Louisiana Posts

Spooky Places to Visit for Halloween

September 23, 2024 1 Comment

This spooky season there are so many fascinating haunted locations to visit, from a popular film set to a suspected haunted hotel, here are some spooky places to visit on this creepy Halloween weekend.

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Halloween Movie House (South Pasadena, California)

If you’re a fan of the Halloween movie franchise, then visiting the real Michael Myers house is a bucket-list experience! Located at 1000 Mission Street, South Pasadena, California, the house was used as the exterior filming location for the iconic 1978 horror classic Halloween, directed by John Carpenter. In fact, the house’s chilling façade has remained largely unchanged, even though its interior underwent a complete makeover during the production of Halloween Kills. Today, it serves as a popular tourist attraction for horror aficionados and movie buffs.

Originally built in the early 1900s, the Halloween movie house was moved from its original location to Mission Street to avoid demolition, preserving its legacy as one of the most recognizable horror movie houses in cinema history. Currently, the building operates as a business office, so be respectful when visiting and refrain from entering. Snap a few photos outside, and enjoy imagining the eerie presence of Michael Myers lurking just beyond the door. If you’re planning a Halloween-themed road trip, this iconic horror landmark is a must-see stop for any true fan of the franchise.

A creepy abandoned house, looking similar to the one featured in the Halloween movies.

Hotel La Fonda (Santa Fe, New Mexico)

The Hotel La Fonda is a historic haunted hotel that captures the essence of the Old West with its eerie atmosphere and ghostly residents. Built during the lawless days of frontier America, this haunted destination has seen its share of violence and tragedy, which seems to have left a lasting imprint on the building.

One of the most spine-chilling aspects of Hotel La Fonda is is proximity to the gallows, once located at the rear of the property, where outlaws and convicts met their fates. To this day, guests and staff frequently report seeing phantom gunslingers erupting between shadowy figures, reliving their final moments in chilling detail. The most active paranormal hotspot is said to be the sleeping quarters, where guests often experience unexplained cold spots, disembodied voices, and the presence of ghostly gunslingers wandering the halls.

Roller King Skating Rink (Albuquerque, New Mexico)

Fans of Stranger Things can’t miss a visit to the Roller King Albuquerque Rink, which served as the iconic Rink-O-Mania set in Season 4 of the hit Netflix series. Located in the heart of the Southwest, this retro roller rink is a must-visit Halloween destination for those wanting to relive the 80’s nostalgia while embracing the spooky season.

Why not add a fun twist to your Halloween plans by dressing up in your best 80s attire and hitting the rink, just like the characters did on the show? Throughout October, Roller King offers a packed schedule of roller skating events, making it easy to fit into your own Halloween itinerary. Be sure to check their official website for Halloween-themed skate nights, costume contests, and other festive events happening all month long. If you’re looking for a unique way to celebrate Halloween in Albuquerque, the Stranger Things Roller Rink is the perfect place to show off your skating skills and capture that vintage, spooky vibe!

An 80’s Roller Rink inspired the set for Stranger Things Season 4.

The Stanley Hotel (Estes Park, Colorado)

As soon as you arrive at the idyllic driveway of The Stanley Hotel, you will realise it inspired the hotel from Steven King’s The Shining. This extravagant building plays host to both the Stanley Hotel ghost tour and ‘spirited rooms’, meaning you can have a real paranormal experience during your stay! Availability is limited in these rooms, so it’s best to pre-book these as early as you can to get a glimpse of the Stanley hotel ghost.

If you can’t make it to stay overnight at the hotel, we highly recommend the Spirited Tour. This experience lasts around 60 minutes, and the night-time ambience adds to the spooky atmosphere. The knowledgeable storyteller takes you around the hotel itself and through the dark edges, leaving it the perfect place for a few scares this Halloween.

Estes Park, Colorado, USA – October 5, 2019 – Exterior of the Stanley Hotel, inspiration for Stephen King’s The Shining, at dusk.

