Alexandria is getting a bookstore dedicated to horror sci-fi

The D.C. area is getting a new bookstore dedicated entirely to horror, science fiction and other "strange stories."

The big picture: The U.S. is seeing a rise in genre-specific bookstores — think the romance-centric Alexandria bookstore Friends to Lovers, or Brooklyn's horror hot spot The Twisted Spine — as readers look for spots to get offline and bond IRL with fellow genre lovers.

State of play: Long Dark House will open September 1 on Alexandria's King Street, owner Chanthal Harris tells Axios.

• Expect the independent, Black-owned bookstore to carry a multitude of sub-genres across sci-fi and horror — think Southern gothic and thrillers — as well as picks from other genres with overlapping themes, like romance or fantasy.
• Also planned: Book club get-togethers, author events and cookbook potlucks with witchy and otherworldly themes.

The bookstore will share the space with chocolate maker Madame Coco's Emporium, and will also carry chocolates, fragrances and gifts.

What they're saying: Harris has been a huge reader her whole life, and got into the horror and sci-fi genres while watching shows like "Tales from the Crypt" and "The Twilight Zone" with her parents, she tells Axios.

• She's a big fan of the region's independent bookstores, but knew that her fellow horror and sci-fi heads would love a space dedicated to their specific interests.

• "Readers are looking for more than just a place to buy books," Harris says. "They're looking for a curated experience and a sense of belonging."

What we're watching: Keep your eyes peeled for a grand opening event tied to their September 1 launch date.

If you go: Long Dark House will be located at 1501 King Street in Alexandria.