The Secret Forest stood out a bit more when the game was smaller, around v1.4 and earlier. With events like:
Old Master Cannoli
May-Pal Syrup
Unique Forageables
Woodskip fishing
Hardwood (if you don't cheat and play the Forest Farm like me)
Easy Slime access to help with the Slime Ring
Emily's 10

event (I'm an Emily simp so this is a biggie for me)
It did have a nice set of unique aspects to it, but as the game has expanded, all that's been added is our buddy the Crow with his Lost Items Shop. The area could use some love and your Shadow Village idea is great!