8 Places To Visit In The Fall That Give Off Serious Spooky Vibes
We all love a good thrill and chill, so why not adventure to a spooky destination this fall to get you in the spooky mood? Sure, there are places that Hollywood has made scary, but have you considered traveling to some places that are just inherently scary all on their own? Take a trip to some of the spookiest towns, buildings, and even cities to get you in the Halloween spirit when the fall rolls around. For those of us who love scary movies, these places will have you feeling like your in your own scary movie. Check out our list of eight places to visit this fall that give off serious spooky vibes to satisfy that spooky and scary lover in you!
1. Sleepy Hollow, New York
What’s better than the home of the infamous Headless Horseman and the Legend of Sleepy Hollow as a spooky destination to hit up this fall. We’ve all read the story (or seen the movie) about Ichabod Crane and his encounter with the Headless Horseman on that lonely, dark stretch of road. You can venture to that same stretch of road for a spooky destination where you’ll encounter activities and storytelling events that are sure to send shivers down your spine. The falls are chilly and there’s a pumpkin on every doorstep. And if you happen to find yourself walking home late at night and hear the faint sound of hooves it might be a good idea to pick up your pace.
2. New Orleans, Louisiana
There are a bunch of different spooky things that hail in New Orleans making it the perfect spooky destination for this fall. There’s pirate lore, an obsession with voodoo culture, and the countless tale of ghosts and spirits in the charming city. For bouts of the paranormal, book a ghost tour, cemetery walk, haunted pub crawl, or even book a stay at one of the many haunted hotels. The Voodoo Museum is perfect to learn all there is to learn about voodoo, St. Louis Cemetery is where voodoo queen Marie Laveau is buried and supposedly where she still haunts to this day, and Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar is one of the oldest operating bars that harbor the spirits and ghosts of tons of people. You’re sure to encounter at least a couple spooky things in New Orleans.
3. Salem, Massachusetts
This is a given for a spooky destination, but that doesn’t mean that it shouldn’t be an option. Salem is on this list because it is known for being the town where the Salem Witch Trials were held. 19 women were accused of witchcraft and hanged while another 5 died while in jail. In Salem you can take tours that touch on the infamous trials and during the fall there are a number of themed events and festivals that you can attend. Make sure you stop by the Witch House, which was home to the judge of the witch trials, which is said to be super spooky and one of the places most of the witches’ spirits like to hang out.
4. Savannah, Georgia
Savannah is known as the most haunted town in the US, making it one spooky destination. The entire city has a very spooky vibe to it, making it a place that tourists who love the supernatural tend to flock to. Entire plazas are built on former graveyards which is why people claim the town is so haunted. You can take a ghost tour or visit a graveyard, but for the spookiest adventure in Savannah you’re going to want to stop by Bonaventure Cemetery – it is located on the banks of the Savannah River, which just adds to the creepiness of the entire experience. Plan a trip to Savannah for a spooky destination and an even spookier adventure.
5. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
In Philadelphia, there is one of the spookiest empty penitentiaries that make for one spooky destination. The Eastern State Penitentiary is supposedly filled with the ghosts of inmates and guards from back in the 1940s that historians and visitors claim to have seen over the years. The abandoned 11-acre prison has an attraction, “Terror Behind the Walls,” where you can dive into the spookier aspects of the history. The prison is surrounded by other places that claim to be the home to other spooky visitors and occurrences who they say are ghosts from the jail. If you’re looking for a spooky destination that is sure to leave you lying awake at night, then this is it.
6. Avalon, Santa Catalina Island, California
The island town is built on Native American burial grounds, making it a spooky destination for all those who venture there. It’s said to be full of the spirits buried there as well as some familiar names you might know. Celebrities used to travel to the island to escape crowded Los Angeles and it is said that actresses Natalie Wood and author Zane Gray, who both died there, still remain on the island. Ghost tours run nightly and take you to all the hidden spooky places. The island may be a spooky destination but it is also one of the prettiest places in the US. There are spas, beaches, and shops that are also good for a relaxing time.
7. Estes Park, Colorado
You have to go to this spooky destination because it is home to the Stanley Hotel, which is the setting and inspiration for the horror book and film, The Shining. Room 217 is where Stephen King stayed when he wrote the book and apparently the ghost of a housekeeper that was killed at the hotel still lurks in that room. It is also claimed that the original owners of the hotel, Freeman and Flora Stanley, are said to also prowl the grounds and appear occasionally to guests and the staff. Guests are welcome to a discounted rate for a tour of the hotel and the public can also come and take a peek. If you really want to get in with the ghosts, book yourself a room and enjoy a stay at this spooky destination.
8. Biddeford, Maine
In Biddeford, you can find one of the most haunted lighthouses, the Wood Island Lighthouse. This spooky destination’s haunted history began when the island’s only resident killed his one tenant and then himself in 1896. According to the lore, the two men’s spirits still haunt the island and cause enough paranormal activity for visitors to experience on the island. Volunteers take guests to the lighthouse on a boat from town and are even allowed to climb up the lighthouse tower. Visit the island at night to see the lighthouse as it guides boats to the shore and to get a full spooky experience.
