Spooky spots: Inspiration for your campfire ghost stories

In 1692, the bodies of 19 people hung from the gallows, one man was crushed to death by stones, and five more died in jail. All had been accused of witchcraft by their Puritan neighbors in the small village of Salem, Massachusetts. Were they casting spells to punish their foes, causing misery and mayhem? The courts and judge said yes, and the accused were sentence to grisly public deaths. Today, the Salem Witch Trials are recognized as the worst witch hunts in history. Yet only one historic building still stands with a direct connection to these mysterious events: The Jonathan Corwin House aka The Witch House. This large, Colonial-style building was the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin—the same judge who sentenced those poor souls back in 1692. Visitors can tour The Witch House and learn about both its architectural significance and the story of when mass hysteria overtook colonial Salem.

Don’t wander the streets and woodlands of Sleepy Hollow at night or else you might find yourself coming face-to-face the Headless Horseman. This towering goblin rides a lightning-fast beast; if you cross him, he might hurl his jack-o-lantern head at you. This legend came to be associated with the Old Dutch Church, thanks to Washington Irving’s story “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” Today, you may tour the historic church, which dates back to 1685, and the adjacent burial grounds. Throughout the year—particularly around Halloween—special events are held to celebrate this folktale and its connection to the town of Sleepy Hollow.

Savannah is one of those cities where the past comes to life, and this is especially true for those who believe in ghosts. If the spirits of the long departed still roam the cobblestone streets and grand buildings, the 17Hundred90 Inn is a prime spot to see them. Considered one of Savannah’s most haunted locations, the hotel is thought to be the forever home of three ghosts. And you can experience them for yourself, especially if you stay in the notorious room 204. Listen closely for the sounds of nightly visitors and watch your belongings closely. To explore some more haunted sites in Savannah, venture out on one of the city’s many ghost tours. If the paranormal isn’t for you, you’ll still find plenty to appreciate in this beautiful, historic city.

Over 100 years ago, evil visited a quiet street in a small town in Iowa. Under the dark of night, two adults and six children were bludgeoned with an ax, leaving a gruesome crime scene. Blood filled the beds and bodies were found throughout the rambling house. The murderer was never caught, leaving the town of Villisca on edge in the months that followed. Today, you can tour the house (which has been restored to how it might have appeared in 1912). View artifacts and learn about the suspects. If you’re brave enough, book an overnight stay. Will these lost souls reach out to you? You'll have to stay and find out...

Set against the dark silhouette of Colorado's Rocky Mountains, the ghostly white exterior and blood red roof of the Stanley Hotel would be enough for the building to attract attention. Since the hotel opened in 1909, its fascinating history and quality service are even more reasons to visit. However, none of those are the main reason for the Stanley Hotel’s notoriety. Instead, the fame comes from the hotel’s association with Stephen King’s 1997 book The Shining. King was inspired to write the terrifying tale after a stay at the Estes Park retreat. At the time, ghost stories were not particularly associated with the hotel; however, in the decades since, paranormal hunters have recorded and shared strange events. Today, ghost tours share the history and spooky tales.

While the Winchester rifle may have been what made the Winchester family so well-known, the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose remains one of the most intriguing parts of the family legacy. After inheriting a great deal of money and partial ownership of the company, Sarah Winchester built a seven-story Victorian mansion like no other. A firm believer in ghosts and spirits, Sarah purposefully had the home built with architectural curiosities—think fake bathrooms and stairways that go nowhere. Her fears might have been justified, as some claim the home is haunted by those who have killed by Winchester rifles. Daily tours take you through 110 of the massive mansion’s 160 rooms. The other 50 might just be too spooky to enter...