House of Spirits: The Legend of Vaughan Hall

Vamp Jenn at House of Spirits: A Haunted Cocktail Soiree hosted at Casa Vertigo in Los Angeles
Vamp Jenn at House of Spirits: A Haunted Cocktail Soiree hosted at Casa Vertigo in Los Angeles

For the Halloween season, I returned to the House of Spirits, and this time to explore the legend of Vaughan Hall. I attended on October 15th, its first evening being open to the public. For 2022, the event took place at an entirely different venue in Los Angeles called Casa Vertigo. It offered up new live acts, performances, characters, cocktails and dark secrets.

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Beetle House LA’s Third Reincarnation Is the Best Yet

Vamp Jenn at the new Beetle House LA
Vamp Jenn at the new Beetle House LA

They say the third time’s a charm and I believe it’s true when it comes to Beetle House LA. The Halloween-inspired establishment has moved a total of three times since first opening in Hollywood in 2017. Its newest home is definitely bigger and better, and I have details and photos to share.

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REVIVE Circus & Dining Experience at Vibiana

REVIVE at Vibiana in Los Angeles
REVIVE at Vibiana

I recently stepped back into the Roaring Twenties during my time at REVIVE—an immersive experience that delivered astounding circus performances while guests wined and dined. The show had its final run this past weekend and, although I’m sorry to say it has ended for now, I wanted to share details and photos I took throughout the evening. It was a night filled with delightful libations, delectable food and dazzling entertainment. 

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Welcome to House of Spirits: A Haunted Cocktail Soirée

In front of the giant Ouija Board at House of Spirits: A Haunted Cocktail Soiree
At House of Spirits: A Haunted Cocktail Soiree

You are cordially invited to take a peek behind the doors of the House of Spirits. It was my first time experiencing this mysteriously macabre event, and I loved every minute of it! As the name states, it is a Haunted Cocktail Soirée, offering a variety of adult libations on the grounds of a beautiful estate—but that’s not all that was offered. The property held secrets only to be revealed to attendees. There were hidden rooms, eerie characters lurking down hallways and magical performances.

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My Vampire Transformation: Getting Custom Fangs by Father Sebastiaan

Photo credit: Pandora

My love for vampires has been rooted in me since adolescence. The history, mythology, literature, culture and lifestyle surrounding these nocturnal creatures have long held my fascination. I’ll admit that as a teen, after reading Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire, I hoped that there was a vampire lurking in the darkness, keeping watch over me and waiting for the opportune moment to turn me. Well, that hasn’t happened yet, but I recently experienced a transformation of sorts that has strengthened my connection to the vampire realm—I grew a pair of fangs. No, not literally. I had the opportunity to do a virtual consultation to get custom fangs made by master fangsmith Father Sebastiaan. Read on to find out about my experience.

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Best Macabre Dining Experiences in Los Angeles

Photo by Aphiwat Chuangchoem

Options for wining and dining in Los Angeles are abundant, but what if you like your main entrée served with a side of horror and a dash of devilish spice? From frightful feasts and witchy lounges to haunted bars, there are plenty of spots that will satisfy cravings for ghoulish delights. To aid you on your quest, I’ve rounded up a list of some of the best macabre dining experiences in Los Angeles. Bon(e) Appetit!

Note (update as of 6/2021): due to COVID-19, not all the places on this list are open for business. Some may provide outdoor dining or take-out/ delivery options. The following is still a great reference to look back to when these dining spots reopen again!  

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A Bewitching Dining Experience: The Cauldron Bar

Imbibing in the Grey Witch potion
Imbibing in the Grey Witch potion

Located in Buena Park, California, is a cozy little sanctuary called The Cauldron Spirits & Brews. The witch-themed restaurant and bar welcomes guests to cross its threshold for  an enchanting evening of good food and divine drinks. If you’ve yet to visit, here’s a behind-the-scenes look at this delightful spot. Continue reading “A Bewitching Dining Experience: The Cauldron Bar”