Four Spooky Halloween Haunts
By Mariella Krause
Posted Oct. 9, 2008, at 1 p.m.
Costumes, candy and carved pumpkins are fun, but this Halloween, get into the spirit with some actual spirits. Whether it's a confederate ghost, the doll that inspired Chucky, or a seriously haunted hotel, these creepy Halloween destinations will make a believer out of you.
Key West, Fla.
If you love a good ghost story, head down south to the Florida Keys for the Original Ghost Tour of Key West. The tiny island has such a high concentration of ghosts in its modest 6 square miles that there are actually two different tours to accommodate them all. It's not uncommon for visitors to find out their bed and breakfast is haunted when they see a lantern-carrying raconteur standing out on the sidewalk surrounded by nervously giggling ghost hunters. The guides know their stuff, and have plenty of well-researched and well-crafted tales of the supernatural to entertain you.
Gettysburg Monument.
© Allan Montaine Lonely Planet Images.
The highlight is the story of Robert the Doll, who was the inspiration for all those "Chucky" movies, but who is much scarier. As well as more sinister leanings, Robert the Doll was apparently seen running around the room, giggling hysterically and dropping things to frighten the household. He was the plaything of a Key West boy in the early 1900s, and even if he didn't do any of the things he's been accused of, he's scary just to look at. If the tour leaves you wanting more, you can go visit the real, live Robert doll at the East Martello Museum – where he lives in a sturdy glass case to keep him from setting off the motion detectors at night.
Gettysburg, Pa.
The site of the Battle of Gettysburg is said to be one of the most haunted places in America, if not "the" most haunted. As a quick refresher on U.S. history: The bloody Civil War battle took place over three days in 1863, and 50,000 lives were lost. And when people die suddenly and violently, their restless spirits are more likely to wander around trying to figure out exactly what happened.
That's why Gettysburg is such a hotbed of ghostly activity. Your odds of seeing a ghost seem as good here as anywhere, with tens of thousands to choose from, but even if you don't see one, a generally spooky and somber mood prevails. While you're there, stay at the haunted Farnsworth House Inn and don't miss the excellent Ghosts of Gettysburg nighttime tours.
The Salem Witch Museum.
© Kim Grant Lonely Planet Images.
Salem, Mass.
It's been more than 300 years since the Salem witch trials, and you'd think the town would want to live it down. But, no. The town relies on the tourism and has embraced its infamy, welcoming the curious thrill seekers who come to see where the wrongly accused met their demise. There are plenty of witchy activities any time of year, including the Salem Witch Museum and the Salem Witch House. But October is really Salem's time to shine; every year brings a month-long celebration called Haunted Happenings that immerses the town in Halloween revelry. Happenings include psychic readings, pumpkin-carving contests, haunted houses – even a parade and carnival. Got your costume ready? Witches are always welcome.
Estes Park, Colo.
Way up in the mountains in the remote little town of Estes Park sits the Stanley Hotel, inspiration for Steven King’s "The Shining." King wrote his über-creepy novel after a stay at the famously haunted hotel. The author originally stayed in room 217, and the 4th floor is where, according to one concierge, "the ghost children like to play." Rooms 401, 408 and 412 are said to be particularly haunted. Even if you don't have an actual ghost visit, you can curl up in front of the TV and watch "The Shining" on continuous loop and you'll feel the goosebumps soon enough.
Bio: Mariella Krause is a freelance writer living in San Francisco. She is a co-author of Lonely Planet's newest "U.S.A." guide and has always wanted a ghost of her very own.
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