Categories
Crafts/DIY Lifestyle

Yokai Shadow Box

Yokai Shadow Box

Every day is Halloween in my home, but the spooky season really unleashes my creativity. I love to do Halloween crafts to add beauty and whimsy to my home. A spooky shadow box is a fun addition to any wall -and you don’t have to be an artist to make one! Let me break down how I made a yokai shadow box.

Making a Shadow Box

Here is how I created this shadow box from an old Japanese print:

  • I searched through pictures from a royalty-free image book to find a scene that I thought may look nice in 3D.
  • After measuring my shadow box, I sized the image to fit.
  • I printed the image on white cardstock and cut out the elements I wanted to be 3D: the ghost, the ethereal flame, and the samurai. Then I took markers to enhance some of the colors and darken the lines. I used a black marker to outline the edges, so they were black and not white if seen from an angle. 
  • For the ghostly elements, I thought it would be neat to have them repeated on the background. For the samurai, however, I didn’t want him to be duplicated, so I edited the image in a photo editor to remove the samurai from the background. Once complete, I printed the background on white cardstock.
  • I attached some foam pieces to the backs of my cutout figures so they would be separated from the background and glued them into place.
  • To add a little more depth to the piece, I took some scrapbook paper that had a leaf pattern and cut the center out to create a leafy frame. I used black marker to color the edges to keep white from showing.
  • For the assembly, I began with my leafy frame, then I added a spacer (included with the frame I bought) to put some distance between the glass and the art. Next I added the main image with the raised figures and background. 
  • To embellish the shadow box, I used hot glue to add some metal pieces to the edges.

The result is an engaging piece which highlights my love for Japanese folklore. The same technique can work for any image. Try searching for a vintage Halloween image or something else that makes you think of the Halloween season!

Have you tried to make your own shadow box art? Show me your creations on Facebook & Instagram.

Yokai Shadow Box

Every day is Halloween in my home, but the spooky season really unleashes my creativity. I love to do Halloween crafts to add beauty and whimsy to my home. A

Read More »

Halloween Scareoke

Add some spooky fun to your next party with Halloween Scareoke. There are a many karaoke versions of Halloween classics on Youtube perfect for signing along with. Take turns covering

Read More »

The Scare Factor’s Haunt Advisor

Since 2004, The Scare Factor has provided Halloween fans with haunted attraction reviews and directory listings. Their reviews are written by a network of professional “Scream Teams” from around the

Read More »
Categories
Entertainment Music

Halloween Scareoke

Halloween Scareoke

Add some spooky fun to your next party with Halloween Scareoke. There are a many karaoke versions of Halloween classics on Youtube perfect for signing along with. Take turns covering your favorite horror hits!

Set the Stage

To have your Halloween Scareoke party be a hit, be sure to set the stage and create a fun atmosphere for the performances.

  • Arrange your room so there is an area for the singer(s) to stand for their performance.
  • Arrange chairs, sofas, and other seating in a semi-circle around the “stage” space, so everyone can watch when it isn’t their turn.
  • Rugs, curtains, and backdrops can help the acoustics and reduce echoes. Pick black or Halloween colors & prints to add to the spooky feel.
  • Dim the lights and/or set up party lights. Karaoke is fun and cheesy, so bring out those disco balls, party lights, and more. 

For the performers. Set up a microphone if you have one. If not, no worries, have your friends belt out the tunes the best they can – you are in your home, not a loud bar, so it should work fine. Play the karaoke music & lyrics from your tv or a laptop. Just make sure the singer(s) can see it easily while performing. They shouldn’t be standing with their backs to the screen.

Halloween Scareoke Music

Just have fun and sing your haunted heart out! 

