New Mexico 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.

Top 5 Destinations for Summer Travel

May 15, 2012 No Comments

Where to go?  Where to go?  Where to go?  Sure, you have been socking away that extra hard-earned money all year.  Now, it’s time to figure out where to take the family for the summer vacation destination.   But, sometimes you just need a little inspiration.  I’ve been planning our family vacation and here are my top 5 destinations suggestions – Boston, San Francisco, New York City, Yellow Stone National Park and Monument Valley – Four Corners.

Boston, MA  I’m not sure you can get more American than Boston, Massachusetts.  Home of the Boston Tea Party, the midnight ride of Paul Revere, and the shot heard around the world when the rifle fired to start the American Revolution, Boston is the perfect destination to take the kids for a little bit of American history.  A hike along the Freedom Trail takes you along 16 historical sites in a 3 hour walk.  It covers 2 and a half centuries of Boston history and is a must see for any visitor to Boston.

Not much into history? Boston has several museums which includes the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum.  Visit the Institute of Contemporary Art that includes works by Andy Warhol, Picasso, Georgia O’Keefe and others just to name a few.  There’s also the Paul Revere House, Old State Museum, the U.S.S. Constitution, and the Boston Children’s Museum.

Maybe you are more into sports what a better sports destination than Boston.  Check out Fenway Park, home of the Red Sox.  It celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2012.  The New England Patriots stake their home in Boston, as well.  For those connoisseurs, check out the oldest restaurant in America, the Union Oyster House (est 1714), the  oldest bar in the United States the Bell in Hand Tavern (est 1784), and there’s also the infamous Cheers from television fame. Boston has so many activities that they are just too numerous to list. I’ve only touched on a brief amount of things to do if Boston is your destination for your summer plans.

Yellowstone National Park When you think of the phrase “family vacation,” I’m sure the word “Yellowstone” immediately came to your mind.  Established in 1872 as the United States’ first national park by Teddy Roosevelt, there’s no better way to spend quality time with your kids and family than exploring Yellowstone National Park.  The park boasts the world’s largest collection of geysers, and haven’t we all stood in wonder watching Old Faithful erupt every 90 minutes or so. The beauty of the park alone is breathtaking and will create a lifetime of memories.  Take plenty of cards for the digital cameras so you don’t miss the elk in the background of Old Faithful.

From bears to bison, mountain meadows to cold, rushing streams, biking to hanging out camping Yellowstone National Park is a must see for everyone.  The park’s website has a park trip planner to help you make the most of your visit.  Younger children can become a Junior Ranger and the family can take guided tours with Park Rangers and outside vendors.  Remember to pack a variety of clothes, since weather at the park changes quickly.  Plenty of rechargeable batteries for your camera is also a requirement because you will want to take photos of everything!

Four Corners Region – Monument Valley  Aside from Yellowstone National Park, there is nothing more breathtaking than Monument Valley.  I believe that most of us who watched the old west movies of John Wayne can immediately recognize the land formations that are now icons of the old west.

I visited this spot recently on a “great American tour” that I took and it was very surreal to see these sandstone land formations rising from the horizon.  I did opt to take a guided tour through the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, and it was money well spent.  I strongly suggest this option, as to drive through the park requires a 4 wheel drive.  Led by a Native American Navajo guide, we went to the various formations and he pointed out both popular movie locations from John Ford movies, as well as different locations that John Wayne shot scenes.

However, the most interesting part of the tour was when our guide explained how the land is infused with Navajo culture and tradition.  The park is located on Navajo Nation.  The Navajo raise sheep, and in turn, the wool is woven into beautiful rugs sold throughout.  The methods are passed down from generation to generation and are still made the same way today.

Also in the area is Four Corners. This is the only place in the United States where four states, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and  Arizona, come together in one location. Kids get a great kick out placing their hands and feet in four separate states.  This monument is also on the Navajo Nation and  there is a small admission fee.  There’s also a small visitors center and a Four Corners gift shop.  Another stop that is well worth the time getting there and making more family summer vacation memories. Four Corners is located right next to Monument Valley, so these two destinations are not to be missed!

San Francisco Street cars, hills, Rice-a-roni, the Golden Gate Bridge.  What a beautiful city, and like other destinations on my list, San Francisco has a ton of things to do.  Early in the morning (dawn), you can go check out Fisherman’s Wharf and all the sea lions that hang around Pier 39 before heading back out to sea later in the day.  If you can’t get your family up that early, you can still check out all that Pier 39 has to offer for dining, spectacular views of the bay, shopping,  the aquarium and other attractions in this area.  You can also take a cruise under the Golden Gate Bridge and circle Alcatraz.

Take a tour on one of the world renown San Francisco Cable cars.  You can hop on and off at will, and what a better way to tour the city.  Be sure to make it over to the Golden Gate Park.  Be sure to visit the Conservatory of Flowers and for the kids, there is a huge playground with a circa 1912 carousel.

