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We will see you tonight! Sunday, June 28, 6-9pm — The Long Dark House is coming to Elaine’s for its Summer 2026 event Soft Launch “SummerWeen” Celebration

When: Sunday, June 28, 2026 from 6-9pm

Where: 208 Queen Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314

Get your free ticket: eventbrite.com/the-long-dark-house-bookstore

About the event: Come hang out and check out the cozy vibes at the soft launch of The Long Dark House – a up-and-coming DC area horror/sci-fi bookstore!

The Long Dark House “SummerWeen” Soft Launch Celebration

🗓️ Sunday, June 28, 2026
⏰ 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Join us for the official soft launch celebration of The Long Dark House — a forthcoming indie bookstore and gathering space rooted in horror, sci-fi, and strange stories that stay with you long after the last page.

This evening is designed as an introduction to the world we’re building: a space for readers, writers, artists, and curious minds to gather, connect, and help shape a new community-centered literary space in the DMV.

Guests are invited to spend the evening exploring a curated bookstore pop-up, meeting fellow book lovers, learn more about upcoming book clubs and future programming, enjoy light appetizers, and enjoying an intimate author reading and signing (author announcement coming soon).

Throughout the evening, guests can also explore selections for sale from:
🕯️ Hemlock & Hearth — Southern Gothic fragrance house
🌙 Eclipse Botanical — whimsigoth-inspired soaps & self-care goods

Guests will also have the opportunity to enjoy tarot readings (fee applies), contribute to future book club and membership ideas, and help shape the future community surrounding The Long Dark House.

Each ticket will include a custom commemorative votive candle or body oil from Hemlock & Hearth while supplies last, along with entry into a community raffle featuring curated books, candles, gifts, and other surprises throughout the evening.

This event also serves as a fundraiser supporting the next chapter of The Long Dark House and helping us continue building toward future programming, pop-ups, and a permanent home.

Thank you for supporting independent bookselling, local creatives, and the dream of building more meaningful third spaces for our community.

✨ What to Expect

Summerween vibes and curated reading lists!
Blind date w/ a horror book
- Author reading & signing (TBA)
- Tarot readings
- Curated bookstore pop-up w/Horror, sci-fi & strange fiction/gifts
- Information on future book clubs & membership/community offerings
- Candles, fragrance, soaps & gifts from local brands
- Community raffle & giveaways
- Small bites & treats
- Cozy atmosphere, conversation, and community

We can’t wait to welcome you into the first chapter of The Long Dark House.

Meet the Event Organizer: Chanthal is the founder and creative director of Hemlock & Hearth, an independent Southern Gothic-influenced fragrance house based in Alexandria, Virginia. A longtime fragrance collector and indie perfumery student, Chanthal creates immersive fragrance experiences that blend ritual, storytelling, and atmosphere. Her work is rooted in ritual, memory, and the belief that scent is a portal — to confidence, to nostalgia, to connection.

Find more of Elaine’s Literary Salon events here.

About Elaine’s Restaurant: A menu filled with delicious modern Mediterranean cuisine selections is sure to please everyone in your party. The dishes are inspired by exquisite food from Alexandria, Egypt — a blend of Middle Eastern and French, Greek, and Italian influences. Elaine’s is named for the owner’s grandmother and is based on a promise she made at the age of 12, growing up in Cairo. “I promised my grandma I would someday own a restaurant and name it after her,” shares Cynthia, who is also an author. She and her husband, bestselling thriller novelist Jeffrey James Higgins, are proud to share my family’s recipes with new friends and families in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.” Located in an 1880s building, it was the previous home for 38 years of the beloved bistro Bilbo Baggins. The newly renovated restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town’s Historic District within sight of the Potomac River and Founders Park, just a few blocks from The Torpedo Factory Art Center, and Old Town Alexandria Waterfront. Make a reservation today: elaines-restaurant.com.