For more Halloween & horror music ideas, check out my playlists:

Yokai Shadow Box

Every day is Halloween in my home, but the spooky season really unleashes my creativity. I love to do Halloween crafts to add beauty and whimsy to my home. A

Read More »

Halloween Scareoke

Add some spooky fun to your next party with Halloween Scareoke. There are a many karaoke versions of Halloween classics on Youtube perfect for signing along with. Take turns covering

Read More »

The Scare Factor’s Haunt Advisor

Since 2004, The Scare Factor has provided Halloween fans with haunted attraction reviews and directory listings. Their reviews are written by a network of professional “Scream Teams” from around the

Read More »
Categories
Attractions Destinations News

The Scare Factor’s Haunt Advisor

The Scare Factor’s Haunt Advisor

Since 2004, The Scare Factor has provided Halloween fans with haunted attraction reviews and directory listings. Their reviews are written by a network of professional “Scream Teams” from around the world. As of September 2026, 33 separate teams were listed on the website, and 2,300+ haunts were included in their directory. The quality of their reviews and extensiveness of their directory already set them apart as a top-notch place to go to find a quality haunt near you. Now for 2026, they have launched a new feature that provides customized recommendations based on your haunt preferences. The Scare Factor’s Haunt Advisor will find the best haunts for you personally, not just present a one-size-fits-all list of the “scariest haunts” to visit.

How It Works

After setting up a free account on The Scare Factor’s website, set your general area. Then use filters to generate your customized haunt list.

At launch, the preferences include “Scariness” (On a scale from “Light Scares” to “Peak Intensity”) and then four other criteria that can be adjusted from “Not Important” to Essential”:

  • Characters
  • Sets, Props, & Effects
  • Atmosphere & Store
  • Pacing & Flow

Once set, you will receive a customized list of haunts that match your preferences. You will be able to read the haunt’s official Scare Factor review, see any photos or videos from the Scream Teams, and read any user reviews. 

Next, you can “thumbs up” or “thumbs down” listings, save listings, or add them to your “Bucket List”. Each of those actions will help the Haunt Advisor to learn your likes and dislikes, further shaping the list as the haunt season continues.

My Preferences from The Scare Factor's Haunt Advisor Website

The Rankings

My personal Haunt Advisorrecommendations for Western New York

How does the Haunt Advisor rank its haunts? The biggest weighted factor is The Scare Factor’s official reviews from their Scream Teams. Each review ranks a haunt on 7 categories with a score of 1 – 10:

  • Cast
  • Costuming
  • Customer Service
  • Immersion
  • Special Effects
  • “Scare Factor”
  • Entertainment & Value

Each review will include a detailed breakdown of each “score sheet”.  According to their website, a simple scoring breakdown is:

  • N/A = Not Applicable
  • 1-2 = Unsatisfactory
  • 3-4 = Poor to Below Average
  • 5-6 = Average to Above Average
  • 7-8 = Good to Very Good
  • 9-10 = Exceptional (Some of the best we’ve ever seen)

After the official reviews, other factors taken into account are written reviews, thumbs up or thumbs down, saves, and bucket list adds. 

This is not a pay-to-play ranking list. Haunts cannot pay to have their haunt shown more in these customized lists. The Haunt Advisor is driven by actual guest experiences and is designed to be difficult for one sour customer or a couple over-zealous owners & their loving family members to skew results. Between the professional and guest reviews, you are much more likely to get an accurate idea of what each haunt holds before visiting.

Another important aspect of the Haunt Advisor is that if a haunt is scarier than your desired level of “Scariness”, it will not appear on your list. No one is helped by sending a nervous first-time haunted house visitor to the most extreme show in the county. Sometimes the highest rated haunt in your area is not the best fit for what you want out of the evening, and the Haunt Advisor’s algorithm is built with that in mind. 

Visit & Follow The Scare Factor

I have a lot of respect for The Scare Factor’s founders, Tyler and Nora Proffet. They put in an insane amount of effort and care into their directory, reviews, videos, and this new Haunt Advisor. 

If you are looking for haunts near you, or just curious what else is out there around the world, I highly recommend checking out www.thescarefactor.com. You can also follow their Facebook page, Instagram, Tiktok, and Youtube channel.