To round out the highlights, do NOT forget to go see the Golden Gate Bridge in all its glory.  And, if it isn’t too foggy or windy, makes for a beautiful walk across the engineering marvel.  No matter what your tastes, budgets, or time frame, there is a ton of things to do in San Francisco and can make for a great family vacation!

New York City What can I say about New York City.  It is one of the most exciting places that I have ever been.  From Central Park, to the Bronx Zoo, to Ellis Island your family could spend a month here and still not see all this city has to offer.  Going into Manhattan to Times Square, Wall Street, Broadway, MoMA, and  all the iconic New York City destinations are always worth your trip.   However, if you can only do one thing in Manhattan do take in the Empire State Building, The view from the 86th floor of the Empire State Building  is breathtaking. To avoid the lines, go early or during lunch or dinner hours.  There is a charge, but it is well worth the money to view New York City at your feet.

No visit to New York City would be complete without a trip to Ellis Island.  Since many of us have ancestors who first came to the United States through Ellis Island, it is a good way to feel your roots.  What a better way to show your kids how their great-great-grandparents immigrated into the country.  A perfect family history destination.

Just walking around New York City itself is an experience.  During our last visit to Manhattan, we did just walk around and absorbed the energy the city have to offer.  We had no specific destination in mind, but happened along many spots we recognized from movies and television.   The city certainly has a life of its own.  Whether you choose to visit just Manhattan or the other boroughs, be sure you plan what you want to do well in advance.  Planning ahead will be worth the time and energy to ensure your trip goes smoothly.

Planning for your trip is something that you must do, including arriving refreshed and with a clear mind at the airport. If you book at any of the ParkSleepFly.com airport hotels listed, you can get a great park sleep and fly package.  Think of this – Getting up  at 3 AM, pile cranky kids in the car and drive the hour and a half to the airport to make that 7AM flight.  After a couple of road construction delays, you race to the airport only to spend 30 minutes trying to find a space in the airport parking lot.  Scramble to the shuttle, throwing your bags in the door with your crying kids and barely make  your flight.

By booking a park and stay hotel, you can stay the night before your flight.  Get a decent night’s sleep, transportation to the terminal, and parking for the duration of your trip.  You may even have enough time to grab something from the breakfast bar at the hotel!

If you are thinking of going to any of the destinations I listed above, did you know that ParkSleepFly.com also has airport hotel packages too?  You get the same great rate at an airport hotel, but with no parking.  So, if you are going to Boston, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, or New York City check out our rates for airport hotel rooms, as well.  Just select “airport hotel” when submitting your itinerary on the ParkSleepFly.com page. You may be pleasantly surprised at the prices.

If you have other great destinations you are considering for your Summer Vacation plans, let me know.  I’d love to hear your suggestions.  There’s so much traveling, and so little time!

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Family Day – Spring Break – Travel Ideas and Beyond!

February 15, 2012 No Comments

Wow, it seems like the holidays just ended and now Family Day and Spring Break are upon us. Time to make some plans in a hurry. Even though Canadian winters can be a long, time passes by quickly and before you know it is time to take a break.

There are just so many options but so little time. Need some inspiration? A recent survey show that sounded top destinations Canadians love to travel to are:  New York City, New York, Orlando, Florida, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Las Vegas, Nevada, and Phoenix, Arizona.

Who doesn’t want to escape the snow and cold to warmer climates?  The vitamin D supply is running low, so why not go and soak up some naturally in sunny Florida or Arizona?  Dipping your toes in the Atlantic Ocean or the Gulf of Mexico is enough to cure some of those winter blahs.  After all, Family Day is about getting together, reconnecting, enjoying each other’s company – time away is a perfect solution.

I remember old family vacations. My mother was a school teacher and my dad had a knack of trying to teach us historical facts, that may or may not have been true.  However, it was more about being together for a few days and enjoying the time together.

So, if you are planning that special Family Day vacation or Spring Break, enjoy every minute and don’t get started off on the wrong foot with your family.  If you are making that trip across the U.S.-Canadian Border to the Detroit Airport, you already know what a hassle that can be.  The wait to cross the border alone can be over an hour.

No one, and I mean no one, wants to ride in a car with cranky kids in backseat asking how long  before you go through the border.  Then, you need to drive on over to DTW, find a parking space, wait for the shuttle, go through security again, then… wait for the flight.  And, you are doing this on a couple hours sleep.

Instead, why not book a park, sleep, and fly package at a hotel near the Detroit International Airport.  You stay the night before, after, or both.  Included in the package is a night’s lodging, parking for the duration of your trip and a ride to and from the airport terminal on the hotel’s shuttle.  All this for one low price.

Check out our website at ParkSleepFly.com.    We offer several hotels that service DTW.  The rates are reasonable and you can leave for your Family Day vacation or Spring Break rested and relaxed, even if the kids are keyed up.  Start your trip off right and stay the night before your flight!

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