WISCONSIN HOUSE ON THE ROCK RESORT, ATTRACTION & INN: WORLD’S CREEPIEST HOUSE? WIN TICKETS TO SEE MIYAVI LIVE.
What, what? You haven’t yet seen my travel video for Huffington Post, where I visit the world’s freakiest house? Sunday is perfect day to give it a view!
If Alex Jordan were alive today, he’d be on the TV show “Hoarders”.
The Wisconsin eccentric wasn’t happy with a single tea set. He had to own a dozen. Instead of two creepy dolls, he amassed two hundred. Three medical vials? Try three thousand. You get the picture.
Jordan’s knickknacks fill every inch of House on the Rock (5754 State Road 23, Spring Green WI, (608) 935-3639).
He supposedly built the 200-acre complex to show up Frank Lloyd Wright (who called him an incompetent architect). When Jordan finished the home in 1959, curiosity-seekers convinced him to turn it into a museum.
It’s a dizzying walk through the House’s three sections. This is not a trip for the weak-stomached. A few areas smell like a cross between rotten cheese and wet cat.
I slumped through mole-like passages that opened into monstrous displays. Such as, “Heritage of the Sea,” a 200-foot whale and squid locked in a battle to the death, wrapped by a staircase lined with sailboats. “Music of Yesterday,” coin-operated ghost orchestras that bang out circus songs. “World’s Largest Carousel,” hundreds of fairytale beasts spinning under the glow of chandeliers. “Hallway of Infinity,” a glass walkway jutting out high above a valley, with no supports underneath.
The sensory overload left me (and other visitors) battered. I was in awe of Jordan’s grandiose vision, the magic and wonder he created. At the same time, I wanted this claustrophobic flea-market nightmare to end. Wisconsin’s House on the Rock, you will haunt my dreams.
What’s the strangest museum you’ve ever encountered? Would you set foot in this one? See the wonder of House of the Rock in my Weird Wisconsin video.
And stay tuned for the next Coolhunting episode, where I visit a top secret restaurant/bar in Milwaukee.
PS: Absolute last chance to WIN Miyavi Halloween concert tickets for his What’s My Name tour! Tell your friends and enter here; it’s easy.
I previous reviewed his Neo-Samurai tour in this post.
PPS: I’m featured as subculture guide in the Japan episode of Australia’s travel TV show, Roam. It’s airing on National Geographic Adventure in October and November; here are upcoming showtimes.
Song of the Day: Whatever’s your favorite Miyavi song… if you tell me on Facebook, you can win the ticket giveaway!
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BABY DOLL: GOTH FETISH CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES STORE IN HARAJUKU. VENICE MASKS, LEATHER CORSET, LADY GAGA DRESS.
After visiting the Gothic Lolita tearoom-boutique Abilletage in Harajuku, I took NHK Kawaii TV to Baby Doll in Harajuku. I was keen to feature this Goth Fetish boutique in the program, since it’s been independently run for over 10 years.
The lively manager, Mirano, bound me tightly into a custom corset with French braiding. My waist has never been so small.
Baby Doll’s original clothing includes form-fitting outfits worn by Lady Gaga. These photos don’t do the iridescent fabric justice.
Yukiro Dravarious models a military cap next to a romantic chandelier.
You can pick up everything from tutus to play-torture equipment here.
I especially love the Venetian masks, customized with an eyeball in the center.
Watch out, NHK cameraman… there’s a little red riding crop behind you!
Support indie stores! When you’re shopping in Harajuku, I hope you’ll visit Mirano – who speaks English – at Baby Doll Tokyo. 3F, 2-32-1 Jingumae Shibuya-Ku Tokyo Japan, tel 03-5785-2507. Open 13:00 – 20:00; closed Sundays. (Special thanks to first mate Naomi for photos and arranging.)
For more Harajuku shopping suggestions, along with a detailed map, check out my Tokyo Gothic Fetish Punk shop guide.
Do you have any favorite stores that are usually overlooked by shoppers? Keep checking my blog to find out where I took NHK next.
PS: My Halloween plans are INSANE this year! Celebrating in a country I’ve never visited before. Can you guess where I’ll be?
Song of the Day: the GazettE – Suicide Circus (Yukiro is in this PV!)
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