Vampire Tourism: Top Spots For Undead Travel

BY AARON SAGERS
(Originally published at Travel Channel)

If you have a thirst for vampire tourism, there are countless undead spots worldwide to sink your teeth into -- we’ve dug up the top 10 vampire destinations to get your spook on.

1. Mercy Brown's Grave
Located in a church cemetery in Exeter, RI, is the grave of Mercy Brown, aka “New England’s Last Vampire.” When she died in 1892 at the age of 19, Mercy was the third member of her family to succumb to tuberculosis (aka "consumption"). As part of the larger 19th-century New England vampire panic, some folks believed Mercy was feeding off humans, so they exhumed her body and burned her heart, giving a mixture of the ashes to her sick brother to ward off evil.

'True Blood' Recap: 'Love is to Die'

Courtesy HBO

BY DENISE PURVIS

Sam
Sam decides to hit the road with Nicole so that he can see his baby grow up. He leaves Sookie a touching note. He tells her that he and Nicole are heading to Chicago and that she is invited to come up after the baby is born.

Sookie
Bill refuses to explain why he won’t take the antidote from Sarah to Sookie or Jessica. Jessica is sad and Sookie is pissed and keeps slapping Bill. Jessica makes Bill release her. Bill delivers a lovely speech then lets her go.

Ol' girl is having a pretty bad day. First she has to endure Bill refusing an antidote to his Hep-V then getting the Dear John letter from Sam. She delivers the other letter to Andy, and offers to stick around in case he needs a shoulder to cry on. Turns out that it’s just a resignation letter.

Sookie is too depressed to join the little celebration at Bellefleur’s. Sookie asks Arlene how she keeps moving on since she’s had so many failed relationships. Somehow Arlene’s five minutes of advice perks Sookie up, and she joins the table for dinner.

FX's 'The Strain' Returning for Season Two

This promo shot caused some controversy. Understandable.

Some good news just came out of Canada for fans of the Guillermo del Toro-created FX series, "The Strain." A second season is about to be announced announced by the network. The series is shot in Toronto and Global News Canada recently learned that they're heading back in November to shoot season two. The first season was also shot there from September 2013 to April.

"The Strain" is based on Del Toro and Chuck Hogans trilogy of books about an virally vampiric ancient threat to modern humanity and stars Corey Stoll, Mia Maestro, Sean Astin, and David Bradley.

A little more about "The Strain" from FX...
"The Strain" is a high concept thriller that tells the story of "Dr. Ephraim Goodweather," the head of the Center for Disease Control Canary Team in New York City. He and his team are called upon to investigate a mysterious viral outbreak with hallmarks of an ancient and evil strain of vampirism. As the strain spreads, Eph, his team, and an assembly of everyday New Yorkers, wage war for the fate of humanity itself.

Co-Creators, Executive Producers and Writers Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan co-wrote the pilot script for The Strain, which was directed by del Toro. Emmy® Award winning Writer and Producer Carlton Cuse serves as Executive Producer/Showrunner and Writer. Gary Ungar also serves as Executive Producer. The series is produced by FX Productions.

The sixth episode, "Occulation," airs this Sunday at 10 p.m. ET. Check back here for recaps after the episodes air.

"Occulation" Synopsis:
After warning Kelly to leave the city with Zack ahead of the spreading plague, Eph is arrested by the FBI. Eichhorst has one final job for Gus, while Setrakian realizes that the coming eclipse is the tipping point for virus infection and the beginning of the end.

(Thanks to Dread Central for the heads up on this news.)

-Larissa Mrykalo

New 'From Dusk Till Dawn' Maze Coming to Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights

Halloween Horror Nights just got even more bite! Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort has teamed up with Robert Rodriguez to bring a "From Dusk Till Dawn" maze to their annual event. The supernatural series airs on the El Rey network, Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET. Do you think you're a match for the Culebras and Santanico Pandemonium? Check out the complete details from the press release and then the video announcement. If you plan on going, make room in your suitcase for us!

Release:
From cult horror film to breakthrough television series on El Rey Network, “From Dusk Till Dawn” will add terrifying maze to its credits when filmmaker Robert Rodriguez’s acclaimed supernatural show debuts as a menacing new “Halloween Horror Nights” experience at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort, beginning Friday, September 19.

