With the movie Practical Magic 2 arriving in UK cinemas next week, the Witches of Massachusetts are back, and the USA is rolling out the red carpet for fans of haunted tales, Halloween and movie magic. For travellers looking to embrace the spookier side of the USA this autumn, TTM’s destinations offer a world steeped in folklore, legends, film locations and supernatural history, from haunted hotels and witchcraft trails to ghostly encounters and eerie landscapes.
So put the lime in the coconut and drink ’em both up…because this Fall, the USA is casting a spell all of its own…
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Discover New England
New England has been the backdrop for some memorable spooky films. The comedic fantasy-horror and a Halloween favourite Hocus Pocus (1993) was set and heavily filmed around historic Salem, Massachusetts while the quirky Beetlejuice (1988) and its (2024) sequel were both shot in East Corinth Vermont.
In New Hampshire, visitors can head to Harrisville to see the most authentic 19th-century mill town still in existence. Grab lunch at its circa-1838 general store or in the college town of Keene, where you might spot the “Parrish Shoes” mural from the movie Jumanji (1995). Nearby Madame Sherri Forest, home to the eerie ruins of a grand summer estate, is an atmospheric setting for an autumn hike.
In Rhode Island, wander among whimsical living sculptures at Portsmouth’s Green Animals, the oldest topiary garden in the U.S. The Ghosts of Newport tour takes visitors back through 385 years of haunted history, exploring historical neighbourhoods by lantern. In Yarmouth Port, Massachusetts, check out the Edward Gorey House, a museum devoted to the quirky, macabre artist and author. No trip to New England is complete without visiting the Salem Witch Museum, focused on the notorious 1692 witch trials, and get a fascinating peek into New England history.
https://discovernewengland.org/hidden-gems-oddities-itinerary/
Visit Mississippi
For a spooky-season adventure with a distinctly Southern feel, Mississippi offers an intriguing mix of haunted tales and cinematic storytelling.
For fans of folklore and the supernatural, the town of Clarksdale, Mississippi offers some fascinating stories. The recent Oscar-nominated supernatural horror movie Sinners (2025) is set in 1930s Clarksdale. The film’s story is rooted in Delta culture, with the plot involving twin brothers returning home to open a juke joint. Clarksdale is the location where legendary musician Robert Johnson encountered the devil at The Crossroads.
The Old Capitol Museum in Jackson, once the seat of Mississippi’s government, is said to be haunted by former legislators and staff. Visitors have reported unexplained footsteps, cold spots, and ghostly figures in the museum’s historic chambers. Natchez City Cemetery is steeped in history and ghostly legends. Established in 1822, this historic cemetery is known for its elaborate tombstones and the stories of spirits that are said to linger among them.
Longwood Mansion, in Natchez featured as the fictional Jackson mansion in the hit series True Blood, due to its distinctive exterior. It is America’s largest octagonal house, built over six floors and left eerily unfinished since 1861. The Ghost Tour of Longwood takes visitors by lantern light into the mansion’s richly furnished basement, sharing tales of sorrow, loss and lingering spirits. The small town of Rocky Springs, located just off the Natchez Trace Parkway, has been abandoned since the 1930’s and all that remains is a church and cemetery, where some say ghosts still roam.
https://visitmississippi.org/experiences/ghostly-adventures-mississippis-spookiest-haunts/
Tennessee Vacation
Celebrate spooky season in Tennessee, with ghost towns, haunted theatres and centuries-old tales.
Tennessee’s supernatural stories have been featured on the big screen, including An American Haunting (2005), a supernatural horror film inspired by the legendary Bell Witch of the early 1800s. For a closer look at the story, visitors can explore the spirited legacy of the Bell Witch at the Robertson County History Museum on the courthouse square in Springfield.
In Knoxville, the history of Bijou Theatre is almost as dramatic as the performances on its stage. The city’s fourth-oldest building has been a tavern, hotel and Civil War hospital, as well as headquarters for Generals William Sherman and Phil Sheridan. Sherman, who was treated there, is said to still make ghostly appearances from time to time.
For those who prefer their history with a side of goosebumps, Tennessee’s ghost towns offer tales of abandoned communities and the people who once called them home. In downtown Columbia, the Columbia Ghost Tour takes visitors through historic locations while sharing the eerie stories lurking behind the city’s streets and buildings.
https://www.tnvacation.com/trip-inspiration/articles/ghost-towns-tennessee
North Carolina
From the Hollywood of the East to creepy coastlines, North Carolina has plenty of places and stories, that will entice cinephiles and horror fans alike.
Visitors can start their spooky adventure at the Wilmington Riverwalk — where Scream (2022), the 5th movie of the famous Scream franchise was filmed. Fans of Halloween Kills (2021), can follow in Jamie Lee Curtis’ footsteps and pose for a photo next to Michael Myers at the Museum of the Bizarre. To complete the visit, take a Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington tour to stroll past sites used for this film, along with historic burial grounds and haunted homes.
