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Spooky Places to Visit for Halloween

September 23, 2024 No Comments

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.

Home Away from Home for the Holidays

December 22, 2012 No Comments

Traveling for the holidays, but worried about missing out on all the festive décor, delicious food, and frosty snowflakes? Don’t worry. There are plenty hotels across the country — and around the world! –offering lots of lights, sights, treats, and sweets that will make you feel at home.

The Fairmont San Francisco

A 22-foot gingerbread house takes center stage at one of San Francisco’s most prestigious hotels. Take a stroll through the fragrant culinary concoction made from 650 pounds of candy, 12 gallons of chocolate, 7,500 pieces of gingerbread, and nearly a ton of icing. Be sure to peek through the windows at the train running through the house. After exiting this life-size Christmas staple, visit Laurel Court where guests can partake in traditional holiday foods and even a Christmas tea.

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Thanksgiving Go-Outs 2012: Turkey, Tamales, and Cola-Glazed Ham

November 10, 2012 No Comments

If ever there was a holiday not to be toyed with, it’s the one falling on the fourth Thursday of November. We’re rather sweet on our tried-and-true traditions, so when a restaurant steps out of the box and adds a new element to the Turkey Day proceedings, we raise a glass of something sparkling to their boldness and creativity. Here are five places around the country that love all that Thanksgiving gives while giving patrons a little something extra.

Grove Park Inn
It’s a historic hotel synonymous with its picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains setting but the Grove Park’s four-day Thanksgiving celebration is just as famous. Why? The November feasting coincides with the North Carolina landmark’s much-photographed National Gingerbread House Competition & Display. Gussied-up kids, nog-like drinks by the fireplace, and a grand porch overlooking the Smokies complete the pretty picture.

Plimouth Plantation
Even if we think we’re being incredibly old-fashioned in our Thanksgiving meal preparation, we’ve probably taken on a few modern practices. To see how that legendary first Thanksgiving went, and to gain some knowledge along the way, a certain Massachusetts destination much associated with the Pilgrims serves up a faithful feast. There are several slots on Thursday and Friday, and they do fill up, no surprise.

Turquoise Room
The quaint, train station-adjacent restaurant inside Winslow, Arizona’s La Posada Hotel still has that ‘30s railway charm, but the menu is gourmet. More than that, it is deeply local: Piki Bread with Hopi Hummus, Holiday Tamale En Nogada, and a Southwestern Caesar are Thanksgiving Day staples (turkey’s on the offering, too). Be sure to walk outside on a post-dinner stroll to wave at the trains before hitting old Route 66 for the ride out.

TGD
There are those that like the holiday table classics 365 days a year and not just on that fabled November Thursday. Their go-to spot? TGD, which happens to be short for Thanksgiving Dinner. Green beans, ham, sweet potatoes, pumpkin pie, and a certain bird, plus all the classic trimmings, are what this casual eatery is about. There are two TGDs, both in Ohio.

Corner Office
We’re all aware of Black Friday, certainly if we hit the shops mere hours after we wash all the pots and pans. But Black Wednesday happens to be the lesser known celebration before T Day, and it has a bit of merry mischief about it. This cheeky, hip Denver eatery goes all out for its Wednesday night Turkey Time Machine Party. JELL-O shots, cola-glazed ham, ‘90s tuneage, and a deviled egg flight are on the roster.

Have you ever been to one of these turkey-fests? Got a favorite go-to restaurant for this foodiest of holidays? Tell us about it in the comments!

What’s On Your Top Travel Destination Bucket List?

January 5, 2012 No Comments

I don’t know about you, but a brand spankin’ new year always finds me refreshed and ready for new adventures.  With that, my thoughts do go toward where I might wish to travel.  I have a few places on my “bucket list.”

About three years ago, I went on a business trip to India.  I must admit, it was not MY idea to go.  However, to be picked up and completely dropped off in a new country, culture, and with only one other person with you there’s not much you can do but hang on for dear life.

Our hosts were quite gracious.  They took us to places that normal American tourists would not have access to.  We went to a Hindi engagement, which would rival most weddings I have been to in the past.  Several monuments around the city, idols, and to Karla Caves, which alone was almost worth the trip to India.  I had only experienced places like Karla Caves through history books, but to actually see, touch and experience something that took hundreds of years to complete was truly humbling.  Along with the Indian way of life, the experience certainly was once of a life time.

This experience also made me realize that I wanted to travel more and have other world-traveler experiences.  I’ve started a “bucket list” and currently am researching new adventures.  I did a search on 2012 top travel destinations to see what to put on my bucket list.  I received quite a few ideas from Frommer’s.   (Click for slideshow).

With destinations from Japan, to China, and Spain, to England to the United States, there’s is a destination for everyone.  I was excited to see that Moab, Utah was among the top destinations.  The Delicate Arch near Moab can make you feel both empowered and humbled in the same moment.  This location alone is worth a second or third bucket list trip.  Along with Monument Valley and other natural formations, including the Grand Canyon, the Southwest is a “must see” for anyone living in the United States.  Do yourself a favor and get a local guide to take you through the formations for an extra special visit that you won’t forget.

I’ve taken several trips to the Smokey Mountains in Tennessee and North Carolina, and there’s always a new adventure awaiting no matter how many times you may travel there.  There’s a relaxed feel of the residents, great food, great music and wonderful scenery.  Okay, I have been to all the locations listed in the United States, and would definitely keep them on the bucket list again for various reasons.

I would love to go spend time in Nova Scotia and visit the Bay of Fundy.  Who doesn’t love a picturesque lighthouse? However, I believe I will start putting my extra change in my piggy bank for a trip to Istabul, Turkey or even Tromso, Norway.  But, Whitsunday Islands in Queensland, Australia looks quite inviting as I sit in the middle of a cold snap of winter.

It’s hard for me to pick one of these top destinations to go to this year.  I need to win the lottery so I can go to all the locations!  One thing for certain, I’ll start my trip off with a ParkSleepFly.com hotel parking package.  I can stay the night before and after my trip in a nice hotel and leave my car for the duration.  All with one low price.

What travel destinations are on your bucket list?