Yokai Shadow Box

Every day is Halloween in my home, but the spooky season really unleashes my creativity. I love to do Halloween crafts to add beauty and whimsy to my home. A

Read More »

Halloween Scareoke

Add some spooky fun to your next party with Halloween Scareoke. There are a many karaoke versions of Halloween classics on Youtube perfect for signing along with. Take turns covering

Read More »

The Scare Factor’s Haunt Advisor

Since 2004, The Scare Factor has provided Halloween fans with haunted attraction reviews and directory listings. Their reviews are written by a network of professional “Scream Teams” from around the

Read More »
Categories
Entertainment News Television

Freeform’s 31 Nights of Halloween

Freeform’s 31 Nights of Halloween

The 2026 edition of Freeform’s 31 Nights of Halloween kicks off October 1st with an all-new series and lots of your favorite family-friendly films. For many, this is a yearly tradition where we can marathon the films we have cherished since childhood and create new memories with friends and family.

The Lineup

Fans can spend Friday, October 16th, taking a haunting trip through Tim Burton’s gothic world with a marathon featuring Edward Scissorhands, Sleepy Hollow, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Dark Shadows, and Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.

Monster mash, anyone? Freeform’s October lineup is crawling with creature features, including Monsters, Inc., Monsters University, Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed, and Frankenweenie. From lovable beasts to mischievous misfits, these monstrously entertaining adventures prove there’s nothing to fear except missing movie night.

No October at Freeform would be complete without a spooktacular haunted house call. Beetlejuice, Casper, and the Ghostbusters franchise return to keep things appropriately ghoulish all season, including a Freeform premiere of Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire. So dust the cobwebs off your broomstick and get ready for a frightfully fun October. 

New Series - "Coven Academy"

The all-new series “Coven Academy” premieres October 1st on Freeform at 8:00 p.m. EDT/PDT, with the full season available the next day on Disney+, Hulu and Freeform On Demand. In the haunted heart of New Orleans, “Coven Academy” follows three teenage witches and their dangerously charming warlock peers at an elite magic boarding school where power is currency, secrets are lethal and attraction is a liability. Caught between ancient supernatural wars and forbidden love interests, the coven must decide how far they’re willing to go to protect their city—and themselves.

“Coven Academy” stars Malina Pauli Weissman (“A Series of Unfortunate Events”) as Briar, a fiercely independent New Yorker who discovers she’s a witch; Malachi Barton(“Camp Rock 3,” “Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires”) as Jake, a magnetic warlock with a dangerous edge; Jordan Leftwich (“The Family Switch”) as Sasha, a deeply empathic student who can read minds; Ora Duplass (“Their Town”) as Tegan, an irreverent time-bending witch; Louis Thresher (“Boarders”) as Ollie, a hungry, newly turned vampire; and Tiffani Thiessen (“White Collar,” “90210”) as Miss Graves, the formidable and glamorous head of the school. The series also features special guest star Devon Sawa (“Hacks”) as Mr. Cole, a brilliant and charismatic warlock professor. The recurring cast includes Swayam Bhatia as McKenna, Brendon Tremblay as Alexander, Keegan Connor Tracy as Tamora, BJ Harrison as Agnes and Nathaniel Logan McIntyre as Teese.

Yokai Shadow Box

Every day is Halloween in my home, but the spooky season really unleashes my creativity. I love to do Halloween crafts to add beauty and whimsy to my home. A

Read More »

Halloween Scareoke

Add some spooky fun to your next party with Halloween Scareoke. There are a many karaoke versions of Halloween classics on Youtube perfect for signing along with. Take turns covering

Read More »

The Scare Factor’s Haunt Advisor

Since 2004, The Scare Factor has provided Halloween fans with haunted attraction reviews and directory listings. Their reviews are written by a network of professional “Scream Teams” from around the

Read More »
Categories
Food Lifestyle

Apple Cider Recipe

Apple Cider Recipe

Get into that autumn frame of mind with a tasty apple cider recipe. 