The tallest brick lighthouse in the United States, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is known for its ghostly sightings. Visitors often speak of seeing a shadowy grey man thought to be a phantom keeper and hearing mysterious sounds, especially on stormy nights. One of the oldest family-owned movie theatres in the USA, the Pioneer Theater is believed to be haunted by a former projectionist. Patrons have reported cold drafts, electrical anomalies and the sound of footsteps in the projection room, making this historic cinema a perfect spooky spot for film enthusiasts.
https://www.visitnc.com/itinerary/explore-creepy-coast-north-carolinas-haunted-trail
Meet Boston
Filmmakers and writers alike have been intrigued by Boston’s haunted history and spooky tales. For a truly eerie experience, venture out to Peddocks Island in Boston Harbor, the filming location for Martin Scorsese’s psychological thriller Shutter Island (2010). Based on the novel by Dennis Lehane, the island’s historical military buildings were transformed into the chilling mental institution featured in the film.
Discover the dark side of Boston with the official Freedom Trail Lantern Tour and journey into the grim history and mysteries hidden along this iconic, red-lined path. Encounter fatal sword duels, the grave of a notorious pirate, scenes of scandalous murders, and the hangings of convicted witches, all based on historical events.
The Omni Parker House Hotel is one of Boston’s most well-known haunted hotels, where the spirit of the man who built it, Harvey Parker is said to linger. Visitors have reported seeing him on the 9th and 10th floors. Another famous personality frequenting the hotel was Charles Dickens who would stay on the third floor. Guests have described the sound of rocking chairs creaking late at night even though there are none on the floor.
https://www.meetboston.com/blog/post/best-haunted-houses-in-boston/
New Orleans
Spooky season in New Orleans is anything but quiet. Each autumn, the French Quarter comes alive with haunted houses, costume parties and centuries of vampire and Voodoo lore. The gothic horror film Interview with the Vampire (1994), nominated for two Academy Awards, was filmed in the French Quarter and at Oak Alley Plantation east of the city. Visitors can explore the city’s vampire legends, including the story of the Casket Girls, with a visit to the Old Ursuline Convent or a Haunted Walking Tour.
New Orleans is equally steeped in Voodoo, with a long and fascinating history of spirits, rituals and folklore. The city’s most famous Voodoo Queen, Marie Laveau, continues to draw visitors to her tomb, where offerings including coins and flowers are still left today. For a stay with a supernatural connection, visitors can book the Inn on St Ann, a Creole cottage once owned by Laveau.
The Krewe of BOO transforms the French Quarter into the Fright Quarter with decorated floats, riders and marchers. Crowds dress up for the parade which will roll on Saturday 26 October this year.
And when tales of the supernatural aren’t quite enough, New Orleans turns up the fright factor with Halloween attractions including The Mortuary and New Orleans Nightmare, which typically open from September.
https://www.neworleans.com/things-to-do/haunted/
Tucson
Discover Tucson’s darker side, where horror film festivals, haunted shrines, and ghostly historic sites bring the city’s spooky stories to life.
In October, Tucson hosts southern Arizona’s only horror-themed film festival and all-horror convention – the Tucson Terrorfest Film Festival. The festival’s mission is to showcase and celebrate the best of horror and films from all over the world. Its focus is on the artistic, aesthetic and fun side of independent horror filmmaking featuring shorts and full-length movies.
A unique location in Tucson, El Tiradito is said to be the burial place of a sinner who was tragically killed in the 1800s. Visitors still leave offerings at the shrine in hopes of their wishes being granted, but many believe the area is haunted by the restless spirit of the buried man.
Presidio San Agustín del Tucson, an old Spanish fort holds the memories of Tucson’s early settlers and soldiers. Some visitors claim to have seen apparitions of soldiers still standing guard or heard the whispers of those long gone.
Visit San Antonio
With the largest Day of the Dead celebration in the USA and ghost tours filled with fascinating stories, San Antonio’s Halloween season is one to be experienced.
San Antonio’s Día de los Muertos fills the city with river parades, candlelit altars, alebrijes, pan de muerto, live music, art, food, and meaningful traditions honouring departed loved ones. Ofrendas are altars created to welcome and honour loved ones who have passed away. They often include photographs, candles, marigolds, papel picado, favourite foods, personal belongings, and other items connected to the people being remembered.
For hair-raising fun explore the darker side of the San Antonio River Walk. This one-hour downtown cruise is packed with haunted tales, chilling folklore, and paranormal intrigue. For an evening filled with spine-tingling ghost stories and historical intrigue, look no further than Sisters Grimm Ghost Tours. With a variety of tour options, there’s something to delight every ghost enthusiast. Combine history, hauntings, and a bit of boozy fun with Nightly Spirits Ghost Tours. These guided pub crawls are perfect for those who love a good ghost story.
https://www.visitsanantonio.com/
Tupelo CVB
From a historically haunted theatre to a fascinating witchy tale, Tupelo offers an engaging journey into the eerie.