'The Strain' Recap: Series Premiere 'Night Zero'

Courtesy FX

BY DAWN FEAKES

Fans of the book and graphic novel, "The Strain," rejoice! Your long nightmare is over; the Master has made his move and he is here.

A trans-Atlantic airliner inbound from Berlin is on the final approach to JFK in New York when a huge figure lunges out of the cargo hold, killing all passengers and crew the moment the wheels hit the tarmac. Sufficiently creeped out by the deadly silent plane, the airport personnel call in the CDC. Alas, the head of the CDC's New York Canary Team, epidemiologist Dr. Ephraim Goodweather, is otherwise engaged at the moment, trying to prove to the family counselor and his ex-wife that he too should be granted custody of their son, Zach. Eph's night is about to get worse as when he makes his appeal, his phone will not. stop. ringing. Succumbing to its siren call, he heads out to JFK and meets up with the rest of his team, Dr. Nora Martinez and administrator Jim Kent. Huh, never thought that airports would have the CDC on speed-dial.

'True Blood' Recap: 'Death is Not the End'

Courtesy HBO

BY DENISE PURVIS

This week's "True Blood" opens with Sookie making a call to Alcide’s dad to let him know that Alcide was killed, and Jason making a call to Hoyt to let him know that Maxine has been killed. If you remember, Hoyt was glamored so he wouldn’t remember Jason or Jessica, so he has no idea who Jason is when he calls. Jason can’t hold it together, so Sookie tells him to man up.

Eric & Pam
We find out that Pam and Eric were in Shreveport as a form of punishment from the Magister. They were forced to run a video store. Strange punishment, no? They even had a XXX section downstairs. The Magister also made helpful mention of the underground entrance and exit from that building. Thanks for that tidbit of info! It will be helpful later. The Authority made Eric the sheriff of Area 5 so that they could keep an eye on him.

Flashback to 1987, when Fangtasia was still that nasty video store. Ginger (!!!) enters the store to get some vampire movies. She is clearly enamored with anything related to vampires and applies for the dayshift position at the store.

Ginger eventually comes up with the grand idea of Fangtasia, and Pam steals the idea from her. In the future she tells Eric that she stole his idea. They have a good chuckle about it.

They show up at Bill’s house, and Eric and Sookie have a heart to heart.

HBO Reveals 'True Blood' Episode Titles and Descriptions

HBO has released information on "True Blood"'s three July episodes and they hint at some bloody bad news. Would we expect anything less? When you see hints that involve a "dangerous plan," "bloodbath," "bearers of bad news" and (ugh) "Sarah Newlin," you know this final season is amping up for a big finish.

Check out the episode titles and descriptions below, including the air times...

Episode #73: “Fire in the Hole”
Debut: Sunday, July 6 (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET/PT)
Other HBO playdates: July 6 (11:30 p.m., 2:00 a.m.), 7 (11:30 p.m.), 8 (12:15 a.m.), 9 (8:00 p.m., 12:35 a.m.) and 11 (midnight)
HBO2 playdates: July 7 (9:00 p.m.), 10 (4:20 a.m.), 12 (9:00 p.m.) and 13 (8:00 p.m.)
Sookie (Anna Paquin) hatches a dangerous plan to take down the H-Vamps, even as Vince (Brett Rickaby) and his armed vigilantes pose an equally serious threat. Lafayette (Nelsan Ellis) gets high with James (Nathan Parsons); Jason (Ryan Kwanten) eyes a family future with Violet (Karolina Wydra); Willa (Amelia Rose Blaire) is forced to find a new place to stay; Sarah Newlin (Anna Camp) sheds her past. Pam (Kristin Bauer van Straten) offers Eric (Alexander Skarsgård) a compelling reason to return to Louisiana – and be the vampire he used to be.
Written by Brian Buckner; directed by Lee Rose.