Growing up in Western New York, I often visited apple orchards and pumpkin farms in the fall. The spiced apple cider was always fresh and delicious. Now in SoCal, more often than not my apple cider comes from a carton. It still brings back memories of hayrides and corn mazes, but I miss the homemade taste. For those of us who can’t just hop on over to a nearby apple orchard, here is a recipe to try at home. 

Step-by-Step Apple Cider Recipe

  1. Cut 10 large apples into quarters (removing the core & seeds).
    • Did you know that there are over 7,500 varieties of apples? For cider, I prefer sweet varieties of apple. Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Golden Russet, Sugar Crisp, and Gala are just a handful are great choices. If you prefer a more tart and acidic cider, try Pink Lady or McIntosh apples.
  2. Add the apples to a large stockpot with enough water to cover them by at least 2 inches. 
  3. Stir in ¼ cup maple syrup (Canadian maple syrup is the best), ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, 1 tablespoon ground allspice, and 1 teaspoon ground cloves.
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Boil, uncovered for one hour.
  5. Reduce the heat to low. Simmer (covered) for two more hours.
  6. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve. Discard the solids. Strain again through a sieve lined with a cheesecloth. We don’t want any little pieces in our drink.
  7. Serve warm or cool. Feel free to add additional sugar or maple syrup to get the cider to the sweetness you desire. 
20251019_CiderMill_LAHauntedHayride_195408_Website

Apple Cider

Have a taste of autumn with this homemade apple cider recipe.
Servings: 16
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • 10 Large Apples Gala, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, or other sweet variety work best
  • Water
  • ¼ cup Maple Syrup
  • ¼ cup Brown Sugar
  • 1 tbsp Cinnamon Ground
  • 1 tbsp Allspice Ground
  • 1 tsp Cloves Ground

Equipment

  • 1 Stockpot
  • 1 Sieve
  • 1 Cheesecloth

Method
 

  1. Cut apples into quarters (removing the core & seeds).
  2. Add the apples to a large stockpot with enough water to cover them by at least 2 inches. 
  3. Stir in maple syrup, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground allspice, and ground cloves.
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Boil, uncovered, for 1 hour.
  5. Reduce the heat to low. Simmer (covered) for 2 hours.
  6. Stain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve. Discard the solids. Strain again through a sieve lined with a cheesecloth.
  7. Add extra sugar if needed to sweeten to taste. Serve warm or cool.

More Halloween Treats

Apple Cider is a wonderful drink to pair with some Halloween treats. Check out some of my other recipes for inspiration:

Apple Pie

Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Chocolate Coffee Halloween Cupcakes

Yokai Shadow Box

Every day is Halloween in my home, but the spooky season really unleashes my creativity. I love to do Halloween crafts to add beauty and whimsy to my home. A

Read More »

Halloween Scareoke

Add some spooky fun to your next party with Halloween Scareoke. There are a many karaoke versions of Halloween classics on Youtube perfect for signing along with. Take turns covering

Read More »

The Scare Factor’s Haunt Advisor

Since 2004, The Scare Factor has provided Halloween fans with haunted attraction reviews and directory listings. Their reviews are written by a network of professional “Scream Teams” from around the

Read More »
Categories
Events News

Buffalo Horror Garage Sale

Buffalo Horror Garage Sale

It is a great time to be a Halloween & horror fan in Western New York. There are more haunts and horror-themed conventions than ever before. One that has quickly topped many fans’ lists is the Buffalo Horror Garage Sale. A horror-lover’s dream, this event has 100+ vendors, panels, celebrity guests, and more. They also hold multiple events throughout the year.

October 9th - 11th, 2026

The next Buffalo Horror Garage Sale takes place Friday, October 9th – Sunday, October 11th at the Buffalo Marriot Niagara.

