7 Destinations for a Spooky Summer Vacation
Summer is upon us and many of us will venture out to tropical destinations for some rest and relaxation. Some of us though will look for something a little less tropical and a little more supernatural (but who says you can’t have both?).
Below are 7 destination with plenty of paranormal history to satisfy any paranormal enthusiast. Grab your audio recorder and an EMF meter…………and let’s go!
Haunted Places in Savannah, Georgia:
The Marshall House: This historic hotel served as a hospital during the Civil War and two yellow fever epidemics. Because of its history, it is rumored to be haunted by spirits of Civil War soldiers and yellow fever victims. Guests have reported disembodied voices, shadow figures, flickering lights, and unexplained noises.
Sorrel Weed House: One of the most haunted houses in Savannah, the Sorrel Weed House is said to be visited by multiple spirits, including Matilda Sorrel, a young girl, and a woman that is seen and heard crying. Visitors have reported hearing disembodied voices and crying, and footsteps.
Bonaventure Cemetery: This picturesque cemetery is not only a popular tourist attraction but also a hotspot for paranormal activity. Established in 1846 and originally known as Evergreen Cemetery, this cemetery has over 100 acres of paranormal potential. Visitors have reported seeing shadow figures, the feeling of being touched, hearing disembodied voices, and finding EVPs in their evidence.
Moon River Brewing Company: The life of this historic building is quite interesting. It all began as a hotel but it also housed this brewery, a bank, a bar, a lumber and coal warehouse, and the United States Post Office. It is believed to be haunted by multiple spirits, including a ghost named Toby and the spirit of James Stark who was killed on the stairs going to the 2nd floor. Visitors have reported the feeling of dread, footsteps, apparitions, and the feeling of being touched and pushed.
Haunted Places in Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is a city rich in history and folklore. It is also known for its numerous haunted locations that attract paranormal enthusiasts from around the world. Here are some of the most famous haunted places in Edinburgh:
Edinburgh Castle: This iconic fortress is said to be haunted by several ghosts, including hearing phantom bagpipes, a headless drummer and a young phantom piper. Legend says back several centuries ago a tunnel was discovered under castle rock. The opening was small but it was big enough for a child. A young piper boy was sent in and told to play his bagpipes so the people above could track his progress. Everything went fine until the music suddenly stopped. Despite multiple attempts to rescue the boy, no sign of the boy could be found. When there was no longer hope of a rescue, the tunnel was sealed. Since then, people claim to hear the music of the lonely piper boy still waiting to be rescued.
The Real Mary King's Close: This underground network of streets goes back to the 17th century. Ravaged by the plague, this tightly populated area saw death and devastation. It is rumored to be haunted by the ghost of a little girl named Annie who became sick and was abandoned by her family. It is said that her family left her to die when they realized she no longer had a chance of recovery. Visitors have reported hearing her voice and laughter, feeling someone tug on their clothing, and hearing the pitter patter of little feet.
Greyfriars Kirkyard: This cemetery is infamous for violent poltergeist activity associated with the tomb of Sir George Mackenzie. The Mackenzie Poltergeist is said to haunt the graveyard, causing unease and fear among visitors. Be sure to check out the memorial for Greyfriars Bobby, a terrier who reportedly guarded his master’s grave for 14 years and was cared for by local police.
South Bridge Vaults: Located beneath the South Bridge, these underground chambers have a chilling reputation for being haunted. Many people suffered from illness and died. The location of your living quarters somewhat matched socioeconomic status…..the lower the level on which you lived, the lower your “station in life.” It is no surprise that disease ran rampant among the poor that lived below the South Bridge due to small cramped living quarters and poor conditions. Visitors have reported hearing whispers, disembodied voices and laughter, and footsteps. Visitors also report the feeling of being touched and shadows wandering about the vaults.
Haunted Places in New Orleans
If you're looking for a city steeped in paranormal history, look no further than New Orleans. This vibrant city is known for its rich culture, delicious cuisine, and of course, its haunted locations. Here are some of the most famous haunted places in New Orleans:
LaLaurie Mansion: This infamous mansion was once home to the evil socialite Madame Delphine LaLaurie, who tortured and killed many slaves in the 1830s. The atrocities she committed were well hidden until a fire broke out and everything was revealed. Firefighters and authorities discovered slaves that were chained and had been horribly mutilated. It is believed their tortured souls still haunt the premises. The mansion is a private residence and not available for tours.
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1: The oldest cemetery in New Orleans, St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is home to over 700 tombs, and is the final resting place of voodoo queen Marie Laveau. Visitors have reported seeing her spirit and others wandering among the tombs.
The Sultan's Palace: This mysterious mansion in the French Quarter is said to be haunted by the ghost of a Turkish sultan and others who were murdered there one stormy night in the 1836. The morning after the massacre, a man walking down the street came upon the residence and saw blood trickling down the front steps and into the street. Once the authorities were summoned, they discovered dead bodies scattered about. Some had limbs missing, others were flayed open. As they investigated, bodies were found throughout the house and the Sultan was found buried in the courtyard. It is believed he was buried alive and that his spirit still roams the halls. A private residence now, this location is not available for tours.
The Old Ursuline Convent: Built in 1752, this historic building is said to be haunted by the spirits of the French nuns who once lived there. Visitors have reported seeing shadow skulking about, apparitions of nuns, and hearing phantom footsteps and whispers in the halls. There is also a legend that a group of young women known as the Casket Girls brought vampires into the area who then devastated crops and killed people all around town. The Casket Girls lived on the 3rd floor of the convent until the nuns kicked them out and sealed off the 3rd floor.