Hotel Retlaw  – Formerly Ramada Plaza Hotel (Fond du Lac, Wisconsin)

Once a notorious gangster hideout, the Hotel Retlaw in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, has a chilling history that still lingers today. The hotel is connected to underground tunnels that were famously used by Chicago’s most dangerous criminals to evade authorities, providing a covert escape route right from the hotel’s basement. These hidden passages have fueled the building’s reputation as a paranormal hotspot and a must-visit destination for ghost hunters.

Adding to its dark history is the brutal murder of the hotel’s original owner, Walter Schroeder, who was violently killed on the premises. His restless spirit is said to haunt the building to this day, making his presence known through loud banging noises, disembodied yelling, and unexplained disturbances such as lights flickering and faucets turning on and off without warning. Guests brave enough to stay the night often report feeling uneasy, with many claiming to experience a chilling sense of being watched. For those seeking a truly haunted hotel experience, Hotel Retlaw’s sinister past and active hauntings make it a prime stop on any haunted travel itinerary.

The RMS Queen Mary Hotel – (Long Beach, CA)

The RMS Queen Mary, often called one of the most haunted ships in the world, offers visitors a chance to experience its eerie paranormal activity firsthand. This massive ocean liner, which completed thousands of transatlantic crossings, has been permanently docked in Long Beach, California since 1967, and it didn’t take long for ghostly sightings and supernatural occurrences to become the norm.

The Queen Mary Hotel is home to numerous spirits, with several well-known Queen Mary ghosts still making their presence felt. Visitors frequently report hearing unexplained rapping noises, seeing shadowy apparitions wandering the narrow hallways, and even spotting ghostly figures on the staircases that seem to appear and disappear along the ship’s decks. Some of the most haunted areas include the First-Class Swimming Pool, where female spirits in vintage bathing suits are seen, and the Engine Room, known as the “Door 13” area, where a crewman tragically died and continues to make his presence known.

The famous ghost ship located in Long Beach, with the full moon in the background makes for a spooky setting.

Provincial Hotel (New Orleans, Louisiana)

When it comes to haunted hotels in New Orleans, the Provincial Hotel stands out as one of the most actively haunted locations in the city. Known for its rich and eerie history, this property was once a Civil War hospital, and the lingering spirits of soldiers and doctors are said to still roam its halls today.

Guests and staff frequently report experiencing unexplained phenomena, such as doors opening and closing on their own, mysterious whispers echoing through the corridors, and the unnerving sight of full-body apparitions of soldiers appearing in their rooms. The activity is especially concentrated in Building No. 5, which is believed to be the most haunted part of the hotel. Visitors who choose to stay in this section have described intense feelings of being watched, sudden temperature drops, and even hearing the faint cries of wounded soldiers.

The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel (Los Angeles, California)

The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel is one of the most infamous haunted hotels in Los Angeles, attracting visitors eager to catch a glimpse of its legendary celebrity spirits. Since opening its doors in 1927, this historic hotel on Hollywood Boulevard has become a hotspot for paranormal activity. The most famous ghostly resident is none other than Marilyn Monroe, whose spirit is said to linger around her former suite. Guests and staff have reported seeing her reflection in mirrors and feeling an unexplained presence in the room.

But Monroe isn’t the only Hollywood legend haunting the Roosevelt. Spirits of actors Errol Flynn and Montgomery Clift have also been spotted, with Clift’s ghost known to pace the hallways and practice his trumpet in Room 928, where he stayed during the filming of From Here to Eternity. The hotel’s Spanish Colonial architecture, combined with its storied past, creates the perfect backdrop for a spooky night’s stay. This Halloween, dare to book a room and experience the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel’s ghostly history for yourself.

Tourists surrounding the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles.

