7 Spooky Travel Destinations for the Halloween Season

Halloween is fast approaching it is a favorite holiday for many. And with the nights getting longer and darker, it is also perfect opportunity to tell scary stories and watch horror movies. There are plenty of great ways to get excited for Halloween. You can decorate your home with creepy props, start working on your costume, or stuff your face with the best spooky-themed candy. All of those options are a lot of fun, but perhaps the scariest way to get into the Halloween spirit is to visit the spirits themselves.

It would be nice if we all could spend the entire month of October traveling around to see all the most haunted sites in America.  Every state has its spooky spots, you could also just hit up a few attractions close to your home.  As for us, here are few spooky places we visited so far. Some location hold tours that allow you to experience the ghost stories firsthand. For others, you can visit on your own - if you dare!

Savannah, GA. claims to be the "Most Haunted City" in the United States. The monuments here tell stories, of Confederate soldiers, of disappointed lovers, of Nazi persecution, of tragedy and wealth. To name them few..

1. The Bonaventure Cemetery - Savannah, GA

Located along the Wilmington River, Bonaventure Cemetery is known for its gorgeous magnolia, dogwood and live oaks, colorful azaleas and interesting tombstones. This beautiful setting has made the more than 150-year-old burial ground one of the most photographed cemeteries in the country. Made famous for its role on the cover of the bestseller, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. But among all the natural beauty, there’s a supernatural side to the cemetery that draws in ghost enthusiasts and curious visitors from all over the world. The most well known spirit here is that of little Gracie Watson who died of pneumonia at 6-years-old. A statue that was carved in her honor stands in front of her grave site and many people place coins and toys at the base of the statue. The cemetery is not without its spooky or inexplicable sounds – like that of a baby crying near an infant’s grave, giggling children or perhaps the most disturbing, the sounds of a pack of dogs snarling and barking angrily. No one has ever seen the dogs but many have heard them. But if you want to be buried at Bonaventure, bad news -- it's sold out.  And speaking of bad news, the place closes at 5 p.m., so no one will be here in the dark of Halloween night to see whether the dead walk. .

2. The Colonial Park Cemetery - Savannah, GA

Considered one of the most haunted places in the city, Colonial Park Cemetery is the oldest burial ground in Savannah and is located within the heart of Savannah’s historic district. Burials here began in 1750  the numerous ghosts and apparitions, mysterious sounds and sights are believed to be caused by the tragic deaths of the thousands of victims of the Yellow Fever Epidemic and the many dueling deaths that were too numerous to count. This historic cemetery has its share of eerie events. Other sightings and mysterious encounters include voices, shadowy figures and more.

3. The Olde Pink House Restaurant - Savannah, GA

The Olde Pink House on Reynolds Square is one of the oldest buildings in Savannah. Built in 1789, this historic home got its name from the brick’s vibrant red bleeding through the stucco to create the pink color seen today. It was originally the home of James Habersham Jr., years after finishing the construction of his dream home, James Habersham Jr. passed away under suspicious circumstances. His home stands to this very day, known as the Olde Pink House Restaurant, and has become the preeminent place for both southern cuisine and 18th century architecture. It is also the go to location, the must stop for any ghost tour in Savannah.

4. The Casa Loma Castle -  Toronto, Canada

The Casa Loma Castle was built from 1911-1914 for financier, by Sir Henry Mill Pellatt. Sir Henry Pellatt is one of the rumored ghosts that roams the hallways. Ghosts said to be roaming along with Sir Pellatt are his wife Lady Mary, and the most often seen ghost – the lady in white. The lady in white is believed to be a maid who once worked at Casa Loma. Staff and visitors alike have reported strange sightings over the years, noises and even felt grabbing hands. We didn’t experience any of this.

Its 98 rooms, secret passages, towers overlooking the city and maybe even a couple of ghosts!? We were here in daytime somehow never end up finding any ghosts. Other than ghosts or no ghosts, this beautiful Castle in Toronto Canada is worth a visit.

5. The Winchester Mystery House – San Jose, California

I've heard a lot of things about the Winchester Mystery House. Aside from it was featured on Travel Channel and Ghost adventures. I was excited to finally make my way to San Jose, California. The architecture of this house is just stunning and very creative especially for the time it was built in. It has a good story wrapped up in all sorts of mystery and supernatural that had happen around the turn of the 20th century. It really makes the whole experience unique. Read more story about Winchester Mystery House.

6. The Elkmont Ghost Town - Gatlinburg, TN

We came across the hidden town when we went for a  hiked at the Little River trail located at Great Smoky Mountain National Park. We've seen the remnants of the "Elkmont Ghost Town".  Interesting to see numerous abandoned cabins that some of which was originally constructed more than 100 years ago. I have to say that even in daylight, this place was pretty spooky all the cabins are marked with No Trespassing . The history of this hidden town Elkmont, between 1910's and 30's, a community of cottages was built close to where the old logging town once thrived. Before the development high elevation mountain resorts like Elkmont were a popular way to escape the summer heat. When the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was formed, some landowners in Elkmont fought to keep their cottages. Today, the national park recognizes the resort community at Elkmont as an important part of the regions history. Many of the historic structures are in the process of being preserved for future generations to enjoy.

7. The Calico Ghost Town - Yermo, California

Not a lot of people know about Calico Ghost Town, but this place has a lot to offer.  If you like the old western town experience then this restored mining town will give you a few hours of enjoyment. Admission is $8 per adult which you pay at a booth as you park your vehicle. Calico is a collection of restored buildings and replicas, some which serve as museums to show life in the mining town that used to reside here in the late 1800s. Many of the shacks now serve as stores or eateries. Wood crafts, pottery, rocks & minerals, a variety of gifts and novelties, candles, a store devoted to dogs, and one of those vintage photography studios can be found within Calico.

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