As we roll into the spooky season, the Scream Seeker team is packing up and hitting the road! This year, we’re launching a brand-new road trip series to share our spooky travels, exploring unique destinations, hidden haunts, and alternative businesses that horror fans and thrill-seekers won’t want to miss. From eerie roadside attractions to local legends, we’ll bring you along for the ride — and our first stop sets the bar high.

When you’re on the road exploring the hidden gems of the horror and alternative world, there’s nothing quite like stumbling upon a place that feels like home, especially if your idea of “home” includes tattoos, 90s grunge playlists, and a whole lot of personality.

Nestled in the heart of the Tri-Cities region, Glitz Grunge & Grace isn’t just a shop; it’s a celebration of the weird, the wild, and the wonderfully unique.

This quirky, family-run business, led by owner Kori Bender, has become a must-stop destination for travelers and horror fans alike. Whether you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind gift, an unforgettable tattoo, or simply a place where the misfits gather, this shop offers something you won’t find anywhere else.

Kori, didn’t set out to open a shop right away. It all started with her love of creating unique, offbeat shirts.

“When I decided to make weird shirts, I didn’t fit in at any of the local farmer’s markets or craft events,” Kori recalls. “People would give me a side-eye as they walked past my booth and even snicker with their friends. That’s when I decided I would create my own space — a place where every weirdo was welcome and where misfit makers could come together.”

And that’s exactly what she built: a haven for the alternative community, where being different isn’t just accepted — it’s celebrated.

Why It’s a Road Trip Must

Walking through the doors of Glitz Grunge & Grace is like stepping into a maximalist dream world. Every corner of the shop is bursting with personality and visual treasures.

With the shop’s tagline — Tattoos, Tees, & Trinkets — you can expect to find an eclectic collection of patches, pins, stickers, oddities, accessories, and of course, edgy tees you won’t find in big-box stores.

“Whether you need a unique gift for your weird girlfriend, your oddball little cousin, or even a Dirty Santa gift exchange at work, we’ve got you covered,” says Kori with a laugh.

And if you’re in the mood for something more permanent, Kori’s husband Ricky is ready to create custom ink that tells your story at Ricky B Tatoos.

The Feral, Family-Run Vibe

The vibe of Glitz Grunge & Grace can be described by its own name: Glitz, Grunge, and Grace!

“Think 90s grunge,” Kori explains. “We’re a family-run business: I manage the shop, my husband Ricky does tattoos, and our daughter Kimber runs the register.” It’s chaotic in the best possible way.
That familial atmosphere makes visitors feel instantly welcome, like you’ve just joined a cool, slightly eccentric family reunion. It’s this warm energy, combined with the shop’s over-the-top aesthetic, that makes it so hard to leave.

A Little Horror, A Lot of Heart

This shop doesn’t just sell spooky goods — it’s deeply connected to the local horror community. Each year, Kori and her family collaborate with Bloody Fork Haunt in Bristol, TN, helping organize spooky vendors for the haunt as well as an annual fundraising kids’ event that benefits a local animal rescue.

And for those who love a little mystery, there’s a hidden gem inside the store: a tiny Ursula figurine tucked away somewhere on the shelves. If you find her, you win a free tee — no tricks, just treats.

If Glitz Grunge & Grace were a horror movie, Kori imagines a delightfully macabre plot:
“It would be about someone who kills his victims and cuts off their tattoos as trophies, filling his basement walls with framed pieces of skin.”

Creepy? Absolutely.
Fitting for a shop like this? Totally.

Events & Adventures

Glitz Grunge & Grace doesn’t just wait for travelers to find them — they hit the road, too. You can often spot their booth at events like:
• Bloody Fork Haunt (Bristol, TN)
• PossumFest (Cumberland, KY)
• Camp Dreadwood (Possum Trot, TN)

Their involvement in the horror and alternative scene ensures they’re always connected with their community, both locally and regionally.

Road Trip Notes

The shop regularly draws visitors from across Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, and North Carolina. Some even travel up to six hours just to get a tattoo from Ricky.
And the road trip vibe doesn’t stop there. If Glitz Grunge & Grace were a playlist, Kori says it would be filled with 90s grunge and ska, setting the perfect soundtrack for your drive.
As for snacks? The family swears by beef jerky and Coconut Berry Red Bull to keep the energy up on long trips.

The Soul of the Shop

For Kori, the most rewarding part of running Glitz Grunge & Grace isn’t just about selling products or tattoos — it’s about creating a safe space.

“All of my favorite customers are the outcast teenagers who feel like they don’t fit in at school,” Kori says. “Watching them walk in and seeing the look on their face when they realize they’ve found a place just as weird as they are — that’s the best feeling.”

It’s this passion for community and creativity that gave the shop its name: Glitz, Grunge, & Grace — three words that perfectly capture its spirit.

Why You Should Stop Here

If you’ve only got an hour to spend, be prepared for sensory overload in the best way possible. The shop’s total maximalist vibe means there’s always something new to discover — from tattoo flash to quirky gifts and hidden treasures.

As Kori puts it:
“It’s instant dopamine.”

So, whether you’re passing through on a road trip or making Glitz Grunge & Grace your final destination, this is one stop you won’t regret making.

Plan Your Visit:

📍 Tri-Cities Region, TN
💀 Follow Glitz Grunge & Grace on Facebook to stay updated on events, tattoos, and new merchandise.
🧭 Keep your eyes peeled for that hidden Ursula figurine — you just might score yourself a free tee.

Check out their Website Here

Check out Ricky B Tattoos Here