  • Friday, October 9th: 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, October 10th: 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
  • Sunday, October 11th: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Tickets are $9.25 pre-sale (includes online ticketing fees) for single-day admission or $23.11 (includes online ticketing fees) for a weekend pass.  Weekend passes will have their own express line at check-in for more convenient entry. Day passes will be $10 each at the door. Children 12 and under are free.

According to the event listing, there will be 100 vendors, horror celebrities, panels, activities, and more. As of September 3rd, announced celebrities guests include Danny Lilker (known for his music with bands “Anthax”, “S.O.D., and more), Tom Savini (known for his special effects on Dawn of the Dead, From Dusk Till Dawn, Creepshow, and more), Mark Soper (known for Blood Rage and The Understudy: Graveyard Shift II), John A. Russo (known for Night of the Living Dead), and local filmmaker & author Gregory Lamberson (known for Slime City, Killer Rack, and more). 

Get your tickets here. 

Learn more on the event’s official website: https://www.buffalohorrorgaragesale.net/

Yokai Shadow Box

Every day is Halloween in my home, but the spooky season really unleashes my creativity. I love to do Halloween crafts to add beauty and whimsy to my home. A

Read More »

Halloween Scareoke

Add some spooky fun to your next party with Halloween Scareoke. There are a many karaoke versions of Halloween classics on Youtube perfect for signing along with. Take turns covering

Read More »

The Scare Factor’s Haunt Advisor

Since 2004, The Scare Factor has provided Halloween fans with haunted attraction reviews and directory listings. Their reviews are written by a network of professional “Scream Teams” from around the

Read More »
Categories
Apparel Lifestyle

Fall Fashion

Fall Fashion

Autumn is here and it’s time to break out my favorite Fall fashion looks. Fall flannel, spooky sweaters, red carpet rock – I love to show off all my spooky outfits. Here are some of my favorite looks over the years.

The Outfits

As you can see from my outfits over the years, there are a few fall fashion trends I love:

  • Flannel – especially reds and greens. They are comfy and help take the chill out of those cool autumn evenings
  • Black Leggings – Nothing works better with oversized sweaters or under dresses. They are light but still keep you warm in the evenings.
  • Boots – black, brown, or skeleton heels, boots elevate any outfit for the spooky season.
  • Autumn Colors – oranges and reds mirror the changing leaves and instantly give off those fall vibes.
  • Spooky Accessories – From purses, to earrings, to hair accessories, I love to plus every outfit with extra Halloween-themed touches.

Keep an eye out for my new styles and share with me your favorite looks on Facebook & Instagram.

For more fashion ideas, check out:

Yokai Shadow Box

Every day is Halloween in my home, but the spooky season really unleashes my creativity. I love to do Halloween crafts to add beauty and whimsy to my home. A

Read More »

Halloween Scareoke

Add some spooky fun to your next party with Halloween Scareoke. There are a many karaoke versions of Halloween classics on Youtube perfect for signing along with. Take turns covering

Read More »

The Scare Factor’s Haunt Advisor

Since 2004, The Scare Factor has provided Halloween fans with haunted attraction reviews and directory listings. Their reviews are written by a network of professional “Scream Teams” from around the

Read More »
Categories
Creative Photography

Sweet Heart Pin Up

Sweet Heart Pin Up

Specializing in pin up, boudoir, wedding photography, and vintage hairstyling, Sweet Heart Pin Up in Tonawanda, New York will make you look stunning. Founded by Destiny Rogowski in 2009, Sweet Heart Pin Up captures beautiful images for everyone, every shape and size. On her website she writes, “I believe every human deserves to be pampered and feel beautiful.” This philosophy certainly shines through with each photograph she takes.

I had the privilege of booking Destiny for a Halloween photo shoot in 2023. The resulting photos remain some of my favorites I have ever taken. It was a blast to be transformed into a 1930’s Halloween starlet for the afternoon and play on a red coffin set. She gave great directions and eased my insecurities. The result was a stunning portfolio of sassy photos!

