With Spooky season in full swing, there is no better time to dive into the world of the unknown. But that doesn’t mean you can’t do it comfortably and in style. The following cities are alive with haunted history, spooky ghost tours, and even macabre museums. But, along with these more traditional Halloween events are hidden gems waiting in the brush, ready to be explored. So, if you are interested in spicing up your travels this autumn, then read on!
New Orleans
The LaLaurie Mansion in New Orleans, LA-Photo Copyright US Ghost Adventures
New Orleans is a top destination for anyone looking for an eerie and fun time throughout the Fall season. A high death rate, a criminal population, and copious amounts of alcohol have made the Big Easy one of the spookiest in the United States. Halloween is one of the busiest times of the year in New Orleans, so expect a crowd!
I highly recommend taking a NOLA Ghosts Walking Ghost Tour. This tour is the perfect blend of history and hauntings and a great way to familiarize yourself with the French Quarter. Tours start at $25 per person. These tours involve 1-2 hours of walking, so come prepared with proper walking shoes.
Are ghost hunts not your cup of tea? New Orleans is full of museums, many with a macabre agenda. The Haunted Pharmacy Museum only costs $15 for entry and is a look into the first legal pharmacy in the United States. But beware, the building is haunted. It seems you can’t escape the spirits in New Orleans.
For a truly unique experience in New Orleans, I recommend heading to the Gallier House on any given Saturday. You can tour this historic 19th-century French Quarter home and learn about the mourning process of your typical Creole family. Tickets are only $35 and include a glass of wine!
Annapolis
The Maryland Inn in Annapolis, MD- Photo Copyright of US Ghost Adventures
Annapolis, Maryland, is America’s Sailing Capital, the home of the US Naval Academy, and is known for its maritime history. But this history holds deep secrets that make Annapolis a fascinating place to visit during the Halloween season.
This fascination with all things spooky is on full display as the city decorates itself with giant pumpkins! Visitors are welcome to join in on a giant pumpkin hunt and are encouraged to take pictures with the pumpkins once they are found. They weigh 1,000 pounds each and are indeed an impressive sight to behold!
After you are done hunting pumpkins, why not chase some ghosts around? Take a ghost tour of the Annapolis waterfront and get an in-depth look into the city’s chilling past. These tales of woe run the gamut from the phantom smells of Tobaccoo at the Maryland Inn to the patrons still hanging around at the Middletown Tavern. You’ll learn about Annapolis’s colonial history and most iconic landmarks along the way.
For those seeking a more musical vacation, check out the Candlelight concert series at the Annapolis Waterfront Hotel on Halloween. Enjoy a magical night of music. The Listeso String Quartet will perform anything from Michael Jackson to Danny Elfman to the theme from The Exorcist. Tickets are going fast and range from $48 to $62.
Gettysburg
The Brickhouse Inn in Gettysburg, PA- Photo Copyright US Ghost Adventures
Gettysburg, PA, is an excellent choice for history buffs looking to travel during the fall season. The Battle of Gettysburg was a significant turning point in the American Civil War and a historic site of this nation-shaping war.
The 1898 Brickhouse Inn and the adjacent 1863 Welty House are plentiful and affordable ways to enjoy the fall foliage in Gettysburg. But there is a twist: the Welty House was used as a hideout during the Civil War for Confederate snipers and as a temporary burial ground after the Battle of Gettysburg. Because of this, the building is a known hotspot for paranormal activity. Prepare yourself for an overnight stay you are likely never to forget.
Footsteps stomping late into the night are often heard, along with the sweet odors of tobacco (it’s a non-smoking building!). Shadowy figures are seen, lights turn on and off, and faucets are played with. It is the perfect choice for any history buff looking to spend the night in a real haunted house. You can go on a ghost hunt in The Welty House, even if you aren’t spending the night there!
Gettysburg also hosts The Olde Getty Place Gettysburg Halloween Parade on October 22 and is home to the National Apple Harvest Festival! Enjoy the breathtaking red, orange, and yellows of Gettysburg foliage while soaking up the living history all around you.
Salem
The Witch House in Salem, MA- Photo Copyright US Ghost Adventures
Salem holds a special place in people’s hearts worldwide due to its fascinating
history, particularly the infamous witch trials that captured global attention in the late 17th century. Many of us have been captivated by this rich history through literature such as The Crucible or beloved films like Hocus Pocus. Immersing yourself in the Halloween spirit in Salem promises an extraordinary experience, complete with captivating performances, deep historical insights, and enchanting folklore.
The historic town truly comes alive in October during the thrilling Haunted Happenings Festival. Salem has something to offer for everyone, from the family-friendly Salem Chamber of Commerce Haunted Happenings Parade to the gripping Salem Witch Trial reenactments held throughout the month. For just $20, you can witness history come alive at the actual site of these infamous trials, creating an unforgettable experience.
Delve into Salem’s chilling past by booking a stay at haunted hotels like The Merchant Hotel, The Salem Inn, and The Hawthorne Hotel, each with its own spine-tingling tales. Rooms tend to fill up fast during what is renowned as “the largest Halloween celebration in the world,” so it’s best to plan well in advance. Get ready for an exhilarating and unforgettable journey into Salem’s enchanting world!
St. Augustine
St. Augustine- Photo Copyright of US Ghost Adventures
Are you looking for something a little more tropical for your spooky season vacation? St. Augustine is America’s oldest city and one of Florida’s best-kept secrets. Along with its storied history comes the beaches and weather that remains in the high 70s/low 80s throughout the year.
As the oldest European settlement, St. Augustine is full of historical buildings, landmarks, architecture, and beautiful weather. If you need a break from the sun, I’d recommend heading to the Ximenez-Fatio House for a candlelight tour. You’ll learn about St. Augustine’s spookier side through the traditions of Afro-Caribbean, Spanish-American, and Victorian rituals surrounding mourning. The 225-year-old house-turned-museum offers a unique look into St. Augustine’s storied history.
The famed St. Augustine Lighthouse is well worth the visit if you want to keep things spooky in the Ancient City. The lighthouse is considered one of the most haunted places in America and has a history dating back to the 16th century! It is only a five-minute drive outside of the city’s center. Former lighthouse keepers and their children are said to roam the grounds outside the lighthouse. Visitors beware!
No matter where you head this Halloween season, have a spooky and fun-filled time. If you head to these locations, you are almost guaranteed to rediscover the child-like wonder that arises in all of us around this time of year.
