Trick or Treats
Fall
Drinks Julia Myers
ITH the fall season in full swing,
“We serve a pumpkin spiced latte and a drink
Lexington coffee shops are
called Café Vermont which is flavored with
adding seasonal drinks and pas-
maple spice,” Coffea employee Trevor Kidd
tries to their menus. The downtown area is home to a handful of cozy cafes and coffee shops, all of which
said. “I would say the most ordered drink during the fall is the Café Vermont.” If you’re craving a hot drink in between
offer a perfect atmosphere for an afternoon of
your classes, one of the four Starbucks’ on cam-
studying. Seasonal pumpkin spices lattes and
pus is sure to have what you’re looking for.
flavored hot chocolates are even more of a rea-
Starbucks is currently offering salted caramel
son to check them out yourself.
hot chocolate as well as a salted caramel
Common Grounds Coffee Shop, located on East High Street, is the perfect place to spend an evening reading, chatting with friends
mocha. Starbucks’ pumpkin spice latte is in high demand during the fall months. If you have a sweet tooth, you can order
or enjoying one of their specialty drinks.
a pumpkin loaf, pumpkin scone or a pumpkin
“We have a seasonal pumpkin spice latte and
cream cheese muffin to go with your drink.
also pumpkin spice muffins,” Common Grounds
Starbucks will be adding winter drinks to its
barista Elyse Hays said. “Our cider and hot
menu in November.
chocolates are on the menu year round. The most popular drinks are our raspberry love and hot chocolate and white hot chocolate.” Coffea, located at the edge of campus on Rose Street, offers seasonal drinks as well. Coffea is just a quick walk from the heart of campus and is a popular study spot among students.
We serve a pumpkin spiced latte and a drink called Café Vermont which is flavored with maple spice.” -Trevor Kidd, Coffea Employee
The Kentucky Kernel | Celebrating 40 years of independence
3
4
Kernel Entertainment Guide
|
Halloween
|
October 2011
Editor’s note: Allison Elliott, Jenny Wells and Allison Perry are going on their sixth year as UK Public Relations’ zombies-in-residence. Allison Elliott: I am talking to Jenny Wells and Allison Perry. We are coworkers in the UK Department of Public Relations and Marketing. In various combinations, we have all done "Thriller" (the super fantastic re-enactment of the Michael Jackson video, put on by Mecca Dance studio in downtown Lexington) for several years. This will be our sixth time suiting up as zombies. Today we are going to discuss our RAWR-tastic zombie experiences. To start, why did you want to be a zombie? Jenny Wells: Most people who know me know that I am a very devout Michael Jackson fan and have been since I was a kid, and "Thriller" is one of my all-time favorite songs and music videos. When I first learned about Mecca organizing the "Thriller" parade, I knew it was something I had to do — I can't imagine not doing it now. It's my Halloween tradition! What makes it even better is that I have my fellow coworkers who do it with me every year as well. Also, I often crave human brains. Allison Perry: I grew up dancing and cheering. My mom ran a dance studio before I was born, and even after she retired from it she taught me how to dance and how to feel rhythm. All my life I have loved choreography — even now, I teach choreographed classes like step and kickboxing for Urban Active. There is something inherently satisfying about learning a piece of choreography set to specific music and performing it with a big group of people. AE: I grew up taking dance classes and being a drama and speech contest geek. I still like messing around with that kind of stuff, but there are few opportunities for regular adults to put on crazy costumes and stage makeup to participate in a street theater production. Thriller is my annual on-stage outing. What is your favorite part of the event? AP: My favorite part is always that moment when we start to "awake" from the grave right there in front of the Kentucky Theatre. When the second part of Vincent Price's rap kicks in and everyone starts to stir. There are always a few people in the crowd who are genuinely startled. And it's the moment when everyone realizes that the dance is about to happen and you can feel the energy of the crowd heating up. Everyone starts to cheer as we stumble toward Michael.
JW: While the parade itself is fun, one of the best parts is that hour before it happens, when the zombies are just walking around downtown, eating in the restaurants, lying on the streets "dead" or in garbage cans. The spectators come down just to see that stuff, and it's fun to get into character and do your own little performances for the crowd.
