At Verena Street, our team members don’t just roast great coffee — they also brew up some serious creativity outside of work! This October, we’re thrilled to shine the spotlight on Caitlin and her fang-tastic Halloween Haunt: Twisted Hollow — a spooky, hand-crafted display that brings the spirit of Halloween to life (literally!) in Asbury, Iowa.
Every year, Caitlin and her boyfriend, Jared, transform his mom’s yard into a Halloween wonderland that’s part scary, part community tradition. Their love for all things spooky has grown into something truly special that now draws visitors from near and far.
How it all began
“I collect these small Halloween village pieces, and every year I’d put them out,” Caitlin shared. “My boyfriend saw them and fell in love. We started watching YouTube videos of people who hand-make platforms to display their pieces, which led to seeing people create larger yard displays. We fantasized about creating a walkthrough, but since we live out in the country, we convinced his mom to let us decorate her yard instead!”
A love for all things spooky
“I’ve always gravitated towards spooky and dark things, and Halloween is the perfect way to enjoy them,” Caitlin said. “Jared is equally obsessed with Halloween as I am!”
Finding inspiration
Caitlin’s creativity runs deep — literally in her blood. “I’ve always been a crafty person. My entire family builds and makes things,” she explained. “Pinterest and YouTube are great for inspiration, and I also go to conventions where people make props and animatronics. But honestly, Jared is my biggest inspiration. He’s so supportive, and that’s the root of our creativity in the Haunt.”
Handmade magic
From a hearse built from scratch to a cabin made with wood from her old barn, Caitlin and Jared’s Haunt is filled with handcrafted details. “I’m most proud of the pieces we build,” Caitlin said. “About 90% of our tombstones are hand-crafted — all with names that have special meanings tied to family and friends. We love making as much as possible ourselves because it gives everything more meaning.”
Community reactions
The Haunt has become a local favorite. “People honk, stop in the road, holler out their windows, and wave,” Caitlin said. “We’ve even gotten letters from people about how much they love it — and one woman told us her son looks for our display every year because it’s how he knows Halloween is almost here!”
Building tradition
The Haunt has inspired others in the neighborhood to decorate too. “My favorite part is the overwhelming praise from people passing by,” Caitlin said. “I love bringing joy and tradition to the neighborhood. I hope one day the entire street decorates!”
The planning never stops
How early does she start preparing? “November 1st!” Caitlin laughed. “I never stop. I’m always deep-diving the internet, finding new ideas and challenges.”
See it for yourself!
Want to experience the magic (and maybe a few chills)? Visit Twisted Hollow this year at:
📍 2139 Seippel Rd, Asbury, IA 52002
👻 The Haunt is up all October long! Stop by on Halloween night — your kiddos can enjoy trick-or-treat candy, and adults can grab a free 2oz sample bag of Verena Street coffee. The Haunt lights up at night. You don't want to miss out on this epic display. Enter… if you dare!
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