Biltmore House (Asheville, North Carolina)

The Biltmore House is not only the largest privately-owned home in the United States but also one of the most haunted locations in North Carolina. Built by George Washington Vanderbilt II in the late 1800s, this opulent mansion features 250 rooms filled with period furnishings and ornate designs. But beneath its grand exterior, the Biltmore harbors a darker side, making it a must-visit haunted attraction for Halloween enthusiasts.

Visitors and staff alike have reported eerie occurrences, from hearing disembodied voices to seeing shadowy figures roaming the corridors. The most infamous hauntings are said to be those of George Vanderbilt himself, whose spirit is believed to linger in the library, and his wife Edith, who has been spotted calling out to her late husband. One of the most chilling spots is the drained indoor swimming pool, where people claim to hear the faint sounds of laughter and splashing — despite the pool being empty for decades. For a truly spine-tingling experience, join one of the candlelight tours offered in October to explore this iconic estate’s eerie mysteries.

Hill House (Mineral Wells, Texas)

The Hill House in Mineral Wells, Texas, is a lesser-known but equally terrifying haunt on the list of haunted places to visit in America. Built in 1895, this eerie residence has a long history of unexplained paranormal activity and is often overshadowed by its infamous neighbor, the Baker Hotel. However, many believe the Hill House is the true epicenter of hauntings in Mineral Wells.

According to local lore, the Hill House was a private residence-turned-boarding house, with a dark past filled with mysterious deaths and tragic events. People have reported seeing ghostly apparitions in the second-floor windows, hearing the disembodied cries of children, and experiencing intense feelings of dread. One particularly chilling story involves the ghost of a former servant who is said to haunt the kitchen area. The Hill House’s architecture, combined with its reputation for violent hauntings, makes it a spine-chilling stop for those daring enough to spend Halloween in Texas.

Edgar Allan Poe House (Baltimore, Maryland)

For fans of Gothic literature and lovers of the macabre, the Edgar Allan Poe House in Baltimore, Maryland, is a pilgrimage site unlike any other. This small, unassuming brick house is where the master of horror, Edgar Allan Poe, lived during the early 1800s, and it has since become a spooky destination for Halloween visitors looking to connect with Poe’s eerie legacy.

Many believe that Poe’s spirit lingers in his former home, which is now a National Historic Landmark and museum. Ghost hunters have reported seeing a shadowy figure pacing in the attic, which some speculate is Poe himself. The sounds of shuffling footsteps and soft, mysterious tapping — eerily reminiscent of his poem, The Raven — have been heard echoing through the hallways. Some also claim to see the specter of a young woman, thought to be Virginia Clemm, Poe’s wife, weeping silently in the parlor. The house’s dark, cramped rooms and creaky wooden floors only add to the haunting atmosphere. A visit to the Poe House during Halloween is the perfect way to honor the life and lore of America’s most famous horror writer.

Moss Beach Distillery (Moss Beach, California)

Perched on a scenic bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the Moss Beach Distillery in Moss Beach, California, is more than just a charming coastal restaurant — it’s also one of the most haunted spots on the West Coast. The Distillery has been serving patrons since the 1920s, when it was a popular speakeasy during Prohibition, but its most famous resident is The Blue Lady, a mysterious specter believed to be the spirit of a woman who met a tragic end on these very cliffs.

The Blue Lady is often seen wandering the dining area and the cliffside patio, her blue dress shimmering faintly in the dim light. Staff and guests have reported eerie occurrences, such as glasses inexplicably moving, lights flickering, and sudden cold drafts. The story goes that the Blue Lady was involved in a forbidden love affair and was tragically murdered, her body washed ashore beneath the cliffs. Today, she’s considered a benevolent spirit, but her sudden appearances can be quite startling. For a hauntingly beautiful Halloween experience, visit the Moss Beach Distillery and try to catch a glimpse of the Blue Lady yourself.

