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Halloween Horror Nights is back at Universal Orlando Resort, and there are a few things to know in order to get more "boo" for your buck.

What's happening: Halloween Horror Nights (HHN) goes through Nov. 4, and requires separate tickets starting at $79.99.

HHN features "scare zones" (where costumed actors can come up to you on stilts or with chainsaws while you're walking the park), live entertainment (with literal nightmare fuel), themed food and merchandise and — most importantly — haunted houses.

There are houses with original new stories and also houses inspired by Universal franchises.

To help you fit the right amount of terror into your trip, here are my picks:

Most all-out fun: Universal Monsters: Unmasked

Moody candlelit halls, performers appearing unexpectedly and classic characters (like the Phantom of the Opera and Invisible Man) that make you nostalgic — before you're screaming again.

Gory highlight: A combination of props and people made it look like a victim had their insides ripped out by a monster.

Yes, "Stranger Things" haunted houses have been at Universal for years, but this one had the highest-quality set design and most intense eye contact from actors, inspired by iconic scenes from the last season.

Frightening sounds: The "Stranger Things" theme song and shouts of "Chrissy, wake up!" start things off thrillingly.

If you've seen one Chucky doll, it feels like you've seen them all — and this haunted house didn't have as much variety as the others.

That said, there were some funny animatronics that earned laughs, if not shrieks.

Thought bubble: It's worth considering express passes if you want to see more than two or three houses during your visit and you're willing to splurge on a Halloween treat (they start at $139.99).

They're not part of a haunted house, but don't forget to check out the captivating Death Eaters in Harry Potter World.

What to know about Horror Nights before you go

Don't waste your night standing in the wrong long line.

A group of four friends scream at the sight of a performer dressed as "Stranger Things" baddie Vecna. 

"Stranger Things" baddie Vecna scares visitors. Photo: Courtesy of Universal Orlando Resort

Hub Stories - All

Halloween Horror Nights is back at Universal Orlando Resort, and there are a few things to know in order to get more &quot;boo&quot; for your buck.What&#x27;s happening: Halloween Horror Nights (HHN) goes through Nov. 4, and requires <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="separate tickets" data-vars-click-url="https://www.universalorlando.com/hhn/en/us" data-vars-content-id="1881624a-b634-488d-b17a-8b175574e4f4" data-vars-headline="What to know about Horror Nights before you go" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.universalorlando.com/hhn/en/us" target="_blank">separate tickets</a> starting at $79.99.<ul><li>HHN <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="features" data-vars-click-url="https://www.universalorlando.com/hhn/en/us" data-vars-content-id="1881624a-b634-488d-b17a-8b175574e4f4" data-vars-headline="What to know about Horror Nights before you go" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.universalorlando.com/hhn/en/us" target="_blank">features</a> &quot;scare zones&quot; (where costumed actors can come up to you on stilts or with chainsaws while you&#x27;re walking the park), live entertainment (with literal <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nightmare fuel" data-vars-click-url="https://wdwnt.com/2023/09/nightmare-fuel-revenge-dream-hhn-32/" data-vars-content-id="1881624a-b634-488d-b17a-8b175574e4f4" data-vars-headline="What to know about Horror Nights before you go" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://wdwnt.com/2023/09/nightmare-fuel-revenge-dream-hhn-32/" target="_blank">nightmare fuel</a>), themed food and merchandise and — most importantly — haunted houses.</li><li>There are houses with original new stories and also houses inspired by Universal franchises.</li></ul>To help you fit the right amount of terror into your trip, here are my picks:Most all-out fun: Universal Monsters: Unmasked<ul><li>Moody candlelit halls, performers appearing unexpectedly and classic characters (like the Phantom of the Opera and Invisible Man) that make you nostalgic — before you&#x27;re screaming again.</li><li>Gory highlight: A combination of props and people made it look like a victim had their insides ripped out by a monster.</li></ul>Best 2023 update: &quot;Stranger Things&quot;<ul><li>Yes, &quot;Stranger Things&quot; haunted houses have been at Universal for years, but this one had the highest-quality set design and most intense eye contact from actors, inspired by iconic scenes from the last season.</li><li>Frightening sounds: The &quot;Stranger Things&quot; theme song and shouts of &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chrissy, wake up!" data-vars-click-url="https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/chrissy-wake-up-remix" data-vars-content-id="1881624a-b634-488d-b17a-8b175574e4f4" data-vars-headline="What to know about Horror Nights before you go" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/chrissy-wake-up-remix" target="_blank">Chrissy, wake up!</a>&quot; start things off thrillingly.</li></ul>Missable: Chucky: Ultimate Kill Count<ul><li>If you&#x27;ve seen one Chucky doll, it feels like you&#x27;ve seen them all — and this haunted house didn&#x27;t have as much variety as the others.</li></ul><ul><li>That said, there were some funny animatronics that earned laughs, if not shrieks.</li></ul>Thought bubble: It&#x27;s worth considering express passes if you want to see more than two or three houses during your visit and you&#x27;re willing to splurge on a Halloween treat (they start at $139.99).<ul><li>They&#x27;re not part of a haunted house, but don&#x27;t forget to check out the captivating <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Death Eaters" data-vars-click-url="https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/experience/theme-parks/2023/08/23/harry-potter-death-eaters-universal-sudios-halloween-horror-nights/70661308007/" data-vars-content-id="1881624a-b634-488d-b17a-8b175574e4f4" data-vars-headline="What to know about Horror Nights before you go" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/experience/theme-parks/2023/08/23/harry-potter-death-eaters-universal-sudios-halloween-horror-nights/70661308007/" target="_blank">Death Eaters</a> in Harry Potter World.</li></ul>