The Photos

All photos by Destiny Rogowski of Sweet Heart Pin Up

Learn More About Sweet Heart Pin Up

If Destiny can make me look this good, just imagine what she can do for you! See her portfolio, read her bio, and check out her current pricing and packages at https://www.sweetheartpinup.com/. 

She regularly appears with pop-up photoshoots at local markets and hosts holiday specials in studio. Be sure to follow her on Facebook & Instagram to keep up with all her latest news.

I may not be the most photogenic, but I definitely have fun being in front of the camera. Check out my Sleeping with the Fishes Photo Shoot by the talented Moriah Burton. Also, stay up to date with my own photography on Facebook & Instagram.

Yokai Shadow Box

Every day is Halloween in my home, but the spooky season really unleashes my creativity. I love to do Halloween crafts to add beauty and whimsy to my home. A

Read More »

Halloween Scareoke

Add some spooky fun to your next party with Halloween Scareoke. There are a many karaoke versions of Halloween classics on Youtube perfect for signing along with. Take turns covering

Read More »

The Scare Factor’s Haunt Advisor

Since 2004, The Scare Factor has provided Halloween fans with haunted attraction reviews and directory listings. Their reviews are written by a network of professional “Scream Teams” from around the

Read More »
Categories
Entertainment Music

Vintage Halloween Playlist

Vintage Halloween Playlist

The retro Halloween style is back in fashion. Bring out your classic black and orange decor and prepare for a spooky soiree with this Vintage Halloween playlist. These tunes are perfect for a swinging wake!

The Song List

Ever since I was in high school jazz band, I have loved swing and 20’s – 50’s era jazz. I am so happy to see the iconography and music of the early-to-mid 1900’s coming back into pop culture. This playlist has some of my favorite vintage Halloween songs. They provide a spooky and whimsical atmosphere perfect for parties. While they have some Halloween novelty to them, they are just as melodically intricate and beautiful as standard classics of the time.

Listen to the playlist on Youtube.

Playlist Song Explanations

1. "The Skeleton in the Closet" - Putney Dandridge

There are two popular versions of this classic – one by Louis Armstrong and this one by Putney Dandridge. While I love Armstrong, Dandridge’s version has just a little more spunk. Its faster tempo makes this one perfect for grabbing your boo and shaking those bones.

“You never heard such unearthly laughter
Or such hilarious groans
When the skeleton in the closet rattled his bones”

2. "Dancing the Devil Away" - Victor Arden, Phil Ohman

“When you are down with the blues,

It means that the devil got into your shoes

Youll find them easy to lose,

dancing the devil away”

There is truth that it is hard to be gloomy and sour while hopping about to a dandy little tune like this one. With all sorts of devils and demons about on Halloween, it is best to get out on the dance floor to stay safe!

3. "The Little Man Who Wasn't There" - Glen Miller

This swinging big band era song is based off an 1899 poem by William Hughes Mearns, entitled “Antigonish”. The poem was inspired by legends of a ghostly man roaming the stairs of a haunted house in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. The spooky lyrics are a fun contrast to the swinging melody.

4. "I'm Gonna Haunt Ya" - Ray Noble & His Orchestra

Singers Lyn, Lee, and Lou add a haunting melody to this poppy, spooky tune. It reminds me a little of “Tonight You Belong to Me” by Patience and prudence, but with more of a dance beat below it. It certainly shares the slightly obsessive and creepy vibes. The singers’ harmony has an ethereal and ghostly quality to it.

5. "Minnie the Moocher at the Morgue" - Smiley Burnette

“Minnie the Moocher” was originally a 1931  jazz song written by Cab Calloway and Irving Mills. The original song centered on Minnie’s vices from being a “moocher” (exploiting the generosity of others) to being a “red hot hoochie coocher” (a sexually promiscuous woman) to “kicking the gong around” (using drugs). The song was extremely popular and is one of the most recognized jazz recordings in American history. 