Franklin Castle (Hannes Tiedemann House) (Cleveland, Ohio)

Franklin Castle, also known as the Hannes Tiedemann House, stands as one of the most haunted mansions in Ohio. This Victorian-era castle, located in the heart of Cleveland, is renowned for its creepy architecture, complete with turrets, stone gargoyles, and secret passageways that add to its sinister allure. Built in the late 1800s by Hannes Tiedemann, a wealthy German immigrant, the castle has been the site of numerous tragedies, including the untimely deaths of several Tiedemann family members.

Local legends tell of ghostly apparitions seen in the windows, doors that slam shut on their own, and the disembodied sounds of crying children. One of the most enduring tales involves a mysterious woman in black who has been seen roaming the hallways, her identity unknown. The castle’s eerie history is further compounded by rumors of hidden rooms where dark deeds may have occurred. Over the years, Franklin Castle has hosted numerous paranormal investigations, cementing its reputation as one of the scariest places to visit in the United States.

Enjoy a spooky stay in an airport hotel this Halloween! Pre-book now with ParkSleepFly, if you dare.

Romantic Valentine’s Day Destinations

January 26, 2023 No Comments
Photo by Jonathan Borba on Unsplash

Are you looking for the perfect Valentine’s Day trip? We all know that a trip to Paris or Napa Valley can be romantic, but there are lots of other cities in the world that can ignite the spark.  Whether you want to embrace the winter weather or travel to somewhere a little warmer, below are five romantic places to take your Valentine for a special getaway.

JACKSON HOLE, WYOMING
Cupid’s favorite holiday technically falls at the end of winter, so embrace the season.  Jackson Hole is remote, so it’s one of the least crowded places to choose if you’re looking for a winter wonderland.  Hit the slopes at one of the five ski resorts, take a sleigh ride through the Elk Refuge, or take a Dog Sled Ride to Granite Hot Springs. After your day out in the snow, cuddle up together at one of Jackson Hole’s many B&Bs or Resorts.  Can’t wait to plan a trip?  All the information you will ever need about this snowy city can be found on the dedicated Jackson Hole website.

HOTEL KAKSLAUTTANEN,  LAPLAND, FINLAND
Hotel Kakslauttanen offers many different accommodations, one of the more exciting being its glass igloos.  Cuddle up together in bed and gaze up into the Northern Sky.  These igloos provide a one-of-a-kind opportunity to view the Northern Lights.  From the resort, you can go ice fishing, or take a Husky or Reindeer winter safari.

Looking to kick-start your Lapland trip? Dont forget to pre-book your hotel + parking package with ParkSleepFly before your trip!

MADIERA, PORTUGAL
Temperatures here rarely get below 55 °F even in the winter months, so it’s a great destination if you just can’t take the cold winter weather anymore.  The island has an abundance of protected reserves.  Hike up to breathtaking mountain views or explore the many manicured gardens.  Adventure seekers can scuba dive under the crystal-clear waters, and culture connoisseurs can explore churches and convents that date back to the 15th century.  Of course, you’re never too far from the beach, so relaxing in the sand is always an option.  Their official tourism site has an English option, so check it out.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA
Savannah, GA is the go-to romantic getaway in the South-eastern United States, but why not try something a little different?  New Orleans can be just as romantic.  The charm of the French Quarter can make you feel like you’re on the streets of Europe.  No other American city has such a distinct and unique cuisine, from beignets to crawfish to gumbo, you’ll find you don’t have enough time to taste all that New Orleans has to offer.  Hit up a jazz club for a romantic night of dancing or enjoy the ambience at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar.  Right at the end of busy Bourbon Street, it is reputed to be the oldest structure used as a bar in the United States.

NAKED STABLES PRIVATE RESERVE MOGANSHAN, CHINA
You’ll have to pack for cooler weather, February temperatures are generally in the 40s and 50s, but this 60-acre resort promotes wellness as a lifestyle.  Stay in one of their cozy earth huts and restore your balance and spiritual and physical well-being.  Connect with nature and each other by taking one of many hikes, bike riding tours, or horseback riding tours that they offer.  You can also learn something new together; the resort offers calligraphy and tea-picking classes as well as yoga workshops, kite flying, and archery.

