Dare to experience something different this Halloween with some creepy folklore, haunted spirits and spooky vacation rentals. Experience a fright and enjoy a fantastic vacation rental while you're at it.
We've gathered the top 7 haunted cities to visit this holiday season for your paranormal enjoyment. Ditch the trick-or-treats and dive into a historical adventure this Halloween.
1. Portland, Oregon
Portland is spook-filled with myths and tales that are sure to send chills up your spine. Escape on a hike to Witch's Castle at Forest Park and learn about the bizarre history behind the murder of Mortimer Stump. Discover the legend of the underground Shanghai Tunnels, featured on the popular television series, Ghost Hunters and Travel Channel's Ghost Adventures. These rundown passageways are located beneath the streets of Portland's Old Town. Looking to journey into a frightful adventure yourself? Go behind the scenes with a “Beyond Bizarre" ghost tour, where you can use real ghost hunting equipment to locate the tunnel spirit of Nina, a former “working girl" who haunts the 1885 Merchant Hotel.
2. New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans' 42 cemeteries are known as the “cities of the dead", with tombs sitting above-ground. The town is situated below sea-level, overshadowed by these towering graveyards. Visit the grave of Marie Laveau, the infamous Voodoo Queen of New Orleans in the 1800s. Some say that individuals still leave offerings and practice rituals at her grave. Be sure to also visit the graves of other voodoo queens and even pirates.
3. Fort Davis, Texas
Fort Davis played a huge role in the Southwest's history. Serving as a military post in the mid to late 1800s, it is now a national historic site. Legend has it that Fort Davis continues to be haunted by the ghost of Alice Walpole, who was abducted by Native Americans while looking for roses. Take a visit to the area and notice the faint smell of roses when Alice appears, or catch a glimpse of her ghost if you're lucky.
4. Savannah, Georgia
Considered to be one of the top haunted destinations to visit, Savannah offers several historical sites to visit. Get a spook out of the Colonial Park Cemetery or the Hamilton Turner Inn, where the distant voices of children laughing can be heard. Experience a fright in the Hampton Lillibridge House built in 1796, the only house in Savannah to ever receive an exorcism. And if that's not enough, venture into the Moon River Brewing Company, believed to be the most haunted spot in Savannah.
5. Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Located in Jefferson County, Harpers Ferry has a rich history of Civil War disaster and tales of mysterious characters haunting old homes and prowling the streets at night. Harpers Ferry provides hour-long tours across a number of buildings that report sightings of ghosts.
6. Annapolis, Maryland
Annapolis carries with it a lot of history, previously being the temporary capital of the United States in 1783. It also played a significant role during the Civil War in the 1800s. The town was home to a major hospital where wounded Union soldiers and Confederate prisoners were brought by sea. Popular haunted sites include Maryland State House and Reynold's Tavern, inherited by Mary Reynolds after her husband William died in 1777. Witnesses have even reported hearing a woman's voice singing Christmas carols along with other paranormal activity.
7. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Gettysburg is a hugely popular historical site that continues to preserve a community of restless spirits, mainly in downtown's Baltimore street. Renowned for its tragic past during the Civil War, more than 50,000 soldiers were killed or injured in and around Gettysburg. Take a stroll with a candlelight ghost tour at night, or embark on a ghost hunt with a paranormal investigator if you dare.
Prefer to book a less frightening getaway for the holiday season? Choose from over 50,000 cities to stay safe this Halloween. To get the ultimate experience out of your stay, be sure to head to Tripping.com and find the right vacation home for you.