Minnie has gone on to appear in other songs (including another a little further down on this list). In “Minnie the Moocher at the Morgue” poor Minnie is taken to the morgue by the police to see if she can identify some of the bodies. Looking over the corpses, she sees some of her fellow sinners – most  notably her boyfriend. It is a macabre and morbid tune, whose story can be summed up in its final lines:

“Now my little story’s all over
You’ve heard ’bout poor Minnie’s plight
Now if you think this story ain’t got no moral
You can just bet your bottom dollar you’re right”

6. "The Boogie Man" - Todd Rollins & His Orchestra

This little flirtatious Halloween tune is one of my favorites to sing in the shower. It seems to be from the perspective of a man who is perusing the object of his affections and teasing her about his persistence. It’s lyrics about The Boogie Man frightening “bad little girls like you” are fun and light for a vintage Halloween-themed party.

7. "Them's Graveyard Words" - Bessie Smith

Nicknamed the “Empress of the Blues”, Bessie Smith’s enchanting voice casts its spell in this morbid ballad. The lyrics tell of an abused woman who sets her sights on murder when her man leaves her for another woman. This song creates a moody and macabre atmosphere. 

8. "Ol' Man Mose" - Louis Prima, Joe "Wingy" Manone

This is another song with many versions, but this one by Louis Prima & Joe “Wingy” Manone is my favorite. It has a hopping beat and fun back and forth between the lead singer and background chorus. The song is about the discovery that an old man was found dead in his log cabin. I have to say, I really hope that people don’t sing a jolly song upon finding my corpse some day! This is another fun and morbid song to play in the background at your Halloween hootenany. 

9. "My Friend the Ghost" - Tommy Dorsey

Tommy Dorsey was a trombonist, conductor, and bandleader in the big band era, referred to as the “Sentimental Gentleman of Swing”. This song is from 1954, after his initial big band disbanded and he joined forces with his older brother (a bandleader legend in his own right) Jimmy Dorsey.

This spooky tune is about man’s best friend – a nine foot tall specter! It is cute and brings to mind Casper the Friendly ghost and other happy haunts. 

10. "Halloween Spooks" - Lambert, Hendricks, & Ross

Vocalists Dave Lambert, Jon Hendricks, and Annie Ross create a melodic chorus and fun scat impressions of a ghost, witch, and demon, all set to a fun jazz beat in “Halloween Spooks”. This song encapsulates the fun of the holiday with the tongue in cheek chorus:

“Halloween Spooks outside my window.

Halloween Spooks behind the tree.

I wish that the children could see, but I can’t find them for the life of me.

And there’s Halloween Spooks outside my window pane.“

11. "The Ghost of Smokey Joe" - Cab Calloway

In one of my favorite songs of all time, a ghost addresses his former acquaintances at the speakeasy. Smokey Joe was the life of the party while in corporeal form and won’t let being dead stop him from continuing. 

Cab Calloway does his signature call and response to his band, “hi-dee-hi-dee-hi-dee-hi”. He also ends the tune with his energetic scat singing, another of his iconic strengths. Side-note, he was born in Rochester, NY – quite close to my hometown area. 

Minnie the Moocher is briefly mentioned in this song, but apparently, she has stopped “kicking the gong around” – perhaps being at the morgue scared her straight! 

12. "The Headless Horseman" - Bing Crosby

When you think of crooner Bing Crosby’s holiday songs, his Christmas tunes are usually what come to mind, but this Halloween song is an enduring classic as well. From the Disney animated film The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (1949), this song is what Brom Bones sings at a Halloween party to spook the superstitious Ichabod Crane. 

While some of the lyrics have not aged particularly well, the overall story still sets a perfectly eerie mood for an evening. 

13. "You've Got Me Voodoo'd" - Charlie Barnet, Mary Ann McCall

Bandleader Charlie Barnet paired with singer Mary Ann McCall for this swinging tune. Halloween is a time for enchantment and this song can set the mood for romance. 

