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- Haunted Gettysburg, PA
- Macabre Savannah, GA
- Haunted Key West, FL
- Scary Hampton Roads, VA
- Eerie Memphis, TN
- Bewitching Salem, MA
The lazy days of summer will soon yield to the crisp fall air that signals the start of autumn. As the rich kaleidoscope of leaves begins crunching underfoot, we look ahead to the one holiday that makes its mark on the season—Halloween. It's a holiday designed for play, with no presents to buy and no huge dinners to cook. Halloween is just for fun.
To truly get into the spirit (Did someone say spirit?), it's also the one time of year when we can embrace all that's scary and creepy—from ghostly houses to headless riders. We've found a few eerie destinations that would make perfect haunts for travelers hoping to get a little spooked.
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| The 200-year-old Cashtown Inn is said to be one of the most haunted locations in Gettysburg. |
The deadliest battle of the Civil War took place in 1863 in the tiny Pennsylvania town of Gettysburg. It has been said that Gettysburg is the most haunted destination, "acre for acre," in America. "The dead do not rest easy in Gettysburg, and they are not hesitant to remind the living that they refuse to be forgotten," is a popular mantra from this city.
Over the years, scores of sightings of soldiers have been reported near the quaint houses and rolling fields of former battlegrounds.
Eyewitnesses tell of ghostly regiments still charging each other in pitched b attle, complete with the sound of musket and cannon fire. Visit the lonely paths and promontories where soldiers from both sides held out as long as fate would allow them, sometimes dying and being buried where they fell. Or visit the National Cemetery, where reports tell of the strains of the "Gettysburg Address" still being uttered by Abraham Lincoln seven score and seven years after the event.
The gatehouse of the National Cemetery is said to be occupied by an invisible sentry still on guard. The apparition descends the stairs, footsteps are heard, and a chill of spiritual energy precedes it, but the apparition never appears.
Up for a thrill? Gettysburg and paranormal author/historian Mark Nesbit presents The Ghosts of Gettysburg tour. You'll learn the fascinating tales behind these ghostly apparitions and events. (717) 337-0445
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| Savannah's Kehoe House, considered one of the spookiest in the city, is said to be haunted by the spirits of twin girls. |
This sweet Southern town is considered by many to be the most haunted city in America. It was actually named such by Fox Television's Scariest Places on Earth series. Savannah has enough history and legend permeating the old town to fill hundreds of books.
The classic beauty of Savannah by day is said to be replaced by a "midnight side" each evening. Haunted cemeteries can be found throughout the area, where chilling stories and ghost tales speak of ghouls, ghosts and vampires. Haunted plantations and historic locations are home to soldiers of the Civil War who still plan battles or stand guard—long after their death. Savannah's Fort Jackson is the oldest standing fort in Georgia and has a rich and violent history. It's one of the city's most popular haunted tourist attractions, with unmatched daytime educational and historical programs, and "after hours" programs for ghost hunters of all ages. Savannah is famous for several hotels and B&Bs that are said to be frequented with strange phenomena, eerie occurrences and ghostly visits.
Make a night of it—if you dare!
Try something a little different and check out the frightseeing tour "Ghosts and Gravestones." You'll visit the Sorrel Weed House (as seen on Syfy Channel's Ghost Hunters). 1-888-920-8687
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| Robert the doll Photo by Key West Art and Historical Society |
Most folks think of Key West for its sun-soaked beaches and fragrant piña coladas. But lurking behind this cheerful disposition lies an impressive history of creepy events. The city's former residents—including buccaneers, morticians and voodoo practitioners—provide the perfect backdrop for these hauntings. Captain Tony's Saloon was once the island's morgue, and the tree that grows through its center is reported to have been a site for lynching pirates and criminals. Many say their spirits still roam the saloon today.
The former home (and now museum) of Ernest Hemingway is said to house the novelist's ghost. There are those who claim he walks the grounds, and others have heard the click-clacking of a non-existent typewriter.