Prepare for your trip to China by pre-booking your parking lot space and hotel room the night before you fly. ParkSleepFly can help save your dollars and guarantee your lot space at your chosen airport!

The Zen of Music

April 10, 2012 No Comments

We’re all looking for zen these days.  Between the rising cost, pressures at work, chauffeuring kids back and forth between basketball practice and piano lessons, even the most organized, put-together-like-a-million-bucks person can get frazzled.  After all, “Music hath charms to soothe a savage breast, to soften rocks, or bend a knotted oak.” William Congreve.  Written in 1697, these words still ring true today. (Congreve also coined the phrase “Heaven has no rage like love to hatred turned. Nor hell a fury like a woman scorned.”  But that is for another post.)

Humans often sing softly to babies to lull them to sleep.  They sing when happy because it feels good.  In fact, there have been studies to document that music and singing really do make people happier.  Music can stimulate the body to produce serotonin which is a happiness hormone; therefore, your mood is elevated.

If you are feeling a little blue, have I got the cure for you!  Later this month is the annual New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Fest. The festival which runs from April 27 through May 6, 2012, is a music lover’s dream.  The festival celebrates the indigenous music and culture of New Orleans and Louisiana. Every type of music played in the state will be represented.  From jazz, blues, cajun, R&B, Zydeco, Afro-Caribbean, folk, Latin, rap, rock, country, bluegrass, and beyond is represented in the yearly festival.

Started in the 1970 by the New Orleans Hotel Motel Association, the festival finally became an annual event. In previous years, several organizations held similar jazz festivals, but The New Orleans Jazz Fest gathered a following and backing and became a huge draw for tourists rivaled only by Mardi Gras.   A spontaneous jam session with Mahalia Jackson, Duke Ellington, and the Eureka Brass Band sparked the “symbol of authenticity of the celebration that was destined to become a cultural force.” This spontaneous concert began years of discussion and planning for what would eventually become the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Fest.

The concept was pure New Orleans/Louisiana.  A festival with many stages to showcase the indigenous music styles and, of course, Louisiana cuisine, along with an arts and crafts festival, and an evening concert series.  The first headliners of the festival were Mahalia Jackson and Duke Ellington.  Other performers included Pete Fountain, Al Hirt, Clifton Chenier, Fats Domino, and The Meters  The Preservation Hall Band, parades every day with The Olympia Brass Band and Mardi Gras Indians, and many others.  New Orleans was decided to host the event since it had the richest musical heritage in America, and was the only choice.

From a humble 350 attendees (half which were the performers), the festival has grown to entertain thousands of music enthusiasts.  The festival now has 12 stages of music, arts and crafts booths, as well as many food booths for attendees.  The festival was described by the Wall Street Journal  “showcases a wider, deeper lineup of essential American musical styles than any festival in the nation.”

This year proves to be the best ever, with such performers as Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, The Eagles, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Foo Fighters, The Beach Boys 50th Anniversary Reunion, Zac Brown Band, The Neville Brothers, Al Green,Herbie Hancock, Dr. John and the Lower 911, and many, many other great performers.  You can see the entire list here.

While you are visiting New Orleans, you should also take part in other Louisiana celebrations.  April 28-29, 2012 marks Louisiana’s Bicentennial.  You can view some celebrations on the Baton Rouge website.

Whether you are looking for a short weekend trip to New Orleans, or to spend a week or so in Louisiana, start your trip off refreshed and relaxed.  Stay at a ParkSleepFly.com hotel the night before you fly.  You will receive a night’s stay, parking for the duration of your trip, and shuttle service to and from the airport terminal.  I always use ParkSleepFly.com before I travel to New Orleans.  I don’t’ want to miss a beat of the music by missing my flight or feeling tired.  I’ll be in the front row of the Springsteen concert. See you there!