Young adults are going to love Chanthal Harris’ new gothic-inspired bookstore in Old Town, Alexandria — Long Dark House: Where Stories Follow You Home

If you love stories that make you feel a little (or a lot) scared, shocked, and totally curious about things that go bump in the night — you are going to love Chanthal Harris’ new bookstore, Long Dark House at 1510 King Street in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia — just a short walk from the King Street Metro stop.

She’s opening the doors on September 1, 2026, and on the August 11 episode of ElainesLiterarySalon.com show, we are going to talk with her about her big plans for the shop, her dreams of spreading her love for books, and what brought her to this moment in her life!

For now, here’s a little taste to get you started!

InkandescentKids: Tell us what we can expect at Long Dark House!

Long Dark House bookstore

Chanthal: It will be an independent bookstore specializing in horror and science fiction, with a carefully curated selection of other strange stories. Rooted in community, curiosity, and imagination, the bookstore was founded on the belief that bookstores should be places to gather, linger, discover, and connect.

InkandescentKids: What inspired the name of the store?

Chanthal: The name Long Dark is rooted in the idea of the liminal—the spaces between what was and what comes next. It exists in that threshold between certainty and possibility, where stories take shape, transformation becomes possible, and the ordinary gives way to wonder. Through books, events, and community programming, Long Dark House embraces the mysterious, the unconventional, and the imaginative while creating a welcoming home for readers who find comfort in the strange.

InkandescentKids: You are planning to make this a literary hub, right?

Chanthal: Definitely! It will be more than a bookstore. Long Dark House is intended to be a literary hub and third space for the Alexandria community….a place where readers can browse shelves, attend events, join book clubs, discover new authors, buy gifts/chocolates, and spend time among people who take comfort in the unconventional.

InkandescentKids: Tell us what types of book we will find at Long Dark House.

Chanthal: Supporting local authors, independent creators, and regional artists is central to the Long Dark House mission. We believe vibrant literary communities are built through connection, and we are committed to creating opportunities for readers and creators to discover one another.

Hemlock & Hearth

Here’s what we are planning:

  • 📚 Horror and science fiction at the heart of our shelves
  • ✍️ Local authors, independent authors, and emerging voices
  • 🎤 Author signings, readings, workshops, and literary events
  • 👥 Book clubs, discussion groups, and community gatherings
  • 🎨 Local artists, makers, and artisan goods
  • 🕯️ Literary-inspired gifts, curiosities, fragrance, and treasures for the wonderfully strange
  • 🎲 Seasonal celebrations, themed events, and immersive experiences
  • 🏠 A welcoming third space for readers, writers, dreamers, and curious minds

One of the many things I love about you is that you are a community builder. It’s clear this is a space for Authors, Publishers & Creators!

Chanthal: Yes! Authors, publicists, publishers, and creators interested in working together are encouraged to reach out. Long Dark House welcomes inquiries regarding:

  • Author visits and signings
    • Book launches and release events
    • ARC submissions and review copies
    • Publisher and publicist outreach
    • Workshops and panel discussions
    • Community partnerships
    • Artist and artisan collaborations

Just send me an email: longdarkhouse@gmail.com

There’s more information to come, including:

  • This isn’t your first endeavor as a goth-inspired entrepreneur. You also have a remarkably successful line of candles under your brand, Hemlock & Hearth. Tell us about that company.
  • Have you always wanted to be an entrepreneur?
  • For decades, you also have had a pretty important day job. Tell us about that!
  • Where did you grow up? What brings you to Northern VA?
  • What do you want our audience to take away from this episode?

Thank you so much, Chanthal! We cannot be more excited for you at ElainesLiterarySalon.com. In fact, we are co-hosting some of your bigger events — including a massive Halloween party on Oct. 29 at Elaine’s, 208 Queen Street.

Everyone: Check out Chantal’s website so you can attend her grand opening and many events — www.LongDarkHouse.com.