No matter what kind of terror movie you enjoy, there are numerous sites and buildings worth seeing – from castles where ghosts have been reported roaming to asylums that once housed patients with mental illnesses.
Ghost Hunters fans should visit LaLaurie Mansion. Rumor has it that its spirit hosts include Dorothy Parker, Harpo Marx and other deceased guests! Plus! it may hold ghostly connections – especially after hearing of its connection to author Dorothy Parker and Harpo Marx!
1. Amityville Horror House
112 Ocean Avenue in Amityville, Long Island has long been associated with an infamous massacre and possible paranormal activity. It earned this dubious distinction when 23-year-old Ronald DeFeo Jr shot his family while sleeping there on November 7, 1974.
Three years later, George and Kathy Lutz moved into the house, reporting strange experiences such as screaming noises, green slime seeping through walls, levitation of demonic creatures, cold spots and demonic presences. Their story became the focus of both books and movies depicting this tale of supernatural terror.
Though most of the Lutzes’ allegations of supernatural demons and demonic entities have been disproven, their son James Quaratino – now living in Scottsdale, Arizona – doesn’t deny that certain events did take place at their house; but believes his stepfather brought on its haunting through dabbling in occultism before exacerbating what occurred for profit through books and movies.
2. LaLaurie Mansion
Madame Delphine LaLaurie, the Creole socialite who tortured enslaved New Orleans natives during the 1800s, lived at one of New Orleans’ most haunted buildings – her house. Many have reported hearing cries of pain inside and hearing doors slamming shut and furniture shifting around within its confines. Many also claim hearing noises such as doors slamming shut and furniture moving when visiting.
According to legend, Madame LaLaurie herself may be haunting the property – along with other spirits who met their ends at her hands – drawing visitors year-after-year with tales of horror at her hands. No matter which version is true; whatever its reputation for haunting attracts thousands of tourists each year.
Looks like Vieux Carre is finally getting its moment on screen, reports Bloody Disgusting. According to Faster Horse Pictures (Cindy Bond and Doug McKay) writers of The Conjuring franchise have joined forces with Faster Horse Pictures (to produce an horror series around Vieux Carre Mansion).
3. The Alamo
Though the Alamo stands as a monument to Texas defenders, it’s also been home to some supernatural sightings and reported ghostly manifestations. Visitors and park rangers alike have reported seeing ghostly apparitions or hearing disembodied voices within its walls.
It is widely held that the spirits of Alamo defenders who died there remain unsettled on its grounds and haunt it to ensure that its legacy never dies out.
Since 1905, The Alamo has been an iconic stop on ghost tours. Nighttime ghost tours often include this historic landmark as part of their itinerary. While visiting its beautiful landmark is certainly worthwhile, be mindful of its violent past when touring. In addition, nearby Menger Hotel also houses many haunted places you should check out.
4. The Stanley Hotel
The Stanley Hotel is an appealing vacation spot due to its stunning mountain scenery, but also because of the extensive paranormal folklore involving it. Visitors have reported everything from ghostly noises and strange apparitions to doors opening and closing by themselves; Ghost Adventures even hosted paranormal investigation teams there!
Room 217 of the hotel is perhaps best known as its most haunted room, where housekeeper Elizabeth Wilson died tragically in an explosion in 1911. After her death, guests have reported witnessing Elizabeth lingering around and other unexplained activity such as their belongings being moved around or unpacked by mysterious forces.
For those curious to experience The Stanley Hotel’s haunted history, tour options exist which will introduce both day and night tours that provide insight into both its past as well as any paranormal activity occurring within it.
5. Shanghai Tunnels
Portland, Oregon may be known for its hipster culture and delicious cuisine; but the city also harbors an unsettling side that many don’t realize exists: haunted Shanghai Tunnels used for illegal activities are said to be haunted. Once used for “Shanghaiing”, in which drugged men were dumped into elevator shafts so that they could later be sold as work crew on ships.
Many visitors to the tunnels claim to have experienced unexplained sounds, bizarre smells, and ghostly figures while touring them. A spirit named Nina who died during Shanghaiing may continue haunting this area today.
Old Town Pizza & Brewing’s 1-hour Shanghai Tunnel tours provide the ideal way to discover them, with tours available Thursday-Sunday at $35/person.