'True Blood' Retrospective: 'A Farewell to Bon Temps' Reflects on the HBO Series

Courtesy True Blood Facebook Page

The seventh and final season of "True Blood" premieres at 9 p.m. ET this Sunday on HBO but last Sunday, fans were treated to a retrospective on the series with "A Farewell to Bon Temps." It featured not only creator and executive producer Alan Ball, but also the key players, including; Anna Paquin, Stephen Moyer, Sam Trammel, Alexander Skarsgård, Carrie Preston, Rutina Wesley, and Kristin Bauer van Straten.

The 27-minute flashback featured some cool stories about the origins of the series and how the cast really felt and still feels about each other. Of course there were some tears...sadly, not of blood. If you didn't get a chance to check it out last Sunday, we have it for you here. Of course, we'd love for you to weigh in on some of your favorite moments and what you're most looking forward to in the final season.



-Larissa Mrykalo

New Zak Bagans Creation, 'The Vampire Adventures' In the Works

Master Fangsmith Father Sebastiaan

There are plenty of films and television programs about vampires (R.I.P., NBC's "Dracula;" welcome to TV land, "The Strain") but a programming about real vampires is limited. Enter "The Vampire Adventures," a new series that delves into the world of actual vampires that roam the Earth. The show was created by Zak Bagans ("Ghost Adventures") with a partnership between My Tupelo Entertainment and Alfred Haber Television.

According to TBI Vision, "It will be fronted by Master Fangsmith Father Sebastiaan, founder of the Sabretooth Clan, the world’s largest vampire community. He will travel to destinations steeped in vampire mythology through the series."

Alfred Haber commented on the partnership, “Vampire stories date back to early times and can be found in many different cultures, and we are honoured to be working with My Tupelo Entertainment in this unique co-development and distribution partnership to represent this brilliantly distinctive show to the international marketplace.”

TBI reports that a broadcaster has yet to be named but we'll keep you posted on any new developments.

-Larissa Mrykalo

New Extended Trailer for del Toro's 'The Strain' Gives Us Plot Clues

Courtesy FX

A just-released 30-second trailer for the new Guillermo del Toro series, "The Strain" paints a very ominous picture. It was nice to see FX give us more than a few seconds of tease and damn this series looks to be deliciously creepy. The official synopsis for the series hints at lots of virally-induced grim death and one of our favorites...vampires. The series is based on the 2009 vampire/horror novel written by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan. Two books followed in the trilogy, "The Fall" and "The Night Eternal."

Let us know what you think of this extended look. Tune in for the first of 13 episodes on FX this July 13 at 10 p.m. ET.

Here's the official synopsis from FX:
"The Strain" is a high concept thriller from Academy Award® nominated Filmmaker Guillermo del Toro, author Chuck Hogan and writer/producer Carlton Cuse, which is based on the best-selling vampire novel trilogy of the same title written by del Toro and Hogan. It tells the story of “Dr. Ephraim Goodweather,” the head of the Center for Disease Control Canary Team in New York City. He and his team are called upon to investigate a mysterious viral outbreak with hallmarks of an ancient and evil strain of vampirism. As the strain spreads, Eph, his team, and an assembly of everyday New Yorkers, wage war for the fate of humanity itself.



-Larissa Mrykalo

New Trailer for Vampire Mockumentary 'What We Do in the Shadows'

Courtesy Facebook

Another vampire film? Yes, but this looks fresh and hilarious. "What We Do in the Shadows" is brought to you by Kiwis, Jemaine Clement ("Flight of the Conchords") and Taika Waititi ("Eagle vs. Shark") and we're now getting a first look at this Sundance choice.

This mockumentary follows the trials and tribulations of three vamp flatmates living in Wellington. They're followed around by a documentary crew, and we see first hand what vampire life is like behind the scenes. For example, their struggles getting invited into clubs and trying not to eat the camera crew. We also learn the obvious, "When you're a vampire, you become very sexy." Even if you don't like this genre, the trailer will amuse you so give it a watch (after the jump). There's no release date mentioned but we hope it's soon...it's not like we're going to live forever!

New Season 7 Teaser for 'True Blood' Debuts

Courtesy YouTube/HBO

A new clip for the final season of "True Blood" debuted right before Sunday's new episode of "Game of Thrones" and Sookie's hair looks damn good for the upheaval that seems to be occurring. Vampires (Zompires?) have attacked...in a church and it seems that the war against humans is causing them to turn into "animals" in order to survive. The final season has been promised to be bloody and deadly which is exactly what we should expect from a vampire series.

