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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.

Passover Traditions Around the World

March 9, 2013 No Comments

Every year, the Jewish community celebrates Passover to mark the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt.  In the Hebrew calendar, Passover begins at sunset on the 15th of Nisan and lasts 8 full days. (The Seder, or traditional Passover service and meal, is held on the first and second nights.) Although the corresponding Western date changes every year, it usually starts in March or April. Passover is a time for both celebration and reflection, and as is the case with most holidays of any faith, traditions vary around the world.

In Poland, Hasidic Jews use their living rooms to recreate the crossing of the Red Sea. Once they reach the seventh day, each Jewish family starts the reenactment by pouring water on the floor and hiking up their coats. As they walk through the water, they name each town that they would have passed during the crossing. In addition, they also give thanks to God for helping them reach Poland.

The Jewish people who live in Afghanistan have a unique tradition involving whips. During the holiday, they use scallions to whip themselves gently. The whipping process symbolizes the way Jewish people were treated by Egyptian slave drivers. Many Afghan Jews now live in Queens, New York; so, this unique holiday tradition is expanding.

Jewish celebrants in Gibraltar crush a small section of a brick into their charoset – a sweet dish of diced apples, dates, and spices served during the Seder feast and used to symbolize the mortar used in construction by Jewish slaves in Egypt. Sometimes, people also add olives to the Seder plate (shown in the photo above) to represent their wishes for hope in the Middle East. Nowadays, some activists add an orange to the middle of their plate to symbolize the need for better inclusion of women, gays and lesbians into Jewish rituals.

During the Seder feast in Spain, Sephardic Jews have a unique tradition involving the first-born son. Each family has their first-born son consume a roasted egg. The son does this to show appreciation for being spared during the 10th plague, the slaying of the first-born.

Wherever you are, a Seder is a wonderful way to celebrate Passover, or to learn about it for the the first time. Let us know how you plan to celebrate Passover by leaving a comment!

Heart Healthy Hotels

February 16, 2013 No Comments

Some hotels can be hard on your wallet, but no hotel should ever be hard on your heart. February is National American Heart Health Month, so consider giving your ticker a little TLC and visit these hotels that are doing their part to keep you happy and healthy.

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The Best Cozy Hotels

January 26, 2013 No Comments

What we want from an overnight can and does vary from season to season. A pool, a cabana, and a cheerful hotel employee spritzing guests with scented spring water might be a slice of all right come July, but in wintertime it is all about the toddy. Well, sipping a hot toddy next to a fireplace while bundled in something snuggly and February-ready. But where does one fully get his or her toddy on come the briskest weeks of the year? There are several snug-but-swanky lodges around the country that have perfected the art of the snuggle-up chill-down.

The Resort at Paws Up: Not only does this well-known, well-regarded, and well-everything-else Montana destination boast the cutest of names, but it carries its animal-sweet aesthetic through to its popular wintertime activities. Dog-sledding is at the top of the list – an energetic, tongue-waggy team really pulls you past frozen meadows and icicle-laden trees – but horse-drawn sleigh rides are popular as well. Yep, you’ll dream of getting back to your cabin fireplace for cozy time, but snuggling up in a sleigh to a close friend is a close second.

Lake Placid Lodge: When people think “winter lodge” they tend not to think of glass and steel and ultra-modern. They want a rustic, woodsy fairyland of a getaway, warm of winter and crackling of fire. This lake-close New York State landmark is so much all of those things that it almost looks as if it sprung, fully formed, from a winter-whimsical romance novel. The quintessential Adirondacks-y activities are plentiful, including the nightly snow bonfire, but you might want to stay cuddled close to the inside logs, talking of Olympians past (Lake Placid, of course, hosted the Olympics in 1932 and 1980.)

Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge: It’s one of Colorado’s most historic properties, no doubt; one glance at the hefty building’s fancy and slightly foreboding lines says this was a place built in the 1800s. Visitors come to happily hibernate in a well-built building, of course, but they also have a certain steamy very large aquatic feature in mind: Glenwood’s world-famous year-round swimmin’ hole.  A spring feeds three-and-a-half million (!) gallons into the pool every day. And swimmers care not if it is zero degrees outside; the steamy hotness of an afternoon swim keeps the wicked winter at bay.

The Ahwahnee: The Yosemite National Park stone-and-wood-laden masterpiece may have just about the best location in the annals of spectacular hotel settings, but winter visitors do indeed come to lounge in front of the oversized fireplace and linger over morning coffee in the dining room, a room that could double as the Great Hall from “Harry Potter.” Bonus wintertime cred: Designers for “The Shining” borrowed a lot of the lodge’s Native American touches. The elevators, too, are quite cinematic.

L’Auberge de Sedona: The Grand Canyon State is frequently portrayed as a hot and sunny place, but visitors to this creek-close luxe-laden getaway know differently. You want to cozy-it-up in this higher clime, when you’re not out admiring how snowflakes settle atop Sedona’s supernaturally beautiful red rocks. Fireplaces, a posh spa, and detail-driven rooms complete the winter picture. Go for the wood-burning fireplace in the Creekside Cottage.

Ringing in the New Year Around the World

December 29, 2012 No Comments
New Year in Times Square
photo credit: photoverulam via photopin cc

Though some cultures celebrate the New Year in late winter or early spring, most nations celebrate January 1st as the first day of the New Year. You can thank Emperor Julius Caesar, since January was named after the two faced Roman God Janus, and Caesar felt this symbolized transition from one year to the next. William the Conqueror also wanted January 1st to mark the New Year, as it coincided with his coronation, but it wasn’t until 1582 that Pope Gregory established the modern Gregorian calendar, and January 1st took firm root as the mark of the New Year.

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