About Long Dark House
Welcome to Long Dark House. Where strange stories live.
Hello! My name is Chanthal, and I'm the founder of Long Dark House, an independently owned bookstore located at 1510 King Street in the heart of Old Town Alexandria, Virginia.
I'm a lifelong reader who discovered a love of horror and science fiction at an early age. From haunted houses and ghost stories to imagined futures and speculative worlds, books became a way to explore possibilities, ask questions, and find meaning in the unknown.
In September 2026, that lifelong love of stories became something tangible when we officially opened the doors to Long Dark House.
Specializing in horror, science fiction, fantasy, and other strange stories, Long Dark House was created with a simple belief: bookstores should be more than places to buy books. They should be places to gather, linger, discover, and connect.
A Home for the Strange
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.
More than a bookstore, Long Dark House is a literary hub and third space for the Alexandria community. It's a place to wander the shelves, discover a new favorite author, attend a reading, join a book club, find a thoughtful gift, or simply spend time among people who share a love of stories and curiosity.
Whether you've been reading horror for decades, are just beginning to explore science fiction, or simply appreciate a bookstore that's a little different, there's room for you here.
What You'll Find at Long Dark House
📚 Horror, Science Fiction, Fantasy & Beyond
Thoughtfully curated shelves featuring everything from literary horror and speculative fiction to dark fantasy, folklore, graphic novels, and other wonderfully strange stories.
✍️ Independent & Emerging Voices
A commitment to showcasing local authors, independent publishers, underrepresented voices, and stories worth discovering.
🎤 Author Events & Literary Programming
Signings, readings, book launches, workshops, conversations, and opportunities to connect with the people behind the stories.
👥 Book Clubs & Community Gatherings
From horror and science fiction discussions to creative meetups and social events, our calendar brings readers and curious minds together.
🎨 Artists, Makers & Independent Creators
A growing collection of work from local and independent artisans, celebrating creativity beyond the written word.
🕯️ Gifts, Fragrance & Curiosities
Literary-inspired gifts, candles, fragrance, chocolates, and unexpected treasures for the wonderfully strange.
🎲 Seasonal Celebrations & Special Experiences
Themed gatherings, creative workshops, immersive events, and a little magic throughout the year.
🏠 A Welcoming Third Space
A place for readers, writers, dreamers, and curious minds to gather, connect, and feel at home.
Rooted in Community
At the heart of Long Dark House is a commitment to building community through stories.
We believe vibrant literary communities are created through connection, curiosity, and shared experiences. We're proud to provide opportunities for readers, authors, artists, and independent creators to discover and support one another.
Our guiding values shape everything we do:
Welcome People Into the Strange.
Celebrate curiosity, individuality, and the stories that challenge our imaginations. Whether you're a lifelong horror reader or just beginning to explore the unfamiliar, there's always something new to discover.
Make Room at the Table.
Create a welcoming, inclusive space where everyone has a place. We believe stories are for everyone, and our bookstore should reflect the diversity of the people and perspectives that make our community special.
Create a Little Magic.
Bring wonder, creativity, and unexpected moments of joy into everyday experiences. From discovering the perfect book to attending an unforgettable event, we believe bookstores have the power to make ordinary days extraordinary.
Connection Beyond the Pages.
Build meaningful relationships and a sense of community through a shared love of stories. Books may bring us together, but the friendships, conversations, and connections that grow around them are what make a bookstore truly special.
We're still a young bookstore, growing and finding our rhythm, and we're grateful to everyone who has helped bring this little house of strange stories to life.
Follow Along & Stay Connected
There's always something strange happening around the House!
Follow us for new releases, staff recommendations, upcoming events, behind-the-scenes moments, and a look at life inside our little bookstore.
📸 Instagram: @longdarkhouse
🎬 TikTok: @longdarkhouse
💌 Join Our Mailing List: Be among the first to hear about upcoming events, special announcements, new arrivals, and other happenings around the House.
Whether you're visiting for the first time or have already made Long Dark House part of your routine, we're so glad you're here.
Welcome to the strange.
Where Stories Follow You Home. 🖤