“You knew you had the power
And even picked the hour
When the full moon was up above
I was hypnotized when I looked into your eyes
My heart was filled with love”

And That's the Vintage Halloween Playlist!

Did you like it? What songs are on your Halloweenplaylist? Let me know on Facebook & Instagram.

Want some other spooky tunes? Check out more music and playlists here.

Yokai Shadow Box

Every day is Halloween in my home, but the spooky season really unleashes my creativity. I love to do Halloween crafts to add beauty and whimsy to my home. A

Read More »

Halloween Scareoke

Add some spooky fun to your next party with Halloween Scareoke. There are a many karaoke versions of Halloween classics on Youtube perfect for signing along with. Take turns covering

Read More »

The Scare Factor’s Haunt Advisor

Since 2004, The Scare Factor has provided Halloween fans with haunted attraction reviews and directory listings. Their reviews are written by a network of professional “Scream Teams” from around the

Read More »
Categories
Destinations

Support a Spooky Business

Support a Spooky Business

Support a spooky business this Halloween season by shopping local. There are so many cool horror and Halloween stores around the U.S. that have some unique items. Here are a few of my favorite spots to visit while traveling.

Black Sheep Market - Tonawanda, New York

Photo From Black Sheep Market's Facebook Page

Located at 71 Main Street in Tonawanda, New York (my hometown), Black Sheep Market has all sorts of oddities and curiosities. The owner sources items from artists around the country with horror, macabre, or just general quirky themes. From art prints (including some by Michelle Prebich of Bat in Your Belfy – my favorite SoCal artist) to taxidermy mice to ghost story books, this shop has perfect gifts for that special spooky someone in your life. 

Be sure to check the current hours, as they can change a bit during the year. Also, be sure to check their Facebook Page for special events and featured artists. Book signings and artist pop-ups happen pretty frequently.

This woman-owned business supports many causes in my local community and is a must-see when you visit the area!

Terror Trader - Chandler, Arizona

Terror Trader, located at 941 W. Elliot Road, Suite 3 in Chandler, Arizona, has a great mix of horror merch, comics & magazines, and horror-themed art and jewelry from local artists. Every time I visit this store they have new displays and cool photo ops in addition to a wonderful selection of horror items. 

They also host vendor markets, movie nights, special events, and more throughout the year. If you are a horror fan and in the Pheonix area, this is a must-see! 

Check out their website and Facebook page for more information. 

Boutique du Vampyre - New Orleans, Louisiana

In the heart of the French Quarter, Boutique du Vampyre honors the spooky history and lore of New Orleans. Located at 709 Saint Ann Street in New Orleans, Louisiana, this shop specializes in vampire, ghost, and voodoo-themed items. You can find crafts, books, and curiosities from local artists and more. It is my favorite place to find unique items and souvenirs. 

I haven’t been able to get out that way in a few years, but if they still sell their secret map, be sure to pick one up! It shows the best secret bars and ghostly spots for horror-lovers – and it supports small spooky businesses!

Learn more on their website and Facebook page. 

Halloween Town - Burbank, California

Photo From Halloween Town's Facebook Page

Halloween Town is not just a store, it’s an experience! Located at 2921 W Magnolia Blvd in Burbank, California, this store carries costumes, decor, collectibles, books, toys, and more. The minute you walk inside the doors, you are transported to a haunted village where every day is Halloween. Every inch of the place has something to browse, and I can easily spend an hour in here looking through all their offerings.

Learn more on their website and Facebook page. 

To make a full day of this shopping experience, continue down the street – this section of Magnolia Blvd. is known as “horror row” and features other spooky shops including the Horror Boo-dega with horror-themed snacks and the Mystic Museum – complete with seasonal horror immersive experiences.

Which spooky local businesses do you support? Let me know on Facebook & Instagram. I am always looking for fun stops throughout my travels!

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