By Holley Long
Orlando horror fans, do you know about Atomic Horror? It’s a shop on East Colonial Drive that’s just about a year old, and inside there’s an abundance of decor and merchandise that pays homage to the most popular—and some obscure—horror franchises. If you haven’t yet visited, read on to learn more about the store, and what to expect within its walls.
About the Store
Atomic Horror opened in Orlando, near Baldwin Park, in September of 2022. According to an interview with the Orange Observer, UCF graduate and Jacksonville Beach native Bryan Murphy opened the store after a career in New York, when he and his brother decided to turn their passion for horror memorabilia into a business.
They did just that. Atomic Horror is full of decor and merchandise from some of the most popular spooky franchises, from Stranger Things to the Saw films. The shop, open from Wednesday to Sunday, has dim lighting throughout, which adds to the spooky and exciting atmosphere.
The Experience
Mannequins tend to put me on edge, and Atomic Horror has quite a few. I honestly think I kept expecting them to move, in keeping with the store’s scary theme, but thankfully they did not budge an inch and were just simply cool to look at. And the photo opportunities are endless, whether you want to snap a pic with Jason Vorhees standing against a forest backdrop or Michael Myers popping out of a broken closet door.
My favorite section of the store was definitely the Bride of Frankenstein wall. It’s full of photos of the classic movie monster, and near it is merchandise for other icons like Elvira and Wednesday Addams. I also loved that a TV in another section of the shop plays spooky clips for shoppers to pause and watch. Clips from Monster House, a favorite from my childhood, were playing when I visited, providing an extra dose of nostalgia.
The Merch
Like the decor, the merchandise available to shop throughout the store touches on a lot of different franchises. ‘Halloween’ and Universal Monsters posters rest on shelves. Beetlejuice mugs are perfect for morning coffee. Journals, many with Stephen King themes, await the spooky musings of whomever picks them up.
There are certain corners of the shop themed to specific movies, and we really enjoyed the one specifically for "Creature of the Black Lagoon".
Other merchandise includes stickers, collectibles, bags, and more. For readers, there’s even a book by none other than Elvira, or Cassandra Peterson, which covers her experience as Mistress of the Dark. Anyone with a faint interest in horror will find something to enjoy at Atomic Horror.
Overall
Scary franchise enthusiasts will love Atomic Horror. Though it’s a small space, it’s filled to the brim with horror nostalgia and merchandise that will delight even the most casual of fans. Spooky season is the perfect time to visit, but Atomic Horror is open throughout the year so you can get a dose of fear whenever you want.
So, next time you’re near Baldwin Park, pop over to this little shop of horrors—it’ll be a scary good time!
Baldwin Park
Baldwin Park is a tranquil community that seamlessly blends suburban charm with modern convenience. This walkable neighborhood offers a diverse selection of housing options, including single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments, catering to a range of lifestyles. The community's location is advantageous as it is situated close to downtown Orlando, providing easy access to the city's amenities and attractions. Additionally, it is within a reasonable distance from major highways, making commuting more convenient.
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