Thriller
AE: Even more than the before time, I enjoy going out afterward — because everyone knows that you are one of The Zombies. I also like that it's an opportunity to revel in being gross. This is a nopretty zone, and you have to bring the ugly. Instead of worrying if you look nice enough before going out, you're just worried whether your gaping neck wound is bloody enough. We have all done some different costume themes. What was your favorite costume? AP: My favorite so far was last year's 80s prom zombie because that big green ruffled dress with the slanted hem was ridiculous. JW: My favorite was the "Sarah Palin Zombie" I did in 2008. A lot of people weren't sure whether I was mocking her or showing support. I got married this month, so I'm going to be a zombie bride, just to stick with the theme of my personal life. AE: One year I had chopped up some clothes from the thrift store, and inadvertently cut out a structurally significant zipper. My entire outfit that year was held on by some heavy-duty safety pins. My favorite outfit that I've worn was just a tacky '80s dress I found last year — because I was able to layer it with other clothing to stay warm. Warmth is key in a good zombie outfit. I'm considering re-wearing last year's dress, although now I'm wondering how zombie Kate Middleton would look. I mean, I already have fascinators! AP: I don't know what I'm doing yet this year, but it will have to involve a shawl/jacket/etc. because lying on the street waiting for it to begin is terrible if you are wearing something sleeveless or lightweight. AE: Then you have to huddle for warmth.
Photos courtesy of UK PR AP: My mom just laughs. She thinks that most of the things I do are strange, though, so I guess this is just par for the course. I would say most of our (me and Jenny's) friends (Ed. note — they go way back) think it's pretty awesome. AE: My family is mildly amused. My significant other thinks it's awesome, although he wouldn't be caught un-dead dancing in public himself. But he always comes down to support me, and tells me how terrifying I look (which I appreciate). JW: Most of my family and friends are pretty amused and impressed by it and wished they could do it too. My mom loves it. She comes almost every year to take pictures and support us. I'm still trying to get her to join us!
AP: I have that pic of the three of us spooning. AE: Coworker bonding, beyond the office and beyond the grave! Okay, so what do your family and friends think of this?
The 2011 Thriller Parade, this year in its 10th anniversary, will start in downtown Lexington at the Kentucky Theatre and end at Mill Street on Sunday, Oct. 30 at 8:30 p.m. (The rain date is Oct. 31 at 8:30 p.m.)
The Kentucky Kernel | Celebrating 40 years of independence
5
Around Lex
Spooky Spots: Where to seek thrills Kate Carpenter HEN you’re celebrating
was the home of a girl named Gretta. One
Halloween, it’s necessary to
night she hung herself in her room, and it is
be scared at some point.
said that lights flicker in the room and you can
With many places to choose from around
feel a cool breeze even with no vents.
Lexington and Louisville, expect to be just Leestown Division VA Hospital
that.
(1101 Veterans Drive, Lexington) Guignol Theater (465 Rose St., University of Kentucky)
Many strange things have been said to have happened here. For example, sev-
It is said that some people feel as if they
eral ghosts have been spotted and there
are being watched. There are also reports
have been screams heard, as well as
of banging noises at night.
doors slamming. Appliances have also turned off and on by themselves.
John Hunt Morgan House (253 Market St., Lexington) This
Campbell House Inn
house has quite the history. It is said that
(1375 S. Broadway, Lexington) — Two
the previous residents have remained to
women were supposedly murdered here.
haunt it. Private tours can be taken with
One was stabbed, while the other was
advance notice.
shot in one of the rooms.
Don Young Farm House
Waverly Hills Sanatorium
(Address unknown, Lexington) It is haunt-
(4400 Paralee Lane, Louisville) —
ed by a man who died in the 1800s. It has the
Waverly Hills is an old tuberculosis and
classic opening and slamming of doors and
mental hospital. A boy, who was a victim
opening and shutting of windows. In addition
of a doctor performing illegal experiments
to that, you could hear cars coming up the
on him, will apparently approach you and
driveway when nothing is there.
ask to go home with you. The sanatorium offers tours, but you have to wait for some
The Mansion at Griffin Gate (1800 Newtown Pike, Lexington) This
to open up in November. Tours are $50 per person.
building is now a restaurant, but before that it
6
Kernel Entertainment Guide
|
Halloween |
October 2011