Haunted Places in Transylvania
Bran Castle: Known as "Dracula's Castle," this iconic and infamous fortress is said to be haunted by the spirit of Vlad the Impaler, the inspiration for Bram Stoker's Count Dracula. In reality it seems he did not live there but stories continue about ghosts wandering the halls of the castle.
Hoia Baciu Forest: Often called the "Bermuda Triangle of Transylvania," this forest is notorious for unexplained phenomena including ghost sightings and UFO encounters. The forest seems benign when hiking to through it but there is a large circular area in which no trees or plants grow. Only grass grows in that part of the forest and, according to various articles found online about multiple tests run on the soil, it is unknown why nothing grow there.
Corvin Castle: Built in 1440 as a fortress, this glorious castle offers plenty of dungeons and corridors to explore. The towers often held prisoners of war as well as criminals. It is alleged that the castle held a bear pit where prisoners were thrown and mauled to death by wild animals. The spirits that are believed to lurk within the castle said to be those prisoners and criminals. Guests have reported seeing shadows and apparitions, hearing footsteps, and disembodied voices.
Salina Turda: This stunning mine dates back the 1271. As you descend into the depths of this underground salt mine, be on the lookout for the ghostly miners that are said to still working hard in the shadows. their phantom presence felt by visitors.
Haunted Places in Gettysburg
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, is known for its rich history and storied past, especially its significant role in the Civil War. The town is also famous for its many reported ghost sightings and haunted locations. Here are some of the most haunted places in Gettysburg:
1. Gettysburg Battlefield: The battlefield is perhaps the most haunted location in Gettysburg, with numerous reports of ghostly apparitions of soldiers still fighting the battle. Visitors have experienced hearing phantom gunshots, drums, and war cries. We tried to investigate on our last trip in April 2024 but it was cold and raining so we will have to go back.
2. Jennie Wade House: Jennie Wade was the only civilian killed during the Battle of Gettysburg. Her house, where she was fatally shot, is believed to be haunted by her ghost. The door still has scars and bullet holes in it from the war. Visitors have reported seeing apparitions and hearing unexplained noises in the house.
3. Sachs Covered Bridge: Located just outside Gettysburg, Sachs Covered Bridge is said to be haunted by the ghost of a Civil War soldier. Visitors have reported seeing a figure in old-fashioned clothing walking across the bridge, only to disappear into thin air.
4. Haunted Orphanage in Gettysburg: The haunted orphanage was a place of sorrow and despair for many children during the Civil War. The orphanage was a place in which the children were allegedly not treated well. In fact, it is alleged the children were outright abused and the orphanage now stands as a chilling reminder of its dark past. Visitors have reported hearing voices and cries, as well as encountering shadowy figures wandering about. Some have even felt invisible hands tugging at their clothes or hair, sending shivers down their spines.
Haunted Places in Tokyo
Tokyo, Japan is a city with a rich history and vibrant culture, but it also has its fair share of ghostly legends and haunted locations. If you're a paranormal enthusiast looking for a spooky adventure, here are some places in Tokyo that are rumored to be haunted:
1. Aoyama Cemetery: Established in 1872, this cemetery became Japan’s first public cemetery in the 1920s. While many cemeteries have peaceful and serene vibes, Aoyama Cemetery is said to be a hotspot for ghost sightings. Visitors have reported encountering shadow figures wandering among the tombstones, and hearing voices and inexplicable sounds.
2. Tokyo Tower: This iconic landmark is a popular tourist attraction that is rumored to be haunted by a woman who tragically fell to her death from the observation deck. Some visitors claim to have seen her ghost wandering around the tower, looking lost and confused. Reports of paranormal activity also come from the elevator.
3. Akasaka Weekly Mansion: This apartment building is known for its high incidence of paranormal activity, including strange noises, flickering lights, and objects moving on their own. Some residents have even reported being touched or pushed by an unseen entity. There have been a few suicides on the property…..maybe that is why the property is haunted?
4. Okiku's Well: Located in Himeji Castle in Tokyo, this well is said to be haunted by the ghost of Okiku, a servant who was unjustly accused of a crime and thrown into the well to die. There is another story in which Okiku was killed when her employer became enraged over a broken dish. It is believed that her ghost still lingers near the well, seeking justice for her untimely death.
Haunted Places in Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona, known for its stunning architecture and vibrant culture, is also home to a number of haunted locations that will send shivers down your spine. Explore the eerie side of this enchanting city by visiting:
Poble Nou Cemetery: Be sure to check out the “Kiss of Death” sculpture when you visit this cemetery. This cemetery is said to be haunted by the spirits of those buried here. Visitors have reported hearing voices, seeing shadows darting about, and feeling cold spots as they wander among the tombstones.
Palau de la Musica Catalana: While known for its beautiful music and exquisite architecture, this concert hall is rumored to be haunted by a former musician who tragically died during a performance. Some have claimed to hear phantom melodies echoing through the halls.
Castle of Montjuic: This ancient fortress overlooking the city has a dark and bloody past, including being a site of executions. It has seen plenty of war in its lifetime, and has been taken and lost many times. Visitors have reported seeing apparitions wandering the grounds, a feeling of dread, hearing footsteps, and hearing disembodied voices.
Bar Marsella: One of the oldest bars in Barcelona, Bar Marsella is rumored to be haunted by the ghost of a former patron. Bartenders have reported bottles moving inexplicably and hearing disembodied laughter late at night. Some visitors believe they have seen the ghost of Hemingway because he was known to be a frequent patron.
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Adding a paranormal twist to your next trip will create unforgettable memories. Pack your bags, muster your courage, and let's embark on a journey through the supernatural side of summer! If you aren’t quite ready to go it alone, please join us on our next haunted trip. Until next time……..make this beautiful day count!
Annette