Things to Do

Axios Tampa Bay, anchored by Ben Montgomery and Selene San Felice, is here to help readers get smarter, faster on the most consequential news and developments unfolding in their own backyard.

Early figures suggest Taylor Swift's sold-out Eras Tour at Raymond James Stadium had a major financial impact on Tampa Bay, with area hotels more than doubling their typical daily profits.

By the numbers: How Hillsborough County hotel revenues during Swift's shows compared to the same time last year, according to Smith Travel Reports figures shared by Visit Tampa Bay's Molly Barbieri:

What they're saying: "I have not seen an impact from a concert in my tenure like Taylor Swift," says Hotel Haya general manager Peter Wright, who's been in the hospitality business for more than 25 years.

He says his Ybor City hotel was at capacity all three nights, with about a 60% increase in room rates, to almost $600 per room.

The big picture: Fans have created a mini economic boost for cities by spending big on lodging, travel, food and fashion, Axios' Erica Pandey reports.

Zoom in: That economic boom is particularly loud in Tampa, the only Florida stop on Swift's tour, where all three nights at the approximately 70,000-person stadium sold out.

Raymond James Stadium might have profited $5 million, according to early estimates reported by the Tampa Bay Times.

West Tampa Sandwich Shop owner Andy Russell says he got a significant sales bump over those three days, thanks to the influx of out-of-towners — many of them "women wearing glitter."

Tampa local Jordan Carrasquillo, who rents out cars through the Turo app with her husband, tells Axios she had twice as many groups rent than she does on typical weeks.

Of note: Swifties also flocked to themed events, including both "Sorry You Missed Taylor" parties and pre-show "Tay-Gates."

What's next: Beyonce's Renaissance tour — which is also expected to rake in more than a billion dollars — lands in Raymond James Stadium on Aug. 16.

Taylor Swift’s sold-out Eras Tour at Raymond James Stadium

Swifties' swift spending rocks Tampa Bay

They arrived at Florida's Raymond James Stadium, bejeweled and ready to spend big money on lodging, food and travel.

Taylor Swift raises her arms onstage in Tampa, Florida

Taylor Swift performs during her Eras Tour at Raymond James Stadium on April 14 in Tampa, Florida. Photo: Octavio Jones/TAS23/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management

Taylor Swift

Early figures suggest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Taylor Swift&#x27;s sold-out Eras Tour at Raymond James Stadium" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2023/04/13/taylor-swift-merch-tampa" data-vars-content-id="273b32c2-0caf-424a-abf5-c99de9086b7c" data-vars-headline="Swifties&#x27; swift spending rocks Tampa Bay" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2023/04/13/taylor-swift-merch-tampa" target="_self">Taylor Swift&#x27;s sold-out Eras Tour at Raymond James Stadium</a> had a major financial impact on Tampa Bay, with area hotels more than doubling their typical daily profits.By the numbers: How Hillsborough County hotel revenues during Swift&#x27;s shows compared to the same time last year, according to Smith Travel Reports figures shared by Visit Tampa Bay&#x27;s Molly Barbieri:

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Business

Some Tampa Bay homeowners are prioritizing the look and feel of their home bathrooms, which are getting back to their original purpose: a place conducive to rest and relaxation.

Why it matters: As more people make home design choices in the name of wellness, bathrooms are getting more spa-like, which could have mental health benefits.

By the numbers: Compared to the previous year, 2022 saw 73% more Taskrabbit bookings in Tampa/St. Petersburg for bathroom cleanings, while bathroom painting jobs were up 77%.

Most local renovators are looking to change or add everything from plumbing fixtures to shower stalls, according to 2022 Houzz survey data shared with Axios.

When removing a bathtub, 78% of U.S. homeowners enlarge the shower, according to a national Houzz report.

And "larger walk-in showers" tops the list of desired bathroom features — with 60% of respondents interested — per a national survey by The American Institute of Architects.