Check out the teaser below and let us know who you think will remain standing at the end because as Sookie says, "There's no one left." The new season begin on Sunday, June 22 at 9 p.m. ET on HBO.

-Larissa Mrykalo

'Face Off' Recap: 'Bloodsuckers'

Courtesy Syfy

BY ASHLEY ADRIANCE

Four artists remain this week on “Face Off” as they take one of the most legendary movie monsters, the vampire. Meeting up with McKenzie and Patrick Tatopoulos they learn about their next spotlight challenge. This week, they will pick a coffin and create a unique vampire inspired by the legend inscribed on the wooden steak found inside the coffin. Each legend has a unique characteristic that must be incorporated and they must introduce an extreme ability that is not associated with vampires. Patrick tells the artists to pay attention to the culture and the backstory of their legends because they will find some very useful information.

Tyler - Sasabonsam from Ghana
George - Yara Ma Yha Who from Australia
Rashaad - Jiang Shi from China
Niko - Aswang from Philippines

The Final Season of 'True Blood' Premieres June 22 and Gets a Creepy Teaser Trailer

The seventh and final season of "True Blood" finally has a premiere date and an eerie teaser trailer that takes a walk down memory lane...via graves...and ends with a final RIP for the series. The teaser is scheduled to be aired to correspond with Sunday's premiere of "Game of Thrones." Make sure you tag the series with the hashtag #TrueBloodForever and brace yourselves for a season that Ryan Kwanten promised to contain some shocking deaths.

"True Blood" will premiere on Sunday, June 22 at 9 p.m. ET. HBO also released the following summation of the season:

“'True Blood' begins its ten-episode, seventh and final season Sunday, June 22 at 9:00 p.m. Mixing romance, suspense, mystery and humor, the series takes place in a world where vampires and humans co-exist, after vampires have come out of the coffin, thanks to the invention of mass-produced synthetic blood that means they no longer need humans as a nutritional source. The series follows waitress and part-faerie Sookie Stackhouse (Anna Paquin), who can hear people’s thoughts, vampire Bill Compton (Stephen Moyer) and vampire Eric Northman (Alexander Skarsgård). Alan Ball created the show, which is based on the bestselling Sookie Stackhouse novels by Charlaine Harris.”



-Larissa Mrykalo

'Being Human' Recap: 'House Hunting'

Courtesy Syfy

BY DAWN FEAKES

We're starting to get some answers here so let's do this.

Aidan goes to see Kenny who is fuming over Astrid's death but doesn't know that Kenny knows the truth. This will go well seeing as how emotionally stable teenagers are and all.

Back at the house it's crunch time to move-out date. Everyone is sad about leaving but Ramona is taking this very hard. Sally feels bad and wants to help her but Josh is really creeped out by her. Listen to the man, he knows what he's talking about. They are all looking at fresh starts - Nora and Josh in her apartment as a married couple and Aidan and Sally living in Pete's old RV down by the river after the most romantic proposal ever: "Will you haunt me?" Great! Everyone has a plan except Ramona who rocks in her room, "What about me? What about me?" Guys, can't someone invite her to go with them or something?

'Prince Lestat' Arrives in October ... Followed by 'Blood Paradise?'

Last night, author Anne Rice provided her fans with another tidbit about her upcoming novel, "Prince Lestat" including a tease to what the title of her next novel may be. Here is a part of what she said on her official Facebook page, "Well, guys, I'm signing off early. I finished the very last copy-edit corrections to 'Prince Lestat' tonight (this is one of the key steps in the production of a finished hardcover book) and I am elated and tired. I am brimming with the ideas and stories which will become the next book of Lestat's new adventures, likely to be entitled 'Blood Paradise.'"