The creepiest artifact in Key West is Robert, a large doll that many say is possessed. Owned by Gene Otto as a child in the early 1900s, he was deathly afraid of it, saying it threatened him and threw furniture around the room. His parents swore they saw Robert moving on his own, and neighbors reported that the doll paced before the window when the family was out.
For a spooky, lantern-lit evening, check out Historic Old Town's "Original Ghost Tours," which has been featured on the Travel Channel, History Channel and the BBC. (305) 294-9255
Although you expect towns like Gettysburg and Alexandria to be haunted by the shadowy ghosts of the dead, Virginia Beach takes one by surprise. This breezy city on the water becomes a haven for spirits once evening sets in. It's said that the ghost of Grace Sherwood frequents this area. Her claim to fame came as the first person in Virginia to be tried for witchcraft. Thrown in the water with her thumbs tied to her toes, she was able to swim free, thus confirming that she was indeed a witch (an innocent person would have drowned). She spent several years in prison for her crime. Also haunting this popular tourist area is none other than Blackbeard and his famous pirate crew who plundered ships off these beaches. The story goes that he was decapitated here, and his head was put on display to ward off other pirates. Some say he wanders the area in search of his missing cranium.
Take an evening stroll on the boardwalk in search of ghosts, witches and all things paranormal on The Haunted Lantern Tour. Private tours available. (757) 897-9600
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Although Memphis is famously known for being the location of Elvis Presley's Graceland estate, the city is also home to a number of spectral sightings and ghostly happenings. One of the most famous areas of the city is Voodoo Village—yes, it really does exist in southwest Memphis. Known to haunted enthusiasts for generations, this area is an assortment of brightly colored houses, many sporting strange artwork, symbols and sculptures. The area holds a variety of weirdly interesting shops. Rumors of strange rituals and sightings continue to thrive here.
St. Paul's Spiritual Temple is said to house more than just church services. The huge iron fence surrounding the building adds to the scare factor, and stories say that it's home to the walking dead and black magic spells. Caliss Cutoff, located near Winchester and Germantown Road, is said to have been the gathering place for vampires, witches and voodooists. Although completely developed today, some believe it carries residual spirits from days gone by. And don't forget to stop at The Orpheum Theatre, a restored 1920s vaudeville and movie palace that also is said to be the home of a little girl's ghost. "Mary" plays the organ, plays tricks on the stage hands and actors, and lets her presence be known. She also likes seat C5. She was killed in an accident on Beale Street in the 1920s, and is one of Memphis' better-known spirits.
Memphis Ghost Tours let you explore the darker side of Memphis with chilling tales of the city's haunted heritage. 1-800-844-7601
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| Salem Witch Museum Photo by Salem Witch Museum/Bob Deschene |
One can't think of Salem without witches and witch trials coming to mind. It's even been branded "Witch City," celebrating its spooky past with enchanting shops, strange museums and more—not only on Halloween, but year-round!
Friendly and spirited modern-day Salem witches guide you through the city's mysteries and history. The Salem Witch Museum presents one of the most tragic and enduring events in American history—The Witch Hysteria of 1692. The exhibit "Witches: Evolving Perceptions" traces the myths of this mysterious religion, from midwives and healers to witch hunts and Wiccans. Join a ghost hunt at the famed Danvers State Mental Hospital. This huge, gothic building is considered one of America's most haunted asylums. Many believe the most haunted Salem hotspot is the Old Burying Point Cemetery, one of the oldest cemeteries in Massachusetts and the alleged site of the true "Witch Dungeon." This is where Giles Corey was pressed to death with large stones.
Check out one of the Voodoo, Cemetery, Ghost & Vampire tours presented by famed Mollie Stewart, the "Ghost Lady of Salem." She's been featured on The Travel Channel, Good Morning America, Showtime and in numerous magazines. (978) 745-0138
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Get in the spirit. Visit our Halloween pages right here for printable ghoulish recipes, games, carving designs and more. Click on the Halloween link...if you dare!