Follow the folklore of the Natchez Trace Parkway at Tupelo. Visitors can explore regional ghost stories and dark legends tied to the old parkway trails just outside of town. These legends include tales of buried treasure, ghost stories, outlaws, witches and more. To the South of Tupelo there is a sign which reads “Witch Dance”, where local legend says witches once gathered to dance and that, whenever their feet touched the ground, the grass withered and died, never to grow again.
The Lyric Theatre in Tupelo is in a historic 112 year old building and one of America’s most-haunted theatres. Several guests have reported seeing lights flickering, hearing sounds and giggles, and experienced other odd sightings. The Lyric hosts an annual Haunted Theatre throughout October where a stitched-together tale is told room by room. The production evolves annually, with volunteer builders, performers, and crew renewing the nightmare with fresh scenes and pacing every year.
Explore Louisiana
Explore Louisiana’s haunted history through legendary ghost stories, historic sites and centuries-old folklore that have helped give the state its reputation as one of America’s most haunted destinations.
Built in 1915, the Gothic Jail of DeRidder is said to be haunted by two men hanged for the murder of their taxi driver, earning it the nickname ‘The Hanging Jail’. Inside, a spiral staircase winds around an ominous hanging noose, while an underground tunnel once connected the jail to the neighbouring courthouse. Come autumn, the jail takes on an even darker atmosphere with Gothic Jail After Dark, bringing its history and ghost stories to life.
At Magnolia Plantation, history and haunting folklore collide. During the Civil War, the plantation became the scene of conflict between Union and Confederate forces, with accounts of a Union major allegedly poisoned by Confederate troops and dying in one of the main house’s rooms. Stories also tell of spirits haunting the former hospital and a cabin where anthropologists have uncovered evidence of Voodoo. The mansion is now privately owned, while the National Park Service manages the rest of the site, which is open for tours.
It’s said the hauntings at Myrtles Plantation began with Chloe, an enslaved person punished for eavesdropping on the family. She baked a poisoned birthday cake to get the family sick and nurse them back to health, hoping to prove her value and get back in good graces. Within hours, three family members were dead. Subsequent owners suffered death and murder tragedies in the years that followed. The ghosts of these former residents have been documented in photos, featured in national TV shows and witnessed by residents and tourists alike. Those brave enough can stay overnight at this historic home.
https://www.explorelouisiana.com/articles/haunted-louisiana-experiences
Raleigh, NC
For a spooktacular adventure, explore Raleigh after dark. The Raleigh Ghost Walk tells the history and folklore of Raleigh with a verifiable historical basis. Explore the ghostly history and spooky urban legends of downtown Raleigh, from frightening stories of apparitions in historic mansions and tales of sewer monsters, to haunted restaurants and cursed buildings.
For a chilling journey, head to the northwest corner of the beautiful and Historic Oakwood Cemetery, that is home to a notable angel statue known as the “Guardian of Oakwood.” According to local legend, at midnight every Halloween, the angel’s head spins around 12 times then stops. There are some who claim that the angel appears to completely turn around, keeping an eye on those watching her.
https://www.visitraleigh.com/plan-a-trip/itineraries/ghost-tour/
Maverick Helicopters
This Halloween, take a Maverick helicopter tour and discover the dark side of Hollywood and Vegas from above.
Take to the skies and discover the beauty of Southern California with the Hollywood and Beyond tour. Fly along the picturesque Pacific coastline, taking in sweeping views of the Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach, and the distant shores of Malibu. Enjoy glimpses of notable landmarks like Rodeo Drive and Hollywood Hills. Soar over Universal Studios that has been used to film notable horror classics such as Frankenstein and Dracula (both 1931).
Enjoy unparalleled views of the Las Vegas Strip with the Las Vegas Nights Tour. Soar high above the world-famous neon landscapes including Bellagio, Allegiant Stadium, Caesars Palace, High Roller, Wynn Las Vegas, historic downtown and more. This ultimate flight over Las Vegas is a 10-12 minute experience offering stunning views above this iconic destination which was the setting for the zombie blockbuster Army of the Dead (2021).
https://www.maverickhelicopter.com/
Ends
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For media enquiries, more information, hi-res images or video, please contact:
Caroline Donaldson-Sinclair, PR Account Director: caroline@ttmworld.co.uk
For Meet Boston, Discover New England, and Visit San Antonio
Jennie Jordan, Senior PR Account Manager: jennie@ttmworld.co.uk
For Visit Mississippi and Tupelo CVB
Adam Aspinall, PR Account Manager: adam@ttmworld.co.uk
For New Orleans and Company, Explore Louisiana, Maverick Aviation and Tennessee Tourism
Anisha Hegde, PR Account Executive: anisha@ttmworld.co.uk
For Visit Tucson and Visit Raleigh
Maxine Hanson, PR Executive: maxine@ttmworld.co.uk
For Visit North Carolina
Kirsty Dillury, Chief Communications Officer: kirsty@ttmworld.co.uk
For any other enquiries, please visit www.ttmworld.co.uk, email ttmoffice@ttmworld.co.uk or
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