,” a collection of provocative erotic art. Read on for a closer look at the artists and their intriguing and macabre creations. Continue reading “The Dark Art Emporium Presents “Dakuato” & “12 Inches of Wood”” →

Dining & Drink, Nightlife

The Apocalypse Has Come to Long Beach in the Guise of The 4th Horseman

by Jennifer Vasquez9 Comments on The Apocalypse Has Come to Long Beach in the Guise of The 4th Horseman

The 4th Horseman
The 4th Horseman

A dark and horror-filled restaurant has set up shop in Long Beach, California. Opening its doors this past November, The 4th Horseman is one of the most unique pizza joints to grace the city. I visited the spot and absolutely loved the vibe. If you haven’t been, here’s a look inside.

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Events

Getting Into the Halloween Spirit at Midsummer Scream

by Jennifer Vasquez10 Comments on Getting Into the Halloween Spirit at Midsummer Scream

Midsummer Scream Halloween and Horror Convention
Midsummer Scream Halloween and Horror Convention

This year marked my first time attending Midsummer Scream — a Halloween and horror convention that happens in Long Beach, California. The annual two-day event is fairly new having been around for just three years. It took place the last weekend of July and paid special homage to the 200th anniversary of Frankenstein. In case you haven’t heard of or been to this ghoulish festival, here’s a look.

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