October brings with it Halloween, which brings to mind everything spooky, including supposedly haunted places across the nation. If you’re on the road this October, especially the week leading up to Halloween, why not check out some haunted destinations along the way? Almost every city and town you come across will have its local folklore and haunted hot spots, but we’ve rounded up the best of the best for this list. If you’re close to any of these haunted places, stop in and check it out… if you dare.
The Winchester Mystery House – San Jose, California
Built by Sarah Winchester, the widow of gun magnate William Winchester, this Queen Anne Style Victorian mansion is notable for its rambling floorplan, architectural oddities, and, of course, paranormal activity. Using her late husband’s great wealth, Sarah Winchester built the mansion to confuse the spirits of those slain by Winchester rifles, which she believed were haunting her as a result of her husband’s hand in their death. She ordered workers to build the house as confusingly as possible, constantly adding new wings. There were doors that opened up to walls, windows that opened to other rooms, and staircases that lead up to the ceiling. She would sleep in a different bedroom each night in order to stay ahead of the spirits she thought were pursuing her. Today, the mansion serves tourists who are interested in the odd house and in perhaps seeing a ghost or two for themselves!
Gettysburg Battlefield – Pennsylvania
The site of the bloodiest day in American history, Gettysburg is also one of the most haunted. A great place to learn more about the Civil War, you may also encounter a ghost roaming the fields and forests where the battle took place almost a century and a half ago. Many of the buildings in the area are also haunted, as they were used as makeshift field hospitals in an attempt to help the wounded. There’s an area called the Triangular Field were video equipment stops working and sounds of battle can be heard echoing among the trees and rocks. There are also reports of ghostly shapes moving among treelines that fade when anyone approaches for a closer look.
The Stanley Hotel – Estes Park, Colorado
The inspiration for the Overlook Hotel in Stephen King’s “The Shining,” the Stanley Hotel is purportedly haunted by several entities, including the former founder and owner, F.O. Stanley. King was inspired to write his book after he and his wife stayed a night there and realized they were the only guests checked in. The loneliness inspired the basis for the book.
New Orleans, Louisiana
If you’re looking for a city awash in paranormal activity, look no further than New Orleans. One of the oldest cities in North America, New Orleans has a long and colorful history, which tends to bring with it many ghostly legends. From the old French Quarter to the sprawling cemeteries full of sepulchers, New Orleans is guaranteed to give you a fright. Ghost tours are available, as well as cemetery tours.
Visit Lazydays in Tampa or Tucson
If your hunt for haunted locales brings you to Tampa or Tucson, be sure to stop in and see us at Lazydays RV.
