There is no better time to celebrate some of our favorite spooktacular travel destinations. We absolutely love Halloween and love discovering new places to indulge our superstitions, so this month we are going to highlight some of our favorite haunted destinations. First up is Savannah, GA!
Savannah, GA
Often called “The Most Haunted City in America”, Savannah has no shortage of creepy stories and haunted locales to visit during your stay. Some of our favorite spots include the Hamilton-Turner Inn, Moon River Brewing Co, and The Pirates’ House restaurant.
Savannah even offers several ghost tours where you can explore the most haunted locales via walking tour, trolley, or even a hearse!
St. Augustine, FL
St. Augustine is the oldest continuously occupied city in the United States, so it goes without saying that this city is rich in history. During your stay, be sure to stop by the St. Augustine Lighthouse. Built in 1873, the lighthouse has been the site of several tragic deaths and is known for high propensity of orbs and apparitions.
St. Augustine’s Old Jail is also a popular stop for visitors. It was built in 1891 and considered by many to be one of the most haunted locations in the city. Listed on the Florida and National Register of Haunted Places, the Old Jail is known for its 60 year history on inhumane treatment of its inmates, including the hanging of 8 men.
Salem, MA
Famously known for its witch trials in the late 1600s, Salem is the ultimate destination for ghost hunters. From The Old Burying Point Cemetery to Gallows Hill, there is no shortage of haunted happenings in Salem.
Our favorite stop in Salem, however, is The Witch House. The Witch House is the only structure you can visit in Salem with direct ties to the Salem witch trials of 1692. It was the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin who served on the court that ultimately sent 19 accused witches to the gallows.
Salem, MA
New Orleans, LA
New Orleans might just be the ultimate destination for haunted history. From mystical arts to a deadly plague to haunted asylums, New Orleans offers no shortage of terrifying locales to visit. Why not spend the night at the former St. Vincent’s Infant Asylum? Though it housed orphans through the Civil War and the Yellow Fever Epidemic, it now operates as a hostel. Many guests report apparitions of children laughing and playing in the hallway.
You can also tour St. Louis Cathedral, one of the most prominent buildings in New Orleans. It also just so happens to be built on top of one of New Orleans’ oldest cemeteries. Countless ghost sightings have happened here including that of Spanish Capuchin Friar, Pere Antoine. He was well-loved in New Orleans and has been seen by countless visitors since his death in 1829.
New Orleans, LA
Portland, OR
Portland may be the biggest surprise on this list since it was established years after the others, but Portland has an incredibly storied past. Much of downtown and Pearl District sit atop the Old Portland Underground or as they’re known locally, the Shanghai Tunnels. The Shanghai Tunnels are rumored to have been used to move men and women into human trafficking.
If you’re looking for a spooky encounter with some of the victims of the Shanghai Tunnels, you should definitely check out White Eagle Saloon. It is said to be home to several spirits, most famously pre-prohibition era bartender and cook, Sam Warrick. It is said that Sam still likes to wreak havoc in the kitchen.
Of course a trip to Portland wouldn’t be complete without sampling some of its famous micro-brews. So why not combine ghost hunting and beer drinking? BeerQuest Walking Tours offers a Haunted Pub Tour through Old Town Portland. Stops include iconic 1900’s saloons, sites of opium smuggling operations, and ends with a pint at Huber’s, Portland’s oldest bar and restaurant.
There is no shortage of incredible U.S. destinations to plan your next haunted holiday. Contact Yellow Sky Travel today to plan your 2021 Halloween escape!