Haunted hotels, even those with mere whispers of a creepy past, enjoy peak popularity every October. But for luxury travelers whose lust for a good haunting is exceeded only by their need for a sound, stress-free sleep at night, there are options.
RVtrader.com, the largest online marketplace for RVs in the world, has compiled a list of the most haunted roads in the United States just in time for Halloween. With or without an RV, the Great American Road Trip is decidedly more interesting with a spooky spirit looking on. Here are 10 of the spookiest on the list, along with a local high-end hotel to complete the perfect luxury Halloween vacation.
Dudley Road, Burlington, Massachusetts
The origin story of Dudley Road’s haunting traces directly to the Salem Witch Trials of the 17th century. One holds that a group of local nuns fell under the spell of an ancient witch; when they were discovered in the present-day location of Bedford Road, they were executed. These days, the road is a short drive from the Archer Hotel on Burlington’s charming 3rd Ave. The Archer’s oversized suites are a hidden gem in a small Massachusetts town, and a perfect home base for wherever your local drive might lead.
Mona Lisa Drive, New Orleans, Louisiana
This cordoned-off utility road in the middle of New Orleans’ City Park is allegedly the site of two dubious events: a woman who died tragically young, and the statue erected in her honor that was destroyed and never replaced. Her ghost is said to appear all around City Park, much of which is explorable by car. (Though you might need to get out and walk around to experience your own sighting.) New Orleans is a haven for haunted hotels; for a stress-free night’s sleep, try The JW Marriott, situated in the French Quarter. It caters to guests who appreciate high-end luxury and a property that blends seamlessly with its historic Canal St. surroundings.
Heartbeat Bridge, Jamestown, North Carolina
Legend has it that a young couple in love tragically died in a car accident on this bridge on the outskirts of Greensboro. Locals claim that if you stop your car and listen closely, you can hear the sound of a heartbeat. Some visitors report feeling an eerie presence or seeing ghostly figures near the bridge. Others have experienced unexplained cold spots or strange noises. Visit if you dare, but definitely stay at the Grandover Resort, a Wyndham Grand Hotel three miles to the west. Come for one of several spacious luxury suites, stay for the in-house dining, spa and golf course.
Roaring Fork Motor Trail, Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Between the beautiful scenery of the surrounding Great Smoky Mountains National Park and its own dark history, the Roaring Fork Motor Trail is a spooky destination for road trippers seeking ghostly encounters. One popular tale involves a woman who lost her child in the woods whose sorrowful spirit is said to still roam the trail. Visitors often hear strange noises, like whispers or footsteps, especially at night. The closest lodging is the Treehouse Grove, a truly unique bucket-list destination for travel aficionados with a zest for nature. Its luxury cabins bring new meaning to an elevated camping experience — they practically float among the trees on stilts — and offer some of the most Instagrammable sights of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Archer Avenue, Chicago, Illinois
Many drivers report picking up a young woman in a white dress, nicknamed “Resurrection Mary,” who suddenly disappears when they reach the Resurrection Cemetery on the outskirts of Chicago’s South Side. Others have heard strange noises, seen ghostly figures, or felt a chilling presence driving the infamous block of Archer Ave. Stay at the Nobu Hotel, which opened in June 2020 in Chicago’s West Loop District. Featuring an award-winning Nobu restaurant and spacious suites with views of the urban rooftops, it’s an immersive luxury experience.
Old Alton Bridge, Denton, Texas
Long ago, a goat farmer lived near the Old Alton Bridge and was known for his fierce protectiveness of his land. One night a group of teens decided to prank him by crossing the bridge. Furious, the farmer chased them, but tragically fell from the bridge and drowned. Now, many believe his spirit haunts the area, especially at night. People report hearing strange noises, seeing ghostly figures, or even feeling a sudden chill. The Westin Dallas Stonebriar, a short drive east, includes a golf course, spa, and a Texas-sized outdoor pool with a water slide. Spacious suites offer impeccable balcony views of the links.
Ortega Ridge Road, Montecito, California
The haunting of this two-lane road in the hills above Santa Barbara involves multiple legends. In one, a woman died in a mysterious car accident on the winding road; locals believe her spirit still roams the area, searching for her lost life. Another involves three nuns who ventured from Mission Santa Barbara to bring food and Bibles to local Native Americans more than a century ago, then were were robbed and killed by highway bandits. Locals have reported seeing a woman in white appearing suddenly, only to vanish moments later, while others have heard eerie whispers or felt cold drafts in their cars. You won’t have to worry about that at the nearby San Ysidro Ranch, whose historic guest list includes Groucho Marx, Winston Churchill, Sinclair Lewis, and John Huston. Its 38 bungalow-style cottages are outfitted with luxury amenities and come with views of the Pacific Ocean.
Sandhill Road, Las Vegas, Nevada
On an unassuming suburban block north of the Las Vegas Strip, Sandhill Road (between Charleston and Olive) is the site of a tragic accident where a young woman lost her life in a hit-and-run. Locals believe her spirit now haunts the road, appearing suddenly to drivers, often as a flickering light or a shadow. People have reported feeling a strange presence, hearing whispers, or seeing inexplicable fog while driving late at night. Some claim they’ve even experienced their cars stalling or headlights flickering as they pass through. First-time visitors to Vegas might prefer a glitzy night on the world-famous Strip, while seasoned travelers in search of an offbeat experience might prefer The English Hotel, located closer to Sandhill Road in Vegas’ Arts District. Part of Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio, the English caters its well-appointed suites to an aesthetically savvy crowd more at home in a gallery than a gambling floor.
Pali Highway, Oahu, Hawaii
High above Waikiki Beach, the Nu’uanu Pali is a haunted cliff where 800 human skulls were discovered in 1898, believed to be the remains of warriors who fell to their deaths. The Pali Highway below is the site of many paranormal sightings. Another legend tells of a Hawaiian princess who, fleeing from her captors, jumped from the cliffs to her death. Reports of sudden, whispering gusts of wind and mysterious presences are common. Stay at ESPACIO The Jewel of Waikiki, the only hotel in Hawaii to be awarded the prestigious Forbes five-star ratings for the hotel and its onsite fine-dining restaurant, Mugen. Its nine full-floor suites are a spacious hideaway from the hustle and bustle of Hawaii’s busiest tourist district.
Highway 101, Cannon Beach, Oregon
If only all haunted road trips passed by enchanting beaches. Highway 101, located along Oregon’s Pacific Coast, holds a popular tale of a ghostly woman who vanished while driving near Cannon Beach many years ago. Locals say she was searching for her lost love, and her spirit still roams the area. Drivers have reported seeing a figure in white walking along the roadside, only to disappear when approached. Others have experienced strange noises or a chilling presence in their cars at night. The nine rooms at the Arch Cape Inn — “a Castle by the Coast” — bring a touch of romance and old world charm to a classic American B&B. It’s the perfect launching point for a drive up Oregon’s Pacific Coast, whether the ghosts join you or not.
Originally posted on Forbes.com*