"Blood Paradise"... sounds maliciously delicious! The internet exploded with the news of her newest novel that will be coming out October 28 especially since fans didn't think they'd be see the Brat Prince again. The synopsis for the novel was recently released and confirms that it will take place where "The Vampire Lestat" left off:

Anne Rice Announces New Novel 'Prince Lestat'

Courtesy of Anne Rice's Facebook Page

At 8 p.m. ET on Sunday, author Anne Rice made a pretty tasty announcement on the internet radio program, "The Dinner Party Show" (which is hosted by her son Christopher Rice and author Eric Shaw Quinn). Fans of the “Brat Prince” Lestat de Lioncourt can rejoice, for this October 28, he returns in her new novel, "Prince Lestat." Presales of what she is calling a direct sequel to "Queen of the Damned" begins on March 16. She finished writing the book last August and has been dying to tell everyone about it!

Here is what she said on her Facebook page and then you can watch the announcement for more details. Are you as excited as she is? Let us know your thoughts!

Guys, I am heading for bed after an exciting and fulfilling evening. In West Hollywood today, on The Dinner Party Show, I announced my new book, "Prince Lestat" which will be published on October 28th. It was such a relief and such a pleasure, at last, to be able to speak about the up and coming novel, which I finished some time ago. And I want to thank all of you who made this a thrilling experience for me. Thank you for your generous and enthusiastic posts, both here, and on The Dinner Party Show FB page. Thanks for letting me know you haven't forgotten by beloved Brat Prince. --- Sharing my experiences with you on this page is an extraordinary joy. We now have over 995,000 people tuning in here and will soon reach one million. I am so grateful. It's such fun. It's more than fun. Good night and blessings to all. ‪#‎PrinceLestat‬.



-Larissa Mrykalo

Syfy Offers Previews of Monday's 'Bitten,' 'Being Human' and 'Lost Girl'

Monday night's line-up on Syfy brings mayhem and monsters and the network is offering previews and clips of "Bitten," "Being Human" and "Lost Girl." Check out the descriptions and clips below...

"Bitten" 8 p.m. ET
The Pack is under attack again and everyone must put their personal issues aside to survive. Plus: Get ready for a werewolf transformation like none other. Check out a sneak peek below, where the Pack searches for their enemies. Then, re-watch a clip from episode eight, when Elena confronts LeBlanc and Karl in an attempt to save Jeremy.

'Being Human' Recap: 'Rewind, Rewind'

Photos Courtesy Syfy

BY DAWN FEAKES

We really can't get into tonight's episode with addressing the elephant in the room: our beloved 'Being Human' ending. I have many feels, mostly of the sad variety but going into the back 9 (6), we are setting up for a hell of a showdown on the 18th green. Let's do this.

Remember, Sally is now stuck in 2010 with herself the night she died but this is a stronger, wiser, more impulsive Sally who rather than passively watches herself be thrown down the stairs, jumps into her past self and proceeds to fight back against Danny, injuring her hand in the process. This of course, sends her to the hospital where Josh, Aidan and Nora work. She avoids Nora but Aidan takes her into an exam room and gives her a brace amid much giggling. Someone's got a crush. Butterfly effect? What butterfly effect?

FX's 'The Strain' to Offer Rejuvenation Pods at SXSW Festival

For those of you heading to the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Austin, Texas, we've got a little relief for you. The FX network understands how utterly exhausting these shindigs can be, so they've decided to set up "The Strain Rejuvenation Station" to perk up all you weary fest attendees! Now, what exactly is a rejuvenation station? For 20 minutes you will be able to catch some zzz's in a nap pod, while exclusive content from the new FX show, "The Strain," plays on a tablet. The press release gives a bit more insight, so here are all the exciting details!

FX is bringing relief to fatigued South by Southwest attendees in Austin, Texas. The Strain Transformation Station will provide participants with the chance to recover from "the strain" of SXSW with 20-minute power naps inside custom-built Rejuvenation Pods. The pods are equipped with tablets showcasing exclusive content from the new FX original series, "The Strain."

The Strain Transformation Station
·Operating from March 7 through March 10, 12:00pm - 6:00pm · Located in the prominent downtown Austin location 419 Congress Ave. @ 5th Street
·A hostess will be on hand to book power-nap appointments in 10 Rejuvenation Pods with additional sitting area/lounge
·Appointments may also be booked ahead of time through the custom mobile site (www.thestrainpods.com)
·The Strain Vaccine (branded energy shots) will be distributed in and around the venue
·The Strain novels and special-edition comic books will be available for takeaway