During a bathroom renovation, more than three in four homeowners incorporate premium features, per Houzz, such as:

A photo showing a white bathroom with wooden drawers, two sinks, a white bathtub and a see-through shower with black metal accents

A Sarasota bathroom collectively created by the homebuilder, interior designer and the client. Photo: Native House Photography of Saint Petersburg, Florida

This Sarasota bathroom in a modern-farmhouse setting has taken tranquil to the next level with a walk-in shower and multiple sprayers.

What they're saying: "I believe that our home represents an oasis — a place in this world that reflects our inner self," says Ryan Perrone, builder and president of Nautilus Homes.

His company built the bathroom pictured above, while Angela Rodriguez Interiors and the homeowner did the interior detailing.

"This client is a very cozy person, and her space reflects just that," Perrone told Axios.

Details: Nickel-gap siding flows from the outside of the shower to inside, Perrone says.

And steel frames for the glass enclosures were custom made "to be reminiscent of the old factory windows."

Go deeper: New home trend: Spa-like showers

Tampa Bay homeowners opt for spa-like bathroom upgrades

This Sarasota bathroom has taken the tranquil trend to the next level.

An illustration showing a shower head made to look like a person with cucumbers over the "eyes" and a towel wrapped around the "head"

Real estate

Some Tampa Bay homeowners are prioritizing the look and feel of their home bathrooms, which are getting back to their original purpose: a place <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="conducive to rest and relaxation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/09/bathroom-renovations-showers-mental-health" data-vars-content-id="b2de2f0b-7609-4514-a8b2-00cc141b80f1" data-vars-headline="Tampa Bay homeowners opt for spa-like bathroom upgrades" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/09/bathroom-renovations-showers-mental-health" target="_self">conducive to rest and relaxation</a>.Why it matters: As more people make <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="home design choices" data-vars-click-url="https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiegold/2023/03/21/design-associations-top-2023-trends-feature-wellness-design/?sh=4553ac635c41" data-vars-content-id="b2de2f0b-7609-4514-a8b2-00cc141b80f1" data-vars-headline="Tampa Bay homeowners opt for spa-like bathroom upgrades" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiegold/2023/03/21/design-associations-top-2023-trends-feature-wellness-design/?sh=4553ac635c41" target="_blank">home design choices</a> in the name of wellness, bathrooms are getting more spa-like, which could have mental health benefits.

News

Tampa Bay builders are enticing buyers with creative financing plans as U.S. mortgage rates hit a 20-year high.

Why it matters: Golden handcuffs are locking up Florida's housing inventory, and that's part of the reason there's an increased interest in new builds, according to real estate experts.

The big picture: Sales of existing U.S. homes — the great majority of houses sold nationally — slid 19% from last year, while new home sales soared 24%, according to June figures.

In theory, an interested buyer in Tampa Bay could look at two nearly identical houses — one about a year old and the other brand new — and get a better deal on the new house, says Jay Quigley, Greater Tampa Realtors president.

Details: Even though the average 30-year fixed rate mortgage is more than 7%, many builders have relationships with lenders that allow them to "buy down the points" and offer a mortgage closer to 6%, Quigley tells Axios.

What they're saying: "We sold our Odessa home for a tidy profit in early 2021 just before the Fed started to raise interest rates," says Axios Tampa Bay reader Gregory Hipps.

Hipps — now renting in Harbour Island — said he hoped home costs would come down, and planned to buy this year. That didn't happen.

"If we don't start to see any deals in the next few months, we're talking about exploring other markets like Nashville or Austin," he told Axios.

Between the lines: The number of listings coming onto the Tampa metro market is down nearly 29% compared to June 2022, per Redfin.

State of play: The new-build boost comes after rising rates curbed pandemic-driven home buying demand.

Builder confidence is now at its highest level since June 2022, having declined every month that year, according to the National Association of Home Builders.

What we're watching: Some builders are offering smaller, more affordable houses to lure first-time buyers, Axios' Matt Phillips reports.

And Tampa Bay has seen an increased interest in multi-family units, Quigley says.

Data: U.S. Census Bureau; Chart: Axios Visuals

The number of new homes sold in the South rose 21.4% in June compared to a year earlier, per the U.S. Census Bureau.

Existing home sales fell 16.2% during that time, according to regional figures from the National Association of Realtors.

What's happening: New homes comprised nearly a third of total inventory in May, exceeding their typical 10%-to-15% share, according to chief economist Robert Dietz at the National Association of Home Builders.

