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Travel Tips for 'Haunted' Towns

Tis the spooky season, when guys and ghouls of all ages are looking for some frightful fun. Do something different this Halloween and go on a spooky adventure to some of the most haunted cities in the United States. For now, take an armchair tour of these creepy-sounding towns that will help you get into the spooky spirit this Halloween season.

Salem, Massachusetts

Home of the historic Salem Witch Trials of the late 1600s, this city has laid claim to Halloween in its unique way. The town's rich past offers itself well to the themes of the holiday. You can visit all the allegedly haunted sites and learn the history at the same time. Other attractions include legendary graveyard tours, and film features about the town's infamous past at many local theaters.

It's not all so serious, though. Many of the events are fun and games! The city also throws magnificent monster balls, costume parties, and other celebratory events throughout October. If you plan to travel this holiday, be sure to put this town on your Halloween to-do list!

Sleepy Hollow, New York

Like most, you've probably heard of the headless horseman, but did you know the popular myth was based in a real town? Sleepy Hollow, New York, is the setting of the famous short story, "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow." Take a short wander through the town, and you'll soon realize why it was chosen as the backdrop for this myth. On a frigid fall day, the densely wooded areas and fog-laden Hudson River are known for giving off haunting sensations to unwary visitors.

The residents of Sleepy Hollow don't mind their spooky reputation. They host an annual event, where guests are given a good scare with haunted hayrides, cemetery tours, and ghost stories. And don't forget to keep an eye out for the legendary headless horseman while you're visiting.

Mackinac Island, Michigan

This town is one of the most popular summer vacation spots, but it also happens to be one of the most haunted places in the whole state! Both residents and visitors have reported ghost sightings and odd paranormal activity all around town. The island is the site of a battleground from the War of 1812 and a Native American burial ground. No wonder it's believed to be haunted.

For the full background, take a haunted history tour of the island on a somber, foggy morning, if you dare. Like any town, trick-or-treat festivities still take place, as well as costume contests, and much more.

St. Augustine, Florida

The haunted St. Augustine lighthouse should be your first stop when visiting this town. Many unfortunate accidents and tragic deaths have occurred, and visitors have reported numerous spooky happenings. If you're up for a good scare, visit the local schoolhouses, chapels, and cemeteries. Ghost sightings have been seen at most of the bed and breakfasts also.

Tombstone, Arizona

The name of this city should give anyone chills! Tombstone is also known as a ghost town, because of its population of only 1,500 people. Most of the visitors visit the town during Halloween to celebrate "Helldorado Days," which is the anniversary of the town's infamous gunfight at the O.K. Corral, which took place on Oct. 26, 1881. If you brave a visit, don't forget to book a ghost tour, which features the city's most haunted destinations, and tour the famous Boothill Graveyard where the outlaw gunslingers killed in the shootout are buried. This town will surely leave chills down your spine!

If you're looking for a way to get into that holiday spirit, visit any of these spooky communities for some hauntingly Halloween adventures! Remember, visit if you dare!