There is something unnerving and shocking about visiting locations where real tragedy took place or which have an established history of unexplained phenomena, from LaLaurie Mansion in New Orleans where Delphine LaLaurie (Voodoo Queen) died to Kings Park Psychiatric Hospital on Long Island; these haunted spots will surely give you chills!
1. LaLaurie Mansion in New Orleans
New Orleans has long been considered one of the most haunted destinations in America, boasting stories of voodoo, ghosts, murder and bloodshed as part of its rich history. Yet some of its most horrific tales revolve around just one house in the French Quarter: Madame Delphine LaLaurie’s mansion (portrayed by Kathy Bates on American Horror Story: Coven) has come to symbolize New Orleans’ dark side.
While Madame LaLaurie’s original building no longer stands (it was destroyed by fire in 1834), legends surrounding her violent crimes continue to grow over time. Her house has been featured on multiple ghost adventure television shows and there have been reports of unexplained paranormal activity; people claim hearing voices or hearing anguished screams echo through the night, while some others report feeling heavy air pressure or sudden temperature drop-off.
For those wanting to visit Madame LaLaurie’s house in New Orleans, a ghost tour can include stops there. On your tour you’ll hear ghostly tales from your guide as well as try your luck at picking up paranormal activity with equipment such as an EMF meter.
Though you can visit the house alone, taking part in a ghost tour will offer more insights into its tragic history and reported hauntings over time. Guided tours by experts offer insight into this spooky house while simultaneously showing you around other haunted spots throughout New Orleans.
New Orleans is an unforgettable and captivating destination, and taking a ghost tour is the ideal way to experience it. Explore its dark history while appreciating its twisted beauty through tales such as voodoo legends or murder cases; these tours reveal what makes New Orleans truly one-of-a-kind among American cities.
2. Tower of London
From its past as a prison where queens were executed to its current role as home of the Crown Jewels, London’s Tower of London has seen its fair share of history. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this popular attraction has stood the test of time as it served various roles throughout history: as a fortification (though never taken), royal palace and execution site, treasure vault, observatory, and even private zoo!
Discover the history of the British monarchy through its crown Jewels exhibition, where you’ll see stunning pieces from coronation regalia worn by monarchs over time. Plus, experience its importance through an exclusive tour led by a Yeoman Warder!
Unveil a darker side of the Tower at Bloody Tower, where graffiti created by prisoners over time can be explored. Discover its infamous story of Princes in the Tower and visit Lower Wakefield Tower where bones thought to belong to children murdered by its guardians were discovered in 1674.
During World War II, the Tower of London was severely damaged when many of its walls collapsed into its moat below. While most of the building has since been restored, relics from its past still remain, such as dungeons that once housed Britain’s most notorious criminals. Today, however, its collections include armor and weaponry from all periods spanning kings, queens, knights, commoners as well as notable pieces that once belonged to royalty or knights themselves.
Explore all that the Tower of London has to offer with a full experience ticket through London Pass and skip long queues and secure priority entrance for its major attractions – not only that but you’re free to reenter on any given day as many times as you like for optimal experience of each exhibit!
3. Queen Mary in Long Beach
The Queen Mary is an unforgettable attraction for history lovers, paranormal enthusiasts, and Art Deco design fans alike. Built in 1930 for Cunard Line’s world famous ocean liner service, its home port now rests amidst Long Beach waterfront as both hotel and museum; featuring Hollywood celebrities, dignitaries, royal family members, as well as once being considered the world’s most luxurious cruise liner!
Now the Queen Mary offers guests various tours, events, and attractions to discover its rich heritage. Additionally, it serves as a hotel, providing travelers with rooms and suites for stay. One popular tour explores all seven decks of this historic ship while also giving participants insight into its World War II involvement and engineering processes required for creating such an expansive seagoing vessel.
Another popular activity is a spooky ghost tour, which guides guests through areas believed to be haunted onboard the ship. Recommended only for adults, this tour may last longer than other tours. Plus, guests can also enjoy dining aboard, unwind at the spa and attend special events or exhibitions while they’re aboard!
Queen Mary stands out with its exquisite Art Deco interior design, visible throughout. Originally created by architect Donald Speck and meticulously preserved since, its interiors still exhibit their original look today. Additionally, there are various restaurants and bars on board where guests can eat or drink throughout the day.
While in Long Beach, make sure to visit Belmont Shore – an area renowned for hosting various events such as the largest car show on the West Coast and Long Beach Sea Festival. In addition, Belmont Shore features stunning beaches with incredible sunset views – perfect for relaxing afternoon strolls away from Los Angeles’ hectic vibe!
4. Stanley Hotel in Estes Park
Even if you don’t consider yourself an avid ghost-hunter or paranormal activity enthusiast, Estes Park’s Stanley Hotel should not be missed. First established in 1909 and famously haunted, the resort also offers full entertainment like whiskey bars, illusionist shows and more! Plus it just underwent a $30 million renovation that expanded its campus size considerably!
Freelan Stanley was an inventor renowned for creating innovations like dry plate photography and his Stanley Steamer car that earned him great wealth. When suffering from tuberculosis, he decided to move to Estes Park for treatment; his hotel would soon become one of Estes Park’s signature landmarks, complete with electric lights, ensuite bathrooms and even its own staff of servants!
Attracting many notable guests such as Stephen King and Jack Nicholson has drawn many to The Stanley. To embrace its haunted reputation, nightly ghost tours and an on-site psychic are offered nightly; rooms also contain TVs that show The Shining movie round the clock!
If you prefer exploring on your own, feel free to explore the hotel on your own – just remember to respect its property and any spirits said to roam its halls.
Music fans will appreciate that the hotel hosts live shows from big-name performers like Maroon 5, Jason Aldean and the Band Perry as well as magicians/comedians such as Aiden Sinclair – featured on America’s Got Talent and Penn & Teller Fool Us. For those not into live music performances, other forms of entertainment exist such as theatrical seances and wine bars tailored specifically for LGBTQ+ visitors (called 217) – plus plenty of chances to indulge in Colorado cherry pie!