Halloween inspired travel destinations: 5 real life places to get spooked

Instead of the traditional haunted house, Halloween inspired travel can be scarier. These five real life spooky haunts could be filled with actual nightmares.

Themed travel takes a darker turn each October. Halloween inspired travel lures travelers to locales with real life scary events. From historical sites steeped with legends to little known towns with tall tales, these five real life places are haunted all 365 days a year.

Unlike the make-believe haunted houses throughout the nation, many cities have real life haunting stories. While actual ghost appearances are debatable, the stories about these haunted locations are legendary. Just because you don’t see an apparition, the fear in the pit of your stomach is just as terrifying.

Do you dare journey to one of these Halloween inspired travel destinations?

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Salem, Massachusetts

Often referred to as Witch Town USA, the Salem Witch trials are infamous. During the late 1600s, numerous people were accused of witchcraft. Some of the accused witches were hung or stoned. The lurid tale of real life events has been immortalized into books like The Crucible and movies.

Each year, Salem has a full calendar of haunted happenings. Most notably, the month long celebration called Salem Haunted Happenings. These events offer frightening fun for all ages. Salem is definitely a Halloween inspired travel destination.

Even though Halloween brings more people to Salem, the area celebrates it witch heritage all year round. The area has many museums, like the Salem Witch Museum, that educate and titillate those people looking for the spooky thrills.

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New Orleans, Louisiana

Even though everyone thinks of New Orleans as the Mardi Gras city, New Orleans has an even darker side. Voodoo casts a darkness over the city’s history. While American Horror Story borrowed the real life voodoo priestess, Marie Laveau, her story and legend are real.

Many people seeking a chilling voodoo priestess encounter visit the St. Louis Cemetery. The burial place of Marie Laveau calls many visitors seeking her assistance. Believe the story or not, many people tell tales of Laveau and her snake roaming the cemetery.

Voodoo wasn’t just part of New Orleans history. Even today, a stroll around the Bourbon Street area can encounter a voodoo shop or two. Enter only if you dare or wish to tempt fate.

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Alcatraz, California

Alcatraz, the Rock, in San Francisco Bay was one of the most notorious prisons. But even before the island was transformed into the infamous prison, people said it was haunted. Native Americans believed that evil spirits lurked on the island.

Looking at Alcatraz’s history, the area was primarily used as a prison. From the original military prison to the more famous federal penitentiary, Alcatraz has been home to hundreds of evil people, and quite possibly ghosts. Former guards and even current guests have reported just feeling evil spirits lurking around. With numerous people murdered on the island, the eerie atmosphere is expected.

Over the years, many people have tried to research the ghosts. Although the National Park Service denies the existence of ghosts, many people still believe. Even if you don’t see a ghost, a visit to Alcatraz is a chilling event. Knowing the dreadful life of the inhabitants can make anyone feel at least a little uncomfortable.

WILLIAMSBURG, VA –

Williamsburg, Virginia

In Williamsburg. Virginia, specifically Colonial Williamsburg is like stepping back into the 18th Century. The entire village is a replica of the Williamsburg from years past. This living museum immerses people into an authentic experience. It makes sense that ghosts might be lurking around.

With so many stories about the area, several companies offer ghost tours. From William and Mary College to historical homes, the haunted happenings are many. Many of the apparitions don’t seem to harm people. Rather, these ghosts just want to make their presence known.

The creepiest area to visit is Hangman’s Road. This road is supposedly where the infamous pirate, Blackbeard, was beheaded. But, Blackbeard wasn’t the only poor soul who lost his head on this road. Visitors believe to have heard a wagon rolling down the street. Whether that sound or something else, a walk down this road could be really eerie.

Savannah, Georgia

The Southern city is a wonderful place to enjoy delicious food. But, those amazing dining locations might have some unforeseen dinner guests. Several history buildings and the local cemetery are known to ghosts lurking. With many ghost tours, visitors can search for their own ghost encounter.

One of the oldest buildings in Savannah is the Pirate House. Now a popular restaurant, the location is said to have ghosts lurking in the underground tunnels. Many men took unwanted journeys through the underground tunnels and ended up serving on a pirate ship.

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Another popular creepy haunt is a Bonaventure Cemetery. While the cemetery is home to several famous people, the local legends could be unhappy about their untimely departure. Of course, many people visit this cemetery because of its connection to Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. The connection makes it a Halloween inspired travel destination. Still, the evil may not all be fictional.

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Halloween-inspired travel destinations: 5 real life places to get spooked

By Cristine Struble | Oct 10, 2017