Go deeper: Old houses now cost as much as new houses

Tampa: High mortgage rates lead to new-build boom

Illustration of construction workers analyzing a house on top of a stack of money.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tampa Bay builders" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2023/07/11/tampa-bay-homebuilding-increase-covid-19" data-vars-content-id="dcfd296b-8a26-4dfa-b2af-0106bee0da23" data-vars-headline="Tampa: High mortgage rates lead to new-build boom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2023/07/11/tampa-bay-homebuilding-increase-covid-19" target="_self">Tampa Bay builders</a> are enticing buyers with creative financing plans as U.S. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mortgage rates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/22/mortgage-rates-current" data-vars-content-id="dcfd296b-8a26-4dfa-b2af-0106bee0da23" data-vars-headline="Tampa: High mortgage rates lead to new-build boom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/22/mortgage-rates-current" target="_self">mortgage rates</a> hit a 20-year high.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Golden handcuffs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2023/07/08/housing-supply-florida-mortgage-rates" data-vars-content-id="dcfd296b-8a26-4dfa-b2af-0106bee0da23" data-vars-headline="Tampa: High mortgage rates lead to new-build boom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2023/07/08/housing-supply-florida-mortgage-rates" target="_self">Golden handcuffs</a> are locking up Florida&#x27;s housing inventory, and that&#x27;s part of the reason there&#x27;s an increased interest in new builds, according to real estate experts.

Real Estate

Shiplap, barn doors, reclaimed wood, black hardware and ceiling beams — those are the hallmarks of a modern farmhouse, says Sterling Ridge Properties co-owner Laura Scarpinato. And they're gaining traction in Tampa Bay's suburbs.

Why it matters: Modern farmhouses have dethroned McMansions as the suburban dream home.

Driving the news: The breezy, neutral style was popularized 10 years ago when Chip and Joanna Gaines launched HGTV's "Fixer Upper."

What they're saying: The fact that it's "comforting and fairly easy to achieve" is part of the appeal of the modern farmhouse style, says Scarpinato, who worked on a modern farmhouse project in Tampa.

But she recommends homeowners focus less on sticking strictly to a specific style, and instead "always to go with things you love that give you joy, [because] your home needs to bring you a sense of calm and happiness."

The big picture: Retailers and home builders jumped on the bandwagon to give consumers what they want.

Target's home goods section is stocked with farmhouse-inspired Magnolia and Studio McGee collections.

The style dominates new-build communities around the country.

Of note: Some design experts predict the trend is here to stay.

The ease of replicating the look "has played a significant role in the phenomenon of the modern farmhouse," says Veronica Valencia, host of HGTV's "Revealed."

"As a homeowner, when you look at a simple modern farmhouse room, you immediately feel like, 'Oh! I can tackle that!' There are no bells and whistles to it. … It's simple and familiar," Valencia says.

If you want to incorporate the style at home, here are Valencia's top tips:

🎨 Paint your walls light, bright white.

🪑 Accessorize with antiques and modern lighting.

🖼 Frame large, contemporary prints with natural wood.

🔨 Install shiplap vertically instead of horizontally and then paint with your favorite color.

Some experts have already declared the death of the modern farmhouse movement, but Pinterest searches related to the style have exploded since last summer.

Between the lines: The average consumer isn't ready to quit the approachable style.

What they're saying: "Pinners are also putting their own spin on the trend to make spaces feel like their own," says Swasti Sarna, the Global Director of Data Insights at Pinterest.

"Moody farmhouse" and "vintage farmhouse" are both trending.

Modern farmhouse design takes Tampa Bay suburbs

The "Fixer Upper"-fueled trend has reached Florida.

A house with wood doors, white beams and an open patio is reflected in a pool in the evening

A modern farmhouse in Tampa by Sterling Ridge Custom Home Builder. Photo: Courtesy of Seamus Payne

Shiplap, barn doors, reclaimed wood, black hardware and ceiling beams — those are the hallmarks of a modern farmhouse, says <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sterling Ridge Properties" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sterlingtampa.com/" data-vars-content-id="e767d2fa-4e2e-42e1-ad78-6c1df10dcad8" data-vars-headline="Modern farmhouse design takes Tampa Bay suburbs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sterlingtampa.com/" target="_blank">Sterling Ridge Properties</a> co-owner Laura Scarpinato. And they&#x27;re gaining traction in Tampa Bay&#x27;s suburbs.Why it matters: Modern farmhouses have <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dethroned McMansions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/07/realestate/modern-farmhouse-suburbs.html" data-vars-content-id="e767d2fa-4e2e-42e1-ad78-6c1df10dcad8" data-vars-headline="Modern farmhouse design takes Tampa Bay suburbs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/07/realestate/modern-farmhouse-suburbs.html" target="_blank">dethroned McMansions</a> as the suburban dream home.

Carly Mallenbaum

Featured stories

What to know about Horror Nights before you go

Tampa Bay homeowners opt for spa-like bathroom upgrades

Tampa: High mortgage rates lead to new-build boom

Modern farmhouse design takes Tampa Bay suburbs

Swifties' swift spending rocks Tampa Bay