By Erin Sullivan
What better way to get in the spirit of Halloween than by visiting a ghost town or famous haunted place? From infamous witch trials to historic battlegrounds, kick off the spooky season with a trip to one of these fall-favorite destinations.
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania has solidified its place in history as the stage for one of the most gruesome and pivotal battles of the American Civil War. Fought in 1863, the Battle of Gettysburg took the lives of over 50,000 people, and some of their spirits are said to still haunt the grounds today.
The battlefield is now part of the Gettysburg National Military Park, where visitors can pay tribute to the fallen while exploring the truly chilling site. Plenty of other ghostly attractions are tucked away in this historic town, like the Jennie Wade House — the home of the only civilian to be killed during the Battle of Gettysburg.
Where To Stay: Club Wyndham Old Town Alexandria, Club Wyndham National Harbor
Jerome, Arizona
Nestled between Sedona and Prescott is the hillside town of Jerome, Arizona, a historic copper-mining hub that is now considered one of the most haunted towns in the country. Once dubbed the “Wickedest Town in the West,” Jerome has a dark past waiting to be explored at famous sites like the Jerome Grand Hotel, which was originally a hospital before opening its doors to guests as the town’s only full-service hotel.
Perhaps the eeriest thing about Jerome? Since the last mine closed in 1953 the place was left virtually deserted, making it a ghost town and somewhat of a living relic.
Where To Stay: Club Wyndham Sedona, Club Wyndham Flagstaff
St. Augustine, Florida
With years of history comes mystery, and St. Augustine, Florida has plenty of mystery indeed. As the nation’s oldest city, this charming town has had centuries to accumulate some serious paranormal activity and is one of the most haunted towns in the U.S. Notably haunted places include the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, Old Jail Museum, and Castle Warden.
The city also draws thousands of visitors each year thanks to its scenic beaches and traditional Spanish-style architecture, so once you’ve had your fill of chills, be sure to check out all that this one-of-a-kind destination has to offer.
Where To Stay: Resort at World Golf Village, The Beach Club At St. Augustine, Club Wyndham Ocean Walk, WorldMark Ocean Walk
Salem, Massachusetts
A list of spooky travel destinations wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Salem, Massachusetts. Home to the Salem Witch Trials of 1692, you can pretty much assume that inspiration for all your favorite Halloween films came from this fascinating town. Visit the Jonathan Corwin House (otherwise known as The Witch House) — the former home of one of the judges who presided over the infamous trials.
This centuries-old home is also the only structure you can visit in Salem with direct ties to the witch trials of 1692. Other iconic Salem attractions include Howard Street Cemetery, The House of the Seven Gables, and The Salem Witch Trials Memorial.
Where To Stay: Boston Park Plaza, Club Wyndham Crotched Mountain Resort
NOTE: Information may have changed since publication. Please confirm key details before planning your trip.
